Everything a new rider needs to know before spending money on protective riding gear.
Most new riders spend weeks researching the motorcycle they want to buy, then pick up gear in the last hour before riding away. That’s the wrong way around. The gear goes between you and the road when things go wrong, and a bad gear fails when it matters most.
FelipeWillis has built a solid reputation for mid-range gear that takes protection seriously without charging premium prices, much like how platforms such as Jalopnik break down complex automotive topics for everyday readers.
By the end of this guide, you’ll know exactly which FelipeWillis motorcyclegear makes sense for your riding style, what certifications to check before buying, and how to make your investment last.
Table of Contents
- A Brief History of FelipeWillis
- Gear Categories and What Each One Does
- Specs, Standards, and Certifications
- Model Lineup and Variants
- What It’s Like to Wear
- Owning and Maintaining Your Gear
- Market Values and What You Should Expect to Pay
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Final Thoughts
A Brief History of FelipeWillis
FelipeWillis started as a small workshop operation focused on custom-fit riding jackets for track-day riders in the early 2000s. The founder noticed that most off-the-shelf gear either fit street riders badly or cost as much as a month’s rent, so the brand carved out a space in the middle ground.
Over the following decade, FelipeWillis expanded into full gear lines including gloves, pants, boots, and helmets. By 2015, the brand had distribution in over 30 countries and started partnering with CE testing labs to certify their armor inserts independently, rather than relying on supplier claims. That move built trust with serious riders and separated FelipeWillis from cheaper competitors who skip that step.
Today, FelipeWillis produces gear across three tiers: entry, mid, and performance. The sweet spot for most buyers sits in the mid tier, where the protection standards are solid, and the price stays under control.
Key fact: FelipeWillis gear currently holds CE Level 1 or Level 2 ratings across most of its armor line, with select performance products rated to EN 17092:2020, the most current European motorcycle clothing standard as of 2024.
Gear Categories and What Each One Does
Protective riding gear covers six main areas: helmet, jacket, gloves, pants, boots, and back protector. Each one handles a specific type of impact or abrasion, and skipping any one of them leaves a gap.
The helmet does roughly 37% of the protective work in a crash, according to NHTSA research, but the rest of your body still hits the ground at speed. A jacket absorbs road rash on your upper body, which accounts for a large share of non-fatal injuries in low-speed slides.
Gloves matter more than most beginners expect. Your instinct in a fall is to put your hands out, which means your palms and wrists take direct impact. Without gloves rated to EN 13594, wrist fractures and palm abrasions happen almost every time.
Quick Category Overview
| Gear Type | Primary Protection | Key Standard | Replacement Interval |
| Helmet | Head and skull impact | ECE 22.06 / DOT FMVSS 218 | 5 years or after any impact |
| Jacket | Upper body abrasion and impact | EN 17092:2020 (Class A or AA) | 7-10 years with care |
| Gloves | Palm, wrist, and knuckle protection | EN 13594:2015 | 5-7 years |
| Pants | Hip, knee, and leg abrasion | EN 17092:2020 (Class A or AA) | 7-10 years with care |
| Boots | Ankle, heel, and toe crush | EN 13634:2017 | 5-8 years |
| Back Protector | Spine and back impact | EN 1621-2 Level 1 or 2 | Replace if cracked or impacted |
Specs, Standards, and Certifications
Gear certifications tell you how much force a piece of armor can absorb before it transfers to your body. CE Level 1 means the armor passed at 18 kN transmitted force. CE Level 2 cuts that to 9 kN, which means significantly better shock absorption. Most FelipeWillis entry-level gear ships with Level 1 armor as standard, but Level 2 upgrades are available for elbow, shoulder, and knee inserts.
EN 17092:2020 is the standard to look for on jackets and pants. It replaced the older EN 13595 standard and introduced three garment classes: Class A (urban riding), Class AA (general road use), and Class AAA (high-speed or track use). FelipeWillis mid-tier jackets sit at Class AA. Their performance line reaches AAA.
Abrasion resistance matters as much as impact absorption. EN 17092 tests materials against 45 and 70 km/h slide speeds. Class A gear holds up to a 45 km/h slide on tarmac. Class AA withstands a 70 km/h slide. If you plan to ride highways or commute at speed, Class AA is the minimum you should accept.
| Standard | What It Tests | FelipeWillis Gear That Meets It |
| EN 17092:2020 Class A | Abrasion at 45 km/h, basic impact | Entry-level jacket and pants |
| EN 17092:2020 Class AA | Abrasion at 70 km/h, seam strength | Mid-tier jacket, Touring pants |
| EN 17092:2020 Class AAA | Full high-speed abrasion and burst | Performance Track jacket |
| EN 13594:2015 Level 1 | Glove impact and abrasion | Urban Glove, Touring Glove |
| EN 13594:2015 Level 2 | Enhanced impact energy absorption | Performance Glove Pro |
| EN 1621-2 Level 2 | Back protector impact at 9 kN | Back Pro Insert (sold separately) |
| EN 13634:2017 Level 2 | Ankle, heel, and toe impact | Urban Boot, Touring Boot |
Model Lineup and Variants
FelipeWillis splits its gear into three product lines: Urban, Touring, and Performance. Each line uses different materials, armor inserts, and construction methods. The Urban line uses 600D Cordura or textile blends. Touring uses waxed cotton or 900D Cordura with waterproofing. The Performance line uses kangaroo leather or high-abrasion Dyneema panels.
