Gear Guides

Seeking to transport your dirt bike from Point A to Point B without riding? While many people opt to use their tray, trailer or borrow a van, dirt bike hitch carriers are becoming increasingly popular.

Dirt bike hitch carriers provide the best bang-for-buck being small, light and affordable for those on the tightest of budgets. Not only that, but choose the right one and it’ll serve you for years to come!

Frontaer has done 20 hours of research to help you transport your dirt bike safely and securely. These are the best dirt bike hitch carriers for 2022:

1. Tilt-A-Rack 410/610 ACR Aluminum

For the most innovative design on this list, the Tilt-A-Rack is the best option around town. Available in two variants handling either 400lbs or 600lbs dirt bikes, these ramps integrate the ramp and the carrier itself into one easy to operate system.

The wheel chock is also adjustable and it handles dirt bikes of various sizes. It might be aluminum but it’s strong and durable, while being light enough to carry with one hand.

If you’re a serious rider, this is the one I’d be picking. Keep in mind, however, that this is on the premium side of the budget. All that innovation comes at a price, but it’s definitely worth every dime!

2. Ballards Dirt Bike Rack Carrier

You may not have seen Ballards products on the shelves, but in Australia, they’re famous for their innovation. Created by Geoff Ballard almost 40 years ago, his innovation continues today with his MX Store association.

His innovative dirt bike rack is designed for Australian vehicles and is reasonably priced. It has a steady support bar as a back-up and uses twist locks as opposed to any straps, eliminating the anxiety of your rachet straps ever letting go!

Unfortunately, these are hard to find in the United States. It doesn’t come with a ramp but does come with a ramp bracket where you can attach a 2×4 or equilavent, or purchase their own ramp.

3. Black Widow AMC-400 Hitch-Mounted Aluminum Rack

For the weekend track warrior, an aluminum rack is the way to go and the Black Widow AMC-400 is perfect. It’s easy to remove for daily commutes to and from work, while it’s less resistant to rusting over the years.

The ramp is shorter than most others, thereby increasing the ramp-angle when you’re loading/unloading, but it is designed for lighter dirt bikes after all.

We really do like this rack and it would’ve claimed the first position on this list if it weren’t for the lack of tiedown points.

4. VersaHaul VH-55 RO Dirt Bike Hitch Carrier

The VersaHaul VH-55-RO Hitch Carrier is a bit heavier than most other racks on this list. After all, it’s made from powder-coated steel and can hold a dirt bike up to 500-pounds.

What we like is the retractable tie-down bars which can slide in and out as needed to suit the width of your dirt bike. The front wheel chock will keep your dirt bike secure and prevent a lot of side sway while you’re cruising down the highway.

You can purchase this with a loading ramp. Additionally, you can still tow a trailer up to 3,000 pounds while you’re hauling your dirt bike around. The ramp also comes with reflectors, although no indicators or stop lights.

5. Black Widow MX-600X Steel Deluxe Motorcycle Hitch Carrier

Got a 450cc dirt bike and above? Then you’ll need something engineered to cater for the additional weight, and this Black Widow MX-600X is the perfect bit of gear. It’ll handle dirt bikes as well as street bikes.

A unique feature is the spacing pins on the racks. You can adjust these to be grouped closer together if you’re hauling smaller children’s dirt bikes, or keep them in the standard position for adult-sized bikes.

In addition, it comes with a ramp to make rolling your bike easy to do by yourself. There is a mounting bracket for the ramp too so you won’t need to store it elsewhere.

6. Ultimate MX104/106-BLK Hauler Steel Hitch Motorcycle Hitch Carrier

7. TMS T-NS-MRC001 Heavy Duty Motorcycle Dirt Bike Carrier

One of the more affordable options on this list is the TMS TN-S-MRC001 motorcycle carrier, despite being made of more expensive steel. Like most other steel hitch carriers, it can handle up to 500 pounds of weight.

I did find this ramp to be a little shorter and would not work well with an adventure motorcycle or dual sport. Regardless, it does suit most riders and the price is very reasonable.

