Getting ready for your first dirt bike ride? This beginner-friendly guide covers all the essential pieces of gear for dirt bikes, from helmets to hydration packs, to keep you safe and comfortable. Whether you’re hitting the trails or the track, discover expert advice and practical buying tips to help you assemble the right setup for your ride.
7 pieces of dirt bike protective gear for safe riding
Riding dirt safely starts with high-quality protective gear. These items should be your first investment as a rider.
Helmet
A dirt bike helmet is one of the most crucial items of safety equipment for off-road motorcyclists, providing head protection in the event of a crash. These helmets use a full-face design and come with a visor that helps block flying debris and sunlight from reaching the rider’s eyes.
🛒 What to look for: DOT/ECE/Snell safety rating, snug fit, good ventilation, removable liners.
✅ Why it matters: Your helmet is your most critical piece of gear—low-speed falls can still cause serious injury.
💰 Beginner budget: $150–$300.
Dirt bike gear goggles
Goggles are a key part of dirt bike safety gear, protecting your eyes from flying debris, dust, and roost as you ride. A good pair should seal comfortably against your face and work well with your helmet’s eye opening. Some dirt bike goggles also provide multiple lens options—both clear and tinted—and may come with tear-offs for added convenience.
🛒 What to look for: Anti-fog lens, good airflow, soft foam seal, grippy strap.
✅ Why it matters: Off-road riding is filled with sand, dust, and small rocks. Clear vision keeps you safe and confident.
💰 Beginner budget: $30–$80.
Boots
These boots are specifically engineered for dirt bike riding, offering protection for the feet, ankles, and shins. They’re available in several design styles, with some featuring an ankle hinge system that limits excessive forward or backward movement to reduce injury risk.
🛒 What to look for: Ankle/shin support, strong buckles, heat shielding, replaceable soles.
✅ Why it matters: Boots prevent sprains, burns, and impacts from rocks or the bike itself.
💰 Beginner budget: $150–$250.
Gloves
Dirt bike gloves are designed to shield your hands from roost and reduce the chance of developing blisters. For trail riders, they also provide protection against branches, brush, and rocks encountered along the path. These gloves often come as part of a coordinated gear set, matching the jersey and pants for a complete kit.
🛒 What to look for: Good grip, padded knuckles, close fit.
✅ Why it matters: Hands take the first impact in a fall, and gloves prevent blisters during longer rides.
💰 Beginner budget: $20–$40.
Body armor
This gear for dirt bikes plays a crucial role in safeguarding your chest, back, shoulders, and arms from impacts and abrasions. Choose armor that offers a lightweight build, adjustable straps, and good ventilation to ensure both protection and comfort. Some models also feature built-in kidney belts for added support.
🛒 What to look for: CE-rated impact protection, adjustable straps, good ventilation.
✅ Why it matters: Roost, branches, and falls target the torso, collarbones, and ribs.
💰 Beginner budget: $80–$150+.
Riding pants and jersey
They are built to protect riders during crashes while remaining flexible enough for a full range of motion. They typically feature a front ratchet strap for adjusting the waistband and a roomy knee area to accommodate knee pads or braces.
There are two main styles of dirt bike pants: in-the-boot and over-the-boot. In-the-boot pants are more common, while over-the-boot pants are better at keeping mud, water, and sand out of boots, making them popular among off-road riders rather than motocross riders.
Ventilation is also an important consideration. Pants with more airflow are ideal for warm-weather or summer riding, whereas non-ventilated pants are better suited for colder conditions.
🛒 What to look for: Abrasion-resistant pants, stretch panels, leather knee patches, breathable jersey.
✅ Why it matters: MX apparel is designed for crashes and works with pads/braces.
💰 Beginner budget: $120–$160 for a combo.
Knee braces
Cornering is one of the most challenging skills to master on a dirt bike. You may drop your foot and lean into a turn, only for it to catch on a patch of track—what could have been a minor mistake might lead to serious injury. A knee brace can make the difference between finishing the ride safely and requiring surgery.
Knee braces are designed to prevent or minimize knee injuries. They also provide stability and help control movement for knees that are weak or already injured.
🛒 What to look for: Slip-resistant straps, impact-rated cups, and low-bulk fit under your pants.
✅ Why it matters: Joints are extremely vulnerable even at low speeds.
💰 Beginner budget: $25–$75 per pair.
