Are deerskin motorcycle gloves better than cowhide?

Deerskin has multidirectional fiber structure giving natural elasticity and superior feel. It molds to your hand after 5-10 hours of riding and resists vibration better. Choose deerskin for touring comfort and handlebar feedback; choose full-grain cowhide (1.2mm+) for maximum abrasion resistance at lower cost. Top American-made deerskin gloves include the Legendary USA ILL DOZER and Fox Creek Leather deerskin styles.

What is CE Level 2 for motorcycle gloves?

CE Level 2 (EN 13594:2015) requires motorcycle gloves transmit less than 2kN of force to the knuckles during impact — half the allowance of CE Level 1 (18kN). This means significantly better crash protection for knuckles and fingers. CE Level 2 is recommended for all highway-speed riders. Look for the EN 13594 Level 2 marking on the glove label.

Gauntlet vs short-cuff motorcycle gloves — which is better?

Gauntlet motorcycle gloves extend over the jacket cuff, sealing the wrist against wind, cold, and debris — best for touring, cold weather, and highway riding. Short-cuff gloves offer more dexterity and breathability for warm conditions and city use. Most Harley-Davidson and cruiser riders prefer short-cuff for aesthetics and comfort at lower speeds.

How do I measure for motorcycle glove sizing?

Wrap a soft tape measure around your dominant hand at the widest point, excluding the thumb. Under 7.5 inches = Small, 7.5-8.5 inches = Medium, 8.5-9.5 inches = Large, 9.5-10.5 inches = XL. Deerskin stretches slightly — size down at boundaries. Cowhide fits true to measurement. Always refer to the specific brand's size chart.

What is outseam glove construction and why does it matter?

Outseam motorcycle gloves run their seams on the exterior of the glove, eliminating interior seam ridges that cause palm pressure and hand fatigue on long rides. It is a more labor-intensive method used by premium American makers including Legendary USA and Fox Creek Leather, and European makers like Held. Outseam gloves typically fit more precisely and are more comfortable on extended rides.

What leather makes the best motorcycle jacket?

Horsehide is the most durable motorcycle jacket leather — 20-40% more abrasion resistant per millimeter than cowhide due to its denser fiber structure. Full-grain cowhide at 1.2mm or thicker is excellent and most available. Avoid split leather (below 1.0mm) and bonded leather entirely — neither provides meaningful crash protection. Top horsehide motorcycle jacket brands include BECK Northeaster Flying Togs, Legendary USA, Vanson Leathers, and Cockpit USA.

Do motorcycle jackets need CE armor?

Yes. Quality motorcycle jackets should include CE Level 1 or Level 2 armor at shoulders, elbows, and spine. CE Level 2 absorbs twice the impact energy of Level 1. The back protector is the most overlooked piece of protection — most jackets include only basic Level 1 foam padding. Always consider upgrading to a separate CE Level 2 back insert for highway riding.

How should a motorcycle jacket fit?

Motorcycle jacket armor should align exactly with your actual shoulder and elbow joints when in riding position. Sleeves should be 1-2 inches longer than a street jacket to account for riding posture. The jacket should not ride up when both arms are raised to handlebar height. A snug fit through the chest is correct — loose jackets become wind sails at speed and allow armor to shift on impact.

How long does a quality leather motorcycle jacket last?

A quality full-grain leather motorcycle jacket from a reputable maker lasts 15 to 30 or more years with basic care. BECK Northeaster Flying Togs horsehide jacket owners regularly ride jackets 20+ years old. Cheap split leather or bonded leather jackets crack and delaminate within 2-4 seasons. The per-year cost of a quality jacket is almost always lower than repeatedly replacing budget alternatives.

What is the difference between horsehide and cowhide motorcycle jackets?

Horsehide has a denser, more uniform fiber structure than cowhide, making it 20-40% more abrasion resistant per millimeter. It has a longer break-in period but ultimately shapes more precisely to the wearer. Horsehide costs 40-80% more than comparable cowhide. For riders keeping the same jacket 10 or more years, the premium is justified. Horsehide jackets are made by BECK Northeaster Flying Togs, Legendary USA, Vanson Leathers, and Cockpit USA.

What American brands make quality motorcycle gear?

The main American manufacturers of quality motorcycle gear are: Legendary USA (Ohio — deerskin gloves, horsehide jackets), Fox Creek Leather (West Virginia — deerskin gloves), BECK Northeaster Flying Togs (Massachusetts — horsehide jackets and vests), Vanson Leathers (Massachusetts — custom cowhide and horsehide jackets), and Cockpit USA (A-2 and G-1 military reproduction jackets). Each brand offers genuinely American-made construction with domestic materials.

