Over the years I have tried many different riding solutions as far as legwear goes: leather trousers, textile, both leather and synthetic chaps, etc. Years ago I was sceptical of armoured denim riding jeans, but once I tried riding in a pair I was immediately hooked. I just find them so much more comfortable for most street riding I will never go to wearing another solution. The ones I wear are CE-approved with both hip and knee armour, and Kevlar lining in the knees and seat. As for denim not being waterproof, I just keep a pair of heavy rain pants in my saddlebags or tankbag, and pull those on when I need them.

With footwear, I wear plain black cafe style street boats. Are they as sturdy and protective as the heavy touring boots I see some folks wearing? Heck, no - but they are so much more comfortable, and I think there's a certain level of safety in just being comfortable while riding. Will others disagree with my choice? Sure.

As for upper body, I wear layers and always wear a CE-approved jacket with armour in the shoulders, spine, and elbows. In the warmer months it's a heavy mesh jacket with a removable liner; and in the cold the jacket is a heavy water-resistant cordura with a quilted liner. I used to wear a full-face but my most recent helmet is a Zox modular (clamshell) that I find very comfortable. The swing-up chin is great for when I'm stopped at the gas station, or looking for change/keys in my pockets.

I find gloves are the hardest thing for me to settle on. I hate wearing them and would prefer to ride bare-handed, but for safety I don't do this of course. Lately I'm using a pair of AGVSport gloves that seem to be thick enough for protection and thin enough for good controls feel.

None of this stuff needs to be expensive. I bought almost all of my gear on eBay. The two jackets were $60 each, the trousers about $80, the gloves a measly $20, and my latest boots were $50 with the price tags still on them. The helmet was new from the local store as I find fitting headgear needs to be done hands-on - but the helmet was on-sale half-price for $125.

__________________
Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250