The Best Budget Motorcycling Kit

The Skull, from budget brand Viper (or the RS-44 as it is also known), gets four stars under the SHARP rating scheme (a government-run testing system) and comes with a clear visor, though dark and iridium replacements are available as optional extras. It has a removable, washable lining and is also approved by the ACU (UK motorcycle motorsport governing body) for track use, for racing or trackdays.

Seal of Approval: We've tested this product and have found it performs well. The Hurricane's spec on paper is impressive; AA CE rating, Level-2 armour at the shoulders and elbows, waterproof, windproof and breathable and a removable thermal liner. I've tested this and its paper spec is backed up on the road; it's comfortable, does indeed keep water and rain out and while the thermal liner is only thin, it does a good job of keeping the cold out too, though the breathable claim is a little optimistic.

Editor's Pick: We've tested this product and would spend our own money on it. If you can find a pair of these (M&P has them in XS and 2XL and this eBay seller has M), they are well worth a punt. I've used these for two summers and found them to be of amazing value. They fit well, are very comfortable and give a great feel for the bike's controls. They have plenty of hard armour, with Keprotech panels and Knox palm sliders but despite some claims, they aren't waterproof. In fact, I think I'm going to buy another pair while I can...

These denim jeans with internal Covec abrasion-resistant liner are currently on a huge discount at SportsbikeShop but, according to the manufacturer, the SP120 lining is 'AAA achieved for abrasion' and the outer layer is shower-resistant with a mesh lining to keep you cool. Knee and hip armour is not included but can be added for a reasonable cost that should keep the overall price less than £100.

Seal of Approval: We've tested this product and have found it performs well A four-star, AGU Gold-stickered helmet for less than £65 seems too good to be true, but it is true. This full-face lid from Agrius is of remarkable value; I've ridden in it and it's comfortable and not stupidly loud. It's got a drop-down sun visor that actually works but the vents are less efficient than ideal, particularly in wet weather when you need some de-misting air flow. But for that money, it's a great bet for warmer, drier rides.

Seal of Approval: We've tested this product and have found it performs well. These waterproof boots from Richa are another product I've ridden in and was impressed by. They are comfortable and have the highest CE rating for protection. They work well on the bike, allowing the foot to move every way it needs to and kept all but the very worst rain away from my feet. For the money, these are definitely worth considering as a general-use boot, if not for the depths of winter or torrential rain.

Described by RST as an 'everyday glove', the Axiom has a MaxTex outer with a SinAqua membrane to keep the weather out. The glove achieves a CE rating of 1KP and has carbon knuckle protectors as well as padding on the heel of the palm. There is also padding on the front of the fingers and there is reflective detail to aid visibility.

Seal of Approval: We've tested this product and have found it performs well. Like the Hurricane jacket, the Pacific trousers are CE AA rated and come with Level-2 knee armour and basic hip padding. They are waterproof and windproof and have hand-warmer pockets as well as two handy thigh cargo-style pockets. They come up a little snug so consider sizing carefully, but for the money, they do a great job.

This softshell jacket is AA CE rated and comes with Level-1 shoulder and elbow armour, though you would probably also want to add a back protector (£20 extra). It has a waterproof membrane lining and uses Ventech air-cooling vents system to get air into the body when the going starts to warm up. It has connecting zips to trousers and loads of useful pockets scattered around.

These low-rise casual boots from TCX may look like a pair of trainers, but they're far from it. Reinforced areas protect the heel and the toes, while there is a waterproof lining to keep the weather out. The footbed is replaceable and they do up with laces to the front. In addition to the brown, they're available in black and grey and are discounted at SportsbikeShop currently.