Buyers Guide

This is our buyers guide specifically for dirt bike hitch carriers for 2022. We’re hoping you’ll find the right hitch carrier for your specific bike and ‘tow’ vehicle. It’s also wise to consider the terrain you’ll typically be encountering and how often you’ll use your rack.

Capacity

There are two constraints when it comes to capacity:

1. The capacity of your vehicle’s tongue weight, also known as hitch weight or tow ball capacity. This is completely different than towing capacity. You might have seen cars on the highway easily towing other cars of roughly the same weight. Their biggest bottleneck is the ‘down force’ of the trailer and in this case, it’ll be the weight of your rack + the weight of your dirt bike. You can find your maximum capacity from your vehicle’s handbook or tow bar supplier.
2. The capacity of your dirt bike hitch rack. Some can handle up to 600-pounds to accommodate adventure motorcycles, while others are only rated to 400-pounds for lighter dirt bikes.

Where possible, I would recommend a larger tow vehicle (sedan, wagon or SUV) paired with the highest capacity hitch carrier you can afford. By doing this, you create more ‘margin for safety’ and will feel more confident while doing 70MPH down the highway.

Tie-Down Points

Numerous tie-down points are a must when choosing any dirt bike hitch carrier, and we’ve cherry-picked those who considered these. You might not use every point available, but having a few points adds redundancy and convenience, especially as some points may be more difficult to reach while you’re trying to balance a dirt bike in the other hand.

Material

Dirt bike hitch carriers are either made from aluminum or steel. The hard plastic bike racks for electric mountain bikes are typically unsuitable for hauling dirt bikes.

Aluminum is light and strong, and typically rust-free but they do have weight restrictions. Steel ramps on the other hand can handle more weight, are often powder-coated black (which looks awesome!) but are on the more expensive end of your budget.

Bad Reviews

It’s always wise to pay close attention to bad reviews and hitch carriers that have failed their owners. In many cases, they’ll be leaving 1-star reviews on Amazon and other marketplaces, paired with images and a story.

Fortunately, this typically only happens with cheap imports that you see on Amazon. We have intentionally avoided mentioning any of these on our list. For your $5,000 to $10,000 dirt bike, it deserves more than a $100 cheap rack you can find online.

FAQs

It’s time to get into our frequently asked questions. If you do have any more to add, then please reach out to the Frontaer team and we’ll update this right away!

Are dirt bike hitch carriers safe to use?

Yes. Many owners have safely used dirt bike hitch carriers without a problem. Now, provided you stay within the safe limits of your vehicle, its relative tongue weight and the capacity of the hitch carrier, you’ll have years of worry-free haulin’.

For those a little nervous, I do recommend doing shorter trips and ‘trial runs’ on residential streets to become confident with your new hitch carrier before you head out on the highway. You should also practice reversing and braking to see how your host vehicle reacts differently.

It’s important to know that your dirt bike WILL have some slight bounce when you encounter bumpy ground or winding roads. Assuming you’ve strapped your dirt bike down properly, you shouldn’t be too concerned with mild movements in your rear vision mirror.

How do you strap a motorcycle to a tow hitch carrier?

All of the dirt bike hitch carriers on this list have numerous tie-down points welded in numerous points. You should always aim to use 4 straps when securing a dirt bike, regardless if it’s being used on a hitch carrier, truck tray, van or trailer.

Our best recommendation is to use ratchet straps and utilize 2 straps, 1 on either side of the handlebars. 2 additional straps can be used on each rear of the bike, either under the seat or strapped to the footpegs. Do not strap to the brake/clutch levers or any plastics as we’re only seeking solid objects that are unlikely to move.

Regardless of how tight you strap down your dirt bike, some suspension travel is expected. This can largely be prevented through the use of fork savers which effectively lock your suspension in a pre-determined position.

Is it legal to use a hitch carrier in all states?

Through our research, we have found motorcycle hitch carriers to be legal in all states and territories in the United States and Australia. However, generally speaking, you are restricted by the rating of the hitch AND the width of your vehicle.

