Finding motorcycle gear that fits perfectly can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack – especially for riders blessed with a larger frame. While regular-sized bikers zip into their gear with ease big and tall riders often face the frustrating challenge of limited options and uncomfortable fits.
But here’s the good news: the motorcycle industry has finally caught up with the needs of plus-sized riders. From specially designed jackets that don’t feel like compression wear to boots that won’t cut off circulation manufacturers now offer an impressive range of gear that combines style comfort and safety. Whether someone’s rocking a 6’5″ frame or needs a bit more room around the middle there’s protective gear out there that’ll make them look and feel like they own the road.
Big and Tall Motorcycle Gear
Standard motorcycle gear creates specific challenges for larger riders through restrictive fits across critical areas. Regular-sized jackets often bind across shoulders, creating uncomfortable pressure points during long rides. Chest areas in standard gear compress against the torso, limiting natural breathing patterns while operating motorcycles.
Conventional pants present mobility issues in three key areas:
- Waistbands dig into skin during seated positions
- Thigh sections restrict leg movement during mounting
- Knee armor shifts out of protective position on larger legs
Standard sizing measurements create these common fit problems:
| Area | Issue | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Arms | Limited range of motion | Reduced control capability |
| Torso | Compressed chest expansion | Restricted breathing |
| Legs | Tight knee articulation | Compromised mobility |
Protection gaps emerge when regular gear stretches across larger frames:
- Armor plates shift away from impact zones
- Protective padding compresses, reducing shock absorption
- Seams strain under pressure, compromising gear integrity
Temperature regulation suffers in ill-fitting gear through inadequate ventilation:
- Air vents position incorrectly on larger bodies
- Tight fits block cooling airflow channels
- Compressed inner liners reduce moisture wicking
Boot designs for standard sizes create comfort issues through narrow calf areas, tight ankle support patterns, incompatible foot bed widths. Regular gloves restrict hand circulation, finger dexterity, grip control through compressed fits around wrists, palms, finger joints.
Essential Big and Tall Motorcycle Jackets
Motorcycle jackets designed for big and tall riders incorporate extended sizing with strategic placement of armor panels. These specialized jackets feature broader chest dimensions, longer arm lengths, and relaxed shoulder areas to accommodate larger frames while maintaining safety standards.
Textile Jacket Options
Textile jackets for larger riders come in sizes up to 6XL with adjustable waist panels and expandable chest vents. Leading manufacturers like Tourmaster, FirstGear, and Olympia produce adventure-style jackets featuring waterproof materials, removable thermal liners, and CE-rated armor. Popular models incorporate moisture-wicking mesh panels in high-heat areas, multiple adjustment points at the arms and waist, and extended back lengths for riding positions. Many textile options include reflective panels, multiple storage pockets, and reinforced impact zones designed specifically for broader body types.
Leather Jacket Solutions
Premium leather jackets from brands like Viking Cycle and Milwaukee Leather offer expanded sizing with pre-curved sleeves and accordion stretch panels. These jackets feature reinforced stitching at stress points, perforated leather sections for ventilation, and removable armor pockets sized for larger protective inserts. Top manufacturers construct their big and tall leather options using 1.2-1.4mm cowhide with strategic placement of stretch materials at mobility points. Advanced features include YKK zippers rated for heavier use, adjustable waist belts, and extended collar designs that accommodate various neck sizes.
Finding the Perfect Fit in Motorcycle Pants
Motorcycle pants protect riders from road hazards while providing comfort during long rides. The availability of extended sizing options ensures every rider finds appropriate lower-body protection regardless of body type.
Extended Size Riding Jeans
Leading manufacturers offer reinforced motorcycle jeans in sizes up to 5XL with waist measurements extending to 50 inches. Brands like Draggin Jeans integrate Kevlar panels in high-impact areas while maintaining a relaxed fit through the seat, thighs, and calves. Bull-it Jeans produces SR6 riding jeans featuring Covec protective lining with sizes ranging from 30 to 44 inches. These specialized jeans include removable knee armor pockets, gusseted crotch panels for mobility, and reinforced stitching at stress points. Premium options from Tobacco Motorsports incorporate abrasion-resistant fibers throughout the garment with extended inseam lengths up to 36 inches.
Overpants and Textile Options
Textile overpants provide versatile protection for larger riders with adjustable waist systems expanding up to 4 inches. Olympia Motorsports produces the Airglide series in sizes up to 4XL featuring removable thermal liners, waterproof membranes, and full-length side zippers. Tour Master Overpants incorporate ballistic nylon panels with CE-rated knee armor in extended sizes up to 5XL. Performance features include accordion stretch panels at the knees, reflective piping, and mesh ventilation zones. Aerostich offers the Darien pants with optional hip padding, reinforced seats, and multiple leg lengths in waist sizes up to 46 inches.
