Motorcycle Touring Gear

Motorcycle touring gear has a different job from what you wear on a quick city ride. Over long days you deal with heat, wind, sudden rain, cold at altitude and a bike loaded with luggage.

This page is the starting point for your motorbike touring gear. It brings together touring clothing, luggage, protection and accessories for riders covering real distance on Indian roads. Use it to see the full kit, then open each section for detail.

Shop motorcycle touring gear by category

• Riding apparel: touring jackets, touring pants, touring gloves and touring boots.
• Head protection: touring helmets for long days in the saddle.
• Luggage: tank, saddle and tail bags in our motorcycle luggage range.
• Rain protection: the monsoon gear range for wet routes.
• Accessories: Bluetooth intercoms, hydration bags, action cameras and comfort items, all listed on this page.

Putting together a touring outfit

A good touring outfit works in layers. Start with protective outer gear that has armour, add a rain layer you can reach quickly, and finish with boots and gloves that suit the season. Packing one layer too many is easier to fix than being cold at 3,000 metres.

Our layering and ventilation guide shows how to handle hot and cold stretches, and base layers for motorcycle riding covers what to wear under your jacket. Waterproof riding gear decoded explains what waterproof means before you spend.

Motorcycle touring bags and luggage

Most riders use a mix. A tank bag keeps your phone, documents and snacks within reach. Saddle bags carry clothes and most of your load. A tail bag takes bulky, light items.

Check that the bags suit your bike, especially if it has an upswept exhaust or a non metal tank. The filters on this page sort that out quickly. Then read how to pack motorcycle luggage and motorcycle security while touring.

Accessories, tech and trip planning

A Bluetooth intercom helps with navigation and calls, and a hydration bag keeps you drinking on hot stretches. If you plan to shoot the trip, our action camera photography guide and touring with a DSLR cover mounting, battery life and protecting your camera.

Going high? Read the high altitude sickness guide before you leave. Sleeping out? See motorcycle camping gear and wild camping basics.

Plan the trip

Good gear is half the job. The rest is planning:

• How to plan a motorcycle tour route and itinerary
• Best time of year for motorcycle touring in India
• Budgeting a motorcycle tour in India
• Permits and documents for motorcycle touring in India
• Pre-trip motorcycle mechanical checklist

Frequently asked questions

Q1: What is the best motorcycle touring gear to buy first?

A1: Start with what protects you: a jacket, gloves, boots and a helmet that fit well. Add luggage next, then comfort items such as a rain layer and an intercom. Our items to carry on a long motorcycle tour guide shows the order most experienced riders follow.

Q2: How is touring gear different from regular riding gear?

A2: Touring gear is chosen for long hours and changing weather. It usually adds ventilation, removable liners, extra pockets and adjustable fit, and it pairs with luggage and accessories that a short city ride does not need.

Q3: Do you sell touring helmets?

A3: Yes. Our SMK Typhoon touring helmets are full face helmets chosen for long rides. You can also browse the full range of motorcycle helmets and read choosing a properly fitting helmet to get the size right.

Q4: Which luggage is best for touring, a tank bag, saddle bags or a tail bag?

A4: Many riders use all three. Tank bags are for things you need on the move, saddle bags hold most of your clothing, and a tail bag suits bulky, light gear. Check compatibility with your tank material and exhaust first.

Q5: What should I wear for touring in the rain?

A5: Wear a rain overjacket and rain pants over your riding gear, and protect your hands and feet with waterproof gloves and boots or shoe covers. Shop it all on our monsoon gear page and read what to wear while riding in the rain for layering tips. Top tips for riding a motorcycle in the rain covers the riding side.

Q6: What should I carry on a long motorcycle tour?

A6: Carry your documents, a basic tool kit, a puncture repair kit, a first aid kit, a rain layer and enough water. The items to carry on a long motorcycle tour guide has the full checklist, and permits and documents for touring in India covers the paperwork.

Q7: Where do I find touring gear for my feet and hands?

A7: Open touring boots for ankle and shin protection, and touring gloves for protection and comfort across long days.