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.

Top Motorcycle Safety Accessories Worth the Money

jamesjordan
3 days ago
6 min read

The gear you wear is your primary protection, but a set of well-chosen safety accessories can significantly reduce your risk on every ride. High-visibility gear, airbag systems, and defensive riding tools work with your protective gear — not instead of it.

Key Takeaways

High-visibility gear is one of the most cost-effective safety investments — cars that see you are less likely to hit you
Motorcycle airbag vests and jackets are now affordable enough for everyday riders, not just racers
Reflective accessories extend the visibility benefit of hi-vis gear into night riding
Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS) prevent one of the most dangerous mechanical failure modes
Emergency communication devices (like Spot or Garmin inReach) are worth considering for solo or remote riding
First aid kits on bikes should be calibrated to motorcycle-specific injuries

High-Visibility Gear

Being seen by other drivers is one of the most direct ways to reduce your crash risk on the road. Motorcycles are small relative to other vehicles, and a significant portion of motorcycle accidents involve a car that pulled into the rider's path because the driver "didn't see" the motorcycle.

Hi-vis yellow-green is the highest-visibility color in daylight conditions, which is why it's used on road crews and emergency personnel. It's not the only option — bright orange, white, and reflective silver/gold all outperform dark colors. The key is contrast with your riding environment.

Hi-Vis Options

Hi-vis jacket or vest over your riding jacket: fastest, cheapest way to add visibility. A $30–$60 hi-vis mesh vest goes over any jacket.
Hi-vis riding jacket as your primary jacket: integrates protection and visibility. Most textile jacket manufacturers offer hi-vis colorways.
Reflective tape on helmet and jacket: effective at night, minimal cost. 3M Scotchlite tape is durable and sticks to most helmet shells.
Reflective vest addons: clip-on reflective strips, Sam Browne belts, or full reflective vests for night commuting.

Motorcycle Airbag Systems

Motorcycle airbags are no longer niche racing gear. Wearable airbag systems are now available at prices that make them accessible to everyday street riders — the current range runs $500–$1,200 for tethered or electronic systems that deploy on crash detection.

Tethered Systems (Cable-Activated)

The original wearable airbag design: a cable connects the airbag vest or jacket to the bike. If you separate from the bike beyond the cable length, the airbag deploys. Helite and Hit-Air make well-regarded tethered systems. They're reliable, require no batteries, and work at any speed. The tradeoff: the cable can deploy accidentally if you dismount awkwardly, and the mechanism needs periodic inspection.

Electronic Systems (Sensor-Activated)

Electronic airbag vests and jackets use accelerometers and algorithms to detect crash signatures and deploy without a physical connection to the bike. Alpinestars Tech-Air and Dainese D-Air are the premium options in this category. These are more expensive ($700–$1,200 for the wearable unit) and require periodic service and firmware updates, but they have no tether and deploy faster in some crash scenarios.

Is a Motorcycle Airbag Worth It?

Independent testing and real-world data show wearable airbags reduce spine, chest, and hip injury severity in crashes. For riders who cover significant miles or ride on highways, the investment is defensible. For occasional low-speed urban riders, the cost-benefit is less clear. If you're already investing in CE Level 2 armor, the next meaningful protection upgrade is an airbag system.

Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems (TPMS)

Tire pressure is one of the most commonly overlooked maintenance items on motorcycles. Riding on under-inflated tires affects handling, increases tire wear, and in a worst case contributes to a blowout. A TPMS system gives you a continuous readout on your dashboard or a handlebar-mounted gauge.

External TPMS sensors screw onto your existing valve stems and pair wirelessly to a display. They're inexpensive ($30–$80 for a pair) and make a meaningful difference in awareness. Internal TPMS sensors (built into the valve stem itself) are more secure but require a tire shop to install.

Emergency Communication Devices

For riders who venture into remote areas — any touring or adventure riding away from cell service — a satellite communicator is a legitimate safety investment. Garmin inReach and SPOT devices let you send an SOS even where there's no cell signal. They also let you share your location with someone at home who can raise an alarm if you don't check in.

These devices aren't necessary for urban commuting. They become relevant the moment you're planning a route through areas where cell coverage is spotty or nonexistent.

