Best Dual Sport Motorcycle Gear for Rough Rides

Your friends have invited you to a gnarly, challenging dual sport event. Your bike and tires are ready to go, but then you realize all your gear is fit for road trips, not single track.

Dual sports trails can be rough, and you must have sufficient airflow and protection to stay comfortable and safe. But buying a whole new set of dual sport gear can be a more daunting challenge than the ride ahead, especially if you’re short on time or on a budget.

But don’t worry. In this article, I’ll recommend excellent pieces to build a dual sport gear kit that won’t break the bank.

Shoei Hornet X2 Helmet

Protect the most important part of your body with a quality helmet. The Hornet X2 is one of the best dual sport helmets on the market, and for good reason. 

This good-looking lid is among the most comfortable helmets available. The sun visor is large enough to block light, yet it doesn’t get caught in the wind at highway speeds. 

For dual sport riders, the ventilation is key, and the Hornet X2 delivers with ample airflow through the many vents and dual-layer EPS liner. My favorite feature is the wide field of vision. You don’t want your view blocked when picking your line through a technical trail section. 

As a bonus, you can take the visor off and fit goggles on easily. In case of an emergency, first responders can take off the helmet without much fuss, thanks to the quick-release pads. You also get a Pinlock insert. 

Tourmaster Adventure Lite Mesh Jacket

When you’re trail riding, you need airflow without sacrificing protection. The Tourmaster Adventure Lite Mesh Jacket is a worthy companion to get you to the trail comfortably. 

When it gets hot, the mesh panels let in plenty of air. And if you need even more airflow and arm mobility, you can zip off the arms altogether. That’s what I did when exploring Wayne National Forest in Ohio on my Yamaha Ténéré 700. 

It helps to wear something long-sleeved underneath because you don’t want bare arms going through trees. There are CE Level 1 protectors in the jacket, but I have a better solution below.

Tourmaster Armanox CE Body Protector

Beef up the protection with a form-fitting armored base layer. With the Tourmaster Armanox, you get CE Level 2 shoulder, elbow, and back armor and CE Level 1 chest protection. 

It’s designed to fit under off-road jerseys. When you’re out on the trail, the most likely accident will be a relatively low-speed tip-over. That’s when you’ll want pads in the right place. 

Admittedly, there are other bionic jackets on the market offering even more protection, but they’re also twice the price. If you’re not hitting the trail every weekend, the Armanox body protector is a great option for adding an extra layer of security.

Tourmaster Adventure Lite Mesh Pants

Stay cool with these breathable pants. Their 420D polyester overlays protect you effectively against abrasion. 

Four-way stretch materials in the right places let you move around on the bike. If you’re wrestling with a 500-pound ADV machine, you don’t want your pants to work against you. My favorite off-road riding pants feel more like pajamas than riding gear. 

For the casual dual sport rider, these pants hit the right notes, as you can sport these on your summer on-road tours, too. 

The pants legs are slim enough that you can tuck them into boots. If you order them too baggy, though, it might look a little funny. I recommend sizing down to fit on the tighter side. You get CE Level 1 hip and knee pads.

Tourmaster Zephyr Gloves

You can most likely wear your go-to gloves for this upcoming dual sport event. But then again, having specific gloves for every type of riding doesn’t hurt. Some people have a watch collection. I have a ridiculous assortment of gloves in my closet. 

The Zephyr gloves are super comfortable. The palm is made from tough, abrasion-resistant goat leather, while knuckle protectors help absorb impacts. The fingertips are touchscreen compatible (like any good glove should be these days).

The Zephyr gloves don’t look overly off-roady, which means they're another pair of gloves you can sport throughout the warm riding season.

Sidi Taurus GTX or Adventure 2 Gore Boots

Decision time. Do you want boots that keep you dry during rain and water crossings, even if they run a little hot? Pick the Adventure 2 Gore boot. 

Do you want more breathability and risk wet feet if caught in a rainstorm? Choose the Taurus GTX. 

Higher boot with slightly more ankle protection? Adventure 2. A little lower and softer boot? Taurus GTX. 

Points can be made for either. I like a little softer boot so I can move around the pegs better and operate the shifter and rear brake with more precision. I’m no racer, and giving up a little ankle protection for better feel is worth it to me. 

However, if I know I’ll be riding fast during an event, I will always pick the most protective boot. Remember, tuck in those toes! Don’t let an obstacle get a hold of them and twist your leg out.