The Ultimate Riding PPE Buyer’s Checklist

Buying riding gear should be one of the simplest parts of owning a motorcycle or trike. You buy a helmet, jacket, gloves, pants and boots, then get out and ride. In reality, the motorcycle PPE market has become increasingly complicated, with different safety standards, certification levels, armour technologies, materials, construction methods and marketing claims all competing for attention.

Two jackets sitting beside each other in a motorcycle shop can look almost identical yet provide substantially different levels of protection. A $900 helmet is not necessarily four times safer than a $225 helmet, and a thick pair of leather gloves is not automatically better motorcycle PPE than a properly tested and certified textile alternative. Even the word "armoured" can be misleading if you do not know what armour is fitted, where it is positioned or what standard it meets.

For trike riders, there is another problem: the belief that three wheels somehow reduce the need for serious riding gear. A trike may eliminate some balance-related incidents and provide considerably greater low-speed stability than a conventional motorcycle, but none of that changes what happens to the human body during a collision or when it contacts the road at speed.

Three wheels do not make skin abrasion resistant, and they certainly do not make your head, hands, ankles, knees or spine impact resistant.

The objective when buying PPE should therefore be straightforward. Buy equipment that provides genuine protection, complies with the law where applicable, fits properly, suits the conditions in which you ride and is comfortable enough that you will actually wear it.

This is the checklist to take with you when you go shopping.

1. Helmet: Start With Legal Compliance

Your helmet is one area where assumptions can get expensive, and potentially dangerous.

In Australia, wearing an approved motorcycle helmet is a legal requirement. Helmet compliance is not simply a manufacturer's recommendation or a desirable safety feature. Police can enforce helmet requirements, and riding without an approved helmet can result in penalties.

Victoria provides a good example. Rule 270 of the Road Safety Road Rules 2017 requires the rider of a motorbike that is moving, or stationary but not parked, to wear an approved motorbike helmet that is securely fitted and fastened on the rider's head. Similar legal requirements operate elsewhere in Australia, although riders should check the current requirements applying in their own state or territory.

This is particularly important when purchasing helmets online.

A helmet may be advertised internationally as a "motorcycle helmet", carry an overseas safety certification and come from a recognised manufacturer without necessarily being approved for road use in every Australian jurisdiction. Never assume that because a helmet is legal in the United States, Europe, Japan or another market it automatically satisfies Australian road-use requirements.

Historically, Australian riders became very familiar with AS/NZS 1698 certification. However, Australian jurisdictions have also moved to recognise certain helmets complying with the United Nations ECE helmet standard. ECE 22.06 is now widely encountered on current-generation helmets, replacing the older ECE 22.05 specification for new approvals.

The important buying rule is therefore not simply "look for an Australian Standards sticker". It is to confirm that the particular helmet and its certification are recognised for legal road use in the Australian state or territory in which you intend to ride.

Check the actual certification label and approval markings. If you are uncertain, verify the current requirements through your state or territory road authority or police before purchasing, particularly when importing a helmet yourself.

A bargain is no bargain if you cannot legally wear it.

2. Helmet Certification Is Only the Beginning

Once you have established that a helmet is legal for road use, start assessing whether it is actually right for you.

Fit is critical.

A helmet should feel firm around your entire head without creating painful pressure points. When you move the helmet from side to side, your scalp should move with it. If the helmet can rotate substantially while your head remains stationary, it may be too large.

Do not assume your size based on your existing helmet.

A Large from one manufacturer may fit completely differently from a Large made by another. Even different models produced by the same manufacturer can use different internal profiles.

Head shape matters just as much as circumference. Riders generally fall somewhere around round, intermediate oval or long oval profiles. Wearing a helmet designed for the wrong head shape can produce painful pressure points even when its nominal size is correct.

If possible, wear the helmet in the shop for at least 10 to 15 minutes. Something that feels slightly uncomfortable after two minutes can become excruciating after three hours.

Check the retention system, visor operation, peripheral vision, ventilation and overall weight. Wear your normal glasses or sunglasses while testing it. If you use an intercom, investigate speaker recesses, microphone placement and mounting options.

