null

Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Motorcycle Closeouts has carried discounted riding gear since 2002, with more than 300 brands for street, off-road, snow, and bicycle riders at savings of 30% to 70% off retail. The answers below cover the questions shoppers ask most often before they buy.

Street Riding Gear

Helmets, jackets, gloves, and boots from LS2, Bell, Shoei, HJC, Icon, Scorpion, AGV, and more.

How do I choose the right motorcycle helmet?

Start with the main helmet types and match one to how you ride.

Full-face helmets give the most coverage and are the best choice for highway and sport riding.

Modular helmets flip open at the chin for convenience at stops and often add Bluetooth.

Open-face and half helmets offer less protection but suit cruiser and around-town riders who want more airflow and visibility.

Whichever style you pick, confirm it carries a current safety certification before you buy.

What size motorcycle helmet do I need, and how should it fit?

Measure the circumference of your head with a soft tape about one inch above your eyebrows and around the widest part of the back of your skull, then compare that measurement to the specific brand's sizing chart. Sizes vary between manufacturers, so check the chart for the exact helmet you want rather than assuming your size.

A correctly sized helmet feels snug with even pressure around the crown, does not shift when you shake your head, and has cheek pads that touch your face without pinching. If you fall between two sizes, choose the smaller one first, since padding compresses slightly over time.

What do DOT, ECE, and Snell helmet ratings mean?

DOT is the minimum legal standard for any helmet sold for street use in the United States, set by the federal FMVSS 218 regulation. ECE 22.06 is the current European standard and is widely respected worldwide. Snell is a stricter, voluntary certification from a private foundation that some riders look for on sport and track helmets. Look for the certification in the product description before you buy.

Leather, textile, or mesh: which motorcycle jacket should I buy?

Each material suits a different type of riding.

Leather jackets offer excellent abrasion resistance, a classic look, and a snug fit that works well in cooler weather.

Textile jackets are versatile and lighter, often include removable waterproof and thermal liners, and adapt to more than one season.

Mesh jackets prioritize airflow and are the most comfortable choice for hot-weather riding.

Whichever material you choose, look for CE-rated armor at the shoulders, elbows, and back for impact protection. Our current lineup includes Alpinestars, Cortech, Scorpion, and more.

How should a motorcycle jacket fit?

A riding jacket should fit closer than a casual coat so the armor stays over your joints during a slide or impact. Aim for a snug fit through the shoulders and torso that still lets you reach the handlebars and layer underneath in cold weather. The sleeves should reach your wrists when your arms are extended forward on the bars, and the jacket should not ride up or bunch when you lean into a riding position.

Are closeout or discounted motorcycle helmets safe?

Yes. Closeout gear is typically last season's colors, discontinued models, or overstock, not lower-quality product. Every helmet we sell meets the same DOT safety standard as full-price inventory, which lets you save 30% to 70% without giving up protection.

Off-Road & Motocross Gear

Motocross and dirt bike gear from Fly Racing, Troy Lee Designs, Thor, O'Neal, Alpinestars, and more.

What gear do I need to start riding motocross or dirt bikes?

A complete off-road setup includes a motocross helmet, goggles, over-the-ankle MX boots, gloves, a jersey and pants, and body protection such as a chest or roost protector and knee braces or guards. Motocross demands more coverage than most sports because riders face roost, debris, and hard falls on dirt.

How do I choose a motocross helmet, and how is it different from a street helmet?

Motocross helmets differ from street helmets in several ways. They have an extended chin bar and a sun peak, far more ventilation, a lighter shell, and no built-in face shield, since off-road riders use goggles instead. That open design keeps you cooler during high-effort riding and lets debris and sweat clear away from your eyes.

Look for a DOT or ECE 22.06 certification, a shell that fits your head shape, and MIPS if your budget allows, since it adds protection against rotational impacts.

Do I need motocross goggles, and how do I choose them?

Yes. Goggles are essential off-road gear because they shield your eyes from dust, dirt, roost, branches, and bugs that an open MX helmet leaves exposed. A single wide polycarbonate lens with thick foam padding gives the coverage and comfort that regular sunglasses cannot.

When choosing a pair, look for tear-offs or roll-offs for racing, anti-fog and UV-protective lenses, and a frame that seals cleanly against your specific MX helmet. Replace scratched lenses promptly so your vision stays clear.

What are the best motocross boots, and how should MX boots fit?

After a helmet, boots are the most important piece of safety equipment for off-road riding. The best motocross boots combine strong ankle support with a shin plate, a reinforced toe cap, and a heat-resistant inner panel. Look for a stiff sole that protects your foot against impacts and pegs while still letting you feel the controls.

MX boots should fit snugly over the calf with your riding socks on and feel supportive rather than loose. New boots are stiff by design and soften through a short break-in period.

What body protection do I need for off-road riding?

Beyond a helmet, goggles, and boots, off-road riders should add a chest or roost protector to guard the torso, knee braces or knee guards for the joints most exposed in a fall, and elbow guards. Many riders also wear a kidney belt for lower-back support and a neck brace to limit extreme head movement in a crash. Match the level of protection to your speed and terrain, with more armor for racing and jumps.

What is the difference between dual sport / ADV gear and motocross gear?

The two styles are built for different rides. Adventure and dual sport gear is designed for long distances across mixed terrain and changing weather, so it emphasizes waterproofing, all-day comfort, storage, and versatile armor. Motocross gear is lighter and far more ventilated for short, high-intensity efforts on the track or trail, where staying cool and mobile matters more than weather protection.

Snow & Snowmobile Gear

Snowmobile helmets, suits, bibs, and layers from Klim, Arctiva, Fly Racing, and more.

What gear do I need for snowmobiling?

A full snowmobile kit includes a snow-specific helmet with goggles, an insulated waterproof jacket and bibs or a one-piece monosuit, moisture-wicking base layers, insulated waterproof gloves, snow boots, and a balaclava or neck warmer. The goal is a complete windproof, waterproof barrier that keeps you warm without overheating during active riding.

What should I look for in a snowmobile jacket and bibs?

Prioritize a windproof, waterproof, and breathable outer shell paired with enough insulation for your climate. Useful features include adjustable vents for warmer days, sealed cuffs and a cinch at the waist to block snow, high-visibility reflective panels, and a dropseat design on bibs. Layering pieces over a good base layer lets you adapt as conditions change through the day.

Do I need a special helmet for snowmobiling?

Yes, snow-specific helmets are designed for the cold in ways a standard street helmet is not. Many include a breath box that directs your breath away from the shield, plus a dual-pane or electrically heated shield that resists fogging and freezing. They also seal better against cold air. Some backcountry riders instead pair a ventilated motocross-style snow helmet with goggles for deep-snow riding.