Topic 05 of 06
Jackets, boots and gloves
Jackets, pants, boots and gloves have their own European test standards, and the label tells you which level a piece passed. Armor is rated Level 1 or Level 2; lower transmitted force means a higher level.
- Limb armor
- EN 1621-1, Level 1 or Level 2
- Back protector
- EN 1621-2, Level 1 or Level 2
Armor is tested by dropping a striker on it and measuring the force that gets through. Under EN 1621-1 (shoulder, elbow, hip and knee) Level 1 allows an average of up to 35 kN and Level 2 up to 20 kN. Under EN 1621-2 (back) Level 1 allows up to 18 kN and Level 2 up to 9 kN.
Whole garments can be certified to EN 17092, with classes AAA, AA, A, B and C. Boots are tested to EN 13634 and gloves to EN 13594, which have levels for abrasion, cut and impact. Many US jackets carry CE armor without a garment rating, so read the label rather than the listing headline.
Airbag vests inflate from a tether or from sensors and an algorithm. Tethered vests need the cord clipped to the bike every ride; electronic ones need charging and sometimes a subscription.
Common mistakes
- Reading a CE logo as a garment rating when only the armor is certified.
- Buying a jacket with armor pockets but no armor, or with foam placeholders.
- Choosing a jacket so loose that the elbow armor slides off the elbow.
Pages on this topic
- How to size motorcycle glovesMeasure your palm and hand length for motorcycle gloves, use a typical size chart, choose gauntlet or short cuff, and read the EN 13594 label on riding gloves.How-to
- Motorcycle boot ratings: EN 13634 explainedHow to read the EN 13634 label on motorcycle boots: height, abrasion, cut and transverse rigidity scores, plus the optional ankle, shin and water codes.Explainer
- Back protector inserts for motorcycle jacketsWhy many motorcycle jackets ship with a foam back pad, what CE Level 1 and Level 2 back protector inserts mean, and how to choose and fit one.Explainer
- CE armor levels and EN 17092 jacket classesWhat CE Level 1 and Level 2 mean for motorcycle armor under EN 1621-1 and EN 1621-2, and how EN 17092 AAA, AA, A, B and C jacket classes are rated.Explainer
- Leather vs textile motorcycle jacket: abrasion, weather and upkeepLeather vs textile motorcycle jackets compared on abrasion, weather, armor, ventilation and care, with real jackets from Alpinestars, KLIM and REV'IT!Comparison
- How should a motorcycle jacket fit?How to measure chest and sleeve for a motorcycle jacket, read EU and US sizes, and check that the armor sits on your shoulders and elbows in riding position.How-to
- How motorcycle airbag vests workHow motorcycle airbag vests and jackets inflate: tethered lanyard triggers vs electronic sensors, inflation speed, coverage and how to rearm them.Explainer
Gear for this topic
- Best armored motorcycle jackets by season and armor levelEight armored textile motorcycle jackets compared on stated CE armor level, shell material and waterproof liner, from mesh summer jackets to touring shells.Gear guide
- Best motorcycle gloves: gauntlet, adventure and heatedEight motorcycle gloves from Alpinestars, KLIM and Gerbing compared on knuckle and palm armor, material, waterproof membrane, cuff length and heating.Gear guide
- Best motorcycle riding boots for street, touring and sportEight motorcycle boots compared by listed CE or EN 13634 rating, upper material and waterproof membrane, from Alpinestars, Sidi, TCX, Gaerne and KLIM.Gear guide
- Best mesh motorcycle jackets for hot weatherSix mesh and airflow motorcycle jackets compared by listed CE armor level, shell material and waterproofing, from REV'IT, Alpinestars, KLIM and Dainese.Gear guide
- Best leather motorcycle jackets for real ridingSix riding leather jackets compared by stated armor, leather type and thickness, airbag readiness and liners, from Alpinestars to Milwaukee Leather.Gear guide
- Best adventure motorcycle boots: waterproof ADV picksSeven waterproof adventure motorcycle boots compared by stated armor and ankle support, upper material and membrane, from Sidi to KLIM.Gear guide