For touring riders, noise also deserves attention. A helmet can fit beautifully and still become exhausting after hours of highway riding because of wind noise.

That brings us to another often-forgotten item of PPE: hearing protection.

3. Consider Hearing Protection

Motorcycle helmets are primarily designed to protect your head from impact. They should not automatically be treated as hearing protection.

Wind noise at highway speeds can be substantial, particularly during long-distance riding. Repeated exposure can contribute to hearing damage, while constant noise can also increase fatigue.

Quality reusable motorcycle earplugs or correctly fitted disposable foam plugs cost very little compared with most riding equipment.

The objective is not necessarily to block every sound around you. Suitable hearing protection can substantially reduce wind noise while still allowing awareness of traffic, horns, emergency vehicles and other important sounds.

If you regularly spend hours at highway speeds, hearing protection deserves a permanent place in your riding kit.

4. Jacket: Look Beyond the Armour

One of the easiest mistakes when buying a motorcycle jacket is concentrating entirely on the armour.

You squeeze the shoulder protector, feel something substantial and conclude that you are holding a highly protective jacket.

Not necessarily.

A motorcycle jacket needs to deal with both impact and abrasion. Armour helps manage impact energy around vulnerable areas such as the shoulders and elbows, while the garment itself needs sufficient structural integrity to resist tearing and abrasion if you slide across the road.

Look for motorcycle-specific garment certification rather than relying on descriptions such as "heavy duty", "race inspired", "reinforced" or "protective".

Under EN 17092, motorcycle garments can carry classifications including A, AA and AAA. Broadly speaking, AAA represents the highest level within that particular classification system, with AA providing an intermediate level and A generally applying to garments designed to balance protection with factors such as comfort and lighter construction.

That gives you considerably more information than simply judging a jacket by how thick it feels.

Examine the seams, zippers, closures and construction of high-risk areas. Excellent armour will not compensate for a garment that tears apart when subjected to abrasion.

5. Check Exactly What Armour Is Included

Never assume every piece of padding inside a motorcycle jacket is certified armour.

Some jackets are supplied with shoulder and elbow protectors but only provide a pocket for an optional back protector. Others contain a thin piece of foam in that pocket, which can easily be mistaken for meaningful impact protection.

Check the specifications.

Motorcycle impact protectors are commonly certified under the EN 1621 series of standards, and you will frequently encounter Level 1 and Level 2 protectors. Level 2 protectors generally allow lower transmitted forces under the relevant testing requirements and therefore provide a higher level of impact protection.

Protection, however, only works effectively when it remains in the correct position.

Try the jacket on and move into your normal riding posture. Bend your elbows. Reach forward as though holding the handlebars. Check whether the elbow armour remains over your elbows and whether the shoulder armour stays correctly positioned.

An oversized jacket may feel wonderfully comfortable while standing in the shop but allow the armour to move significantly during an accident.

For trike riders, this is especially worth checking because riding positions vary enormously. Depending on the machine can place the rider in very different positions.

Buy PPE for the riding position you actually use.

6. Don't Forget the Back Protector

Turn the jacket around and check what is protecting your back.

You might be surprised.

Some otherwise impressive jackets come with only a basic foam insert or no back protector at all. If that is the case, determine whether a compatible CE-certified back protector is available.

Level 2 back protection is worth considering, particularly for riders spending substantial amounts of time at highway speeds.

Modern back protectors have also become significantly more comfortable. Flexible materials can conform to the rider during normal use while still providing impact protection when required.

Make sure adding an upgraded protector does not make the jacket excessively tight. PPE works as a complete system, and a jacket that becomes restrictive after armour upgrades may create problems with comfort and movement.

7. Leather or Textile?

The leather-versus-textile argument has been going on for years, but there is no single correct answer for every rider.

Quality motorcycle leather can provide exceptional abrasion resistance and remains widely used in high-performance riding. Modern motorcycle textiles, however, can also deliver very good protective performance while offering significant advantages in ventilation, waterproofing, weight and versatility.

