In a motorcycle crash, the parts of the body that hit the tarmac are, in order, the hands, knees, hips, shoulders and head. Good gear is often the difference between getting away with "a few scrapes" and spending weeks in hospital. In this guide we summarise what to look for in each piece of essential gear, the certifications, how to split your budget and the price ranges in Turkey. We also link to our detailed size guides for each item.
Helmet
- Standard: The label inside the helmet should say ECE 22.06 (or at least 22.05). 22.06 also includes tests for multiple impact points, different impact speeds and rotational force. Details: ECE 22.06 guide.
- Type: The best protection is a full-face helmet. Flip-up (modular) helmets are practical for the city, but their locking mechanism is a notch weaker than a full-face. An open-face (jet) helmet does not protect the chin.
- Size: It should wrap the head evenly on all sides, it should not move independently of the head when you shake it, and there should be no pressure point on the forehead. Wear it for 20 minutes to try it. Measuring and chart: how to measure your helmet size.
- Lifespan: Replace it if it has taken an impact (even if it was just dropped on the ground). Even without an impact, the inner foam hardens in 5–7 years.
According to our site's gear data, full-face helmets in Turkey cost roughly 1,956 – 5,445 ₺ in the budget range, 5,355 – 14,999 ₺ in the mid range and 15,078 – 62,490 ₺ in the premium range. Recommendations: full-face helmets, modular helmets, jet helmets. For everything about choosing a helmet, see the helmet buying guide.
Jacket and trousers
There should be CE-certified protection at the shoulders, elbows and back (EN 1621-1 for joints, EN 1621-2 for back; Level 2 is better). For the fabric, look for the EN 17092 class: AAA is the highest, A is the lower limit for city use. Choose a mesh jacket in summer, and a membrane jacket with an inner lining in winter. Jeans-style motorcycle trousers should have an aramid lining and knee protectors; ordinary jeans wear through on tarmac within seconds. To read the labels, see the protection levels guide.
- Material: Leather gives the highest abrasion resistance and is ideal for track and sports riding. Textile jackets are practical for daily and long-distance use thanks to their waterproofing, ventilation and pocket layout.
- Back protector: Many jackets only have thin foam in the back pocket. Fitting a back protector labelled EN 1621-2 in the pocket is a cheap and effective upgrade.
- Size: In the riding position the protectors should stay over the joints. A loose jacket rides up as you slide. Details: jacket and trousers size guide.
- Connecting zip: The zip that joins the jacket and trousers stops the jacket riding up during a slide.
Price ranges and recommendations: summer jackets, four-season jackets, trousers.
Gloves
They should have an extra layer on the palm (usually leather), hard protection on the knuckles and a closure at the wrist. Standard: EN 13594; Level 2 and the "KP" mark indicate higher protection. Even thin summer gloves are better than none; everyone who falls instinctively puts a hand out to the ground. In Turkey there is also a requirement for protective gloves for riders and passengers; details on the rules page.
For measuring, see the glove size guide, and for recommendations the summer and winter gloves pages.
Boots
A non-slip motorcycle boot (EN 13634) that wraps the ankle and has hard protection at the heel and ankle. Trainers leave the ankle exposed to twisting and the sole open to wear from the gear lever, and the laces can catch in the chain. There are short boots for the city, mid-height for long distance, and tall boots for sports and off-road. Size and type selection: boot guide, recommendations: boots page.
How to split the budget
| Item | Priority | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Helmet | 1 | 35% |
| Jacket | 2 | 25% |
| Gloves | 3 | 10% |
| Boots | 4 | 15% |
| Trousers | 5 | 15% |
If your budget is tight, prioritise protection, not the brand. A mid-range, certified set in the right size protects better than a single expensive piece in the wrong size. If you are buying your first motorcycle, we recommend setting aside 15–20% of your total budget for gear; details in the first motorcycle guide.
Gear by season
- Summer: Mesh jacket and trousers, a ventilated helmet, thin gloves. In the heat, choose ventilated gear rather than taking gear off; see the riding in summer heat guide.
- Rain: A membrane jacket or a rain suit over the top, waterproof gloves and boots, a Pinlock visor. Details: riding in the rain.
- Winter: Thermal base layers, a windproof outer layer, winter gloves, a neck warmer. Details: riding a motorcycle in winter.
Extras
- Airbag vest: Mechanical (cord-triggered) models are affordable, electronic ones are more advanced. Comparison: airbag guide.
- Earplugs: Above 80 km/h, wind noise inside the helmet can cause permanent hearing loss. Earplug options.
- Reflective vest or light-coloured jacket: Greatly increases visibility at night. Turkey also has a rule on reflective clothing at night. Reflective vests.
- Intercom: For passenger and group communication. Choosing: intercom guide.
Gear care and lifespan
- Don't leave your helmet in the sun or in a hot vehicle; wash its inner lining the way the manufacturer recommends.
- Clean leather gear a few times a year and nourish it with leather care product to stop it drying and cracking.
- On textile jackets, the water-repellent property of the membrane diminishes with washing; use the cleaner and water-repellent spray recommended by the manufacturer.
- Replace protectors, helmets and gloves that have taken an impact in a crash or been punctured.
Gear for women, children and passengers
Gear is not only for the rider. A passenger is exposed to the same risks, and in Turkey helmets and gloves are also required for passengers. A passenger's helmet should not be chosen at random; a certified helmet that fits the passenger's head size and at least gloves, a jacket and sturdy shoes are essential. For women riders, many brands make jackets, trousers, gloves and boots in women's cuts; trying these instead of a small size in a men's cut gives better results in keeping the protectors in place. Women's gear options. Child passengers need a child's helmet and protective clothing that fits; an adult helmet does not sit properly on a child's head. Children's gear options.
If possible, buy your gear in a shop and try each piece together: how the helmet fits with the jacket collar, the jacket with the glove cuff, and the trousers with the boot shaft is not noticeable with individual pieces.
Conclusion
The order of priority for gear is helmet, jacket, gloves, boots and trousers. On each piece, check the certification label (ECE 22.06, EN 1621, EN 17092, EN 13594, EN 13634) and choose the right size; even the most expensive gear does not protect if it is the wrong size. Spend your budget on protection, not the brand. All categories and prices are on the gear page.
Frequently asked questions
How much budget should I set aside for motorcycle gear?
About 15–20% of the motorcycle budget is a good start. Give the biggest share of this to the helmet, then the jacket.
Which gear is compulsory?
In Turkey a helmet is compulsory for rider and passenger; a regulation change also introduced a requirement for protective gloves, and there is a rule on reflective clothing at night. Other gear is not legally required but is essential for safety.
Can I ride a motorcycle in jeans?
Ordinary jeans wear through on tarmac very quickly. Use motorcycle trousers with an aramid lining, knee protectors and an EN 17092 label.
Which certifications should I look for in gear?
ECE 22.06 on helmets, EN 1621-1 and EN 1621-2 on protectors, EN 17092 on clothing, EN 13594 on gloves and EN 13634 on boots.