Back protections and vests for bikers
This page brings together the motorcycle rider protections to wear under or in the jacket: back protectors Rev'it, Ixon, Alpinestars, RST, Icon, GMS, Tucano Urbano and John Doe, vests RST Rade and Leatt ReaFlex, chest protectors Furygan and Troy Lee Designs, elbow pads, knee pads and sliders Held, RST and Oxford, not forgetting the children's models Zandonà and POD.
Protect the back, chest and joints.
Level one or two back protectors: what the EN 1621-2 standard measures
The back protection is tested according to the European standard EN 1621-2, which measures the force transmitted to the back during an impact. A level one back protector must transmit an average of less than ten-eight kilonewtons, while a level two protector must transmit less than nine, which is two times less energy received by the spine. The Rev'it Seesoft, Alpinestars Plasma or Icon D3O inserts fit into the back pocket of a compatible jacket; they must cover the area from the shoulder blades down to the top of the pelvis. Plastic back protectors like Ixon and strap harnesses stay in place better during a slide as they do not depend on the jacket's fit.
The rest of the jackets
The jackets and vests also come in:
- Airbag jacket and vest.
- Airbag accessories.
- Men's textile.
- Women's textile.
- Men's leather.
- Women's leather.
All jackets can be found on the jackets and vests page.
Vests and chest protectors: protect the torso
In a fall or a frontal impact, the chest absorbs a significant part of the force. The chest protectors, certified according to the EN 1621-3 standard, clip into designated spots in the jacket, like those from Furygan, a French brand founded in 1969 in Nîmes, or are worn as a bib over a jersey for off-road riding, like the Troy Lee Designs Rock Fight. The protection vest combines back and chest protection into one fitted garment: the RST Rade Dept uses D3O pads, a soft material that hardens instantly on impact, developed in England in 1999. The Leatt ReaFlex, thinner, can be worn under a casual jacket, and the RST Rade also comes in an airbag-compatible version.
Elbow pads, knee pads and knee sliders
The elbow pads and knee pads fall under the EN 1621-1 standard, dedicated to limb protection. They fit in the pockets of the jacket or pants, like the shells from John Doe or the elbow pad Bering Flex Alpha, or are worn articulated for off-road, similar to the Leatt Z-Frame knee pad. The knee sliders, however, do not protect the joint: these hard plastic discs attach with velcro to a race suit and rub against the asphalt when the rider leans the bike in a turn. The Held, RST Factory Reverse and Oxford Rok Drop can be replaced as soon as they are worn down to the velcro. For young motocross riders, the knee pads POD and the back protector Zandonà are available in children's sizes.
Good deals
Good bargains can also be found in the good deals, promotions, clearance, sales, Black Friday. The new arrivals showcase the latest collections, and items shipped in 24 hours are prepared and sent within 24 hours. The highlights of the year follow a steady order: the Black Friday at the end of autumn, the end-of-year holidays, the winter sales, the French Days in spring, then the summer sales and back-to-school.
Frequently asked questions
How do I choose the size of a back protector?
You measure in the riding position the distance between the base of the neck and the top of the pelvis, then refer to the manufacturer's guide. The back protector should cover the spine without pressing against the neck when you lift your head, nor hit the seat.
Is a back protector mandatory on a motorcycle?
No, in France, only a certified helmet and gloves are mandatory for the rider and passenger. The back protector is highly recommended since the back is often affected during a slide or collision with an obstacle.
Airbag vest or protection vest: what's the difference?
The protection vest absorbs the impact with shells or foams that always stay in place. The airbag inflates in a fraction of a second at the moment of a fall and covers a larger area. Some vests, like the RST Rade, allow for both to be combined.
When should a motorcycle protection be replaced?
After a significant impact, a cracked shell or foam that no longer returns to its shape, the protection should be changed. Foams also age with heat and sweat: you should follow the usage duration recommended by the manufacturer, stated in the notice.
How do I maintain my motorcycle protections?
You remove the shells from the jacket before washing it, then clean them with warm, soapy water using a sponge, without machine washing. They dry in the open air, away from a source of heat that would deform the foams.
