Page 39 - LHR Biker September 2025

There are two kinds of riders who buy kit: the ones who treat their

gear like an investment in survival, and the ones who treat it like fast

fashion. Lately a third option has elbowed its way into the
market—near-giveaway-priced motorcycle gear from marketplaces
like Temu. The promise is irresistible: a full jacket, gloves and helmet

for the price of a single premium glove. But price alone doesn’t stop a

crash. This feature tests the real-world tradeoffs between budget
finds and tried-and-tested premium pieces, and gives riders
practical guidance on when (if ever) bargain gear makes sense —

and when it doesn’t.

What we tested and how Build quality: the immediate certification (ECE 22.06, DOT
We compared a sample giveaway FMVSS 218 or Snell where
shopping basket from Temu- Open a cheap jacket and you’ll applicable). A cheap helmet that
style listings (helmet, textile usually see the difference within “looks like” a Shoei is not a
jacket, gloves, basic boots) 30 seconds. Stitching shortcuts Shoei; it is a gamble with your
against mid- and top-tier pieces (single rather than double- head.
from established makers stitched stress points), thin
(Alpinestars / Rev’It / Dainese inner liners, and feeble zips are Protection vs. price: where
for jackets, Shoei /Arai for common. Pockets gaped under budget gear can and can’t cut
helmets, respected glove load, and armor — if present — it
makers for hand protection). was often soft foam rather than Commuting and short city hops:
CE-rated inserts. Conversely, With careful selection, some
The tests covered: established brands use heavier budget textile jackets and
Fit & finish: seams, zips, outer textiles or genuine leather, gloves can be acceptable for
material quality. reinforced stress seams, proper low-speed urban riding if they
Protection features: visible CE CE-rated protectors, and better include abrasion panels and at
labels, armor levels (EN/CE water- and windproofing least basic CE-rated palm and
1 6 2 1 s t a n d a r d s f o r systems. In short: premium gear elbow protection. They’re a step
b a c k / e l b o w / k n e e ) , feels and behaves like it was up from T-shirts and sneakers
reinforcements (shoulder, hip, made to survive a crash; and massively cheaper than
palm sliders). bargain gear feels like it was premium kit. But expect short
M a t e r i a l s & a b r a s i o n made to survive a sale. lifespans and inferior weather
resistance: leather thickness or sealing.
textile denier, liner quality. RevZillaHelmets: the single-
Comfort & ergonomics: most-critical choice Highway & long-distance
ventilation, pockets, mobility. This is where the old rule touring:
Value & warranty: price per applies: you get what you pay Not the place to skimp. High-
protected area, return policy, f o r, a n d c o m p r o m i s e i s energy crashes happen at
t r a n s p a r e n c y o f dangerous. Many ultra-cheap speed, and premium materials,
testing/certification. helmets mimic the shape and layered construction, and high-
glossy finish of name brands, grade armor matter. Long rides
Field trials: 500km of mixed but lack independent crash also expose zips and seals to far
riding (urban, highway, coastal certification, reliable shell more wear; cheap kit tends to
twisties) and deliberately rough materials, and consistent liner fail prematurely.
handling: wet weather, highway quality. There are worrying
b u z z , a n d l i g h t o ff - t a r reports and tests online Track days / high-speed risk:
detours.We didn’t smash showing fake or uncertified Only certified, tested gear from
helmets into walls—that’s for helmets failing to meet safety e s t a b l i s h e d b r a n d s . N o
certified test houses—but we claims — consumers and safety compromise.
did look for honest, full advocates repeatedly warn A key point: many budget sellers
d o c u m e n t a t i o n a n d caution when buying helmets d o n ’ t p r o v i d e c l e a r C E
independent test results where from marketplace listings. For documentation or transparent
available. head protection, always choose testing claims. If a cheap jacket
a helmet with visible, verifiable claims “CE armor” — look for

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LHR Biker Magazine October 2025
LHR Biker Magazine October2025