You may also need to purchase up to 3 additional items. These include:

1. Clip-on mirrors if your existing mirrors are obscured by the width of your vehicle.
2. A duplicated and portable licence plate. Many states also require a rear licence or registration plate to be clearly seen at all times. This is best achieved by mounting an additional licence plate on the side of your dirt bike while it’s being hauled, or mounted to the lowest side of the rack. You can often purchase these through the department of motor transport in your local area.
3. Portable indicators. Most states require no visual obstruction to your turn signals and may need to purchase clip-on indicators which simply plug into your trailer connector plug.

You can expect the cost of all 3 combined to be less than $200, and should last for many years.

Does using a hitch carrier affect my vehicle’s handling or warranty?

Yes. With an additional 400-pounds or more at the rear, your front tires and subsequent steering are expected to be a little lighter, with your headlights also pointing 5 to 10 degrees higher too. Most modern vehicles have headlight adjustments to compensate for this change in angle.

A common mistake is loading up the trunk with 600-pounds of gear, then mounting your dirt bike on the rear. This causes significant sagging on your car’s rear suspension (can be dangerous or even illegal!) and a decrease on your rear axle ground clearance too.

If possible, place as much heavy gear in the front or rear passenger seats of your car. This helps distribute your load more evenly. You can also put the heaviest people in the front two seats… 😉

What are some alternatives to hitch carriers?

Excellent alternatives include vans, trailers, truck/ute beds or simply riding (legally) to and from your local trails! That said, other alternatives are often costly and may not be easily able to be stored, particularly if you live in an apartment complex.

Do you recommend any double dirt bike hitch carriers?

No. While the Black Widow AMC-600-2 Double Dirt Bike Hitch Carrier is a popular product, it weighs too much on the hitch when fully loaded with 2 dirt bikes. This impacts your vehicle’s handling as the dirt bike situated furthest from the vehicle becomes quite erratic and bouncy on b-grade and c-grade quality roads. To haul more than 1 dirt bike, I recommend a van, pickup or a trailer.

Looking for some dirt bike movies to watch when rain is forecasted for the next few days? Then you’re in the right place!

Frontaer has cherry-picked the best movies that can replicate the thrill you feel behind the handlebars, but far more safely and with a storyline to suit!

1. Bennett’s War

We’re kickin’ off this list with a story about love, acceptance and beauty. While this story isn’t just about motocross, it touches upon the American Dream in many ways. It features Marshall Bennett as the main actor who is a young soldier and previously, a professional motocross racer. While serving in the military, he succumbs to an injury during an explosion and is brought home in permanent medical leave.

Upon his return home to the United States, his father Cal Bennett reveals the bad news – the family farm is about to be lost for good due to mortgage arrears. Not one to sit around, Marshall stands to the challenge to win a motocross competition despite recovering from a broken back and leg. This movie is emotionally charged and powerful at the same time, with a touch of romance too!

2. Motocross Kids

Most people looking for dirt bike movies are seeking to entertain not only themselves, the kids this rainy weekend. The Motocross Kids (or often simply called ‘Moto Kids’) movie.

It features the story of a young girl who’s keen to watch the supercross to save her family’s ranch. Unfortunately – she crahes and the family’s fate relies on the most unlikely character – a monkey! This film mixes the pursuit of freedom paired with comedy and family adventures that we all adore.

3. Dust to Glory

While not quite a movie as such, Dust to Glory features the incredible Baja 1000 motorcycle race held annually in Baja, Mexico. This is one race, much like the Dakar, that separates the boys from the men. This particular documentary covers the 2003 race in all its glory and features many legends we have covered here at Frontaer, including the star of On Any Sunday.

This movie reminds us that it’s not about winning the race, but merely surviving and eventually finishing. Not everyone gets to the finish line, but those that do, ultimately do what so few of us are willing to. Filled with madress, adrenaline, will-power and sacrifice, this encapsulates the sense of adventure we adore here at Fronaer.

