Top UK Motorcycle Gear Stores and How to Pick the Best Kit for Your Ride

Why picking the right motorcycle gear matters

Riding a motorcycle is an exhilarating blend of freedom and responsibility. The right gear does more than look cool — it protects you in a crash, keeps you comfortable on long runs, and lets you ride with confidence whether you're darting through city streets or heading out for a weekend tour. Think of your kit as a second skin that needs to fit, protect, and breathe. Buy the wrong size or the wrong type and a short trip can become a miserable, or worse, dangerous one.

Featured UK stores where riders shop

If you’re shopping from the UK, you’ve got a strong selection of specialist retailers and brands to choose from. Some focus on value and everyday commuting gear, while others provide premium leather suits for track days. Below I highlight a handful of reliable names — including the one mentioned in your data — and explain what they’re known for so you can pick the right retailer for your needs.

RunningXpert — the unexpected motorcycle jacket source

RunningXpert appears in the data with a specific product called the Endurance Hugoee Jacket. Although the name suggests running gear, several multi-sport retailers in the UK stock crossover jackets suitable for urban riders and light touring. The Endurance Hugoee Jacket, for example, looks like it’s built for layering and weather protection — features commuters value on wet British mornings. If you're exploring lesser-known retailers, don’t be surprised to find practical textile jackets and high-visibility options among their offerings.

Sportsbikeshop — specialist motorcycle gear and accessories

Sportsbikeshop is a go-to for riders who want a wide selection and competitive prices. They stock helmets, leather suits, textile jackets, gloves, boots, and luggage from well-known brands. What makes them useful is the breadth: if you’re building a complete kit, you can compare gloves to jackets to helmets without bouncing between stores. They also curate items for different riding styles — racing, touring, and commuting — which helps narrow your choices quickly.

Oxford Products — British-made accessories and practical kit

Oxford Products is a long-established UK brand known for luggage, locks, heated grips, and practical commuter accessories. If you need tank bags that strap on like a tank, waterproof tailpacks, or robust cable locks that deter opportunistic thieves, Oxford is a reliable place to start. Their products are designed with the UK rider in mind — weatherproof, reflective details, and fit for bikes parked on narrow streets or loaded for a long trip.

Helmet City and specialist helmet retailers

Helmets deserve specialist attention, and there are UK retailers dedicated to helmet fit and choice. Shops such as Helmet City or similar online specialists offer a wide range of sizes and shapes, and they understand that head shape matters as much as size. These retailers often provide detailed size guides in inches, and some even have return allowances specifically for trying on helmets — a huge help when you're between sizes.

RST and established UK clothing brands

RST is a British brand that builds leather suits, jackets, and gloves for riders. Buying from a brand like RST gives you product lines made with motorcycle performance in mind — reinforced seams, CE-certified armour, and abrasion-resistant leather or textiles. Brands with a history in motorcycling also tend to offer technical details like removable thermal liners and stretch panels, which are useful for multi-season riding across the UK.

Helmet buying essentials: fit, safety, and comfort

Choosing a helmet is one of the toughest yet most important decisions. A helmet has to fit snugly without pinching, protect energy in a crash, and be comfortable for long periods. When checking fit, measure head circumference in inches at the widest point — typically just above the ears and brow. Size charts vary by brand, so always compare inches rather than relying on S, M, L alone.

Look for helmets certified to accepted standards used in the UK, such as ECE 22.06 (it’s the updated European standard replacing older versions). Certification means the helmet passed impact tests, retention tests, and penetration tests. Weight is often listed in ounces or pounds — lighter helmets reduce neck fatigue on long rides, but don’t sacrifice safety for a few ounces. Consider venting, visor clarity, and the noise level too — small details that matter when you're riding 20 to 100 miles.

Jackets: leather, textile, and the Endurance Hugoee option

Jackets fall into three broad categories: leather for abrasion resistance and style, textile for weatherproofing and flexibility, and hybrid designs that blend both. Leather is excellent for sliding protection on a track or spirited ride, while modern textiles with waterproof membranes keep you dry commuting in wet weather. Look for CE-rated armour at the shoulders, elbows, and back, and consider a jacket that allows removable liners so you can adapt between chilly mornings and warmer afternoons.

The Endurance Hugoee Jacket — mentioned in your data — sounds like a garment designed for active use and layered protection. If it follows the endurance theme, expect breathable panels and weatherproofing suitable for commuting or sport touring. When assessing a jacket, try on with a thin layer underneath and simulate your riding position: raise your arms, bend forward, and check if the back exposes your lower spine when sitting on the bike. A proper riding jacket stays in place and keeps armour over key impact zones.

Gloves and boots: details that save skin and comfort

Gloves are the first line of defence when you meet the road. Look for knuckle protection, palm sliders, and CE ratings. Thin city gloves give dexterity but less abrasion resistance; full gauntlet gloves offer more coverage and often seal better against the rain. To measure, check hand circumference in inches around the knuckles — not including the thumb — and compare to the brand’s size chart.

