United Kingdom (UK) Riding Gear Market Overview, 2029

The UK motorcycle riding gear market offers a fascinating paradox. While innovation and safety advancements are constantly pushing the boundaries, a unique and enduring trend thrives: the resurgence of retro riding gear. This isn't just a nostalgic whim – it's a multi-million pound market segment deeply embedded in British motorcycling culture. The UK boasts a rich motorcycling heritage, with iconic brands like Triumph and Norton synonymous with classic design. This historical connection fuels a passionate community that cherishes the aesthetics of a bygone era. Cafe racers, scramblers, and classic touring motorcycles find a natural pairing with vintage-inspired helmets, jackets, and boots. The UK market's embrace of retro gear isn't purely sentimental. Modern manufacturers are adeptly blending classic aesthetics with contemporary safety features. High-performance materials like Kevlar are discreetly incorporated into vintage-styled jackets, while modern helmet shells adorned with yesteryear graphics meet stringent safety certifications. This fusion allows riders to experience the thrill of a bygone era with the peace of mind of modern protection. The retro riding gear market caters to a diverse demographic. It attracts seasoned riders seeking to relive their motorcycling youth, while also capturing the imagination of a younger generation drawn to the timeless elegance and individuality of vintage styles. Social media platforms further fuel this trend, with thriving online communities dedicated to showcasing classic motorcycles and their accompanying gear. Furthermore, the UK's diverse riding landscape plays a crucial role. The abundance of scenic coastal routes and the popularity of night-time motorcycle tours necessitate gear that performs exceptionally well in low-light conditions. This has fueled the demand for advanced reflective materials that offer exceptional visibility at various angles, even in foggy or wet weather conditions.
The UK riding gear market boasts a rich history intertwined with the development of motorcycles themselves. In the early 20th century, riders donned heavy leather jackets, breeches, and rudimentary helmets, often repurposed from military surplus. Brands like Barbour, established in 191 Barbour, became synonymous with practical, weatherproof gear for touring riders. Post-war advancements saw the introduction of lighter, more protective materials like nylon and synthetic fibers. The iconic waxed cotton jacket continued to evolve, offering a balance of practicality and style. The 1960s motorcycle boom brought a focus on performance with the arrival of iconic British brands like Belstaff and Ixion, known for their high-quality leather racing suits. The 1970s witnessed a safety revolution. Legislation mandating helmet use spurred innovation, with British companies like Lexan leading the development of stronger, lighter helmets. Technological advancements continued throughout the late 20th and early 21st centuries. Breathable membranes, impact-resistant armor, and high-visibility materials became standard features, reflecting the growing emphasis on rider safety. Today, the UK riding gear market offers a diverse range of products catering to various riding styles and budgets. Traditional British brands coexist with international giants, while a new wave of innovative British companies focuses on advanced materials and technologies.
According to the research report "The United Kingdom Riding Gear Market Overview, 2029," published by Bonafide Research, the UK Riding Gear market is projected grow by more than 5% CAGR from 2024 to 2029. Several key factors drive the UK riding gear market. Safety remains the primary concern, fueled by government legislation promoting helmet use and mandatory motorcycle training. Increased awareness of motorcycle safety, coupled with a growing emphasis on rider visibility, has led to a surge in demand for high-visibility clothing and reflective gear. Technological advancements continue to be a major driver. Riders are increasingly seeking gear that integrates seamlessly with technology, such as Bluetooth communication systems in helmets and jackets with integrated GPS capabilities. Additionally, the growing popularity of electric motorcycles presents unique challenges and opportunities for the riding gear market, with a need for gear that is lightweight, breathable, and weatherproof to accommodate the specific thermal management needs of electric motorcycles. Despite its strengths, the UK riding gear market faces significant challenges. Brexit has led to import complexities and currency fluctuations, impacting both pricing and availability of certain brands. Additionally, the rising cost of raw materials and manufacturing puts pressure on affordability, particularly for budget-conscious riders. The UK motorcycle market itself has seen a decline in recent years, with factors like traffic congestion, licensing costs, and rising insurance premiums deterring potential riders. This translates to a smaller customer base for riding gear retailers. However, there are opportunities. The growing popularity of motorcycle training schools and used motorcycle sales indicates a potential influx of new riders in the future, who will need to invest in proper riding gear. Furthermore, the increasing focus on environmental sustainability presents an opportunity for the riding gear market to embrace eco-friendly materials and production processes. This could attract a new generation of environmentally conscious riders seeking gear that aligns with their values.