For Australian touring riders, textile equipment can be particularly practical.

You might leave home on a freezing Victorian morning, encounter rain before lunch and be riding in warm sunshine by mid-afternoon. Ventilation panels, removable thermal liners and waterproof membranes can make an enormous difference.

The important distinction is that something being made from a thick textile does not automatically make it motorcycle PPE.

Look for tested motorcycle garments and recognised certification rather than judging protection by appearance.

8. Summer Versus Winter Jackets: One Jacket May Not Do Everything

Australia's climate creates a particular challenge when buying motorcycle PPE because the conditions riders face can vary enormously depending on where, when and how far they ride. A jacket that is comfortable on a winter morning in Victoria, Tasmania or the Australian Alps can become almost unbearable during a hot summer afternoon, while a heavily ventilated summer jacket can be completely inadequate when the temperature drops into single figures.

For riders covering serious distances, trying to make one jacket perform perfectly in every Australian condition is often unrealistic.

Choosing a Summer Riding Jacket

Hot-weather riding creates a difficult balance between protection and heat management. When temperatures climb into the high 30s or beyond 40°C, the temptation to remove protective equipment can become considerable. That is exactly why a dedicated summer jacket can be such a worthwhile investment.

A good summer motorcycle jacket should provide substantial airflow without abandoning abrasion and impact protection. Depending on the design, this may be achieved through large mesh panels, perforated materials, strategically positioned vents or combinations of abrasion-resistant textile and high-flow sections.

The important point is that ventilation should not be confused with protection.

Some extremely lightweight mesh jackets can feel fantastic in hot weather, but buyers still need to examine their motorcycle garment certification, construction, seams and armour. Look at the garment's EN 17092 classification and determine what protection is provided in the areas most likely to contact the road.

Check the shoulder and elbow armour and whether a genuine back protector is supplied. Some lightweight summer jackets achieve their low weight partly by providing minimal armour or omitting the back protector altogether.

Fit is also important. A summer jacket needs enough room for air to circulate, but it should not be so loose that the armour can move away from the areas it is intended to protect.

Colour can make a practical difference as well. Dark motorcycle gear sitting in direct Australian sunlight can absorb considerable heat. Riders who regularly travel in extremely hot conditions may want to consider lighter-coloured equipment, although colour should never take priority over the garment's actual protective performance.

Heat Stress Is a Riding Safety Issue

Hot-weather gear is not purely about comfort.

Excessive heat can contribute to fatigue, dehydration and reduced concentration. On a long ride, particularly through inland or remote areas, managing body temperature becomes part of managing riding risk.

This is especially relevant to trike riders undertaking long-distance touring. Sitting behind a fairing or windscreen may reduce airflow across the body compared with a completely exposed motorcycle, while heat generated by the engine, radiator and surrounding road surface can add to the rider's thermal load.

A rider who is overheating, dehydrated and exhausted is unlikely to be performing at their best.

Good summer PPE should therefore allow sufficient ventilation while maintaining meaningful protection. Base layers designed to wick moisture away from the body can also improve comfort considerably compared with ordinary cotton clothing.

Hydration should be planned just as deliberately as fuel stops. On particularly hot rides, carrying water and stopping regularly becomes essential rather than optional.

Choosing a Winter Riding Jacket

At the opposite end of the spectrum is the Australian winter.

Anyone who believes Australia does not get genuinely cold on a motorcycle has probably never left before sunrise in Victoria, Tasmania, Canberra, the Snowy Mountains or the Victorian High Country.

Ambient temperature also tells only part of the story.

At highway speed, cold air moving continuously across the rider can rapidly strip heat from exposed and poorly insulated areas. Add rain to the equation and an uncomfortable ride can become miserable very quickly.

A winter motorcycle jacket should therefore address wind, rain and insulation, while still providing the same fundamental abrasion and impact protection expected from any serious riding garment.

Look for effective windproof construction, properly designed closures around the neck and cuffs, waterproof or highly water-resistant outer construction and a quality thermal liner where appropriate.