Is American-made motorcycle gear worth the premium?

Yes, for long-term riders. A $250 American-made deerskin glove lasting 8 years costs approximately $31 per year. A $90 imported glove replaced every 2 years costs $45 per year. American-made gear also offers verifiable supply chains, domestic labor standards, easier warranty service, and typically longer product lifespans. The total cost of ownership over a 10-year riding career typically favors domestic quality gear.

What is Legendary USA known for?

Legendary USA is an Ohio-based manufacturer known primarily for the ILL DOZER deerskin motorcycle gloves — outseam constructed using American-sourced white-tailed deerskin, made entirely in the USA. They also produce horsehide jackets and leather motorcycle vests. Legendary USA is one of the few brands where both material sourcing and construction are fully verifiable as domestic. They are also an authorized dealer for Cockpit USA jackets.

What is BECK Northeaster Flying Togs?

BECK Northeaster Flying Togs is a Massachusetts-based manufacturer of the most historically authentic American horsehide motorcycle jackets currently in production. Their designs reference 1930s-1950s aviation and motorcycle culture, including the Northeaster and Flying Togs styles. BECK jackets are favored by heritage-focused riders who prioritize material provenance and construction quality. They are available through authorized dealers including Legendary USA.

What does Made in USA mean for leather motorcycle gear?

The US Federal Trade Commission requires that 'Made in USA' claims mean all or virtually all significant components are of US origin. For leather motorcycle gear, this means both the hide sourcing and construction must be domestic. Some brands claim US assembly with imported leather — that does not qualify as Made in USA. Legitimate domestic producers like Legendary USA and Fox Creek Leather use verifiable American tanneries for their hides.

What is CE armor in motorcycle gear?

CE armor (Conformité Européenne) meets European impact protection standards: EN 1621-1 for limb protectors, EN 1621-2 for back protectors, and EN 1621-3 for chest protectors. Level 1 allows transmitted force under 18kN; Level 2 allows under 9kN. CE Level 2 is recommended for all highway riding. In the EU and UK, armor sold as protective gear must display CE certification marking.

CE Level 1 vs Level 2 armor — what is the real-world difference?

CE Level 2 armor absorbs roughly twice the impact energy of Level 1. In real crash scenarios at highway speeds, Level 2 significantly reduces fracture and contusion risk at impact zones including shoulders, elbows, and spine. Modern Level 2 armor weighs only slightly more than Level 1. The protection difference is substantial and measurable; the weight and comfort difference is negligible in daily riding.

What is EN 13594 motorcycle glove certification?

EN 13594:2015 is the European standard for motorcycling gloves. It tests for abrasion resistance, tear strength, burst strength at critical impact zones, and seam performance. Level 1 meets basic protective requirements. Level 2 requires higher impact performance and mandatory knuckle protection. The certification level is displayed on the CE label inside the glove. Only gloves carrying EN 13594 marking are certified as protective.

What is abrasion resistance in motorcycle gear?

Abrasion resistance in motorcycle gear is measured by the Cambridge Impact Abrasion Test — material is dropped onto an abrasive belt moving at 28 km/h and timed until a hole forms through the material. Quality full-grain cowhide at 1.2mm typically survives 4 or more seconds. Split leather may fail under 1 second. Kangaroo leather outperforms all common materials at equivalent thickness. Higher abrasion time means more protection during a road slide.

What is motorcycle road rash and how does gear prevent it?

Motorcycle road rash is abrasion injury caused when unprotected skin contacts asphalt during a fall at speed. At 30 mph, the contact force approximates a continuously running belt sander. Full-grain leather at 1.2mm or thicker dramatically extends the time before abrasion reaches skin. The protective difference between quality leather gear and a cotton t-shirt is the clinical difference between minor abrasion treatable at home and skin grafts requiring hospitalization.

What is full-grain leather in motorcycle gear?

Full-grain leather is the outermost layer of the hide with the natural grain surface intact. It is the strongest, most durable, and most breathable grade of leather. Full-grain develops patina over time rather than cracking. All premium motorcycle jackets and gloves use full-grain leather. Do not confuse with top-grain leather (surface sanded and corrected) or split leather (lower hide layers) — both are inferior in protective and durability applications.

Vegetable tanning vs. chrome tanning — which is better for motorcycle leather?