4. On Any Sunday (1971)

One of the most legendary motocross movies is that featuring some of the most epic riders in history. On Any Sunday features Steve McQueen, Malcolm Smith and Mert Lawwill with their incredible stunts, throttle control and lap records.

Following this, its sequel, On Any Sunday: The Next chapter will have you even more impressed with the skills these riders had on dirt bikes that are now more than 50 years old! This one is a classic in our books, but a goldie too!

5. Motocrossed

For the younger riders out there, look no further! Disney actually created Motocross for both children and those young at heart which features the story of a young girl who overcome many challenges to ride AND race competitively.

Andrea Carson is a passionate motocross racer but lacked the support from her father, who often referenced his sons. When Andrea’s brother (Andrew) becomes injured moments before a big race, Andrea goes undercover and poses as her brother while her father is away in Europe and does surprisingly well.

6. This Is MOTO

This Is MOTO highlights some of the most leaderboard-topping riders in the world, following their journey from struggles to podium finishes. This was created not just for the dirt bike enthusiast, but the self-help junkie too as it touches upon resilience, passion and determination for success. From turmoil to triumph, this movie has it all.

7. Supercross the Movie

Lucky #7 on this list has nothing to do with luck but skill, adreline and tough love. This movie features two brothers who have quite different outlooks on life. If you could imagine The Fast and The Furious turned into a movie about dirt bikes, you’d get Supercross the Movie.

The story centers upon two brothers – Steve and Mike – who are at opposite ends of their riding styles and personal outlooks with some realistic rivalry. Unfortunately, Mike succumbs to a terrible riding accident and both riders ultimately put their differents apart where Mike coaches Steve with hopes to win the supercross championship with $500,000 at stake. With action at every turn paired with youful enthusiasm and a touch of niavety, Supercross the Movie will impress every type of dirt bike rider.

8. Moto 9: The Movie

It’s hard to throw any dirt at legendary riders Ryan Dungey and Brian Deegan. Together in this film, they share their passion of competing in some of the world’s most inspiring yet challenging terrain. From crashes and injuries, to the pursuit of success at any costs, you’ll be inspired by their will to squeeze any extra inch of their engines, the race track and their mental fortitude.

9. Winners Take All

Fancy a dirt bike film that mixes epic riding paired with a romantic side to please your partner? Then look no further! Winners Take All follows the story of Rick Melon and Bill Robinson who are both friends and rivals, with drama at every turn.

This move is much like Supercross the Movie. Rick is ultimately the underdog but through hard work and perseverance, is able to…..well actually, that’s enough spoilers here. 🙂 Needless to say this is another classic motocross film worthy of recognition!

10. The World’s Fastest Indian

Every motorcycle fanatic in the world has this movie in the back of their mind. Either they’ve watched it, or they’re not true riders at all. The World’s Fastest Indian movie features one of the most awe-inspiring motorcycle manufacturers of the last 100 years (Indian Motorcycles) and the pursuit of Bert Monro and his dream to break the world land speed record on Utah’s Bonneville Salt Flats.

11. It Came from the Desert

While rated quite low on IMDB, it still features dirt bikes with cult classic vibes!

It Came from the Desert features motocross riders who are rivals but need to put their differences aside to save their local town from a take over from…would you believe it…alien ants! Having leaked from a secret military base, these teenagers work together to take back control through wit, skill and a bit of luck too!

12. A-X-L

Speaking of secret military and alien creatures, A-X-L makes an exciting final edition to our list. Featuring the story of a young teenage boy (Miles) who discovers a robotic dog who become bonded through owner-pairing technology.

Through the film, the two create a beautiful friendship based on compassion, trust and strength. Miles’ dirt bike is heavily featured throughout the film, including multiple action scenes, and with his new friend by himself, ultimately saves the day. This movie was primed for a sequel, but as of June 2022, we are yet to see one.

There are a ton of adventure motorcycle jackets on the market, all claiming to offer a superior level of protection and other intrinsic benefits.

