Investing in decent motorcycle gear is an important aspect of motorcycle riding. As a budget rider, I aim to find the best quality at the best price. However, this is an area where you still do need to set aside a decent budget. The best motorcycle insurance is a bike that works well, good motorcycle gear, and training/experience.
Here is a list of items I own and recommend. (Previous gear guide HERE)

*click on the image, if you want to skip/jump to info for that particular item*

BIKES




HELMETS




BOOTS




JACKETS




PANTS




GLOVES/ARMOUR/ACCESSORIES

BIKES

KAWASAKI DTRACKER 250

156,000 baht
(Approx 4500 USD / 3500 GBP / 6000 AUD)

My Kawasaki has proven to be a fantastically reliable bike. In recent years I have been wanting a bit more power, but the bike hasn’t let me down yet.  My bike model was released in 2012, which I purchased 2nd-hand in late 2014. I made a few adjustments, (listed below). If you have any questions, drop a comment in the box at the end of the article.

Detailed specs

Engine: 4 -stroke , single cylinder , water-cooled , SOHC, 4 valves
Volume: 249 cc
Bore / Stroke : 72.0 x 61.2 mm
Compression: 11:0:1
Transmission: 6 – speed
Ignition: Digital DC-CDI.
Starter: electric starter
Clutch: manual
Front tire dimensions : 110/70-17
Rear Tire Size : 130/70-17
Front suspension : telescopic fork , 43 mm
Rear shock :
monoshock Front brake disc 250 mm
Rear brake: 220 mm disc
Length x width x height : 2130 mm x 795 mm x 1125 mm
Wheelbase: 1420mm
Minimum distance to floor : 225 mm
Seat height: 860 mm
Weight: 139 kg
fuel tank capacity : 7.7 liters

Adjustments Made

• Tooth dropped in the front sprocket. 
• Pannier frame added (custom design)

Tires Used

1: IRC-IZS – a budget tire manufacturer which is often low-rated. However, the IZS range is considered to be a fab sticky budget supermoto road tire. Fun tires for road riding.
2: Vee Rubber VRM-163 – a 50/50 dual sport tire with good grip and traction. Really like these tires for mixed terrain.
3: Aspire Premiro (an emergency purchase due to not being able to find a new set of Vee Rubber tires. Jury is still out on these.. )

YAMAHA FINO 115CC

51,500 Baht
(Approx 1700 USD / 1300 GBP / 2300 AUD)

Don’t scoff at little scooters.  😉 This little bike took me touring all over Northern Thailand for many years. Since purchasing my dtracker in late 2016, this scooter has been retired as a coffee shop/daily commuter bike only. The build of this bike makes it not ideal for anything other than a commuter bike, but it is certainly possible. 

Detailed specs

Engine Type: 4 -stroke , SOHC, air cooled .
Volume: 113.0 cu .
Compression ratio : 8.8:1.
Bore x Stroke : 50×57.9 mm
spark plug type : NGK/C7HSA.
Fuel system Carburetor KEIHIN NCV24.
ignition : CDI
Clutch: automatic.
Starter: Electric and kick starter manual .
petrol: ethanol go from 91 up
Fuel tank capacity : 4.1 liters
Transmission: automatic CVT belt
Weight and size :
frame type: steel frame .
Tilt / The fork : 26.5° / 100 mm
Width x Length x Height: 705 x 1830 x 1050 mm
seat height: 745 mm
Ground clearance: 125 mm
Wheelbase: 1240 mm
Dry weight / weight with a full tank :
92/96 kg
Suspension .
Front : telescopic fork
Rear: myatnikovaya
Brake System .
Front brake: disc brake with single piston .
Rear : drum brake .
Front : 70/90-14M/C 34P.
Rear : 80/90-14M/C 

Adjustments Made

• Removed Stickers / added chrome roll bars,  accessories & seat back

Tires Used

1: IRC-IZS – budget supermoto road tire.

HELMETS

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SHOEI XR-1100

Discontinued – the Shoei RF now replaces the XR-1100

My Shoei XR-1100 has been a truly beloved helmet, and thankfully the updated version (the Shoei RF), has all the best ingredients of the XR-1100, but with added improvements.

Detailed specs

OUTER LAYER: The outer shell is Shoei’s own Advanced Integrated Matrix (AIM) composite, which sandwiches an organic fibre reinforced layer and similar 3D layer, between two hard fibreglass layers.

INNER LAYER: The inner shell is a dual layer, multi-density EPS (a form of polystyrene but carefully engineered variants to absorb shocks at different rates around the lid). The twin layers allow space for cooling air to travel when the vents are open. 

INSIDE: A multi-piece system of  removable, washable, adjustable and replaceable foam.