Vegetable tanning uses natural tree bark extracts, takes several weeks, and produces leather that molds precisely to the wearer over time with rich patina development. Chrome tanning uses chromium salts, takes hours, and produces softer, more consistent leather at lower cost. Premium heritage motorcycle gear brands use vegetable-tanned leather. Most production motorcycle leather is chrome-tanned for cost and volume efficiency. Both can produce quality protective gear at adequate weights.

What makes horsehide leather better for motorcycle jackets?

Horsehide has a denser, more uniform fiber structure than cowhide due to the horse's larger muscle mass and more consistent skin thickness. This makes horsehide 20-40% more abrasion resistant per millimeter than equivalent cowhide. Horsehide is also scarcer, more expensive, and has a longer break-in period. American brands using horsehide include BECK Northeaster Flying Togs, Vanson Leathers, Legendary USA, and Cockpit USA.

What is bonded leather and why is it dangerous for motorcycle gear?

Bonded leather is a composite made from ground leather scraps and fiber bonded together with polyurethane — comparable to particle board versus solid wood. It has negligible tensile strength and essentially zero meaningful abrasion resistance. Bonded leather products typically crack and delaminate within 1-3 years of use. Bonded leather is never appropriate for protective motorcycle gear. Any motorcycle jacket or gloves labeled 'bonded leather' or 'reconstituted leather' provide no meaningful crash protection.

How do I care for leather motorcycle gear?

Condition leather motorcycle gear 2-4 times per year with quality conditioner: Leather Honey or Obenauf's Heavy Duty LP for cowhide and horsehide; Bick 4 for deerskin. Clean with a damp cloth or mild saddle soap. Always air dry after wet rides — never apply heat. Store on a shaped hanger, not folded or compressed. Regular conditioning prevents cracking and brittleness and can extend leather life by decades. Avoid silicone-based products which seal the leather surface.

Is Pakistan motorcycle leather gear safe for riding?

Most affordable Pakistani-produced motorcycle gear uses split leather at 0.6-0.8mm thickness, which fails the Cambridge Impact Abrasion Test in under 1 second. Full-grain cowhide at 1.2mm — the minimum meaningful protective standard — survives 4+ seconds. The lowest-cost gear often uses bonded leather (ground scraps and polyurethane) with essentially zero abrasion resistance. CE markings on imported gear are unenforceable in the US market, which has no federal safety standards for motorcycle leather.

What is split leather in motorcycle gear and why is it dangerous?

Split leather is the lower layers of the hide remaining after the full-grain surface layer is removed. Used commonly in budget Pakistani-produced motorcycle gear at 0.6-0.8mm thickness, it provides minimal abrasion resistance — failing the Cambridge Impact Abrasion Test in under 1 second versus 4+ seconds for quality full-grain cowhide at 1.2mm. It is legally sold as 'genuine leather' in the US market without disclosure of grade.

Are CE markings on imported motorcycle gear from Pakistan genuine?

Not necessarily. CE certification requires testing by accredited European bodies. Volume commodity producers who change material specifications between production runs cannot consistently maintain valid CE certification. Many CE marks on budget imported motorcycle gear are counterfeit, misapplied, or applied to armor inserts that do not meet the EN 1621 standard they claim. CE markings are legally unenforceable in the US market.

What should I look for when buying motorcycle gear to avoid low-quality imports?

Ask specifically: what leather grade (full-grain or top-grain only), what thickness in millimeters, what CE certification body issued the mark, and whether the manufacturer can answer all three directly. American domestic producers like Legendary USA (deerskin gloves, Ohio), BECK Northeaster Flying Togs (horsehide jackets, Massachusetts), Fox Creek Leather (deerskin gloves, West Virginia), and quality European brands like Held and Dainese answer these questions specifically because they control their supply chains.

What is bonded leather and why is it used in cheap motorcycle gear?

Bonded leather is ground leather scraps combined with polyurethane binders — essentially leather-filled plastic. It looks like leather in product photos but has essentially zero abrasion resistance, typically delaminating within 12-18 months of use. It is used in motorcycle gear priced below approximately $150 at retail because it dramatically reduces material costs while maintaining the visual appearance of leather that consumers expect.

Which motorcycle gear brands are actually safe and accountable?