Pay particular attention to the front zipper. Cold air finding its way through the centre of a jacket for several hundred kilometres can make an otherwise warm garment remarkably ineffective. Storm flaps, waterproof zippers and overlapping closures can make a significant difference.

The collar also matters more than many riders realise. A jacket that leaves a substantial gap around the neck can funnel cold air directly onto the upper chest. Neck warmers or motorcycle-specific thermal tubes can be inexpensive additions that dramatically improve winter comfort.

Layering Is Often Better Than One Enormously Heavy Jacket

One of the most effective approaches to Australian winter riding is layering.

Rather than relying entirely on one extremely bulky jacket, riders can combine a protective outer motorcycle jacket with appropriate thermal and moisture-management layers underneath.

A base layer can help manage moisture against the skin. An insulating mid-layer helps retain warmth, while the motorcycle jacket provides abrasion protection, armour and protection against wind and weather.

This arrangement also provides flexibility as temperatures change.

You might leave Bendigo at 6:00 am with temperatures only a few degrees above freezing and need several layers, then find yourself riding in comparatively mild conditions by early afternoon. Being able to remove an insulating layer is far more practical than being trapped inside a heavily insulated jacket for the remainder of the day.

However, do not simply keep adding layers until the jacket becomes extremely tight.

A jacket that fits correctly over a T-shirt may become restrictive after adding a jumper, thermal liner and heated vest. Excessive bulk can restrict arm movement, create pressure around the shoulders and potentially interfere with the correct positioning of armour.

When buying a dedicated winter jacket, try it on with the layers you genuinely expect to wear underneath it.

Don't Forget Waterproofing

Cold is unpleasant. Cold and wet is considerably worse.

Winter and touring jackets should therefore be assessed for their ability to manage rain as well as temperature. Some garments use waterproof internal membranes, while others use laminated waterproof outer shells designed to prevent the external material becoming saturated.

There are advantages and disadvantages to different systems, particularly in terms of cost, ventilation, drying time and weight.

A jacket described as "water resistant" should not automatically be assumed to be genuinely waterproof during hours of sustained rain.

Think about the type of riding you actually do. Someone commuting 15 minutes across town has very different waterproofing requirements from a rider travelling 700 kilometres through changing weather.

Even with waterproof motorcycle gear, carrying a lightweight external rain shell can be worthwhile on extended trips.

Heated Gear Can Transform Winter Riding

For riders who continue riding throughout winter, heated motorcycle clothing can make an enormous difference.

Heated vests and jackets can provide warmth directly to the torso without requiring enormous amounts of bulky insulation. Heated gloves, glove liners and other equipment are also available.

The electrical demands of heated equipment need to be considered, particularly when multiple accessories are being powered from the vehicle. Riders should make sure the trike or motorcycle's electrical system can comfortably support the additional load.

The wiring also needs to be installed and routed correctly. Cables should not interfere with steering, controls or the rider's ability to get on and off the machine.

For long-distance winter touring, however, heated equipment can turn conditions that would otherwise be thoroughly unpleasant into a manageable ride.

The Australian Touring Problem: Four Seasons in One Day

The greatest challenge is not always choosing between summer and winter.

Sometimes you get both.

Australian touring can involve dramatic temperature changes during a single day. A ride through the Victorian High Country, Snowy Mountains or other elevated areas can expose riders to cold morning temperatures followed by considerably warmer conditions later in the day. Moving between coastal, alpine and inland areas can create equally substantial changes.

This makes adaptability extremely valuable.

Ventilation zippers, removable thermal liners, waterproof layers and carefully selected base layers can greatly expand the usable temperature range of a motorcycle jacket.

Before buying, physically operate the ventilation system. Some jackets advertise numerous vents that provide surprisingly little airflow once you are sitting behind a large touring screen.

Trike riders should pay particular attention to this.

The substantial screens and fairings fitted to many touring trikes can create a very different airflow environment from that experienced on a naked motorcycle. A jacket that receives excellent airflow on one machine may receive considerably less ventilation on another.

There Is Nothing Wrong With Owning Two Jackets

For riders who regularly ride throughout the year, the most practical solution may simply be to own two motorcycle jackets.

