| Helmet
Supermoto riders typically wear motocross helmets. Motocross helmets follow the same philosophy as the bikes they accompany: They are meant to be light and competitive, and have large eye ports that allow goggles to comfortably fit. Their inside liners are usually removable so they can be washed. And remember, Marine riders must always wear a properly fastened (under the chin) protective helmet which meets the standards of the Snell Memorial Foundation (SNELL), the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), or the Department of Transportation (DOT).
Some supermoto riders prefer a full-face helmet, especially those who spend a lot of time riding on the freeway. Make sure it is wind tunnel-tested, weatherproof, and meets the same certification standards established by SNELL, ANSI or DOT. There are many brands and styles to choose from. Manufacturers of “novelty” helmets sometimes include a “decorative” DOT sticker which is invalid. |
| Eye Protection
Since supermoto riders typically wear motocross helmets, they also wear motocross goggles. 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. And if you’re wearing a full-face sport bike helmet, make sure you always ride with your shield down. |
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Jacket
Supermoto riders typically wear a sport bike-style jacket. “Riders should always wear an appropriate jacket whether it’s textile, leather, or a combination of the two,” advises “Teach” McNeil. They should have CE Approved armor in the elbows and shoulders, and a back protector.” They also come in a variety of thicknesses with vents for various environments. Make sure it has enough pockets to carry items you may need, such as your cell phone, wallet, and maybe a place for your (sun)glass case. Also, any sort of contrasting colors will help you be more visible to drivers. While the minimum requirement for Marine street riders is a long sleeve shirt, a street-riding specific jacket is always recommended. |
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Reflective Vest
Although no longer required for Marines riding on the street, they are still encouraged as an effective way to be visible to drivers. They are typically made of a bright colored mesh which facilitates airflow. They also have reflective taping as well as helpful ID holders and pockets |
 | Riding Suit
If you’re considering supermoto track days or competition, know that supermoto riders wouldn’t dream of wearing motocross apparel, simply because of the road aspect of the sport. One or two piece supermoto suits are designed with textile, mesh, and leather, and offers road racing protection with motocross flexibility. Essential features are the abrasion resistant mesh pads, knee pads with replaceable knee guards, a back protector, and CE approved armor on the shoulders, elbows, knees and shins. The lightweight design makes the supermoto suit lighter and much cooler than a standard leather road-riding suit. |
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Knee Guards
If you’re considering using your supermoto at a supermoto track, knee protection is a requirement. Injection molded knee protection is essential for getting low in the turns on the road portion of the supermoto course. |
 | Back Protection
Some supermoto riders take their safety to the next level and invest in back protectors. They provide an extra level of protection, and function (and look) like a tortoise’s shell, protecting from impact and abrasion. They can be worn internally or externally, and are made of a hard, CE Approved plastic shell with protective impact-absorbing foam underneath. On a supermoto track back protection is a must! |
 | Pants
There are basically three choices when it comes to supermoto riding pants: Leather, textile, or 14 ounce-plus denim. They should all be double-stitched and be long enough in the legs to fit over your boot while riding. They should also have reinforced knee and hip panels. |
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Boots
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.
If you’re planning on hitting a supermoto track, you’re going to have to invest in some supermoto boots. There is very little distinction between supermoto and motocross boots. They both 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. |
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Gloves
It is recommended that supermoto 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 supermoto rider from bushes and branches |