| Helmet
Dual sport riders whose main focus is off-road riding typically opt for motocross helmets. These types of helmets are typically lightweight and are made with ventilation systems to give the helmet a little A/C. They also have large eye ports that allow goggles to fit comfortably. Inside liners are usually removable so they can be washed. In order for them to be street legal then need to be SNELL or DOT approved.
Be careful when riding on the road at high speeds with a motocross helmet, however. They are not designed with high speed aerodynamics in mind, and can cause neck strain if used for long periods of time on road environments. For those of you who plan on doing a lot or riding on the street or highway should opt for an enduro helmet. Enduro helmets have motocross visibility and full-face road helmet aerodynamics…and that’s exactly what they look like. They are aerodynamic and their shields can be moved up and down. And the eye opening is large enough to allow goggles if needed. |
| Eye Protection
Dual sport/motocross goggles have sturdy, lightweight frames with triple-layer “moisture-wicking” face foam, double lens anti-fog scratch resistant lenses, and posts for tear offs. The lenses are usually UV treated to protect from harmful rays from the sun, and come with different shade lenses for various riding conditions. And remember, they must be shatter resistant. |
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Jacket
Dual Sport outerwear depends on where you will be doing most of your riding. If you are planning on a day of off-road riding, enduro gear is what you should be geared up in. If you’re headed to the street, you should be dressed in street riding PPE. But really, an enduro jacket could be all-purpose for the dual sport rider. Enduro jackets are typically made of textile materials to provide extra protection against the added elements of enduro riding such as tree branches and rocks. These jackets are designed to be used in a variety of different weather and riding conditions. They are typically waterproof and have either removable inner liners or ventilation areas that have zippers to be comfortable in different temperatures. They also have convenient pockets and storage compartments. Enduro jackets should also have CE approved padding in the elbows and shoulders, which will help in making this a safe jacket for street riding. |
 | Pants
For Dual Sport riding there are a couple of options for pants. One is enduro-style, which are made to be versatile and durable to suit the wide range of conditions that you will encounter in dual sport riding. They are designed to go over your boots which will help in situations where water or rain is a factor. The design keeps water from getting inside your boots. Riding with wet socks and feet can quickly ruin a day of riding. These pants should be double stitched and have stretch material to allow for maximum flexibility and comfort. Pockets and storage compartments are standard in these pants as well.
If you’re planning on just riding in the street another option is a 14 ounce-plus denim street riding pant. Just like enduro pants, they should be double-stitched with over-the-boot legs, and should be reinforced with knee and hip panels. |
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Chest/Back Protection
Dual Sport riders should use protective body armor. They are designed to be worn snugly under an enduro riding jacket, with a low profile that minimizes any sort of restrictive movement. There are many options for chest and back protection. Basic plastic chest and plates are the minimum going all the way up to full upper body jackets that have molded polyethylene armor that protects your chest, shoulders, back, and elbows, while their mesh frames allows for air flow to keep you cool. Some come with a kidney belt built in, making a true all-in-one chest protector. |
 | Knee Protection
Knee protection for dual sport riders goes far beyond the old foam volleyball kneepads of yesterday…they are more like armor. Now they are made with rigid, molded frames with pivoting hinges, floating knee-cap guards, and shin and lower thigh protection. You’re legs can now be almost fully protected while maintaining the full range of riding motion. |
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Boots
Although there are boots sold specifically for dual sport riding, any motocross boot is more than adequate to maintain safety and comfort while riding enduro. Motocross boots are fit high up the calf and are designed with both rigid and flexible features. The rigid feature protects the foot; ankle and lower shin from impact or crush injuries, while the flexible part allows easy movement. They are made with a molded shell and a combination of durable synthetic and/or leather. As always, try on several different styles to find which gives you the most comfort and flexibility.
If you’re planning on a day of street riding, there are enough street riding boots available to fit every rider’s taste. The absolute basics of a good riding boot are that they fit over the ankle (preferably with ankle bone protection), have a non-slip, non-conductive rubber sole, an impact resistant shin protector, and a retro-reflective visibility patch. A buckle or some sort of clasp is also recommended to make sure the boot stays securely on. They are constructed of leather, textile, hard plastic, mesh, rubber and metal, or some combination of all six. Whatever the combination…you’re sure to find your style. |
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Gloves
It is recommended that dual sport riders use a street sport glove. Street sport gloves are similar to enduro gloves with their double-layering and abrasion-resistant palms, but they incorporate more leather to increase protection for street riding. The top of street sport gloves are padded with foam backed Polyurethane or carbon fiber over the knuckles and fingers, which will help protect the dual sport rider from bushes and branches. |
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Underwear
Any sort of lycra-based shirt/pant combo fits well underneath your motocross or enduro riding gear. EVS and Fox make great motocross rider-specific underwear with padding right where you need it. Regardless of what material it’s made from, be sure it has wicking/breathable qualities. |
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Hydration Systems
There are many manufactures oflow-profile backpack type hydration system that provides up to 2-3 hours of hydration and doesn’t interfere with helmets, etc. They also have external zip pockets that are good to store keys, wallet, cell phone, tools, etc. |
 | Goggle Roll/Tear-Offs
In the event that you’re eating someone’s roost, tear-offs are a great way to keep your vision clear all day. Most goggles have “posts” to mount the various types of brands.
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