A dedicated high-flow summer jacket can provide far better comfort during extreme heat, while a properly insulated, windproof and waterproof touring jacket can handle winter conditions without requiring an excessive number of layers.

There is an additional safety advantage to this approach.

If your only motorcycle jacket is so hot that you are tempted to ride without it in January, it is not really an effective year-round solution. Likewise, if your summer jacket leaves you shivering uncontrollably during a July highway ride, that is not merely a comfort problem.

The best PPE is equipment appropriate to the conditions in which it is being used.

Australian riders do not necessarily need a wardrobe full of expensive motorcycle clothing, but riders who spend substantial time on the road should seriously consider whether expecting one jacket to handle everything from near-freezing winter mornings to 40°C-plus summer afternoons is realistic.

For many riders, a quality summer jacket and a quality winter or all-weather touring jacket are two of the smartest PPE purchases they can make.

When choosing either, the fundamental requirements remain unchanged: motorcycle-specific construction, appropriate certification, correctly positioned armour, good fit and genuine abrasion resistance.

Weather suitability should complement protection, not replace it.

9. Riding Pants Are PPE Too

There is something fundamentally inconsistent about spending heavily on a quality helmet and jacket, then protecting half your body with ordinary denim jeans.

Yet plenty of riders still do exactly that.

Ordinary fashion denim is designed primarily for clothing, not for sliding along bitumen. Motorcycle jeans can look almost identical while incorporating abrasion-resistant fibres, reinforced construction and impact protection.

Look at the garment's certification and construction rather than assuming all motorcycle jeans provide the same protection.

Check whether abrasion-resistant materials are used throughout the garment or concentrated in particular areas. Look at the knee armour and determine whether hip protectors are included or merely optional.

Most importantly, check armour position while seated.

Knee armour that sits perfectly while standing may shift significantly once you are in your riding position. Likewise, pants that feel comfortable while walking around a shop may pull tightly across the hips, knees or waist after an hour on the trike.

For touring, stretch panels, ventilation, seams and waistband design can become surprisingly important.

You may be wearing those pants for ten hours.

Choose accordingly.

10. Gloves: Protect the Hands You Instinctively Put Out

When people fall, there is a powerful instinct to put their hands out.

That makes gloves an extremely important part of your PPE.

Motorcycle gloves should provide abrasion resistance, impact protection where appropriate and a secure retention system. Pay particular attention to the palm because it is a likely contact area during many crashes.

Check the wrist closure carefully. A brilliantly constructed glove is of little use if it comes off during the initial impact.

Knuckle protection is common, but do not buy gloves simply because they have large carbon-look protectors across the back. Impressive appearance tells you surprisingly little about the overall performance of the glove.

Try them while operating motorcycle controls if possible.

Can you comfortably use the throttle? Can you operate the brake and clutch where applicable? Can you reach indicators and switches without fighting against the glove?

Touring riders may also benefit from owning multiple pairs. Lightweight ventilated gloves can be excellent during Australian summers, while waterproof or insulated gloves become invaluable during cold and wet conditions.

Cold, numb fingers are not merely uncomfortable. They can interfere with your ability to operate the controls accurately.

11. Boots Need to Protect More Than Your Toes

Motorcycle footwear is another area where fashion and genuine protection can become blurred.

Some boots look incredibly tough while providing little meaningful motorcycle-specific protection.

Look for reinforcement around the ankle, heel and toe, adequate sole rigidity, abrasion-resistant construction and a fastening system that will keep the boot on your foot during an accident.

Motorcycle footwear certified to EN 13634 gives buyers an objective reference point rather than requiring them to trust appearance and marketing alone.

Trike riders should also think about what happens when they get off the machine.

Touring often involves walking around lookouts, cafés, events, accommodation and tourist attractions. Extremely rigid racing boots might offer impressive protection but become thoroughly unpleasant when walking around for an hour.

Quality touring boots can provide a very good compromise between protection, weather resistance and everyday comfort.

Waterproofing is also worth paying for if you tour regularly.

A few hundred kilometres with soaking wet socks will make that point considerably better than any advertisement.