And yet, rider expectations often go something like this:

• “I want a very light adventure jacket with a ton of protection…”
• “That’s fully waterproof but with plenty of airflow vents…”
• “While being super cold in summer and super warm in winter…”

🤦‍♂️ Yep…

It’s about the right time to snap out of our motorcycling product fantasies. There really is no such thing as the perfect solution and often, you simply can’t have it both ways.

You see, us ADV riders demand jackets that cover a multitude of extremes. It can therefore be difficult to find a ‘perfect for all environments’ jacket.

But yet…there is a sweet spot. This adventure jacket venn-diagram we created explains our thesis:

In a nutshell:

• Opt for low cost and you’ll get poor protection and/or breathability
• Opt for protection and you’ll be paying a fortune, plus it’ll be heavy
• Opt for lightweight and you’ll get less protectoin and it’ll be expensive

And if you wanted to know our pick? While the sweet spot is in the middle, we always put pricing last, especially as you’ll probably have this ADV jacket for years to come.

When you’ve spent a fortune on your motorcycle and you’re out there vulnerable on the roads, it’s best to avoid (or at least minimize) the anxiety of wearing one of those cheap-as-chips jacket from Aliexpress. The jacket you buy only has to save your bacon once and it’s worth every single penny, and a whole lot more.

That’s enough justification to spend up for the best. Now, let’s get into the gear!

Best Adventure Motorcycle Jackets For Serious Riders

We have curated this list through consulting with dozens of riders and our own industry knowledge. While we may earn affiliate commissions on this page, this has in no way shaped this order of recommendations.

And so, here are the best adventure motorcycle jackets for long distance riding:

1. Klim Badlands Pro

Hands down the best adventure motorcycling jacket for 2022 is the Klim Badlands Pro jacket. When first launched, this jacket was already top-of-the-line and has only ever gotten better since. Sounds unbelievable, right?

Not when you consider the tech that Klim places into their jackets making them worth every cent. The Gore-Tex 3L weatherproofing is ridiculously good while still being excellent and ventilation, especially here in the tropics of Queensland. And despite all that comfort, it doesn’t fall short on protection either with Aero Pro D30 armor paired with their very own Karbonite Ripstop fabric across much of the exterior.

The downside here? This thing isn’t cheap! Placing the second most expensive on our list at the START of a product roundup wasn’t our initial idea, but this jacket is miles ahead of the competition, bar the Adventure Rally jacket shown below. And remember, pricing should always be your last consideration IF you’re the serious rider who demands performance.

2. Dririder Vortex Adventure 2 Jacket

Unlike the Klim Badlands Pro above, the Dririder Vortex is more affordable and better suits the weekend warrior rather than the hardcore adventure seeker who’s racking up stamps in their passport. It can be purchased with matching pants and both feature a ton of technology that you’d often pay more for with other brands.

This is the perfect budget-friendly option that doesn’t compromise too much on the important elements such as ventilation, protection and rain deflection. Plus – it looks as though it’s worth twice the price, but you won’t be too disappointed if it’s stolen while you’re away from your motorcycle.

3. Klim Adventure Rally Jacket

Klim makes a second appearance on this list given how much the brand is synonymous with adventure riders globally. This time – it’s their best jacket that absolutely packs a punch! And unfortunately, punches a hole in your wallet too…but it’s definitely justified.

Now in its 4th generation, it’s got the goods to make it the ultimate touring jacket for serious riders who rack up the miles. Being designed for the Dakar Rally, this jacket will withstand the demands of the most serious riders with its Gore-Tex layer that’s strong and guaranteed to keep you dry during those South American rain storms.

Do you need to spend the equilavent of 100 tanks of fuel on an adventure motorcycle jacket? Probably not. While the Klim Adventure Rally Jacket is the best that money can buy, it’s over-engineered and designed to withstand seriously high speed crashes. Us crusty adventure riders typically ride slower and take managed risks without needing to race to the next destination.

4. RST Pro Series Adventure-X

Across Australia, the RST Pro Series Adventure-X has one of the most commonly-seen jackets here. It’s incredibly safe yet is light and comfortable at the same time and like many jackets featured on this list, comes with CE certification. Like the Klim above, it is used by some Dakar Rally competitors but is designed for adventure riders first and foremost.

