We know that as riders, we take destiny into our own hands when we ride motorcycles. It should be the same with our safety.
Choosing motorcycle gear that works is just as important as selecting a motorcycle you love. High-quality motorcycle safety clothing can make the difference between waking up in the ER or walking away from a crash. While wearing protective gear isn’t mandatory by law, it’s a must by common sense. Is it tempting to just jump on your bike in your Levi’s and a T-Shirt on a hot summer day? You bet. Is it smart, though? Nope.
Style & safetyWhen it comes to motorcycle safety apparel, we need to remind ourselves just how far the tech has come. Gone are the days of shapeless, clunky motorcycle gear that made you look like you were going to some weird cosplay party dress as knight.
Nowadays, when you’re picking out the safest motorcycle gear, it no longer needs to be the ugliest. Style and safety can go hand in hand, thanks to all the new technology, development, and design innovations happening in the motorcycle protective gear industry.
FabricThere are three key components you need to pay attention to when shopping for motorcycle gear. First is the fabric.
While leather is still more impact and abrasion-resistant when it comes to high speeds, textiles also offer impressive safety levels. However, you need to pay attention to the fabric of the textile. If you’re looking for a good-quality, safe motorcycle jacket, and pants, you’ll want Cordura, Kevlar, etc.
CE ProtectorsSecond, look what kind of armor is in your protective gear – and where. Ideally, you’ll want back, shoulder, and elbow armor in your jacket and hip and knee in your riding pants. However, make sure the armor is solid quality, just like the fabric, and always opt for CE-approved or CE-certified armor.
FittingFinally, you need to make sure that the motorcycle safety gear fits you well. If your jacket or pants are too big for you, the armor will sit at odd angles and move too much. And if you crash, this can mean you won’t be protected as well as the manufacturer intended. If, on the other hand, the gear is too tight and the armor pads are digging into your skin, this can affect the way it’ll function upon impact, too. Your gear should fit snugly but still, be comfortable. You need to ensure all the armor pads are sitting exactly where they should be.
CE Level 1 or 2 ?Long story short, CE levels indicate just how thoroughly the gear has been tested and how well it did under the impact, abrasion, and tear tests.
If the gear is CE Level 1, it already offers a significant amount of protection, especially compared to motorcycle protective gear that isn’t CE-certified or CE-approved at all. CE Level 2, however, is a higher standard. It means that the gear has been tested using more force and withstood a greater impact better.
Should you opt for CE level 1 or 2? We’d say, decide based upon the type of riding you do. If you are racing, constantly doing high speeds, or riding some very technical and gnarly terrain, you’ll definitely want the CE level 2 protection. However, if you mostly commute, ride in the city, or do shorter, more relaxed weekend rides, CE level 1 should do the job.
Can Motorcycle Gear Save Your Life ?Motorcycle gear can save your bones and your skin. You don’t need to choose between style and safety any longer. With so many different gear styles, options, and designs available, you can both look good and stay protected.