12. Visibility Is Helpful, but It Isn't Armour

High-visibility colours and reflective materials can improve conspicuity, particularly at night or during poor weather.

They are useful additions to a riding setup, but they should not be confused with physical protection.

A fluorescent jacket with poor abrasion resistance does not become excellent PPE simply because it can be seen from 500 metres away.

Likewise, black motorcycle gear is not automatically poor equipment.

Consider visibility as one layer within your overall safety strategy. Reflective panels on jackets, helmets, pants and rain gear can be particularly useful for riders who spend considerable time travelling at night.

Think about visibility from the front, rear and sides rather than simply choosing the brightest jacket in the shop.

13. Wet-Weather Gear Belongs on the Checklist

Australian weather can turn an enjoyable ride into a thoroughly miserable experience very quickly.

A compact waterproof jacket and over-pants can be worth carrying even if your primary riding gear claims to be waterproof. An external rain layer can prevent the main garment becoming saturated and can add another barrier against wind.

Look at how quickly you can put the gear on beside the road.

If putting on your waterproof pants requires removing both boots, unpacking half the luggage and performing roadside gymnastics while rain pours down, you will probably delay doing it until you are already soaked.

Consider visibility as well. Rain usually means reduced visibility for everyone on the road, not just the rider.

14. Consider Motorcycle Airbag Protection

Motorcycle airbag technology has moved well beyond racetracks and professional competition.

Riders can now choose from standalone airbag vests, integrated jackets and sophisticated electronic systems capable of detecting crash conditions and deploying extremely quickly.

Depending on the design, these systems may provide additional protection around areas including the chest, back, shoulders, neck and torso.

They can be expensive, so investigate the entire ownership model before buying.

Does it require electronic charging? Is there a subscription? Can you replace the gas canister yourself following deployment? Does the unit need to be returned to the manufacturer? Are there servicing intervals? What happens if it deploys while you are travelling?

Compatibility with your existing gear is equally important. An airbag designed to deploy underneath a jacket needs sufficient room to inflate safely. External systems need to be worn and adjusted according to the manufacturer's instructions.

For riders prepared to invest significantly in PPE, motorcycle airbag technology deserves serious consideration.

15. Make Sure Everything Works Together

This is one of the most important checks of all.

Do not evaluate every piece of PPE in isolation.

Put everything on together.

Helmet. Jacket. Pants. Gloves. Boots. Back protector. Airbag vest if you use one.

Then get into your normal riding position.

Can you turn your head properly?

Does the helmet interfere with the jacket collar?

Does the jacket pull tightly across your shoulders?

Do the sleeves ride excessively up your arms?

Do your gloves fit comfortably underneath or over the cuffs?

Does the jacket expose your lower back?

Does your knee armour remain over your knees?

Can you comfortably operate every control?

Can you turn your head far enough to perform proper head checks?

These issues can be almost invisible while standing in front of a mirror.

They become obvious once you sit on the machine.

16. Don't Assume More Expensive Means Safer

Motorcycle PPE pricing can be deceptive.

A premium helmet might cost considerably more because it is lighter, quieter, better ventilated, beautifully finished and fitted with a premium removable liner. It might also have an elaborate graphic design carrying a substantial price premium.

Those things can absolutely make it a better helmet to own.

They do not automatically mean it provides several times the protection of a cheaper certified helmet.

The same principle applies to jackets, pants, gloves and boots.

Certification allows you to compare products using something more meaningful than logos and price tags.

Riders working with a limited budget can often build an excellent PPE setup by concentrating on certification, fit and construction rather than prestige brands or appearance. Previous-season colours and discontinued graphics can sometimes provide excellent value without sacrificing protective specifications.

Spend intelligently rather than assuming spending more automatically means being better protected.

17. Be Extremely Careful Buying PPE Online

Online shopping has opened Australian riders to an enormous international marketplace, but PPE deserves more caution than buying a T-shirt or phone case.

Helmets require particular attention because of legal compliance.

