Motorcycle Jackets – Advice And Review

Riding the bike without safety measures can be a greater risk for you. Motorcycle equipment or motorcycle parts which claims to offer protection to the rider must comply with the European Commission’s Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) legislation (Directive 89/686/EEC). All protective armour must be tested and approved to the European Standard EN1621-1/1997. To gain the CE mark products have to be tested and approved by an independent, Government approved test house. While the CE mark can’t guarantee to prevent all injuries in an accident, it may significantly reduce the severity of your injuries.

Checking the conformity can be pretty tricky, as some clothing will carry the CE mark, but not conform. For example a set of leathers may be fitted with CE compliant armour, but not be constructed to meet the standard. Look for the tell tale notice in the label, which normally reads “This garment is not considered to be personal protective equipment as defined in the EC directive etc.”. Generally speaking clothing which meets the standard will offer better protection, but usually at a higher cost.

Try to avoid big bulky motorcycle jackets such as padded Ski type jackets, Thy will give you no protection if you come off the bike, they will obscure the mirrors, the wind tends to get in and blow them up even bigger and you get affected by the wind more. Bike jackets can be leather or fabric, Leather gives the best protection if you come off, fabric jackets tend to be more practical in that they work well in all weather. Good alternatives would be denim or heavy waxed cotton

At the top end of the market some manufacturers have used the Cambridge University Protective Clothing Research Facility. From this the Cambridge Standard has been developed and has established itself as the leading benchmark for motorcycle clothing protection standards. Amazingly only and handful of clothing manufacturers meet this standard.

It’s also important not to forget your hands and feet when buying your gear. You’ll need to choose clothing that provides good safety protection and still lets you operate your bike comfortably. Protection from the elements and motorcycle parts should also be a consideration. Again, leather seems to offer the best all-round properties.

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