• 1.6Kg 
• D-ring fastener
  
• CWR-1 Pinlock shield
• meets DOT & SNELL M2015 safety standards
• Low noise
• Good ventilation
• Manufactured in four shell sizes
• Sizes XS-XXL

 

Let’s Go!

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O’NEAL MX HELMET

Extremely comfortable fit and lightweight. Love the visor shade for shielding the sun, but becomes problematic at speed (as with all MX helmets, they are not designed with aerodynamics in mind). This helmet has been my everyday run-around helmet for some time, purely because it is so comfortable. 

Detailed specs

• 1080g
• ultra-lightweight full carbon shell
• Maximum airflow throughout the helmet delivered by oversized vents and custom CNC calculated EPS channels 
• Ultra-plush removable and washable padded inner liner
• Exceeds DOT and ECE 22-05 safety standards.

Let’s Go!

For a DETAILED GUIDE on helmets, including the various styles and fittings (plus video guide), read:
👇 👇 MOTORCYCLE HELMET GUIDE 👇 👇 

BOOTS

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FORMA ADVENTURE BOOTS

Waterproof armoured boot

One of the top most popular ADV riding boot, and for good reasons. Lightweight, yet armoured, offering great protection.I love the level of protect this boot offers, yet feels like wearing carpet slippers! The grooved sole also makes them great for walking/hiking to viewpoints.

Detailed specs

• Full-grain oiled leather upper
• Drytex waterproof and breathable lining
• Double density anti slip rubber sole
• Injection molded plastic front plate
• Plastic gear pad protection
• Internal molded plastic protections
• Unbreakable and adjustable GH plastic buckles
• Shin and ankle TPU molded plastic protections
• Ankle reinforcements
• Special rigid nylon mid-sole with steel shank
• Extra soft polymer padding with memory foam
• Anti-bacterial

Let’s Go!

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PAMABO TOUR

Pamabo Performance is a foreign-owned Thailand-based motorcycle boot company. This particular boot (the Pamabo Tour) is a lightweight unarmoured boot. (Armoured range available). My Forma boots are my main staple, but the Pamabo Tours have been great when I want lightweight protection. Full Pamabo Range: WEBSITE

Detailed specs

• Leather
• Waterproof
• Reflective strips
• unisex
• Moulded

Let’s Go!

My VIDEO REVIEW on the Pamabo boots, including the unboxing 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LNN01oseU84

JACKETS

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KOMINE JK-053

FULL MESH LADIES CUT JACKET

I absolutely LOVE this jacket! Being full mesh means it doesn’t have the same level of protection as heavier jackets, but in Thailand tropical heat it has been absolutely perfect!Huge thumbs up for the jacket, but huge thumbs down for the armour in truth (flimsy). The cost does reflect that however, so I replaced the armour with heavier duty armour and a fantastic back protector insert from Knox. I realise for some this jacket may be a bit too low on the protective side, but in Thailand tropical heat, where the risk of heat exhaustion is high, this jacket ticks a lot of boxes.

Detailed specs

• Lightweight polyester mesh jacket, with armoured inserts (shoulders, elbows, back).
• male & female versions
• Adjustable velcro
• CE Approved Armour
•  

PANTS

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PANDO MOTO KUSARI BLACK

Kevlar lined armoured waxed jeans

LOVE AT FIRST WEAR! The most comfortable riding trousers I’ve ever worn! When I traveled to London in 2019, I specifically hoped to obtain a really good fitting riding pant.I did not expect to buy these initially, but as soon as I tried them on they were so unbelievably comfortable that I had to get them.The stretch and comfort level is amazing and surprisingly ok in the Thailand heat. (Mesh would be best, but the comfort factor of these waxed jeans outweighs mesh for me).Waxed jeans with hip and knee armour and a significant portion of kevlar lining.

Detailed specs

• Skinny fit (leggings).
• Made of heavy duty 8 oz power stretch waxed denim.
• Lining: made of thick interlock-knit DuPont™ Kevlar® fibers.
• 2 position knee armor pockets.
• CE officially approved PPE under EN 17092, level AA (speed 70 km/h).
• KNOX® Micro Lock CE (EN1621-1:2012) approved knee and hip armor INCLUDED.
• Hand-made stretch panels on knees.
• Embroidery in the front.
• Waterproof zipper on back pocket.
• Reinforced with chain stitches.
• Made in Europe.

Let’s Go!

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DRAGGIN JEANS

Kevlar Lined high-waisted Jeans

Comfortable jeans with a boot cut and stretch, and lined with kevlar. These jeans have the added benefit of looking good as well as being comfortable and protected. The only downside is how they can be in Thailand heat, but they are great for Cool Season riding. Draggin also has mens biker jeans, as well as several ladies, cut designs.

