Gear Directory

The Manufacturers section is a list of companies that makes real protective gear for women. No fluff.  These companies also tend to make slightly higher quality, more protective options for us including 1 and 2 piece leathers.

Accessories

Alaska Leather
Alaska Leather sells sheepskin seatpads which are known to help cushion your tush for really long rides. I purchased one of these recently for my bike since I can’t afford a custom seat right now. Their seat cover definitely extended the comfort time from 20 minutes to ~45 minutes. If you have an SV, you know how painful the stock seat is. Their customer service is fantastic, the prices are reasonable and there are numerous colors/patterns to choose from.

Bill Mayer Saddles
Bill Mayer is also well known in the custom seat industry. Based in Ojai, CA, it’s a great excuse to ride the long way down Hwy 1. ”Any Bike Any Butt!”

Motorcycle Gadgets
Unique gadgets and accessories for your ride. I picked up their MG Moto-Hanger (great for helmets), and their Mini Light Mine at one of the motorcycle shows.  Nifty site for finding cool travel and riding accessories.

Rain Hayes
Rain makes custom helmets, handcrafted and made to order with Swarovski crystals. The helmets are gorgeous in person and are highly visible at night.

Renazco
Renazco is based in Santa Rosa, CA and appears to specialize in custom seats for adventure/enduro motorcycles. If you have an off road or dual sport bike and are looking for something a little different than a Corbin, check these guys out!

Sargent Cycle
Sargent is supposed to be one of the best custom seats you can get. Based in Jacksonville,FL, they’re one of the best.

Schampa
Schampa makes excellent baselayers and accessories to keep you nice and warm. They make everything from headwraps, balaclavas, neck gaiters, facemasks and more. If you’re looking for arm warmers, or a shirt and pants to wear as a baselayer while riding or even skiing, their products will definitely do the job. The Skinny Balaclava is especially warm with the fleecelike lining. The Skinny Shirt and Pants are perfect for cold weather, with a fleecy lining they will be sure to keep you warm under your gear.

That’s a Wrap
“That’s a Wrap!, a woman owned and operated company, offers the latest and greatest in products to enhance your motorcycle experiences. Head Wraps, Doo Rags, Do Rags, Stretch Wraps, Under Wraps, Beanies, Motorcycle Accessories, and High Performance fabrics. We are a company built by riders for riders.”

Bluetooth Comms

BlueAnt - no longer distributing in the US in 2011.

Chatterbox
Chatterbox makes Bluetooth, person to person headsets, intercom systems and accessories. They make a bluetooth headset that can also provide 2 way feedback for music from your ipod or mp3 player.

Sena Bluetooth
Sena offers a really simple navigation button that also works as a dial. I’ve only heard great things about these headsets which offer multiple connections, A2DP and more.

Body Armor

D30
You can find D30 armor in jackets from KLIM, FirstGear, Rukka Held, KTM Powerwear,  The armor is extremely soft, almost gel like. Somehow, it maintains this consistency even on impact. Read all about how their technology works on their website. You can purchase the body armor sets at any dealer that carries any of the above brands. Most dealers have access to Tucker Rocky, who distributes First Gear.

Forcefield TPro
Forcefield makes a line of insert and external body armor. They offer full protection in the form of insertable armor that can be sewn in or placed in the existing armor pockets in your gear. Or external armor that can be worn underneath any jacket / pants. For women, they make a shorter version of their Pro L2, which is great if you’re a smaller gal like me. Aside from body armor, they also make climate control wear/baselayers for heat and cold. One of my favorite things are the limb tubes for your arms and legs for wearing underneath your regular clothes if your gear doesn’t have armor sewn into it already. I love their knee and elbow insert armor options. They’re much narrower than others and fit me perfectly.

Knox Armor
Knox makes external body armor including back protectors, insert body armor including elbow/shoulder/knee/hip protectors. They also make some thermal baselayers and race gloves. The glove sizing appears to be unisexed with sizes down to XS. I’ve not handled a pair in person, so not sure how small their XS is. But since most men’s gloves stop at Size Small, I’m going to guess that an XS would be the equivalent to a woman’s size.

Casual

Art of the Bike
If you’re looking for some really great vintage motorcycle inspired tees, check out what Bill and his cohort have to offer. Unfortunately he only has one women’s tee, but their work is gorgeous and definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for casual moto wear. Please tell Bill I sent you!