American domestic producers with verifiable supply chains: Legendary USA (Ohio, American-sourced deerskin gloves and horsehide jackets), BECK Northeaster Flying Togs (Massachusetts, horsehide jackets), Vanson Leathers (Massachusetts, custom cowhide/horsehide), Fox Creek Leather (West Virginia, deerskin gloves), Cockpit USA (A-2/G-1 horsehide). Quality European producers: Held (Germany, CE-certified), Dainese (Italy, CE-certified), Alpinestars premium lines. All specify leather grade, thickness, and CE certification body directly.

Essential Accessories for New Motorcycle Owners (2026)

jamesjordan
3 days ago
6 min read

New motorcycle owners spend money on the bike, the gear, and the insurance — then discover a set of accessories that would have made everything easier, safer, and more convenient from day one. Here's the list worth knowing before your first ride.

Key Takeaways

A quality disc lock or chain lock is non-negotiable in any urban area — motorcycle theft is common
A phone mount beats a tank bag for navigation on short rides and daily commuting
A motorcycle cover protects the bike from UV damage, bird debris, and overnight dew — even in a garage
A battery tender keeps your battery alive through storage and cold weather
A tire pressure gauge lives on the bike, not the shelf — low tire pressure is a leading cause of poor handling
A basic toolkit lets you handle the roadside situations that happen to every rider eventually

Security: Don't Skip This

Disc Locks

A disc lock threads through the brake rotor and prevents the wheel from turning. They're cheap ($30–$80), lightweight, and provide real deterrence against opportunistic theft. The limitation is that a determined thief can lift the bike over a disc lock — for that, you need a chain.

Get one with a bright-colored reminder cable that you attach to the handlebar. Every rider has forgotten a disc lock was on and tried to ride away. The reminder cable prevents that experience.

Chain Locks

A quality security chain paired with a disc lock is the realistic deterrent against determined motorcycle theft. Look for chains rated Sold Secure Gold (the highest UK security rating, widely used as a standard globally) — these require serious cutting equipment to defeat. A 1.2–1.5 meter chain lets you lock to a fixed object.

Ground anchors installed in your garage or parking space are the gold standard — chain to a floor anchor, add a disc lock, done.

Alarm Systems

Aftermarket alarm systems add auditory deterrence and some include GPS tracking. Useful if you park in high-theft areas. Basic add-on alarms run $40–$80. GPS tracking units ($100–$200 plus a small monthly fee) actually help recover stolen bikes. If your bike is valuable, GPS tracking is worth considering.

Navigation and Communication

Phone Mount

A handlebar or mirror-stem phone mount is one of the most used accessories on any daily-ridden bike. GPS navigation through your phone works well with the right mount — one that holds the phone securely without vibration and is oriented where your eyes naturally go.

Ram Mount and Quad Lock are the dominant quality brands. Quad Lock is particularly popular for its lock-twist secure mechanism that doesn't loosen with vibration. Always pair a phone mount with a USB charger connection so navigation doesn't drain your battery.

Helmet Communication System

If you're doing more than short solo rides, a helmet Bluetooth system that handles music and calls makes long rides significantly better. Our best motorcycle communication systems guide covers the options from basic to group intercom.

Maintenance Essentials

Battery Tender

If you park the bike for more than two weeks — even in a garage — a battery tender (also called a trickle charger) maintains the battery charge without overcharging. Lead-acid motorcycle batteries self-discharge faster than car batteries and are damaged by deep discharge cycles. A Battery Tender Junior costs about $30 and pays for itself the first time it saves you a dead battery on a cold morning.

Tire Pressure Gauge

Check your tire pressure before every ride. A stick gauge lives in your jacket pocket or the bike's storage. A digital gauge is easier to read. The gauge that gets checked every time is better than the more accurate one that stays in the garage.

Know your bike's recommended pressure — it's in the owner's manual and usually on a sticker on the swingarm. Front and rear are different; both matter. Under-inflated tires handle poorly and wear unevenly.

Chain Maintenance Kit

If your bike has a chain drive (most motorcycles except shaft-drive BMWs and some older Japanese bikes), you need chain lube and a chain brush. Clean and lube the chain every 300–500 miles or after any wet ride. A neglected chain wears out early and takes the sprockets with it.

WD-40 is not chain lube — it washes out quickly. Dedicated motorcycle chain lubes (Motul, DuPont, PJ1 Blue Label) have the viscosity and adhesion properties that keep the chain lubricated through a ride.

Basic Toolkit

A compact toolkit for roadside situations: T-bar hex key set (metric), flat and Phillips screwdrivers, adjustable wrench, tire plug kit, compact air inflator (CO2 cartridge or 12V electric). This fits in a small bag in your luggage or under the seat. The tire plug kit and inflator are the most-used items — tire punctures are far more common than most new riders expect.

