Get Ready for the Motorcycle Season: Key Technical Features to Look For
February 27, 2025
As the weather warms up nothing much beats the thrill of getting back on your bike for a new season of riding adventures. But before you hit the throttle it’s worth asking yourself; is your gear up to speed? The right technical features can make the difference between a smooth ride and a frustrating, or even dangerous, experience. So, let’s gear up the right way for a season of safe, stylish, and comfortable riding!
Essential technical features for a safe and enjoyable ride
When it comes to motorcycle gear it’s not just about looking the part (although that can be a nice bonus!). The right gear should combine protection, comfort, and functionality into one seamless package, keeping you safe while looking and feeling good.
When choosing new riding gear, here are some of the essential technical features to look out for that can enhance your experience.
Weather resistant materials
Mother Nature isn’t always kind to riders. Rain, wind, and temperature swings can ruin a good day, making you feel uncomfortable and potentially causing you to lose focus on the road. Gear made from water repellent or weather resistant materials can help ensure you stay dry and comfortable no matter what.
Look for advanced treatments like waterproof liners, as seen on the AIR TATE motorcycle jacket. Having a removable liner is a great feature as it allows for multifunctional use, putting it on when wind and rain are a problem then taking it off when the sun comes out.
Durable construction
Quality gear isn’t just about surviving wear and tear; it’s about surviving a slide. Look for pieces made of real leather that’s appropriately thick, or high tech textiles that have been purposely developed to be strong, abrasion resistant and tear resistant, such as;
Along with using appropriate materials, check the design has quality fastenings, like YKK zippers, and that the seams are reinforced with double stitching.
Something to keep in mind when assessing durability is that CE certified designs have been tested to withstand impact and abrasion, and are rated according to the performance. Knowing your jacket or pants have passed rigorous testing adds a layer of confidence every time you ride.
Armor and protective reinforcements
Riding isn’t without risks, but the inclusion of modern motorcycle armor helps to cushion you from the impacts of an accident. When assessing the technical features of a design, look for gear equipped with CE Level 1 or Level 2 armor in critical areas like the shoulders, elbows, and knees. Some brands, such as PANDO MOTO, integrate SAS-TEC or D3O armor into riding pants, base layers or jackets, offering high level impact absorption without added bulk.
For some areas of the body, such as the palms of the hands, armor inserts aren’t the most practical thing to use. In this case, look for soft padding and reinforcements in the construction, as found on the IVY BLACK motorcycle gloves.
Functional features
Sometimes, it’s the little details that make a big difference. Think about what it is that would benefit your riding experience, and look for those features in the riding gear you’re choosing from. Here’s a few ideas for things you could be looking for.
- Ever tried to swipe a GPS screen with gloves that don’t work with touchscreens? Opt for gloves with touchscreen compatible fingertips instead, like the ONYX GREY.
- Ride somewhere that the nights get cool even in the summer months? Removable insulating liners in jackets such as the FALCON AVIATOR can make your riding gear functional in a range of temperatures.
Have some personal belongings you want to bring along like your wallet, phone and keys? Having the MOLLE pouch attachment system incorporated into the design, as with the COMMANDO UH lightweight jacket gives you the option of expandable storage.
Comfort
Long rides demand comfort, and what makes motorcycle gear more comfortable can often be found in the technical features. Materials woven with Coolmax® technology for effective moisture wicking, strategically placed ventilation panels including on double zips, ergonomic shaping, and adjustable straps and bands ensures your gear works with you, not against you.
The benefits of getting the right gear ahead of the season
There is always the temptation to stick with an older, still serviceable piece of gear or wait until end of season sales to upgrade, but is that really the best move? Investing in the right pieces now comes with plenty of perks.
- Every year there are brands introducing new innovations that are designed to enhance performance and safety. Getting ahead means you’ll be riding with the best tech available, rather than making it work with outdated gear.
- The harsh reality of motorcycle riding is that accidents happen. High quality gear with the right technical features and latest armor innovations could be the difference between a close call and a serious injury.
- These days function doesn’t have to mean boring. Modern motorcycle gear from PANDO MOTO combines safety and aesthetics, so you can hit the road looking as good as you feel.
- Upgrading at the start of the season maximises your opportunities to use the gear that year.
New innovations to look out for
Motorcycle gear is constantly evolving. At PANDO MOTO, there is a specific focus on innovation, using the latest technology to create riding gear that is safe, functional and stylish, suitable for the modern adventurer.
One innovation that is particularly exciting is the use of Balistex in certain PANDO MOTO designs.
A combination of UltraHigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE) and spandex, Balistex was primarily developed and used for military and law enforcement applications. Its qualities however, made it a viable option for the motorcycle apparel industry, so once it became available the work started on incorporating this textile into the PANDO MOTO range.
- Rated to CE Level AA or AAA
- 15x stronger than steel
- Stretchy while also being abrasion and tear resistant
- High heat conductivity
- So light it floats on water
At the core of the PANDO MOTO Balistex range are the armored base layers. These lightweight, form fitting shirts and leggings can be worn by themselves or with other gear, providing a versatile form of motorcycle gear that remains highly protective. There are designs specifically for men and women, taking into account the differing silhouettes, and this year sees the introduction of a new color choice, with grey options alongside the classic black.
Going fast
New product
Start motorcycle season right
Getting the right motorcycle gear isn’t just about staying safe; it’s about enhancing every aspect of your ride. By focusing on key technical features and exploring the latest innovations, you can hit the road with confidence, comfort, and style this season.
To see the latest in the PANDO MOTO collection, check out the online store and see which designs you’d like to see yourself in on your next ride.