Think of this as the cheaper alternative to the Klim featured above. While it isn’t waterproof, it does ventilate very well (four-season design) but remains surprisingly simple. There are only two pockets but the rear of the jacket can handle a water bladder for those hot summer days on the bitumen.

5. Klim Kodiak Gore-Tex Jacket

The Klim Kodiak is one of the most underrated adventure jackets in existence. It can be hard to find (especially in the size you’re chasing) and it’s typically available in the darker colors, but don’t let that discourage you. This jacket definitely delivers the goods!

This is a great choice if you’re into winter riding want a warmer jacket that’s heated by the sun. We have seen these used quite often in the snow and given the thick liner, it wouldn’t suit summer riding too well.

6. REV’IT! Dominator GTX Jacket

While the adventure motorcycling fraternity has been upping their game over the last 30 years, there is nothing like the technology you’ll find in the REV’IT! Dominoator GTX Jacket. We always think to ourselves “surely REV’IT! can’t make this jacket any better” and next year comes around with even more features.

What’s unique about this jacket is the modular add-ons you can add depending on your riding terrain. Want to use a neck brace with your riding jacket? Check. Chasing a cooling vest so you aren’t sweating on a hot summer’s day? Check. Want a kidney belt that’s removable? This has that too. This really is the next level, but you’ll definitely be paying for it!

7. Buse ADV Pro STX Textile Jacket

A lesser-known brand which is prevalent in Europe and the United Kingdom is the brand Buse. This German brand has been in business for years but is only just making a stand in the English-speaking markets. Their jackets have some interest and unique designs that scream ‘ADV rider’ but features do go well beyond their design.

You’ll find their jackets to offer a ton of insulation for those cold winter mornings paired with protection for when you do eventually take a tumble. These jackets come with a vest which you can remove. We personally found this especially helpful on a recent multi-day trip as we could use this at our campsite in the evening to stay warm without having to wear the entire jacket. Essentially, it was perfect for saving space in our pannier bags.

8. RJAYS Sand Adventure Jacket

RJays is synonymous with those who prefer the bitumen but they do manufacture some excellent adventure jackets for offroad enthusiasts. This jacket is a true four-season beast with both thermal lining and ventilation which is easily adjustable.

Where this is unique is that it comes in some unique colors that tend to blend in with the terrain. When you’re stealth camping with your adventure motorcycle, it’s imperative that you’re not easy to spot from others and jackets are an easy give-away. Not with the Rjays Adventure range!

9. O’Neal Baja Unisex Adult Jacket

Right – we’ll cop some flack for highlighting anything by O’Neal on this list (as they’re synonymous with young MX riders, not us crusty adventure riders) but hear us out here…

O’Neal has created a relatively affordable jacket that provides some basic protection at a basic price. This represents the cheapest adventure motorcycle jacket on this list but still offers a variety of pockets, a windproof shell and an adjustable collar.

10. Alpinestars Revenant Jacket

Have you ever flown business class and thought “Wow! This is the life!”…? then this jacket is for you. The alpinestars Revenant Goretex Pro Tech Air Jacket is designed (or rather, engineered) to serve serious adventure and dual-sport riders alike who demand comfort and protection.

This jacket combines the lightness of an MX vest paired with the rigidity of a full-blown adventure jacket. It has large pockets that can fit a passport, carnet and insurance documents for those drawn-out border crossings. It also has an airbag system providing even more protection in the off-chance you crash your ADV bike.

11. Klim Latitude Gore-Text Jacket

Alright, we get it. We’ve mentioned Klim several times on this list, but it’s for good reason. They are the leading brand for adventure motorcycle riders and are constantly innovating to be the industry leader.

Unlike most that are featured on this list, the Klim Latitude is significantly more affordable. It doesn’t feature pockets which is a preference for some riders (pockets do get bulky after all) and comes in a variety of colors. We prefer the high-visibility green, especially if riding in developing countries where the traffic and road rules are in dire need of refinement.

