The crash helmet is of course the most important item and Shoei are an excellent brand but you must realise that certain helmets may not fit you well. I for example find Arai and AGV to be the only helmets that I am truly comfortable in, so that is the key – go and try the helmet on, don’t get your heart set specifically on a brand before you try as it just may not be comfortable. 300 quid seems like a bargain compared to serious head trauma.

Why are you considering only leather? Don’t write off textile as many of the modern items are in all practicality as good as leather in protection for abrasion resistance, have certified armour in them and have the added advantage of better weather protection. Look at the guys in the Dakar race for example, they all use this kind of thing and it is tough! Don’t get me wrong I am not against leather, I personally have the luxury of having the choice to use either but if I was buying only one and was considering the practical element then I would go for top quality cordura/kevlar/armour items.

Brand wise – the helmets have been mentioned but to repeat AGV, Arai, Shoei, Shark, Lazer, Suomy are amongst many out there. It is a personal thing but do not buy too cheap.

Clothing wise – SPIDI do some excellent gear in both leather and textile, which I have been using for years and am very happy with. BKS also make well reccomended leathers and will do a custom fitting for you. Dainese are perhaps the most well known brand and in general seem to do well reviewed items. It is not a bad idea to find your closest Hein Gericke shop and go see what is on offer there, as they pretty much cover the full range of price and a lot of brands too.

I suggest that you go and buy this weeks edition of Motorcycle News as it has a helmet buying guide in it.

All the helmets that were tested in the SHARP tests have been reviewed and rated. In particular look at the Nitro helmets which outperform some of the brands that have already been mentioned. The Nitro 1710 for example is a great fibreglass helmet and being too new for the SHARP test won’t have a result.

As for clothing, if your going to be riding all year round then my advice is to look for textile clothing. Leather clothing to my mind is only for fair weather riding.
Don’t discount some of the textile stuff as its great for everyday riding and considering the last two summers probably more applicable than leather.

Make sure everything fits in the riding position, looks funny in the shop but its better than wasting your money if the kit you buy is uncomfortable on the bike and you can’t ride as far as you like because of it.