The Importance of ATGATT
ATGATT stands for "All The Gear, All The Time." It's a philosophy adopted by safety-conscious riders. In Mauritius, with our varied road conditions, proper gear isn't just a recommendation—it's essential protection. Investing in quality equipment can be the difference between a minor incident and a life-altering injury. This guide reviews some of the best gear available locally to help you make an informed choice.
Motorcycle Helmets: Your Brain's Best Friend
Your helmet is the single most important piece of gear you will ever own. It's designed to absorb impact and protect your head in the event of a crash. Look for models with at least ECE 22.05 or the newer ECE 22.06 (European standard) or DOT (US standard) certification. A proper, snug fit is crucial for both comfort and maximum safety.
Full-Face Helmets
Offering the most comprehensive protection, full-face helmets cover your entire head, including the chin and jaw. They provide superior impact absorption and excellent wind/noise reduction, making them ideal for all types of riding.
Modular (Flip-Up) Helmets
Modular helmets combine the features of a full-face helmet with the convenience of an open-face. The chin bar can be flipped up, offering versatility for stops or talking without removing the helmet. Ensure it's certified for riding both open and closed.
Open-Face (3/4) Helmets
These helmets cover the top, back, and sides of your head, but leave your face exposed. While offering less protection than full-face or modular helmets, they are popular for city riding and scooters due to their lighter weight and increased airflow. Always wear eye protection with an open-face helmet.
MT Thunder 4 SV
An excellent entry-level full-face helmet that meets the latest ECE 22.06 safety standard. It offers great features for its price, including a sun visor and good ventilation, making it suitable for Mauritian conditions.
- ECE 22.06 & DOT Certified
- Internal Sun Visor for Glare
- High-Impact Resistant Polymer Shell
- Removable and Washable Liners
Available at most major motorcycle accessory retailers across the island. Dealers are most welcome to contact us.
LS2 Stream II
The LS2 Stream II is a popular choice for daily commuters, known for its comfort and lightweight design. It provides solid protection (ECE 22.06) and a wide field of vision, making it great for urban riding.
- ECE 22.06 Certified
- Multi-Density EPS Liner
- Scratch-Resistant Visor
- Dynamic Flow-through Ventilation
Available at most major motorcycle accessory retailers across the island. Dealers are most welcome to contact us.
Riding Jackets: Your Second Skin
A good riding jacket protects you from abrasion in a slide and absorbs impact in a fall. It should fit snugly but allow full range of motion. Look for CE-rated armor in the shoulders, elbows, and back, and materials like Cordura, other strong textiles, or leather.
Back, Shoulder and Elbow Protection
Perfect for the Mauritian climate, this jacket offers maximum ventilation through large mesh panels without compromising on safety. It includes CE-rated D3O® armor and durable textile construction.
- High Tenacity Polyester Construction
- D3O® Shoulder & Elbow Protectors (CE Level 1)
- Large Mesh Panels for Airflow
- Pocket for Optional Back Protector
Often found at premium gear importers and official brand dealers. Dealers are most welcome to contact us.
Affordable Mesh Riding Jacket
For riders on a budget, several brands offer mesh jackets with basic CE Level 1 armor. They provide good abrasion resistance for city commuting and are lightweight for our tropical weather.
- Mesh and Textile Hybrid
- CE Level 1 Shoulder & Elbow Armor
- Reflective Strips for Visibility
- Adjustable Waist and Cuffs
Widely available in shops in Port Louis and major towns. Dealers are most welcome to contact us.
Motorcycle Gloves: Grip and Protection
Your hands are often the first thing to hit the ground in a fall. Good gloves protect against abrasion, impact, and fatigue. They should offer a good grip on the handlebars and controls.
Full Gauntlet Gloves
These gloves extend past the wrist, offering maximum protection to the hands and forearms. They typically feature knuckle protection, palm sliders, and reinforced stitching. Ideal for highway speeds and longer rides.
Short Cuff Gloves
Ending at the wrist, short cuff gloves offer good protection for the hands while providing more flexibility and airflow. Popular for urban riding and warmer climates, but ensure they still have adequate knuckle and palm protection.
Alpinestars SMX-1 Air V2 Gloves
A popular short-cuff glove for hot weather riding. Offers excellent airflow with strong abrasion resistance and knuckle protection, making it ideal for daily Mauritian commutes.
- Perforated Leather & Mesh Construction
- Carbon Fiber Knuckle Protection
- Touchscreen Compatible Fingertips
- Reinforced Palm
Check high-end motorcycle accessory shops and imported gear dealers. Dealers are most welcome to contact us.
Rynox or Similar All-Season Gloves
Many brands offer versatile gloves that balance protection, comfort, and breathability for various conditions. Look for good leather or textile construction with reinforced impact zones.
- Leather/Textile Hybrid Construction
- Hard Knuckle Protection
- Velcro Cuff Closure
- Good for all-round use
Widely available from numerous motorcycle gear retailers. Dealers are most welcome to contact us.
Motorcycle Boots: Protecting Your Feet and Ankles
Regular shoes offer virtually no protection in a motorcycle accident. Proper riding boots protect your feet and ankles from impact, abrasion, and crushing injuries, while also providing good grip on the footpegs.
Racing/Track Boots
Designed for maximum protection, these tall boots offer extensive ankle and shin protection, often with replaceable toe sliders and strong impact absorption features. While overkill for daily commutes, they offer the highest level of safety.
Riding Shoes/Short Boots
These look like regular high-top shoes but incorporate motorcycle-specific protection like ankle armor, reinforced soles, and abrasion-resistant materials. They offer a good balance of protection and casual style for urban riders.
TCX Mood Waterproof Shoes
These riding shoes offer excellent ankle protection and are waterproof, making them practical for Mauritius' occasional heavy rains. They blend well with casual wear while providing safety.
- Full Grain Leather Upper
- Waterproof Membrane
- D3O® Ankle Reinforcements
- Ortholite® Footbed
Look for dealers specializing in premium riding gear. Dealers are most welcome to contact us.
Affordable Mid-Calf Riding Boots
Various brands offer mid-calf riding boots that provide substantial ankle and lower shin protection. Often made from synthetic leather or durable textiles, they're a great step up from regular footwear.
- Durable Synthetic Leather Construction
- Ankle Protection
- Oil-Resistant Sole
- Velcro and Zipper Closure
Check with general motorcycle accessory shops in major towns. Dealers are most welcome to contact us.