Detailed specs

• Skinny fit (leggings).
• Made of heavy duty 8 oz power stretch waxed denim.
• Lining: made of thick interlock-knit DuPont™ Kevlar® fibers.
• 2 position knee armor pockets.
• CE officially approved PPE under EN 17092, level AA (speed 70 km/h).
• KNOX® Micro Lock CE (EN1621-1:2012) approved knee and hip armor INCLUDED.
• Hand-made stretch panels on knees.
• Embroidery in the front.
• Waterproof zipper on back pocket.
• Reinforced with chain stitches.
• Made in Europe.

(link soon)

For my VIDEO REVIEW on the Pando Moto Kusari Black jeans check out the video: 
PANDO MOTO HEAVY METAL STRESS TEST!

GLOVES / ARMOUR / ACCESSORIES

GLOVES – SCOYCO

These lightweight gloves fit my small hands perfectly. Small, well-fitting gloves have been hard to find, and these feel like a second skin, but protected.

Detailed specs

• PROTECTION: Injection shell protection on palm and back of hand,increase the impact and shock resistance as a professional motorcycle gloves.
• ANTI-SLIP: Non-slip PVC particles on palm for anti-slip.
• BREATHABILITY: Ventilation knitted fabric material design offers a soft and comfortable feeling.
• REINFORCED PALM: On the side of palm with reinforcement design for better anti-collision.
• ADJUSTABLE VELCRO CLOSURE on wrist for snug fit while you are riding.

Let’s Go!

KNOX BACK PROTECTOR

Knox MICRO-LOCK Back Protector insert

Soft, thick and moldable, this back protector is a comfortable fit inside my Komine mesh jacket. Really comfortable back protector that doesn’t feel weighty. Highly recommend! 

Detailed specs

• PROTECTION: Injection shell protection on palm and back of hand,increase the impact and shock resistance as a professional motorcycle gloves.
• ANTI-SLIP: Non-slip PVC particles on palm for anti-slip.
• BREATHABILITY: Ventilation knitted fabric material design offers a soft and comfortable feeling.
• REINFORCED PALM: On the side of palm with reinforcement design for better anti-collision.
• ADJUSTABLE VELCRO CLOSURE on wrist for snug fit while you are riding.

(link soon)

ROKKER PROTECTOR

D30 HIP PROTECTORS

Firmer than Knox, but thin and sturdy. I would prefer a different shape for my hip size, but they still work well inside my Pando Moto Kusari jeans. 

Detailed specs

• CE certified protectors
• Maximum comfort through softness and flexibility, but stiffens upon impact
• D3O displays excellent shock absorption as the intelligent molecules inside lock together, spreading the force over the whole pad
• Features VELCRO® brand closures pads for perfect positioning in ROKKER hip protector pockets
• D3O armor does not need to be removed when washing Rokker Jeans
• Sold in pairs
•  

(link soon)

DAINESE BACK PROTECTOR

DAINESE ARMADILLO

Prior to purchasing the Knox Micro-Lock back protector, this back protector was my staple. The armadillo style makes it a very comfortable fitting piece of armour. Lightweight, with high protection.

Detailed specs

• Performance Shock:

  – Back protector certified to CE – Cat. II – EN 1621.2/2014 lev. 2

  Performance Main materials:

  – Articulated external plates with controlled mobility, made of polypropylene with perforated and corrugated structure.
  – Inner core in perforated Crash Absorb
  – Localized comfort padding

  Comfort Ergonomics:

  – Back protector with 4 degrees of freedom:
  – Longitudinal stretch
  – Longitudinal bending
  – Torsion
  – Lateral bending controlled by special tensioners

  Others General:

  – Adjustable and removable straps
  – Adjustable lumbar strip with double Velcro

Let’s Go!

TAICHI KNEE GUARDS

Slip on Knee protectors

Comfortable fit knee guards if you do not have built-in knee armour. They slip on like socks and provide comfortable knee protection. I rarely use these now, due to having built-in knee-protection on the Pando Moto jeans. 

• CE certified protectors

(link soon)

ACCESSORIES – TOP BOX

GIVI E300

Fantastic top box and been a riding staple. This smaller sized topbox has been great for my size of bike (250cc) and style of bike, as it stays within the streamlined aerodynamics of my Kawasaki Dtracker.I normally pack light, so the size is perfect, and if I decide to camp or need more items, I have a pannier rack and pannier bags.

Detailed specs

• Volume: 30 litres
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 40 x 30 x 40 cm.
• Colour: black with reflector

Let’s Go!

Hope the list helps. If you have any questions, drop them in the comment section below. If you would like to support or sign up to Patreon for perks & bonuses, check out the SUPPORT page. My best!