Check the precise model, certification and approval markings rather than relying on a generic product description. A manufacturer may sell what appears to be the same helmet in multiple markets with different certification specifications.

Counterfeit PPE is another concern.

Suspiciously cheap premium-brand helmets, gloves, jackets and armour should raise questions. When you are purchasing equipment designed to protect your body during an accident, knowing where it came from matters.

Fit is also difficult to establish online. This is particularly problematic with helmets because knowing your head circumference does not necessarily tell you whether the helmet's internal shape suits your head.

Saving $100 is not particularly useful if the helmet gives you a headache after 40 minutes and spends the next five years sitting in a cupboard.

The Ultimate PPE Shopping Checklist

Before you walk out of the shop or click the checkout button, work through your equipment systematically.

Helmet: Is it approved for legal road use in your Australian jurisdiction? Have you checked the actual certification and approval markings rather than trusting the advertisement? Does it fit your head shape correctly? Is it firm without painful pressure points? Is the retention system secure? Can you see properly? Does it work with your glasses and communications equipment?

Jacket: Is it genuinely motorcycle-specific? What EN 17092 classification does it carry? What material protects the high-abrasion areas? Are the seams and closures substantial? Does the armour stay correctly positioned when you are sitting in your riding position?

Armour: Are the protectors actually certified? Are they Level 1 or Level 2? Does the jacket include a genuine back protector or merely a foam insert? Are hip protectors included in the pants?

Pants: Are they motorcycle-specific and abrasion resistant? What certification do they carry? Does the knee armour remain correctly positioned when seated? Are they comfortable enough for the distances you normally ride?

Gloves: Are they motorcycle-specific? Is there appropriate palm and impact protection? Is the wrist retention secure? Can you comfortably operate every control?

Boots: Do they provide genuine ankle, heel and toe protection? Are they motorcycle-specific? Will they remain securely attached during an accident? Can you comfortably operate the controls and walk when you get off the trike?

Weather protection: Do you have appropriate equipment for heat, cold and rain? Can you put your wet-weather gear on quickly beside the road?

Hearing: Do you have suitable hearing protection for extended highway riding?

Visibility: Does your setup provide reasonable conspicuity in poor light and bad weather? Does your rain gear incorporate reflective or high-visibility elements?

Airbag: Is motorcycle airbag protection appropriate for your riding? If you already use one, is it compatible with your jacket and correctly maintained?

Finally, put the complete setup on and sit in your actual riding position.

If something does not fit properly in the shop, there is a very good chance it will become substantially worse after 500 kilometres.

Buy the Gear You'll Actually Wear

The ultimate PPE setup is not necessarily the most expensive collection of motorcycle equipment available. It is not the outfit with the most famous logos, the thickest leather or the largest pieces of armour.

It is equipment that provides genuine protection, fits correctly, suits your riding conditions and is comfortable enough that you consistently wear it.

That last point matters enormously.

A highly protective jacket hanging in the wardrobe because it is unbearable during a 35-degree Australian summer provides no protection whatsoever. The solution is not to abandon protective equipment when conditions become uncomfortable. It is to own equipment appropriate for the conditions in which you ride.

For riders who cover serious kilometres, that may eventually mean having several options. Summer and winter gloves, ventilated and cold-weather jackets, waterproof equipment, different base layers and touring-specific gear all have their place.

Trike riders should also resist the temptation to think that three wheels fundamentally change the need for PPE. A trike provides different handling characteristics and significantly greater stationary and low-speed stability than a conventional motorcycle, but it does not surround the rider with a passenger compartment, crumple zones, airbags and seatbelts.

If another vehicle crosses your path at highway speed, the fact that your machine has three wheels instead of two is unlikely to be the thing you are thinking about.

Choose your gear carefully. Understand the certification labels. Confirm that your helmet is legally approved. Check the armour. Try everything on together. Think about the Australian weather, the roads you ride, the distances you travel and the machine underneath you.

Most importantly, buy PPE on the assumption that one day you may genuinely need it to do the job it was designed to do.

Because if that day comes, the logo on the sleeve, the graphics on the helmet and the amount you saved at the checkout will be the least important things about it.