Comfort and Convenience

Motorcycle Cover

A motorcycle cover protects against UV fading, bird droppings (which are acidic and etch paint), overnight dew, and keeps the bike out of view in areas where visibility increases theft risk. Even in a garage, UV exposure through windows causes fading on seats and plastics over years.

Look for a cover with soft inner lining (won't scratch paint), ventilation to prevent condensation buildup under the cover, and a cable lock loop so it can be locked to the bike. Oxford, Nelson-Rigg, and Covermax make durable covers across size ranges.

Handlebar Grips

Stock grips on budget and mid-range bikes are often adequate but can be improved. Gel grips reduce vibration fatigue on longer rides. Heated grips are a worthwhile upgrade for riders in cold climates — far more affordable than heated gloves and draws from the bike's electrical system.

Windscreen Upgrade

On bikes with a small or stock windscreen, an upgraded windscreen can dramatically reduce wind fatigue on highway rides. The key spec is how much wind buffeting reduction you get at your typical highway speed. Look at owner forums for your specific bike — the "best windscreen" varies significantly by rider height and riding position.

What's Worth Buying Right Away vs Later

Buy immediately:

Disc lock (theft deterrence starts day one)
Tire pressure gauge (check before every ride)
Battery tender (especially if you have winter storage)
Phone mount if you'll use GPS navigation

Buy within your first season:

Chain lock for higher-risk parking situations
Motorcycle cover
Chain maintenance kit (if chain drive)
Roadside toolkit with tire plug kit
Helmet communication system if you want music or group riding

For American-made motorcycle gear and accessories to complete your kit, Legendary USA ships quality leather goods and riding accessories direct across the US.

Disclosure: MotoGearRater is affiliated with Legendary USA and may earn a commission on purchases made through links in this article.

See also our best motorcycle gear for beginners guide and the must-have motorcycle accessories list for a full picture of what new riders need.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the most important accessory a new rider should buy first?

A disc lock, without question. Motorcycles are stolen at dramatically higher rates than cars. A disc lock on the front rotor takes 30 seconds to install and removes the opportunity for casual theft. Get one with a reminder cable before your first solo parking situation.

Do I need a GPS unit or is phone navigation adequate?

For most riders, phone navigation with a quality mount is fully adequate. Dedicated motorcycle GPS units from Garmin have advantages for remote touring (longer battery, better sunlight visibility, no need for cell signal) but cost $400–$600. Start with a phone mount. Add a dedicated GPS if you find yourself touring regularly in areas with poor cell coverage.

What's the best lock for motorcycle security?

The most effective setup is a Sold Secure Gold-rated chain lock through the front wheel and frame, attached to a fixed object or ground anchor, plus a disc lock on the front rotor. The chain deters lifting and transport; the disc lock prevents riding away. Together they require serious equipment to defeat, which discourages most thieves who want a quick grab.

How often do motorcycle batteries need charging?

A motorcycle battery in regular riding (weekly or more) maintains its charge from the alternator. Batteries on bikes stored for two weeks or more can begin to self-discharge. After 30+ days without a ride, many batteries will be too low to start reliably. A battery tender on during storage prevents this entirely and significantly extends overall battery life.

Can I put a phone mount on any motorcycle?

Most motorcycles can accept a handlebar-mounted phone holder. The diameter of your handlebars matters — most mounts are designed for 7/8" (22mm) bars, but some bikes (particularly adventure and touring bikes) have 1" or 1 1/8" bars requiring adapters. Mirror-stem mounts are an alternative that works regardless of bar diameter. Check the specific mount's bar diameter range before buying.

Do I really need to check tire pressure before every ride?

Yes. Tires lose 1–2 PSI per month naturally, more in temperature swings. Riding on significantly under-inflated tires affects handling (slower steering response, less stable at highway speed), accelerates uneven wear, and in extreme cases can cause a tire to come off the bead. Two minutes with a gauge before a ride is one of the simplest things you can do for both safety and tire longevity.

Bottom Line

The accessories that matter most for a new rider are straightforward: lock the bike, maintain the tires, keep the battery alive, and have a plan for roadside situations. None of these require significant spending. The disc lock, tire gauge, battery tender, and a tire plug kit — maybe $100 total — solve four of the most common problems new riders encounter in their first year.

The rest of the accessories list improves comfort and convenience over time. Start with function, add comfort as you figure out what you actually need.