John Doe Riding Gear in Real-World Testing

John Doe is one of those brands that rethinks motorcycle gear entirely. While traditional motorcycle clothing often appears uncompromisingly functional, since 2001, John Doe has taken a different approach: maximum protection paired with an urban streetwear look. Because that might sound like marketing jargon, we wanted to find out if these products truly perform in the real-world motorcycle environment.

We got our first look at the new JD/One Helmet and the latest AAA-certified apparel at the last EICMA. But motorcycle gear truly gets interesting not at a trade fair, but during long days in the saddle, rainy spells, highway stretches, and scorching summer temperatures.

During the European Spring Rally, we had the perfect conditions for testing. Roughly 2,000 kilometers through varied terrains, with temperatures ranging from 5 to 30 degrees, Italian city traffic, light drizzle, heavy rain, and dusty coastal roads. This is where our John Doe outfit could really show what it's made of.

The JD/One Helmet follows a unique concept: maximum customization combined with classic 70s design and modern safety features.

Right out of the box, the extremely high-quality craftsmanship is apparent. The helmet feels compact, precisely made, and has an excellent tactile response. The paint quality of the "Frozen Titanium" finish, in particular, leaves a very premium impression.

However, the critical factor for any helmet remains the fit. This is where the JD/One surprised positively. The fit is relatively snug, especially around the forehead and cheeks, yet it doesn't create any uncomfortable pressure points. The fit should accommodate many European head shapes. Even with my somewhat long oval head, the helmet worked surprisingly well.

Most impressive: Despite its classic retro design, the JD/One rides remarkably modern.

Retro helmets often struggle with the same issues: noise, wind turbulence, and restricted fields of vision. This is exactly where the JD/One stands out from many competitors.

With the full visor mounted, hardly any disruptive air turbulence enters the helmet. Even fast highway stretches remain pleasantly quiet — a real comfort boost, especially on long connecting routes.

Additionally, the helmet offers an enormously wide field of vision. Shoulder checks are incredibly easy, without having to twist your head excessively. This makes a noticeable difference in everyday riding, especially in heavy traffic or during quick overtakes.

The slightly tinted visor is also a good compromise — comfortable in normal daylight without becoming too dark in poorer lighting conditions. Only at low sun does the tint reach its limits, where black or mirrored visors would offer better shielding. However, you still maintain clear visibility at night.

The anti-fog performance was also impressive. Even during rainy rides, the visor fogged up surprisingly little.

The true standout feature of the JD/One is its Multi-Lock System, allowing the helmet to be modified for different purposes. Visors, sun shields, or covers can be easily swapped out.

Particularly convenient: the full visor can be completely removed, with the mounts then closed off with matching covers. This transforms the JD/One into a helmet that visually resembles a classic motocross or retro enduro helmet. Paired with the optional JD/One Goggle, it takes on a completely different character. The goggles fit snugly against the face, offer an extremely wide field of vision, and prevent annoying air drafts around the eyes.

This becomes especially interesting at low speeds or in stop-and-go traffic. While the JD/One's ventilation is generally effective and well-executed, it does reach its physical limits in summer city traffic. Converting to the open variant provides relief in such situations.

The Taylor Mono Black Used is designed for riders seeking maximum protection with minimal bulk. As the name suggests, the jeans are crafted from a single layer of fabric. This is achieved through a special weaving process that directly combines denim with XTM Fiber. This offers noticeable benefits on warm days, as the pants are significantly airier and more comfortable to wear than traditional multi-layer motorcycle jeans.

The Taylor Mono meets the AAA protection class according to EN17092-2:2020, placing it in the highest protection category for motorcycle apparel. According to the standard, clothing in this class must withstand abrasion at speeds of at least 120 km/h.

In everyday use, the Taylor Mono feels considerably more robust than regular denim jeans. The material is noticeably thicker and initially a bit stiffer. However, after a few hours in the saddle, the pants become more comfortable and adapt well. The fit is generally neutral. Riders who typically wear Levi’s will quickly find their size.

A standout feature is the integrated protectors, which are remarkably discreet. Neither knee nor hip protectors were bothersome, even on long riding days. Additionally, the back pockets remain fully usable without causing any discomfort.

Of course, the Taylor Mono doesn't replace waterproof textile pants. In the rain, the fabric absorbs water relatively quickly, and it naturally gets cooler underneath.

