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Getting back up: Impact Protection and Protectors
Riding is not just about style, but above all about safety. Motorcycle clothing contains protectors that absorb impact and distribute energy. How does this protection work and how is it tested? We explain everything in this blog.
The importance of impact protection in motorcycle clothing
Motorcycle clothing is made from wear-resistant materials and comes standard with some protectors incorporated. These impact protectors not only make you look broader, they also provide extra protection and function as a kind of armor that absorbs impacts and distributes the impact energy. This way, we do not end up with bruises or in the worst case, a fracture.
How do the impact protectors work?
Some protectors are soft and flexible, can stretch and absorb shocks. This allows you to perform every movement unhindered. On impact, the molecules in this material immediately respond by pulling themselves together to absorb and distribute the generated pressure over the entire surface of the protector. This is called the non-Newtonian principle.
What is non-Newtonian material?
A non-Newtonian fluid does not behave like ordinary fluids according to Newton’s laws. What this means is that the thickness or viscosity of the fluid can vary depending on how fast or under what pressure you deform it. In other words, the fluid can change from thin to thick when force is exerted on it. A good example of this is when you dissolve cornstarch in water.
This non-Newtonian fluid was transformed into shaped foam and formed elastomers. Protectors are made from this material.
Protectors with different protection levels and codes
I already mentioned that there is a difference between some protectors. For each type of protection there is a unique code, ending with the year of the last update of the ECE approval code to which the safety label complies. For each of these codes there are 2 protection levels (CE-level 1 or CE-level 2) which are determined based on safety tests and the rating that is awarded depending on the results.
Pros and Cons of CE-level 1 and level 2 protectors:
CE-level 1 protection: For motorcyclists who value comfort and flexibility, but still want a basic level of protection. These protectors are found in most motorcycle clothing and due to their compact design and flexibility, they are practically invisible.
CE-level 2 protection: For motorcyclists who value maximum protection. You will find these protectors in more specialized or performance-oriented motorcycle clothing. For those who take more risks or simply want the best possible impact protection.
What do the codes listed on protectors mean?
The following section is technical and may not appeal to everyone. If you’re not interested in the technical aspects of how the protection is tested and the levels are determined, feel free to continue reading at “Armor or protector jacket“.
EN 1621-1:2012 for elbow, shoulder, knee, and hip protectors
In a crash, it’s the joints of our arms and legs that absorb some of the impact. To prevent injury, the presence of these protectors in your motorcycle jacket and trousers is important.
To test these protectors, a weight of 5 kg with a contact surface of 40 mm x 30 mm falls on the protector, which is mounted on a semi-circular anvil with a diameter of 100 mm. Below this, there is measuring equipment that measures the remaining kinetic energy. This should not exceed 50 kN.
- EN 1621-1 Level 1: Residual kinetic energy less than 35 kN
- EN 1621-1 Level 2: Residual kinetic energy less than 20 kN
EN 1621-2:2014 for back protectors
Our back is much more sensitive to impact than our knees, elbows, shoulders, and hips. A back protector ensures that our back gets the necessary protection, focusing on the middle and upper back vertebrae. For this reason, there are stricter criteria for the remaining kinetic energy and the test setup is slightly different.
To test these protectors, a rod-shaped weight of 5 kg is dropped onto the protector, which is mounted on a rounded anvil.
The weight is a long rounded triangle with a length of 160 mm (h1), a base of 50 mm (h2), a height of 30.8 mm and a rounding with a radius of 12.5 mm. The anvil is a rounded cylinder with a diameter of 100 mm and a rounded end radius of 150 mm. The remaining kinetic energy from this test determines the level of protection.
- EN 1621-2 Level 1: Average remaining kinetic energy less than 18 kN and no single measured value exceeding 24 kN
- EN 1621-2 Level 2: Average remaining kinetic energy less than 9 kN and no single measured value exceeding 12 kN
EN 1621-3:2018 for chest protectors
Chest protectors can consist of one or two parts and protect our ribs and chest. There are two different tests to determine the protection level of chest protectors. Testing is done to measure impact absorption and impact distribution. These tests use the same weight as in the test for the back protector.
Level 1 chest protectors are often made of soft material to dampen the impact, but not to spread it. Level 2 chest protectors are made of stiffer material to dampen and distribute the impact over the surface.
- EN 1621-2 Level 1: Average remaining kinetic energy that is less than 18 kN and no single measured value that is more than 24 kN
- EN1621-2 Level 2: Average remaining kinetic energy that is less than 15 kN and no single measured value that is more than 20 kN as a result of the additional distribution of the impact
The influence of temperature on protectors
The temperature also affects the proper functioning of a protector. Protectors that pass these tests at 40 °C and -10 °C receive the additional notation T+ and T-. If you see this notation, you can be sure that the protector does not lose its damping effect as a result of the heat (too soft) or cold (too hard).
Different types of separate wearable protection on the motorcycle
Beyond the well-known protectors and protection, the same material is also used in other pieces of motorcycle clothing such as:
- Motorcycle gloves with knuckle protection and cushioning material over the fingers and at the bottom of the palm
- Motorcycle boots and shoes with disc-shaped ankle protection or even a shock-absorbing footbed
- Separate back protection that protects both the spine and the ribs and lower back and can possibly be extended with chest protection
Harness or protective jacket
If you’re going off-road and don’t care about the durable materials of traditional motorcycle clothing, you can rely on a protective harness. This is a mesh jacket with built-in protectors that protect all crucial areas and at the same time provide ventilation. You can wear airy clothing on top to ride off-road, without sweating excessively or wear a durable jacket without protectors on top to ride on public roads.
We advise against wearing a harness on the public road without wearing an abrasion-resistant jacket over it.
Neck Brace or Neck Protector
When you ride off-road, you can protect your neck by wearing a neck brace. A neck brace limits the forces of an impact on your neck by restricting the rotation possibilities and play space. In this way, you prevent a whiplash, twisting, and straining of your neck.
Go safely on your way
When choosing motorcycle clothing, you should take into account your riding style, preferences, and the level of protection required. Keep in mind that meeting safety standards and safety levels of your protectors is crucial to ensure effectiveness in the event of a crash or accident.
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Nathan is our webshop employee who is ready with advice and assistance to help customers. When he is not answering customer questions, he writes helpful texts and blogs for the RAD site.