Motorcycle jackets are essential components of protective gear for motorcyclists, designed to enhance safety while riding. These jackets are typically made from leather or specialized fabrics like cordura or Kevlar, offering protection in case of accidents. They often include padding on the elbow, spine, and shoulder areas to reduce impact injuries. Gloves made of leather or Kevlar with carbon fiber knuckle protection, reinforced boots with ankle and toe protection, and pants made of leather, cordura, or Kevlar are also part of the protective ensemble.
In the past, motorcycle protective clothing was evaluated based on standards like the European Standard EN 13595-1:2002, which focused on impact abrasion resistance and tear strength. Modern advancements in materials and technology have made protective gear more streamlined and effective. Motorcycle armor, including viscoelastic materials like RHEON, SAS-TEC, D3O, and Knox MicroLock, provides flexible yet highly protective elements for various body parts.
Studies have shown that motorcycle protective clothing significantly reduces the risk of open wounds but may not effectively reduce fracture risks. The quality of motorcycle gear is crucial as failures due to material damage can occur during crashes. Manufacturers are continuously improving the quality and design of protective gear to enhance rider safety.
Motorcycle jackets play a vital role in ensuring rider safety by providing impact protection and abrasion resistance. They are an integral part of motorcycle personal protective equipment along with gloves, boots, and pants. As technology advances and standards evolve, the effectiveness and quality of motorcycle jackets continue to improve to enhance rider safety on the road.
Citations:
[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Motorcycle_personal_protective_equipment
To improve motorcycle safety, many countries mandate the wearing of personal protective equipment such as protective clothing and helmets. Protective clothing may include certain types of jackets, gloves, boots, and pants. Jackets meant for motorcyclists are typically made of leather or specialized man-made fabrics like cordura or Kevlar. These jackets typically include padding on the elbow, spine, and shoulder regions. This was once quite bulky, but modern technology and materials have made it unobtrusive. Gloves are generally made of leather or Kevlar and some include carbon fiber knuckle protection. Boots, especially those for sport riding, include reinforcement and plastic caps on the ankle and toe areas. Pants are usually leather, cordura, or Kevlar. Except for helmets, none of these items are required by law in any state in the USA, or in any part of the UK but are recommended by many of those who ride.
"Off road" riders wear a range of plastic armour to protect against injury from falling off, hitting other riders and bikes, debris kicked up from the rear wheel of leading bikes, and from running into track barriers protecting the public. This armour protects the extremities from breakage and dislocation and the back and chest from strain and broken bones. Although fairly efficient, it is of course not always completely effective. Many riders wear "roost protectors" designed specifically to protect against painful debris from other bikes, but are of no use in a fall or collision.