Tag Archives: Jacket

Motorcycle News, News

Alpinestars airbag vest fits any jacket

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Alpinestars has joined Dainese and Furygan in making an airbag vest that fits underneath any jacket.

Airbags were first included with a leather jacket or suit usually for racing where it is now mandatory in some categories.

They were followed by airbag vests that could be worn over the top of a jacket, or vests that were only suitable with a particular jacket.

Now this new age of airbag vests can be worn under any jacket, making them suitable for everyday riding protection.

We’re not sure exactly what happens when you wear one of these new vests underneath a tight motorcycle jacket. When it explodes, does it rip your jacket open like the Incredible Hulk?

The manufacturers say they work just fine if you zip out a thermal liner. They also say these vests provide thermal protection.

So in an Aussie summer, they could be awfully hot and uncomfortable, even with a flow-through ventilated jacket!

Alpinestars Tech-Air 5Alpinestars airbag vest

Alpinestars will unveil their Tech-Air 5 airbag at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas on 7 January 2020. 

It works via accelerometers that detect a crash.

The vest connects via Bluetooth to the Alpinestars Tech-Air smartphone app which shows whether the vest is armed, unarmed or triggered. Not sure why you need that because surely you will know when it’s been triggered!

There are no more details such as price or how much it costs to have the airbag re-armed after it’s been triggered.

The most important detail is whether you can re-arm it yourself like the Furygan or you have to send it back to the manufacturer like the Dainese vest.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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MotoCAP rates 160 jackets, pants, gloves

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MotoCAP has added eight more jackets and two more pairs of pants to its safety and thermal comfort ratings, bringing the total to 160.

The world’s first safety and comfort ratings system for motorcycle clothing began in August last year.

It has now rated 160 items of clothing, including 43 pairs of pants, 47 pairs of gloves and 70 jackets.

This release adds a third well-performing women’s jacket to the range of dedicated female gear rated on their website.

The DriRider Paris leather jacket (pictured above) scored three out of five stars for protection, and two out of five stars for thermal comfort, matching the rating of the current highest performing ladies jacket, the Dainese Mike.

Dainese Mike Lady jacket
Dainese Mike Lady jacket

Ratings system

While some claim the ratings system is flawed, it at least now has a decent amount of clothing rated and provides a guide for buyers.

Click here for the full list of 160 motorcycle jackets, pants and glove ratings.

Transport for NSW says there has been “interest from some manufacturers to have their items rated”.

However, all gear rated so far has been obtained through a secretive buying system to guarantee integrity.

MotoCAP chief scientist Chris Hurren says urban and country riders need different levels of abrasion, impact and seam-bursting protection in their riding gear.

He explains the differences in this video.

Click here to find out how products are selected for rating in secret.

  • MotoCAP is a partnership between Transport for NSW, State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), VicRoads, Transport Accident Commission (TAC), Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV), Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC), Lifetime Support Authority (LSA), Western Australian Police: Road Safety Commission, Department of State Growth, Insurance Australia Group (IAG), Australian Motorcycle Council and Accident Compensation Corporation in New Zealand.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Furygan airbag vest zips inside jacket

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Furygan is the latest company to add an airbag vest that goes inside your jacket and can be easily reset at home after being triggered.

Most airbag suits and jackets include the airbag and some airbag vests go over the top, while others go inside.

We weren’t sure how an airbag exploding under your jacket in a crash would work if the jacket is tight!

However, the French motorcycle clothing brand says the vest will work just fine if you zip out the thermal layer.

It is compatible with most jackets as well as the 2019 and 2020 Furygan jackets with the airbag connect logo.

Their jackets feature an additional inner zip allowing users to zip the Fury Airbag into position in less than 15 seconds.

Furygan says the advantage is that the vest is comfortable, fits all sizes and is invisible from the outside.

It also uses 3D breathable mesh technology to create a “thermal bridge” between the outside temperature and the body.

The breathable material also stretches to provide extra comfort.

How it worksFurygan airbag vest

The vest includes an In&Motion “brain” that measures the position of the user 1000 times per second and works with an algorithm that improves as it receives more data.

If the algorithm believes you are in an accident, it deploys and the bag is inflated immediately in just 60 milliseconds.

Designed to protect the neck, back, chest and abdomen areas, the Fury Airbag protects areas often left vulnerable in the event of a crash or impact.

The airbag stays inflated to prevent any resulting injury and to protect the user from any further injuries after the accident.Furygan airbag vest

The system – which takes three hours to fully charge – offers up to 25 hours of active riding and 15 days on auto-standby mode.