FING Ride
It doesn’t matter what you ride, just F’ING Ride! Found this Portland based company while at the Seattle IMS. Love my long sleeve hoodie.

Girls Ride In Front Motorcycle Wear
If you want everyone to know that you definitely ride your own bike, then Pamela’s tees and hoodies are for you! Please tell Pamela that I sent you.

Motorcycle Girl Wear
MCGWear makes casual wear (tees, tanks, hoodies, etc.) for every woman who
rides a motorcycle. Say hito DaNeille and Sheila for me, and let them
know I sent you!

Style Saver Scarves
“Style Savers is a unique and innovative way to protect your hairstyle from becoming the dreaded “helmet hair” while wearing a helmet when riding.” -from their website

Va Va Vroom
VVV also offers cute and stylish motorcycle-inspired casual wear. Please tell Denise I sent you.

Heated Gear

Exo2 The Heat Inside
exo2 also makes a full collection of heated liners including jackets (unisex, down to a size 34-36 / us 4), pants, shoe inserts and more.

Gerbing Heated Clothing
Gerbing is well known for their heated jackets, and has a new microwire technology that eliminates the traditional long wires that run up and down the jacket. They also make heated gloves, vests, insoles and more.

Powerlet
Powerlet also has a women’s heated liner. I don’t have any experience with their producs, so not sure how they fit.

WarmnSafe Heated Clothing

WarmnSafe makes a great women’s heated jacket that goes down to a size 4. As of 1/1/11, you can save up to 30% on their products. Read this blog post to find out more.

Widder
For awhile, it looked like you wouldn’t be able to get Widder Heated Vests anymore since I believe Mr. Widder himself had retired. But now, the Iron Butt Association has decided to make all Widder vests and accessories available on their website. The 36 is probably close a Women’s US6-8.

Luggage/Accessories

Axio USA
Axio’s line of hardpacks made just for motorcyclists make the perfect bag for commuters and students looking for a way to safely transport their laptops, books or whatever they need to in a stylish yet ergonomic and aerodynamic way. Read my review of one of their hardpacks here.

Chrome Bags
Chrome Bags are the ultimate messenger’s bag. With a few different option including traditional messenger style and backpack style bags, they are extremely popular in the courier and motorcycle world. If you’re looking for a stylish, functional courier bag to haul your laptop and other goodies (on your motorcycle or bicycle), check them out. If you’re in San Francisco, stop by their retail store

Givi
Givi is probably the most popular option for top and side hard cases. They make soft and hard luggage options for so many different bikes. They also make soft luggage, screens and even accessories for bicycles and scooters. Read my review of my V46NT here.

Kriega
Kriega makes 100% waterproof backpacks and tailbags! They also make waistpacks, hydration packs, tool rolls and more. If you’re looking for rugged, durable, waterproof bags for your next trip, check out Kriega. Perfect accessories for those of you with motorcycles that lack the mounting hardware necessary for hard cases.

Mission Workshop
Also based in San Francisco, Mission Workshops makes unique messenger bags with waterproof pockets, laptop pockets and a great urban aesthetic.

Ogio Bags
I love my Ogio helmet bag. Not only is it spacious and functional, fitting my Shoei X-12 and my Daytona boots, but it’s uber cute too. I’ve actually used it multiple times as a carry on bag to keep a change of clothes, my purse and miscellaneous goodies in. Their gearbags are designed to pack all your gear in one bag, not 2. Aside from helmet bags, they offer backpacks (on and off the bike), tail/tankbags, and traditional carry on roller luggage.

Rickshaw Bagworks
I have a Rickshaw laptop bag, which I customized at their factory in Potrero Hill in San Francisco. I got to pick out the color, fabric and details including a removable laptop sleeve. They make more than just courier bags, so if you’re looking for an iPad sleeve, diaper bag or an alternative option for carrying your baby’s diapers/bottles, check out Rickshaw.

RKA Luggage
RKA Luggage is based in Sonoma, CA and have been in business for over 25 years. Linda and Richard are making fantastic products for distance riders everywhere. Everything from tank bags, tail bags and bluetooth accessories for that next trip from CA to NY. Please tell them I sent you!

