Research has shown that in a crash protective clothing is able to reduce the severity of injuries. However, there is no guarantee that what is sold as motorcycle protective clothing is “fit for purpose”. The MotoCAP 5 Star rating scheme enables riders to make informed choices when purchasing and wearing protective clothing.

Priority:– High

Where we are now:-

The Motorcycle Clothing Assessment Program (MotoCAP) has two ratings, one for ‘protection’ and the other for thermal comfort.

The rating for ‘protection’ is based on tests used in the European Standards EN 13595 jackets, pants & one piece suits and EN 13594 Gloves. These tests are for abrasion resistance, tear resistance, seam burst strength and cut resistance. The actual results are reported in terms of time to failure etc rather than on a pass/fail basis.

This approach allows garments to be ranked in order of performance allowing riders to make informed decisions. It also ensures continuing competition between manufacturers.

Where we want to be:-

Where riders, when purchasing protective clothing, can make informed choices as to:-

• the level of protection they are purchasing,
• the level of thermal comfort they are purchasing.

The AMC does not support the introduction of a Standard as this is inappropriate and unworkable due to Australia’s diverse climate. Also, a Standard provides no incentive for the continual improvement in the quality of protective clothing being offered for sale, it will only set a minimum quality that has to be achieved.

The AMC does not support mandating protective clothing but rather it supports providing riders with information so they can make an informed choice.

How to get there:-

The AMC works with rider groups, committees and industry to raise awareness of the benefits of protective clothing.

The AMC continues to support the MotoCAP 5 Star rating system for protective clothing.