Once connected with Wifi or mobile data it will automatically look for software updates.

Furygan spokesman David Robert says it has different modes for road and track.

“Putting it into perspective, braking on a MotoGP bike from the long straight at Mugello causes the same force and level of deceleration as a scooter hitting a car at 50km/h, so it’s important to tell the computer what it should expect as ‘normal’,” he says.

The inflation module is housed above the vest’s CE-approved back protector for extra protection and to ensure the inflator doesn’t cause injury. Furygan airbag vest

Furygan cost

The Fury Airbag vest with the In&Motion ‘brain’ is available online and is not cheap at about $A715, while the airbag inflator costs an extra $A170.

That compares with the Dainese airbag vest at $A699 and the Helite airbag outer vest at $825.

It can be reset by removing the discharged inflator unit in the back protector and replacing it with a new one.

The free In&Motion App has a handy video guide and there is no need to send off the vest to be reset by Furygan.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Komine mesh vest for long hot summer

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This Komine JK-084 3D mesh inner vest will take the heat out of your riding this long, hot summer.

We’ve already had a few days riding in almost 40C heat, so we’ve been able to give this vest a good test under both a leather jacket and a flow-through mesh summer jacket.

While it may seem strange that adding more clothing will make you cooler, this vest actually works.

At least, it does with the leather jacket. It actually makes the mesh jacket feel a little warmer, but does stop your back from sweating and sticking to the back protector.

Komine vestKomine JK-084 3D mesh inner vest

The Japanese-made Komine vest is available for $55 through Melbourne-based zarkie.com.au.

It is made of polyester in a wide, three-dimensional honeycomb pattern and is worn under your jacket.

The idea is that it creates a mesh cavity around your torso to allow cooling air to pass around your body.Komine JK-084 3D mesh inner vest

Most ventilated summer jackets fit snug against your body in various places, especially where there is armour. This prevents the airflow from cooling you down.

However, the mesh cavity created by this vest makes sure the air has somewhere to flow.

It’s great when worn under jackets that only have a few vents.

However, it is kind of superfluous with mesh jackets, although it does provide an air passage between your skin and the back protector so your back doesn’t sweat.

It’s not all that soft to the touch, yet it is flexible and feels quite comfortable when worn under a jacket and over a t-shirt.

FittingKomine JK-084 3D mesh inner vest

It is fairly thick, so it could make your jacket quite tight.

I wore it under a leather Merlin Chase leather jacket which has only a couple of vents.

It improved the airflow and since I had removed the thermal liner, it wasn’t a snug fit.

They also say it adds some impact absorption but we think that would be fairly minimal.

While we reckon it’s useful with certain jackets, we would like to see a full jacket version with sleeves.

Because you often bend your arms when riding, air can’t effectively flow up your sleeves. A jacket version of this mesh vest might solve that problem.

It comes in sizes SX to 5XL in black only.Komine JK-084 3D mesh inner vest

I normally take large size, but I got the European XL (Japanese 2XL) and it fit me quite well.

A larger colleague was also able to zip up the stretchy jacket, but then the zip burst! We were able to get the zip working again.

Zarkie

Scott from Zarkie says they launched the Japanese Komine brand in Australia in May.

“We are still in the processes of determining the best lines to commit to the market so we can bring them in larger volumes and set up partners in all the major cities,” he says.

“We hope to have this done by the end of the year, so for now Komine can only be purchased from us.”

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Macna release 2019 summer jackets

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Macna continues to introduce more models to its burgeoning rider clothing range with five new summer jackets for the coming hot-weather riding season.

As with all European manufacturers, all their gear is CE approved for safe motorcycle riding.

Since Link International began importing European riding gear from Macna in 2017, we have reviewed several items and found them all to be technically clever, comfortable and safe.

Check out some of our previous Macna reviews at the end of this article.

Click here for the entire range of Macna gear which includes men’s and women’s jackets, pants and gloves.

Here is a rundown of just their five new summer jackets.

Event summer jacketsMacna release 2019 summer jackets

This is the only new jacket in the summer riding range that includes women’s sizes.

It features large mesh panels and can easily be packed into a top-box or backpack for when it gets hot.

  • Jacket CE Approved for motorcycle riding.
  • Soft polyester mesh lining.
  • Safe-Tec CE level 2 breathable shoulder and level 1 elbow armour.
  • CE back protector prepared, fitted with 12 mm EVA plate.
  • Straps on waist and cuff and coat hanger loop.
  • Colours: Black & Black/ Fluoro.
  • Men’s sizes XS > 4XL, $199.95.
  • Ladies sizes XS > 2XL, $199.95. (Black only.)