Timbuk2
I have a custom Timbuk2 also (yeah, I have way too much gear ) which I prefer over my Rickshaw on the bike. The fit is just a little more comfortable across my back and just feels more comfortable when I’m riding with it. It’s fully waterproof (ridden in pouring rain with it, always dry!) and the bottom of the bag is wider than the top so you can cram all of your “crap” or belongings. If you want your own custom Timbuk2, just visit their website, or if you’re in San Francisco, visit their Hayes Valley storefront. There are also some one of a kind designs by local designers that you can purchase also.

Tourmaster/Cortech
Tourmaster also owns Cortech. They offer soft luggage in both lines.  Most of the Tourmaster branded luggage tends to be more cruiser oriented, although they offer several options that are sport touring friendly. The Cortech line offers more sportbike oriented tank bags and tribag (tailbag + saddlebag) options.  They’re very affordable, rugged and offer simple features.

Wolfman
No, not that kind.  Their soft luggage options are considered very touring/adventure/enduro friendly. If you’re looking for a tailpack or enduro bag for your special KTM or DRZ, you’ll like what Wolfman has to offer.

Manufacturers

AGVSport
AGVSport offers several jackets exclusively through Motonation.com. They have a European fit and currently only offer jackets for women.

AlpineStars
AlpineStars carries an extensive women’s line that is both stylish and protective. The fit is European and starts at a US0-2. If you have a short torso and are looking for something a little shorter in the waist, try AlpineStars. Try Motostrano to see and purchase their entire collection.

British Motorcycle Gear
Formerly known as Belstaff, their textile jackets are excellent for touring, as they’re extremely durable, have multiple layers and will keep you warm in extremely cold climates. I was told by one of their dealers that many Eastern European police forces use these jackets. Unfortunately, their women’s sizing doesn’t run smaller than a US 6. But the good news is that BMG jackets for women run very generous in the shoulders, bust and arms. If you’re a curvy woman, with real curves, looking for an incredible winter motorcycle jacket, then you definitely need to check out BMG.

Cortech
If you have trouble finding a jacket to fit your bust, and you need something above a US Women’s Size 14, you’ll find some of their jackets sized all the way up to a US 20. The shoulders, chest, arms and bust are cut generously for those of you with a curvy body and/or muscular shoulders/arms. Everything (including men’s line) is cut with a generous, what I call, “American Fit”. Nothing in the women’s line is priced over $250.

Dainese
Dainese has an incredible line of fully protective, leather women’s gear. Both for street and track riding. You’ll find the Dainese fit to be a European fit, narrower through the shoulders, bust, waist, hips and thighs. The cut/shape is outstanding, especially if you’re a petite body type and have trouble finding gear small enough to fit you. Their sizing for women starts at ~38 or ~40 (US0-2), depending on the make/model and goes up to a US14. I have a rather short torso with a higher waist and everything they makes fits me so well. My wallet hurts just thinking about it.

You’ll find a full line of textile and leather jackets and pants for women. Dainese has recently opened 3 stores in the US in major cities such as San Francisco, Costa Mesa, Chicago and I hear they’re working on opening more stores in 2011 so stay tuned.

FieldSheer
Fieldsheer has textile/leather jackets and pants. Their Tracker leather pant even goes up to Size 18! The Adventure jacket looks like an excellent jacket for touring or cold climates. They’ve recently posted their size charts on their website as well.

First Gear
If you’re searching for waterproof overpants, First Gear is one of the few manufacturers that makes a pant with full length zippers from hip to toe. You’ll find the fit to be ‘American’ fit.

Forma Boots
Forma is an Italian brand that also makes branded boots for manufacturers such as BMW. They offer 2 official boots for women, the Diamond and the Simo. However, many of their boots start in sizes as small as a Euro 35 (US5), depending on the model. They have a great range of sport touring as well as dual sport boots.

GoGo Gear
GoGoGear is making highly fashionable riding jackets for women. When I see them, I definitely think of wearing them out to dinner, or as a really cute casual coat. But they do come fully armored, with CE rated elbow and shoulder armor, as well as back protection.

Held USA
Held makes gloves in numeric sizes, in .5 increments. Some of their gloves including the Phantoms run as small as a size 6. Perfect for petite women’s hands. I’m a 7 and normally wear small/medium women’s gloves. Some brands I can wear smalls, but it depends. Held makes dozens of styles of gloves. The Steves are quite popular for warmer weather (no good for winter) and can be ordered in half sizes as well. They also make a full line of jackets, pants and boots. Revzilla has some jackets/pants in their store

Helimot
I’m so glad we’re at H, because Helimot is truly a unique store that was started by a wonderful lady by the name of Linda. Please read what she says about women’s gear and why she started doing this here.Helimot will custom fit leathers for you in a multitude of colors/patterns to choose from. They also carry the largest selection of Daytona boots, including the beloved boots of which I am a very proud owner. Don’t forget to check out my review of the Lady Star boots here.