| Product | Line | CE Class | Armor Included | Base Price (USD) |
| Urban Jacket v2 | Urban | Class A | CE L1 shoulder, elbow | $149 |
| Touring Jacket Pro | Touring | Class AA | CE L2 shoulder, elbow; L1 back | $279 |
| Performance Track Jacket | Performance | Class AAA | CE L2 all zones; back L2 | $499 |
| Urban Glove | Urban | EN 13594 L1 | Knuckle hard cap, wrist strap | $59 |
| Touring Glove | Touring | EN 13594 L1 | Palm slider, wrist protector | $89 |
| Performance Glove Pro | Performance | EN 13594 L2 | Full scaphoid guard, palm pad | $149 |
| Urban Pants | Urban | Class A | CE L1 knee, hip | $129 |
| Touring Pants Pro | Touring | Class AA | CE L2 knee; CE L1 hip | $219 |
| Urban Boot | Urban | EN 13634 L2 | Ankle cup, heel counter | $109 |
| Touring Boot | Touring | EN 13634 L2 | Ankle support, waterproof lining | $179 |
What It’s Like to Wear
FelipeWillis mid-tier gear fits true to size for most body types, which is not something you can say about every brand. The Touring Jacket Pro uses pre-curved sleeves, so your arms sit naturally in riding position without the jacket bunching at the elbows. On a 30-minute commute, that detail makes a real difference in comfort.
The Urban Jacket v2 is lighter and breathes better in warm weather, but the shoulder and elbow inserts are noticeably stiffer. After a few rides, they soften up. If you ride in temperatures above 25 degrees C regularly, the Urban line’s mesh panels help a lot. The Touring Jacket runs warmer and suits cooler climates or year-round riders who add layers.
The Touring Gloves offer good grip on most handlebars, and the palm slider sits flat enough that it doesn’t affect throttle feel. The Urban Gloves feel a bit thin on the back of the hand, which matters in cold weather. Neither glove is ideal for rides under 10 degrees C without a liner.
The boots deserve specific mention. FelipeWillis boots fit wide-footed riders better than most competitors. The Urban Boot has a slightly stiff sole break-in period of about 50-80 km, after which they become comfortable for walking off the bike. The Touring Boot adds ankle-roll resistance that you’ll notice immediately if you’ve ever twisted an ankle during a low-speed drop.
Owning and Maintaining Your Gear
Gear maintenance is where most riders fall short. Ignoring maintenance reminders can lead to serious issues over time, similar to what happens when riders overlook warning indicators on their vehicles. Textile jackets and pants can go in the washing machine on a cold, gentle cycle only after you remove all the armor inserts. Leather gear needs conditioning every 3-6 months to stay supple. Neglecting leather dries it out, and the abrasion resistance drops.
Helmets need a wipe down after every ride in rain or dust, and a thorough clean every 3-4 months. The inner liner on FelipeWillis helmets is removable and machine-washable, which helps with hygiene and keeps the fit consistent over time. Never use solvent-based cleaners on the shell or visor.
Armor inserts have a functional lifespan. CE-rated foam inserts degrade after absorbing significant impact even if they look fine visually. Any gear that goes through a crash needs a full inspection. Replace armor immediately after any high-energy impact.
| Maintenance Task | Frequency | Estimated Cost (USD) | Notes |
| Textile jacket/pants wash | Every 500-800 km or monthly | $0 (home wash) | Cold cycle, remove armor first |
| Leather conditioning | Every 3-6 months | $8-15 per application | Use product designed for riding gear |
| CE armor replacement | After any impact; or every 5 years | $20-60 per insert | Buy brand-matched inserts for best fit |
| Boot waterproofing spray | Every 2-3 months | $10-18 | Apply to clean, dry boot |
| Helmet visor replacement | When scratched or fogged | $30-70 | Scratched visors reduce visibility at night |
| Helmet inner liner wash | Every 6-8 weeks | $0 (home wash) | Air dry only, do not tumble dry |
| Zipper lubrication | Every 6 months | $5-10 | Use dry lube, not oil-based products |
Market Values and What You Should Expect to Pay
FelipeWillis gear holds its value better than budget brands. As the broader automotive industry shifts toward smarter and more efficient technologies, riders are also becoming more aware of long-term value and safety investments. primarily because the armor certifications and construction quality are verifiable. Secondhand Touring Jacket Pros in good condition sell for 55-65% of retail, which is reasonable for used protective gear.