12. BMW Ralle Jacket

The last on this list happens to be a favourite of Frontaer. This jacket is iconic and synonymous with BMW riders who want to match their dream bike. These are a little harder to find online but can be found on the shelves of BMW motorcycle dealerships nationwide. With 10 pockets of storage, you’ll easily find a spot for your passport, maps, phone and a whole lot more.

We have enjoyed using this jacket in the warmer Australian months but it equally worked well in the Victorian High Country. After 3,000km, this jacket certainly didn’t feel like compromised in any way and yet didn’t put as much as a dent in our bank accounts either!

Buying Guide

Need some help choosing the right jacket for your riding? Then you’re in the right place. Use this guide to help you pick the jacket that will be serve your riding odyssey!

Lined Vs Unlined

Let’s make this as simple as possible:

Lined	Unlined
Best for winter	Best for summer
Includes liner	Need to buy liner
More expensive	More affordable
Good for snow	Bad for snow
Sweaty in summer	Good for summer

Ventilation

Ventilation is hugely important if you’re riding in summer, but is needed for winter riders too. You don’t want your heat to build up to a point where you begin sweating. Therefore, it’s best to find a jacket that has good airflow where the vents can be zippered open or closed on both the front and back.

Weight

You don’t want a jacket that’s good heavy, otherwise you’ll fatigue yourself quite quickly. At the same time, a jacket that’s too light often lacks the protection you REALLY need, otherwise it defeats the purpose of having a jacket.

Adjustable

We need to acknowledge that ADV riders can put on weight, especially if away for months at a time. You’ll want a jacket that has some extra space to expand, especially in the mid and lower sections.

The last thing you’ll want to do is be carting two jackets around.

Storage

If you’re simply riding around your state or country, it’s often unnecessary to have pockets on your jacket. On the other hand, pockets are handy for those doing border crossings and need to store valuables when they’re away from their motorcycle.

Pricing

At the beginning of this round up, we mentioned that pricing should be your last consideration. And again, we have placed this last. It’s best to buy the more expensive that you can afford. Buy once, buy right. Every jacket on this list should last at least 5 years, with some typically lasting 10 to 15 years with regular care and maintenance.

Adventure Motorcycle Jackets

Why are adventure motorcycle jackets so expensive?

There is a ton of work involved with the design of a fully-spec’d adventure motorcycle jacket before it even reaches the start of the production line. Add in the cost for manufacturing, shipping and merchandising, and it’s little wonder why you’re often paying $500 to $1,000 for a decent ADV jacket for riding.

Can adventure motorcycle jackets be used for commuting?

Absolutely. Adventure motorcycle jackets are actually over-engineered for commuting so it’ll be ideal for your daily commute and weekend escape.

What jacket did Ewan and Charley wear in the Long Way Down documentary?

Fancy some cosplay? Ewen McGregor and Charlie Boorman wore BMW motorcycle jackets as both riders were sponsored for this documentary. These jackets are now more than 15 years old and were superceded by the BMW Ralle Jacket.

Are adventure motorcycle jackets comfortable to wear?

Yes. While bulky, ADV riders generally find these jackets reasonably comfortable to wear. You won’t be doing yoga but you also won’t feel like a stiff bodybuilder either. They typically offer enough flexibility where you need it.

Closing Thoughts from Frontaer

Just like so much in the world of adventure motorcycling apparel, you’ll want to be kitted out with the best gear that you can. You might look like a storm-tropper in a stray jacket but that’s a heck of a lot better than being stuck on a hospital bed, possibly for weeks… and especially in a 3rd world country.

Forking out $1,200+ for an almost-guaranteed all-weather performance and all-season comfort, paired with latest and greatest safety features money can buy doesn’t appear too costly. That’s especially so if you intend to see the world from the saddle of a high-spec adventure bike that you’ve already spent $20,000+ on.

Yes BMW owners, we’re looking right at you…

And yet for the rider whose somewhat new to the ADV and dual sport world, or for the casual weekend warrior, you typically won’t need the latest and greatest technology to stay safe on the trails and have a ton of fun. Especially if you’re often cruising along in the lower end of the gearbox.