Heroic Racing
Heroic Racing makes gorgeous one piece custom racing suits for women, as well as high end racing gloves. Todd is a talented designer when it comes to incorporating a racer’s color and design preferences into the suits. Their gloves also come in smaller sizes and fit my hand well, like a glove. I tried on their race glove, in a 7 and the fit was amazing. The design is gorgeous, and the suits are safe, as well as sexy.

Hit-Air
Hit Air is a japanese brand that has come out with textile jackets and vests with an inflatable airbag system. Safermoto is the sole distributor. There is one textile women’s jacket, called the FR Lady. The fit/cut does look on the petite side, as the XL only accommodates up to a 38″ chest.

Joe Rocket
Full women’s line of gear including jackets, pants, gloves and casual wear. The cut on Joe Rocket tends to be generous in the shoulders, arms and bust. So if you’re a size 0-2-4, I would consider a European fit from manufacturers such as Dainese, REV’IT or BMW. They also offer a full set of Diva sizes (18 – 24) in many of their jackets.

Motoport
Custom, 2 piece,  textile (Kevlar), armored gear for men and women. They also say they have the best body armor available on the market, even better than Forcefield’s TPro. Be sure to check out their “Save Your Hide” article breaking down various materials used in motorcycle gear today, breaking down tear and abrasion strength by fabric.

Nelson Rides
Nelson Rides makes custom plus sized motorcycle jackets for women. They’re also using Bohn Body Armor. Everything is made in the US, and are based in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Olympia
Olympia has a couple of great jackets and pants for women, specifically the Airglide jacket and matching pants. They’re both waterproof and well ventilated if you remove the liners. The jacket is tapered at the waist and goes past the waist just enough to cover your tailbone. Their sizing for jackets is typically XS-XXXL, and US4-18 in pants. Their pants are sized with a real woman’s fit. If you’re a 12, you’ll be a 12 with Olympia. They’re wide leg, so if you have trouble finding pants to fit your butt/thighs well, you’ll be thrilled with the way their pants fit. Especially the Airglides, since they have stretch nylon on the front of the thighs, it’s not unusual to go down a size in that style.

Racer Gloves
There are actually 2 companies out there called Racer that make motorcycle apparel. One is French, but the one you want is Austrian. Read my review of the Multitops and High Ends.

REV’IT
Scuderia carries the most REV’IT gear in the San Francisco Bay Area. If you want gear that’s actually fitted for women, and doesn’t look like you’re wearing men’s gear, you’ll love them. REV’IT is ideal for those of you who are tall, narrow in the waist have a long inseam, long arms and/or long torsos. Although it isn’t the perfect cut for me, I simply love their gear so much that I don’t care that I’m short! Actually, for those of us who are vertically challenged, REV’IT makes many of their pants in Standard and Short inseam sizes. Lucky for me, I have a 29″ inseam which allows me to wear their pants in a ‘standard’ size, vs ‘short’. Something that I really like about this company is the fact that nothing has Pink, Glitter, Floral Patterns or anything else that can be marketed as ‘girly’. The way it fits on a woman’s body is more than enough to tell someone that she is wearing women’s gear. The articulation and fit is awesome.

RS Taichi
RS Taichi is a premium Japanese brand which only makes textile options for women, unfortunately. If you thought the US had a low percentage of women riders (15-20%), Japan’s is even lower. I think I’d scare them if I showed up on my motorcycle! But the textile jackets are so comfortable, and the unisex pants are great as well. The fit is very ‘asian’, in the sense that it’s great for a petite frame (shorter inseams, short torso, compact frame). Needless to say, I love their gear.

Rukka Gear
Rukka makes coldweather adventure gear for women. Unfortunately they don’t make any of their Goretex Leather outfits for women. I’ve also found an online retailer called Adventure Moto Gear that carries the women’s line of Rukka jackets.

Segura
Segura is a French company that is currently distributed through a store in Minneapolis called MotoandCo. They offer an interesting range of sport and cafe style jackets, as well as a couple of casual style riding boots.  I’ll be reviewing one of them soon, so stay tuned.