Boots protect ankles and toes and should be built to resist twisting and abrasion. Motorcycle boots often have reinforced toes, ankle cups, and non-slip soles. For touring, choose boots with a breathable membrane and a little tread for off-bike walking. For shorter commutes, a lighter racing-style boot may suffice but only if it provides good ankle protection.

Luggage, locks, and touring essentials

Planning a tour means thinking beyond the engine. Luggage choices include tank bags, tailpacks, panniers, and top boxes. Consider capacity in terms of cubic inches or by comparing suggested load — a typical soft tailpack might hold a change of clothes and weigh a few pounds empty, while a pair of hard panniers offer lockable security for longer trips.

Locks and security are also crucial. Heavy-duty cable locks and disc locks add pounds to your kit but can prevent a theft that costs hundreds of dollars in losses. For touring comfort, add a map or phone mount, a spare power bank measured in milliamp hours (mAh) — though I’ll avoid metric here, think of how long it keeps your navigation running — and a small toolkit for roadside tweaks.

How to choose gear for commuting vs sport riding

Not all riding is the same. Commuters often prioritize visibility, weatherproofing, and quick on/off convenience. A hi-vis textile jacket with a waterproof liner and reflective panels is perfect for low-light urban runs. Sport riders focus on aerodynamic fit, CE-level armour, and abrasion resistance; they may prefer a tight leather jacket and gloves with sliders for cornering confidence.

If you ride both ways, look for modular kit: a textile jacket with removable armour and a zip-out thermal layer can bridge the gap between commuter warmth and sport functionality. Think of it like a Swiss Army knife for riding — one item doing multiple jobs rather than a closet full of single-use pieces.

Buying online vs in-store: what to weigh up

Online shopping gives you selection and often better prices, but gear fit can be tricky without trying items on. Use retailers with friendly return policies and detailed size guides in inches — neck, chest, waist, hand circumference, and boot length. Look for customer images and fit notes in reviews because riders often comment “I’m 40 inches chest and wear size L”. That kind of info is gold when you can’t try before you buy.

In-store shopping offers immediate fitting and professional advice. Specialist stores measure head circumference in inches, test helmet snugness, and let you simulate riding posture. If you’re between sizes, try the next size up and consider thicker base layers in winter. When possible, combine both approaches: research online, then test key items like helmets and boots at a local shop before committing.

Saving money without skimping on safety

Everyone loves a bargain, but safety items shouldn't be skimped on. Instead of buying the cheapest helmet, look for end-of-season sales on reputable brands. Sign up to newsletters from specialist retailers to get alerts on flash sales. Outlet pages on brand sites can give you last season’s leather jacket at a fraction of original cost while still offering full CE armour and build quality.

Another trick is to buy modular gear gradually. Start with a good helmet and gloves, then add a quality jacket and boots over a few months. Compare prices across the UK stores mentioned above and watch for seasonal promos around spring and late autumn when stock turns over. Trade shows and local bike meets sometimes have show discounts too — a chance to try and buy in one go.

Maintenance: keep your gear working like new

Good gear lasts longer with simple care. Leather benefits from conditioner applied in thin layers to prevent drying and cracking. Textile jackets with waterproof membranes should be washed following manufacturer instructions, usually inside out with specific detergents, and reproofed to restore water repellency. Clean visors with a microfiber cloth and mild soapy water to avoid scratching, and store helmets on a soft hook or shelf rather than dangling from a peg.

Inspect armour and seams periodically. If a seam is opening or armour is displaced after a drop, repair or replace as needed — cutting corners here reduces protection. Small fixes like replacing a worn visor or a broken zip can extend the life of a jacket by years, saving you money over time.

Final checklist before you buy

Before you hit “buy”, run through a quick checklist: measure in inches — head, chest, waist, and hand size; confirm CE certification where appropriate; read other riders’ fit notes; check weight in pounds for helmets if neck fatigue matters to you; and think about the primary use — commuting, touring, or track. If you’re buying online, pick a retailer with clear, rider-focused return procedures so you can swap sizes if needed.

It’s tempting to grab the flashiest piece, but choose what keeps you safe and comfortable first. The right gear becomes part of the ride rather than a distraction, so invest wisely and you’ll thank yourself after long days in the saddle.

Conclusion

Choosing motorcycle gear in the UK comes down to balancing protection, comfort, and budget. Stores like RunningXpert (with items such as the Endurance Hugoee Jacket), specialist outlets like Sportsbikeshop, and British manufacturers such as Oxford Products and RST give riders a mix of options for every style and price range. Measure in inches, try key items where possible, and prioritize certified protection. With a smart approach, your kit will protect you and make every mile — whether five or fifty — more enjoyable.