Even our ‘worst’ picks on this list still pack a ton of protection and technology for the money, and would get you around the world in one piece better than anything you’ll find on AliExpress. 

But if money was ultimately no object, the Klim Badlands Pro receives our solid tick of approval any day of the week.

When you’re done after a day of riding, it’s time to haul home and do some routine maintenance on your dirt bike. That’s best done with a stand to keep it high and stationary.

You may be shopping for a stand currently, but you’re stuck with a challenge. There are so many options on the market, and it can be uber confusing as to what you should look for.

Therefore, Frontaer has you covered in this product round-up guide.

Here are the best dirt bike stands available in 2022:

1. Acerbis 711 Dirt Bike Stand

Made from poly-carbonate with some steel rods for reinforcement, we really appreciate the design and strength of the 711. We’ve used this on several occasions in our garage and it feels like it could handle a fully-kitted adventure motorcycle too.

There is a large channeled contact plate to help drain fluid more easily while the centre hole is generous for those regular oil changes. The feet are spread out quite wide and this is helpful if you’re doing some maintenance on the tracks-side, not just your level home garage.

2. Risk Racing Adjustable Magnetic Dirt Bike Stand (00381)

We generally don’t recommend the generic stands you might come across on Amazon and eBay. What we do love is when a brand takes an existing design and improves it immensely, just as Risk Racing has done right here.

The frame on this dirt bike stand is steel yet the locking mechanism is aluminium paired with a hard-wearing rubber plate. What does this all mean? This stand means business! It screams ‘I’m here to hold your pride and joy for years’ so you won’t be buying another one anytime soon.

You can also adjust the height so neither your front or rear tire will be touching the floor by using an innovative rakle angle top. Let’s not forget the magic bolt panels on 2 sides of the stand.

3. Pit Posse Hydraulic Scissor Dirt Bike Lift

For the ultimate in height adjustments, it’s hard to look past the scissor-lift style stands. And Pit Posse has created the most serious and robust on our list that is equally at home in the garage, as it is alongside race teams hitting the tracks every single weekend.

This is our most recommended solution for those with back issues. Simply position your dirt bike over the lift then use the lifting mechanism by simply using your foot. This can handle up to 300lbs which suits dirt bikes right up to 650cc.

4. Motorsports Products P12 Dirt Bike Stand

For something simplistic, small and portable, our pick is for the Motorsports Products P12. This is ideal for children to use as pumping requires so little effort, but adults will appreciate the ease of this too. The feet are wide enough to use on the dirt while the structure is light enough to be thrown in the back of the car.

It has a heavier load-rating than most on this list, and can certainly handle 650cc dirt bikes and even some adventure motorcycles too. It’s also budget-friendly as it’s built with aluminum…meaning it’s less likely to rust if you’re using it near the ocean.

5. Risk Racing RR1 Ride on Dirt Bike Lift

Talk about another game-changer…we have the Risk Racing RR1. Instead of pumping up your dirt bike – or worse – having to lift it manually – this one allows you to simply ride your bike straight on to the ramp. The problem with the others is balancing your dirt bike once your wheels reach the ground again, but this isn’t a problem with this ramp.

This is a remarkably simple design that’s going to work well long in to the future. You simply ride on to the ramp and kick the peddle. Unfortunately, this only suits small to medium-sized dirt bikes and wouldn’t suit dual sports or adventure motorcycles.

6. Polisport Folding Dirt Bike Stand

Our last pick on this list is last for a reason, but it isn’t necessarily bad. It simply is the nature of having to manually lift your dirt bike on to the sand which isn’t necessarily easy…especially if you’ve been on a long and hard ride.

Fortunately, this is nearly indestructible and with minimal moving parts. It also comes in a range of colors and packs up super small, making it easy to transport for when space is at a premium!

Getting Started

This collection of awesome dirt bike stands will help provide you some serious stability whether you’re simply doing an oil change or a complete top-end rebuild. We hope you’ll have fun out there!