Helmets for Larger Head Sizes
Motorcycle helmets for larger head sizes accommodate riders with head circumferences from 61cm to 68cm. Leading manufacturers offer extended sizing options in both full-face and modular designs to ensure proper fit and safety for riders with larger dimensions.
Full-Face Options
HJC produces the CL-17 in sizes up to 5XL, featuring an advanced polycarbonate composite shell with superior ventilation channels. Shoei’s RF-1400 comes in extended sizes with multi-layer EPS liners that create a custom-like fit for larger heads. AGV offers the K6 model in sizes up to 3XL with a carbon-aramid shell construction that maintains lightweight characteristics despite the larger dimensions. These helmets include moisture-wicking comfort liners, quick-release cheek pads for emergency removal and DOT/ECE certification standards.
Modular Choices
Schuberth’s C4 Pro comes in sizes up to 3XL with acoustic comfort design technology for reduced wind noise at high speeds. The Shark EVO-ONE 2 extends to size XXL featuring an auto-up system for smooth visor operation with gloved hands. Bell’s Qualifier DLX MIPS offers protection in sizes up to 3XL incorporating Multi-directional Impact Protection System technology. These modular options include integrated sun visors, Pinlock anti-fog inserts and removable washable liners designed for larger head circumferences.
Boots and Gloves for Bigger Riders
Motorcycle boots for larger riders feature wider calf circumferences up to 22 inches with expanded foot widths. TCX Hero Waterproof boots extend to size 50 EU (size 15 US) offering enhanced ankle protection without compromising comfort. Firstgear Kathmandu boots accommodate wider feet through size 14 with adjustable closure systems.
Premium motorcycle gloves now include extended sizing options reaching 4XL from trusted manufacturers:
- Alpinestars SP-2 v3 gloves offer full-grain leather construction with touchscreen compatibility
- Dainese Carbon 3 Long gloves feature carbon fiber knuckle protection in sizes up to 3XL
- REV’IT! Summit 3 H2O gloves combine waterproof materials with pre-curved fingers in larger sizes
Specialized features in big rider boots include:
- Reinforced toe boxes with extra width clearance
- Expanded ankle openings with multiple adjustment points
- Oil-resistant soles in wider platform designs
- Enhanced arch support for increased weight distribution
Size specifications for motorcycle boots:
| Brand | Max US Size | Max Calf Width |
|---|---|---|
| TCX | 15 | 22″ |
| Firstgear | 14 | 20″ |
| Tourmaster | 14 | 21″ |
Extended-size gloves incorporate essential elements:
- Stretched palm panels to prevent material binding
- Wider finger boxes to maintain dexterity
- Reinforced stitching at stress points
- Adjustable wrist closures for secure fits
These boots gloves combinations deliver protection without sacrificing mobility or comfort for larger riders.
Top Brands Specializing in Extended Sizes
Leading manufacturers create dedicated lines of motorcycle gear for larger riders, offering comprehensive size ranges and specialized fits.
Tourmaster produces textile jackets up to 6XL with advanced ventilation systems, waterproof membranes and CE-approved armor placement. Their Transition Series includes adjustable waist panels, longer sleeve lengths and broader chest dimensions.
First Gear specializes in adventure touring gear, manufacturing jackets and pants up to 5XL. Their Kilimanjaro collection features:
- Extended arm and leg lengths
- Generous chest and thigh room
- Multiple adjustment points
- D3O armor in critical areas
Viking Cycle focuses on leather gear for larger riders, offering:
- Jackets up to 6XL
- Pre-curved sleeves for comfort
- Heavy-duty YKK zippers
- Reinforced impact zones
Olympia Moto Sports produces textile gear with:
- Sizes ranging to 4XL
- Accordion stretch panels
- Waterproof construction
- Removable thermal liners
Draggin Jeans manufactures protective denim up to 5XL incorporating:
- Kevlar fiber reinforcement
- Relaxed fit through seat and thigh
- CE-approved knee armor pockets
- Stretch panels for mobility
Bull-it Jeans offers riding jeans with:
- Extended sizing to 5XL
- Covec protective lining
- Strategic stretch zones
- Multiple fit options
These manufacturers prioritize both protection and comfort, incorporating features specifically designed for larger frames while maintaining safety standards. Their products undergo testing to ensure performance across the extended size range.
Finding proper motorcycle gear shouldn’t be a challenge just because of size. Today’s market offers an impressive range of big and tall options that combine safety comfort and style. From specialized jackets and pants to helmets boots and gloves riders of all sizes can now enjoy the protection they need.
Leading manufacturers have stepped up to address this crucial market gap delivering gear that’s both functional and fashionable. With continued innovation in sizing and design plus-sized riders no longer need to compromise their safety or comfort on the road. The future looks bright for big and tall motorcycle enthusiasts who can now focus on what matters most – the joy of riding.