However, the interesting part was its behavior afterward. Once the rain stopped, the pants dried remarkably fast in the wind. Upon reaching the hotel, a quick dust-off was all it took for the Taylor Mono to be ready for dinner. This would hardly be possible with traditional leather gear.

For cruiser-style seating positions, we recommend opting for slightly longer leg lengths, as the pants tend to ride up around the ankles and calves.

The Hoodie V3 Softshell Rip Stop almost unintentionally became the breakout star of the entire performance check during the rally. While it might appear relatively unassuming at first glance, functionally, it proved to be a real Swiss Army knife for variable conditions.

The climate underneath the hoodie worked excellently between 5 and 20 degrees. However, its performance in the rain was particularly impressive. During a brief downpour, water streamed off the front and back in liters. The sleeves were completely drenched and covered in road grime on the outside - yet it remained astonishingly dry underneath.

The combination of softshell ripstop material, Waterstop function, and YKK AquaGuard zippers works surprisingly well in practice.

The many small details are particularly well-executed. The extended back significantly enhances comfort while riding. The hood, together with the helmet, forms a high neck closure, preventing much wind from entering under the helmet. A separate neck warmer was hardly necessary, even in cooler temperatures.

Additionally, the hood can be secured with a snap button at the back, preventing it from flapping around unpleasantly at highway speeds.

The pockets are well-positioned and large enough for modern smartphones. After rain rides, the hoodie dried extremely quickly. A quick dust-off of dry dirt was usually enough to make it look tidy again.

Admittedly, the hoodie looks less sporty or slim than some other motorcycle jackets. However, it covers an enormous range of uses.

The Aero Mesh Motoshirt is clearly aimed at riders who don't want to forego protective gear, even in high temperatures.

The major advantage is immediately evident — the ventilation is immense. The perforated Aero-Mesh construction provides an extremely high airflow, even in intense heat. This keeps the shirt comfortably breezy in city traffic or on summer country roads, complemented by a very cool, urban look.

However, the concept inevitably comes with compromises. Weather protection is practically non-existent, with cool winds or rain easily penetrating. The protection class is also AA, below that of AAA-rated products.

Despite this, the shirt impresses with its everyday usability. Plenty of pockets, a full-length zipper beneath the buttons, and adjustable sleeve cuffs offer high functionality.

For hot summer days, city rides, or relaxed evening outings, the Aero Mesh Motoshirt is the right choice.

The Neo XTM falls into the category of motorcycle shoes that are barely recognizable as such. The sneaker look works excellently. At the same time, XTM Fiber, along with ankle, heel, and forefoot reinforcements, provide noticeably more protection than ordinary casual shoes.

Especially practical for everyday use is the side zipper, making entry and exit extremely quick.

The Neo also impresses while riding. Gear shifts are smooth and without pressure points on the forefoot, and the vibration-absorbing sole offers excellent grip. This proved to be a real advantage, especially on the often extremely slippery Italian roads with smooth asphalt, pollen, and sand.

The Neo isn't without its flaws, though. The suede at the forefoot showed visible wear from shifting. The overall appearance suffered mainly from rain rides: while the shoes dried quickly, the weather and miles left their marks.

The laces also pick up dirt relatively quickly. Those who want to maintain the look will need to clean the shoes regularly. Nonetheless, the bottom line is that it's a very well-executed motorcycle sneaker that convincingly combines protection, comfort, and a casual look.

The current John Doe products demonstrate how well high protection and a modern streetwear look can now be combined.

The Hoodie V3 and the JD/One Helmet left an extremely strong impression in everyday testing. The helmet successfully combines retro design with surprisingly modern functionality, while the hoodie impressed with its enormous versatility and remarkable weather performance.

The Taylor Mono Jeans offer high protection reserves for riders who consciously forgo classic touring gear. The Aero Mesh Motoshirt is clearly aimed at summer use, providing excellent ventilation. The Neo Sneaker seamlessly blends everyday wear with motorcycling, though it requires a bit of aesthetic maintenance.

Pros

• Very high everyday comfort
• AAA protection in several products
• High-quality craftsmanship
• JD/One extremely quiet despite retro look
• Wide field of vision with helmet and goggle
• Hoodie with surprisingly good rain performance
• Fast-drying materials
• Urban look without traditional motorcycle appearance
• Excellent everyday usability

Cons

• Aero Mesh offers limited weather protection
• JD/One ventilation limited in stop-and-go traffic
• Neo Sneaker is aesthetically sensitive
• Taylor Mono gets wet quickly in rain
• Hoodie is visually a bit bulkier