Motorcycle First Aid Kits

A standard first aid kit isn't optimized for motorcycle injuries. A motorcycle-specific kit includes:

Trauma dressings and pressure bandages for road rash and lacerations
Tourniquet (CAT or SOFTT-W) for limb injuries
Mylar emergency blanket for shock management
Triangular bandage and SAM splint for joint injuries
Nitrile gloves and eye shield for first responder scenarios
Basic medications: ibuprofen, antihistamine

Compact motorcycle first aid kits designed for saddlebag carry are available from Revzilla and specialty medical equipment suppliers. The RAC Moto kit and similar purpose-built options are more useful than a generic drug store kit.

Reflective and Lighting Accessories

Auxiliary lighting improves your visibility to other drivers. Handlebar-mounted or frame-mounted auxiliary LED lights are common on adventure bikes for this reason. For standard street bikes, less permanent options like high-powered LED light pods that clamp to crash bars or forks are available.

Reflective accessories — helmet decals, jacket tape, tire sidewall reflectors — improve visibility in low-light conditions without requiring electrical modification to the bike.

For quality American-made riding gear that you can pair with these safety additions, Legendary USA builds leather jackets, vests, and gloves in the United States to standards worth the investment.

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

For the broader accessories picture, see our best place to buy motorcycle gear accessories in the US.

Defensive Riding Gear and Tools

High-Visibility Helmet

White helmets are statistically more visible than dark helmets in daylight. High-visibility yellow-green helmets are even more so. If you're in the market for a new helmet and safety visibility is a priority, color choice matters.

Hand Guards

Hand guards mount to the handlebars and protect your levers in a tip-over while also reducing the chance of throttle/brake disruption from debris. Standard on adventure and dual-sport bikes; optional add-on for others. Minor safety benefit but also protects expensive hand controls.

Crash Bars and Frame Sliders

Crash bars protect the engine case and sometimes the rider's legs in a low-speed tip-over. Frame sliders protect the fairings and structural components in a slide. These are damage-limiting accessories rather than rider-protection ones, but preserving the bike's integrity has downstream safety value.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does high-visibility gear actually reduce crash risk?

Research consistently shows that high-visibility and reflective gear improves a rider's conspicuity to other drivers. A 2009 study (Hurt Report follow-up) and subsequent European research confirm that riders in hi-vis gear are less likely to be involved in car-motorcycle crashes where the car driver "failed to see" the motorcycle. The effect is not zero, and the cost is minimal — a hi-vis vest is a worthwhile addition.

How much do motorcycle airbag vests cost?

Tethered airbag vests run $400–$700 from Helite, Hit-Air, and similar manufacturers. Electronic systems from Alpinestars Tech-Air and Dainese D-Air run $700–$1,200. Inflation cartridge replacements after a deployment typically cost $50–$100. Electronic systems also have annual subscription or service fees in some cases.

Are TPMS sensors accurate enough to rely on?

External TPMS sensors are accurate to within 1–2 PSI at normal riding temperatures, which is sufficient for awareness purposes. They're not a replacement for manual tire pressure checks before long rides, but they're genuinely useful for detecting a slow leak or dramatic pressure change while riding. The main failure mode is sensor battery life — check the sensor battery annually.

What safety accessories are most cost-effective?

In order of protection-per-dollar: (1) hi-vis vest or jacket over your existing gear, (2) reflective tape on helmet and jacket, (3) TPMS sensors on tires, (4) quality first aid kit in the bag, (5) airbag system for high-mileage riders. The first three together cost under $100 and have immediate practical benefit.

Do I need a satellite communicator for road touring?

For riding on maintained roads with cell coverage, no. For touring routes that include remote passes, unpaved sections, or any route where you might be far from help with no signal, yes. The $300–$400 cost plus subscription is worth it for solo riders covering remote terrain. Riding in groups reduces the need since other riders can call for help.

What is the best way to add lighting to a motorcycle for visibility?

Auxiliary driving lights (fog lights, LED light bars) are the most effective for being seen and for seeing. USB-powered or hardwired handlebar-mounted LED cubes are accessible entry points. On bikes without convenient mounting points, handlebar-clamp options work well. Ensure any added lighting is aimed to be visible without blinding oncoming drivers.

Bottom Line

Safety accessories fill the gaps between your core protective gear and the unpredictable road environment. A hi-vis vest takes 10 seconds to put on and makes you more visible all day. A TPMS system catches a slow leak before it becomes a handling problem. An airbag vest changes the outcome of crashes your armor alone can't fully address.

None of these replace gear, rider training, or attentive riding. They're additions to a solid foundation — not a substitute for it.