Optional riding gear for dirt bikes to upgrade your riding experience
While protective gear is essential for safe off-road riding, certain optional accessories can take your dirt bike adventures to the next level. From advanced communication devices to reliable navigation tools and convenient hydration solutions, these items help you stay connected, on track, and fully fueled for long days on the trail.
Helmet communication devices
Communication devices add an important layer of safety and coordination during off-road riding, especially when traveling in groups or tackling long enduro routes.
Helmet intercoms are the most recommended option for dirt bike riders because they provide hands-free communication, letting you warn teammates about sudden obstacles, share route updates, or request assistance without stopping. Modern intercoms also offer wind-noise reduction, waterproof construction, long battery life, and support for multiple riders. They can also deliver turn-by-turn GPS prompts, music, and phone calls.
The Moman H2S is an ideal choice of dirt bike intercom system. We found the 1000m intercom range reliable even when riding in spread-out groups, and the advanced noise-canceling audio kept voices clear despite engine roar, wind, and dust. The audio multitasking function is especially useful. We could talk to teammates while hearing GPS directions or listening to music at the same time. Built with a durable, water-resistant design and a battery that lasted over 25 hours, it handled our toughest off-road conditions without issue.
While two-way radios are sometimes used for extended range or coordination with support vehicles, helmet intercoms remain the most practical and rider-friendly choice for real-time off-road communication.
Navigational gear
Navigational gear is essential for dirt bike riders who frequently venture into forests, deserts, mountains, and other remote terrains where phone signals are unreliable.
Many riders rely on dedicated off-road GPS units because they offer strong satellite tracking, preloaded trail maps, and rugged housings designed to withstand vibration, mud, and weather.
For casual rides or familiar routes, smartphone navigation apps with offline maps can also work well, especially when paired with a secure, anti-vibration mount on the handlebars or chest.
Whether you choose a GPS device or a phone setup, having a dependable navigation tool helps you stay on course, explore new trails confidently, and avoid getting lost deep in unfamiliar terrain.
Hydration packs and water bottles
Staying hydrated is crucial during off-road rides. Hydration packs and water bottles are key accessories that make it easy to drink while riding. Hydration packs are worn like backpacks and include a hose system for hands-free access to water. Water bottles can be mounted on your bike or carried in a bag. Select the option that best fits your riding style and personal preference.
Dirt bike gear and accessories for maintenance
Keeping your dirt bike running smoothly requires a combination of essential maintenance supplies and reliable tools. Below is a clear breakdown to help riders quickly identify what they need.
Basic maintenance supplies
Chain lube: Keeps the chain properly lubricated to slow wear and maintain smooth power delivery.
Air filter cleaner & oil: Helps remove dirt and debris from the filter and ensures clean airflow for better engine performance.
Engine oil: Choose the correct type for your two-stroke or four-stroke engine, and change it regularly to protect internal components.
Radiator fluid: Prevents overheating during long or technical rides; water can be used in emergencies, but only as a short-term solution.
Tools and equipment
Tire pressure gauge: Check and ensure proper tire pressure for optimal traction, handling, and reduced wear.
Repair kit: Useful for on-trail fixes; typically includes patches, small wrenches, and multi-tools.
Multi-tool: A compact, versatile tool for tightening bolts, adjusting cables, and handling minor adjustments.
Shock pump: Required for KTM and Husqvarna bikes with air forks to fine-tune suspension stiffness based on terrain and riding style.
Comfort accessories for long dirt bike rides
For long rides, comfort plays a crucial role. Consider adding these accessories:
- Ergonomic Seats: Improve posture and reduce strain with seats that feature extra cushioning and contoured designs for extended comfort.
- Handlebar Grips: Enhance control and reduce vibrations; grips made from gel or foam help absorb shocks effectively.
- Foot Pegs: Provide a secure and comfortable footing. Wider foot pegs help reduce leg fatigue during long rides.
Dirt bike bags gear for storage options
For long trips, having proper storage is essential. Consider these options:
- Saddlebags: Ideal for carrying larger items. Waterproof versions keep your belongings dry in wet conditions.
- Tank Bags: Perfect for quick-access essentials. Available in magnetic or strap-on designs for easy installation and removal.
- Tail Bags: Attach securely to the rear of your bike to provide extra storage. Expandable models offer flexibility for varying loads.
- Backpacks: Built specifically for riders, often including hydration systems. These are lightweight and ergonomically designed for comfort on long rides.