The foundation of the UK riding gear market is rooted in safety regulations and a growing consciousness regarding rider safety. Helmets stand as the cornerstone, mandated by UK law and influenced by Sharp ratings (Safety Helmet Assessment and Rating Programme), which guide consumers towards optimal choices. Full-face helmets dominate road riding, while modular and open-face designs cater to diverse segments like touring and scootering. Moving beyond head protection, body armor gains prominence, with back protectors becoming increasingly prevalent alongside chest and shoulder armor, especially favored by adventure touring riders who prioritize impact protection certified by CE standards. Additional protective gear like knee and elbow guards find favor among enthusiasts seeking heightened safety measures, particularly in track day and adventure touring settings. When it comes to hand protection, leather gloves maintain popularity for their durability against abrasions, while textile variants with waterproofing capabilities gain ground, meeting the demands of the UK's ever-changing weather patterns. Clothing, a crucial aspect of rider safety and comfort, witnesses a meticulous balance between protection and weather resilience. Textile jackets with waterproof membranes reign supreme, tailored to combat the UK's damp climate, while leather jackets retain their allure for style-conscious riders and those valuing superior abrasion resistance, particularly in the realms of cafe racers and classic motorcycles. Textile-leather hybrids offer a harmonious blend of functionality. Parallelly, textile touring pants dominate the market, boasting waterproof capabilities and accommodating features like knee pad pockets and ventilation options, catering extensively to adventure touring enthusiasts. Riding suits, whether one-piece or two-piece, epitomize top-tier protection and weatherproofing, with leather suits favored for track riding due to their unparalleled abrasion resistance, and textile suits preferred for touring, providing enhanced comfort and weather resilience. Footwear, another critical component of rider gear, encompasses a diverse range catering to different riding styles and climatic conditions. From urban motorcycle boots with waterproofing features for daily commuting to touring boots striking a balance between protection, comfort, and weatherproofing for long-distance rides, and racing boots prioritizing maximal protection for track riders, the array of options is extensive.
Distribution channels reflect the evolving landscape of consumer preferences, with online platforms experiencing a surge in popularity driven by convenience, competitive pricing, and an expansive product range. Direct-to-consumer brands have carved a niche by offering premium gear at competitive prices without intermediary markups, leveraging digital marketing strategies to engage with UK riders effectively. Meanwhile, traditional brick-and-mortar stores maintain their relevance, providing tangible advantages such as physical try-ons, expert advice from knowledgeable staff, and serving as vibrant community hubs where riders congregate, fostering a sense of camaraderie and brand loyalty within the motorcycle community. The dominance of each channel varies depending on the product category. Helmets and protective gear, where proper fit is crucial, often see higher sales in offline stores. Conversely, replacement parts and accessories may see a stronger online presence. Manufacturers and retailers in the UK market strategically leverage both channels to cater to the diverse needs of riders.

Considered in this report
• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report
• Riding Gear market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Product
• Protective Gear (Body Armor, Knee and Elbow guards, Glovers and Helmet)
• Clothing Gear (Jacket, Pants and Riding Suits)
• Footwear (Urban motorcycle boots, Motorcycle touring boots and Racing motorcycle boots)

By Distribution Channel
• Online
• Offline



The approach of the report:
This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases. After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience
This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the Riding Gear industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.