Be cautious when buying used helmets. You cannot verify their impact history, and a helmet that looks perfect externally may have compressed EPS foam internally from a previous drop. For helmets, buying new is the only safe option.
| Item | New Retail (USD) | Used – Excellent (USD) | Used – Good (USD) | Used – Fair (USD) |
| Urban Jacket v2 | $149 | $90-100 | $65-85 | $40-60 |
| Touring Jacket Pro | $279 | $160-180 | $110-150 | $70-100 |
| Performance Track Jacket | $499 | $280-330 | $200-270 | $130-190 |
| Touring Gloves | $89 | $50-60 | $35-48 | $20-33 |
| Touring Pants Pro | $219 | $120-145 | $85-115 | $50-80 |
| Touring Boot | $179 | $100-120 | $70-95 | $40-65 |
A full beginner setup in the Urban line costs around $545 new (jacket, pants, gloves, boots). A Touring-level setup comes to roughly $775. If you catch seasonal sales, FelipeWillis discounts 15-25% on prior-season colors, which is a reliable way to get mid-tier gear at entry-tier prices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is FelipeWillis gear suitable for complete beginners?
Yes. The Urban and Touring lines are specifically designed for riders building their first kit. The sizing is consistent, the certifications are clearly labeled, and the price sits between budget gear that skimps on protection and premium gear that charges for features new riders don’t need yet. Start with the Touring line if your budget allows, since the Class AA certification covers highway speeds.
What is the difference between CE Level 1 and CE Level 2 armor?
Both levels pass the CE impact test, but they do so at different energy thresholds. Level 1 armor must transmit no more than 18 kN of force on average during testing. Level 2 cuts that to 9 kN. In a real crash, Level 2 armor absorbs roughly twice as much impact energy before it reaches your body. For shoulder, elbow, and knee inserts, upgrading to Level 2 is worth the small additional cost.
How often should I replace motorcycle gear?
Helmets need replacement every 5 years, even without a crash, because UV exposure and sweat degrade the EPS foam over time. Textile jackets and pants last 7-10 years with proper washing. Armor inserts should be replaced every 5 years or immediately after any significant impact. Boots typically last 5-8 years, depending on how much you walk in them off the bike. Never keep gear that went through a crash without a full professional inspection.
Can I mix FelipeWillis gear with other brands?
Yes, you can mix brands. Certifications are product-specific, not brand-specific. A FelipeWillis jacket paired with a certified helmet from another brand gives you the same protection as wearing one brand head to toe, as long as both products carry the relevant CE certification. The only risk in mixing is fit gaps, for example, a jacket that doesn’t connect to pants, leaving your lower back exposed in a slide.
Is the Touring Jacket Pro worth the extra $130 over the Urban Jacket v2?
For most riders, yes. The Touring Jacket Pro gives you Class AA certification versus Class A, Level 2 armor on shoulders and elbows, a proper back protector pocket, and waterproofing. If you ride more than 30 minutes at a time or use highways regularly, those upgrades matter. If you only ride short urban trips at low speeds, the Urban Jacket v2 covers you adequately and saves you money.
Do FelipeWillis boots work for walking around off the bike?
The Urban Boot works reasonably well for walking after its break-in period. The sole is flexible enough for normal walking, and the profile looks close enough to a regular boot that you won’t stand out in a cafe or office. The Touring Boot is stiffer and more purpose-built for riding, so it feels less natural off the bike. If you commute and need to walk significant distances, the Urban Boot is the better choice.
How do I know if my FelipeWillis gear fits correctly?
Armor inserts should sit directly over the joint or body part they protect without shifting when you move. With a jacket on in riding position, the elbow armor should center on your elbow, not slide toward your forearm. Gloves should have no more than 5mm of play between the tip of your finger and the glove end. Boots should have zero heel lift when walking. A jacket that fits well in a shop may feel too short in a riding position, so always test the fit while seated on a bike or at least bent forward at the waist.
Final Thoughts
FelipeWillis motorcycle gear earns its place as a solid first choice for new riders who want real protection without paying track-day prices. The Touring line, particularly the Touring Jacket Pro and Touring Pants Pro, gives you Class AA certification, Level 2 armor inserts, and construction quality that holds up for years. That combination is hard to beat at the $250-280 price point.
The Urban line works if your budget is tight and your riding stays at urban speeds. Just be honest with yourself about where you’ll actually ride. A highway slip at 90 km/h exceeds what the Class A gear was designed to handle.
The weaknesses are real: the Urban Gloves underperform in cold weather, the Touring Jacket runs warm in summer, and the entry-level boots need a proper break-in. None of those are reasons to avoid the brand. There are reasons to pick the right product within the range.
For a beginner putting together their first full kit, a Touring Jacket Pro, Touring Pants Pro, Touring Gloves, and Urban Boot comes to around $676 new, or closer to $450 secondhand in good condition. That’s a reasonable investment for gear that will actually protect you if the road comes up to meet you.