Sidi Boots
Sidi makes several pairs of boots, and is distributed through MotoNation.com. They also distribute AGVSport apparel and Vemar helmets. There are very few track worthy boots for women on the market, and the Vertigo Lei is one of them.

Spidi
To view the women’s collection, select ‘fit for lady’ on the category drop down menu and select go. You can buy Spidi online at KneeDraggers.com. The fit is European, much like Dainese or REV’IT, so be sure to follow the size charts to order the right size. Based on the chart, a Euro 38 in Spidi is close to a Euro 34 in REV’IT or Euro 40 in Dainese, all of which are equivalent to a US Women’s 0-2.

TCX Boots
TCX bought Oxtar awhile ago, and appears to have discontinued the Sunray boot, which I have owned in the past. It looks like they have a replacement called the Aura. TCX is no longer distributed through Helmet House anymore, so they’re a little more difficult to find. You can find a dealer locater on their website.

Teiz Motorsports
Teiz makes affordable, custom one piece textile and leather suits. They’ve recently started to offer sizing in smaller women’s sizes. The textile suits are waterproof through the shell and have removable, insulated liners. The zippers are even rubberized and sealed! As of Feb. 2011, they are working on women’s prototypes (non custom), so stay tuned.

Teknic
Teknic carries a line of textile and leather jackets, boots, textile and leather pants, and gloves. The fit appears to be European, very similar in fit to Dainese. Although the sizing is a little different. I’ve tried on their Venom jacket and the 38 was *perfect*. I’m short in the torso and I loved exactly where it fell above my hips.

Tourmaster
Tourmaster has a great line of textile and leather jackets for women. They also appear to carry a couple of leather pants and gloves as well. As their name implies, check them out if you’re looking for a great touring jacket and/or luggage accessories. They also tend to make their gear far better fit for plus size women, even offering Plus Size versions of their jackets such as the Trinity and Motive.

Vanson
Vanson is a well known, highly respected gear manufacturer. You can get custom leathers or off the rack on their website or through one of their many retailers. My first jacket was a textile Vanson (which I can’t bear to get rid of) and I love it. It’s made of a very dense textile, almost like kevlar, with venting in the lower back, front chest pockets and forearms. It’s an amazing spring/summer jacket. I also love the waist cinching and comfort fit. I crashed at low speed in it once, and it barely had a mark on the shoulder.

Zooni Leathers
Looking for custom leathers? Another site that offers a custom fitted leather suit!

Online Retailers

ExtremeSupply.com

KneeDraggers

Metric Bikes

Moto Liberty
Moto Liberty is one of the largest distributors of RS Taichi gear. They also have a huge 4,500 SF store in San Antonio, TX and Dallas, TX.

MotoNationMotonation is the exclusive distributor for Sidi boots, AGVSport apparel and Vemar helmets. They have a very large dealer network, so you can definitely find them in person at a dealer near you. Check their website to find a local dealer.

Motorcycle Gear (formerly NewEnough)
You can often find great deals on closeouts and items that you can’t find anywhere else.

Motorcycle Superstore
Motorcycle Superstore carries a good selection of women’s gear including Cortech, REV’IT, AlpineStars and Fieldsheer. They have a solid return/exchange policy, so if you need to order a couple sizes and return one, you’ll want to try them out.

Real Rider
Real Rider is the online retailer for Nolan Helmets, Forma Boots, Sokz/Bodz baselayers and Hedz headwear.

Revzilla
In addition to having a great selection of women’s gear and riding accessories, GearChic is an affiliate of Revzilla, so please support this website by clicking through to Revzilla and buying your motorcycle apparel accessories through them! If you live in the Philadelphia area, you can visit their store and check out their collection of REV’IT gear, which they claim to be the largest in North America! Please support my website by clicking through to Revzilla and ordering your parts/accesories/apparel.

Riders Discount
“The source for high quality motorcycle products.” Riders Discount will give you a GearChic discount if you call them up and mention my website. They carry a full range of AlpineStars, FirstGear, Icon, Cortech and Tourmaster Jackets for women. They tend to carry more Off Road gear for women when it comes to boots and pants, so if you’re looking for a discount on women’s off road gear, try Riders Discount and let them know I sent you.

She-Rides
For a long time they were only selling women’s gear options, but it appears they’ve added men’s gear too.