How is Motorcycle Equipment Tested?

How is Motorcycle Gear Tested?

Understanding Abrasion, Impact, and Durability Tests

Estimated Reading Time: 8 Minutes

When we look at motorcycle gear, we often make our initial assessment with our eyes.

We look at the fabric thickness.

We check the protector with our hands.

We assess the feel of the material.

However, real safety in motorcycle gear is measured not just by feel, but through standardized testing methods.

A piece of gear's level of protection is determined by evaluating several different criteria together, such as:

• the materials used,
• impact protectors,
• seam construction,
• durability tests

and many other factors.

This is because during a real fall, gear does not encounter just a single force.

At the same time, it may experience:

• impact,
• abrasion,
• tension,
• tearing

and other different stresses.

For this reason, motorcycle gear undergoes various testing processes.

1. Impact Protection Test: How Are Level 1 and Level 2 Determined?

Many riders first look at the hardness of protectors when evaluating them.

However, in modern protector technology, what matters is not hardness, but how much impact energy can be reduced.

Protectors undergo controlled impact tests according to EN 1621 standards.

During the test, a specific amount of energy is applied to the protector, and the force transmitted through the back of the protector is measured.

In other words, what is being measured is the answer to the question:

“How much force can reach the body after an impact?”

The results of the test are expressed in the transmitted force value of kN (kilonewtons).

Level 1 Protector

Average transmitted force:

≤ 35 kN

Maximum single impact value:

≤ 50 kN

Level 2 Protector

Average transmitted force:

≤ 20 kN

Maximum single impact value:

≤ 30 kN

This is why a Level 2 protector does not simply mean it is thicker or harder.

The real difference is its ability to manage impact energy.

2. Abrasion Test: How Does Fabric Withstand Asphalt?

During a fall, one of the most critical functions of gear is to provide resistance against abrasion.

For this reason, abrasion resistance in motorcycle clothing is specially tested.

Under the EN 17092 standard, fabric samples are exposed to abrasive surfaces under controlled conditions.

The question being asked here is:

“How well can the material maintain its integrity when abrasion begins?”

This is the question.

However, there is an important point:

Not every part of the body is at the same level of risk.

For this reason, different risk zones are defined on the gear.

Zone 1 — High-Risk Areas

These are areas where initial contact and a high likelihood of abrasion occur during a fall.

For example:

• knees
• hips
• shoulders
• elbows

and similar areas.

The expectation for protection in these areas is higher.

Zone 2 — Medium-Risk Areas

These are areas where contact is possible, but the level of risk is assessed differently.

Here, the balance between durability and mobility is important.

Zone 3 — Lower-Risk Areas

These are areas where the likelihood of abrasion is lower, and mobility and comfort of use are more important.

For this reason, good motorcycle gear:

is not designed by “putting the same material everywhere,”

but

by using the right material in the right area

logic.

3. Seam Strength: Is Strong Fabric Enough on Its Own?

Motorcycle gear works as a whole.

The fabric may be durable, but the connection points are also subjected to high forces during a fall.

For this reason, seam strength (seam strength) is also tested.

During the test, sewn pieces are pulled under controlled force, and their resistance to separation is measured.

This value is expressed in N/mm (Newtons / millimeter).

Example minimum seam strength values:

As the value increases, the resistance the seam must show against separation increases.

This is because safety does not come from the fabric alone;

it is formed by the integrity of material + seams + design

.

4. Tear Strength: What Happens When Damage Begins?

In a real fall, gear does not just slide on the ground.

At the same time:

• it is pulled,
• stretched,
• and may be stressed from different directions.

For this reason, tear strength (tear strength) is tested.

During the test, a controlled starting point is created in the material, and the force required for the tear to propagate is measured.

In other words, the question is:

“How well can the material resist this after damage has started?”

Example minimum tear strength values:

Safe gear must be able to maintain its structure not only against the initial impact, but also against continued stress.

Conclusion: Safety Is a Measurable Value

When choosing motorcycle gear, it is not enough to decide with only:

“Is it thick?”

“Does it look sturdy?”

questions.

The more accurate question should be:

“What tests has this gear passed to prove this?”

.

Because real safety is not just felt;

it is a measured, tested, and verifiable process.

SoHo Journal Technical Note

CE certification is not just a simple mark on a product.

Behind it are defined standards, laboratory tests, and measurable performance criteria.

Conscious gear selection also begins with understanding these values.

Author: Soho Riders Team

Related Product

You can see the construction described in this article in the Falcon: EN 17092-3:2020 Class AA certified, knee and hip EN 1621-1 Level 2 protection included in the price, 13 oz denim with para-aramid panels.

Falcon men's models · Falcon women's models