How to choose your motorcycle protective vest?

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April 8, 2019

While they represent only 2% of road traffic, motorized two-wheelers make up 43% of those seriously injured and 22% of those killed, according to the latest figures from Road Safety. Excessive speed, the leading cause of death on the roads of France, then alcohol levels and inattention are among the main risks of motorcycle accidents. However, on a two-wheeler, a fall can be fatal. Riding with suitable and fitted protective equipment significantly reduces injuries.

How to choose your motorcycle protective vest?

What is a motorcycle protective vest ?

The motorcycle vest was originally motocross gear. But bikers had the good idea to borrow it from off-road enthusiasts to complete their protective outfit.

Its purpose is to protect the spine, arms and shoulders in the event of a fall. It slips easily under clothing. It consists of a light mesh to which reinforcements are attached, which differ according to the models, some being more complete than others.

In the event of an impact or slip, without clothing suitable for driving a motorcycle or scooter, the risks are multiple: fractures, contusions, injuries but also serious burns from abrasion. To protect their back, vertebrae and cervical, bikers have the choice.

They can be fitted with a leather jacket, a Kevlar motorcycle jacket, etc. In fact, it is estimated that with a thick motorcycle jacket, the protection factor is 93% for motorcyclists.

The ideal is to opt for a model certified "personal protective equipment" (PPE), reinforced at the elbows and shoulders and ideally equipped with back protection. Its material must resist abrasion in the event of a fall.

Finally, for more comfort, we opt for waterproof jackets equipped with a removable padded lining for better protection against the cold. However, not all jackets necessarily contain reinforcements, or are not necessarily equipped with elbow pads. This is the case with the vintage leather jacket or the very basic city jacket..

The protective vest is there to overcome this problem! It is worn under a motorcycle jacket that does not contain protection. It is a reinforcement of the basic biker protection.

Is the motorcycle protective vest mandatory ?

The law does not oblige you to wear a protective vest. Mandatory motorcycle equipment currently only includes approved gloves and a motorcycle helmet (full face, jet or modular helmet).

However, common sense and prudence dictate that all users protect themselves against any risk by also investing in motorcycle boots or high motorcycle shoes and in a motorcycle suit, a more secure alternative to the jacket and motorcycle pants duo.

Usually, these suits have thermoformed shells at the shoulder and elbow joints..

Some models leave the possibility of adding a back and pectoral protection that will protect the ribs and the spine. Patches are grafted on the hips and buttocks to protect the lumbar belt, as well as knee pads.

Choose a model with high visibility reflective strips. In the event of an emergency stop, however, you must always put on the yellow vest.

The different levels of protection offered by a protective vest

The motorcycle protection vest varies considerably from one model to another. We find the jacket in polyamide and elastane, very light in breathable mesh. Practical for daily use, but which does not guarantee maximum protection.

On the other hand, a full waistcoat will offer removable reinforcements with silicone tabs on the shoulders, a belt system for better ergonomics and adjustment on the kidneys, a padded bib on the chest, etc..

The airbag protection vest

Along with the helmet, the motorcycle airbag is the only motorcycle equipment that can save life. In fact, 50% of fatal accidents are due to a shock to the head, the other half occurring following an impact on the thorax, spine or abdomen.

The airbag vest protects vital areas of the body, that are not or little protected with the traditional protective motorcycle accessories: spine, rib cage, collarbone and stomach.

It looks like a classic motorcycle vest, but it is in addition equipped with an airbag, a pressurized gas cartridge and a trigger. In the event of a fall or collision, the airbag is triggered and helps keep the head, neck and trunk axis aligned and prevent "whiplash".

There are several airbag systems available today. With the wired airbag, in the event of an accident, when the rider is ejected from his motorcycle, the tension exerted on the cable activates a mechanism which triggers the inflation of the airbag. About the wireless technology, the airbag is equipped with an electronic sensor which controls the triggering of the airbag. When the system detects an accident situation, it sends an order by radio wave that triggers the inflation of the airbag automatically, by a pyrotechnic system.

As a reminder, it is strongly advised not to carry a backpack. If triggered, the backpack would prevent the system from inflating normally, thus rendering the protection ineffective. In addition, wearing a backpack is always not recommended, even without an airbag.

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