Rewind summer jacketMacna release 2019 summer jackets

This sporty jacket is equipped with large mesh panels.

  • Jacket CE Approved for motorcycle riding.
  • Soft polyester mesh lining.
  • Betac CE level 1 perforated breathable shoulder and elbow armour.
  • CE back protector prepared, fitted with 12 mm EVA plate.
  • Waist and cuff straps, coat hanger loop.
  • Colours: Black/White/Red & Grey/Black/Blue.
  • Men’s sizes S > 3XL, $249.95.

Charger jacket Macna release 2019 summer jackets

  • Jacket CE Approved for motorcycle riding.
  • Detachable thermal lining, including Raintex waterproof membrane.
  • Betac CE level 1 perforated shoulder and elbow armour.
  • CE back protector prepared, fitted with 12 mm EVA plate.
  • Chest and back air vents. Air vents chest & back.
  • Zipgrip, Straps on waist & cuff, Coat hanger loop & Easy Cuff light.
  • Colours: Black/Yellow/Blue & Black/Grey/Red.
  • Men’s sizes S > 3XL, $329.95.

Hurracage jacketMacna release 2019 summer jackets

Not sure what a “Hurracage” is, but Macna claims this is a hybrid jacket with large areas of mesh material for ventilation and a zip-out Raintex Plus waterproof liner.

Maybe it’s to give you courage in a hurricane!

  • Jacket CE Approved for motorcycle riding.
  • Soft polyester mesh lining.
  • Betac CE level 1 perforated breathable shoulder and elbow armour.
  • CE back protector prepared, fitted with 12 mm EVA plate.
  • Straps on waist & cuff and Coat hanger loop.
  • Colours: Black & Black Fluoro.
  • Men’s sizes S > 4XL, $279.95.

Velocity jacketMacna release 2019 summer jackets

The Velocity has large mesh panels and camo graphics.

  • Jacket CE Approved for motorcycle riding.
  • Soft polyester mesh lining.
  • Betac CE level 1 perforated breathable shoulder and elbow armour.
  • CE back protector prepared, fitted with 12 mm EVA plate.
  • Straps on waist & cuff and Coat hanger loop.
  • Colouras: Olive Green & Black Camo.
  • Men’s sizes S > 3XL, $229.95.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Viking Warlock jacket fits female form

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Female riders who complain about the lack of shape and adjustment in motorcycle jackets that don’t fit their shape should check out the stylish Viking Warlock all-seasons women’s jacket.

Not only is it designed to fit the female form, but it has plenty of adjustability.

There are two hip zips to allow for wider hips and three straps in the back to adjust to your exact waist shape.

Viking Warlock jacket fits female form
Three-strap adjustment

At just $US115.99 (about $A170), it’s great value and comes in black only in women’s sizes small to XL.

It’s a great all-seasons jacket with a shell of completely flow-through ventilated mesh Cordura for the hot days and a full-length quilted zip-out thermal comfort layer.

Viking Warlock jacket fits female form
Quilted thermal liner

Our test pilot, Sharon Ledger, says it feels very comfortable with plenty of warmth for single-digit temperatures as well as enough ventilation for hot summer riding.Viking Warlock jacket fits female form

She also likes the sprung clip in the right pocket to attach your keys when you are not riding, so they don’t fall out and get lost.

There are also plenty of pockets inside and out for your purse, phone, garage remote, lipstick, etc, she says.Viking Warlock jacket fits female form

Warlock safety

The Viking Warlock hasn’t been rated by MotoCAP for safety.

However, it is made of Cordura 600D which has very good abrasion resistance according to independent tests.

Viking Cycle says the Warlock jacket is coated with polyurethane which is wind and water resistant, won’t sag and creates less wrinkle.

Inside are CE-approved EN1621-1 Type A impact protectors in the shoulders, elbows and back for urban riding protection.

Viking Cycle have a refund policy within 30 days and a one-year defect warranty for peace of mind.Viking Warlock jacket fits female form

Viking Warlock features

CONSTRUCTION

600D PU Coated Fabric and Soft Mesh

VENTILATION

Mesh Panels On Torso (Front & Back) And Sleeves

PROTECTION

CE Approved Removable Armor On Elbows, Shoulders, Back and Chest

EXTERNAL STORAGE

2 Zippered Side Pockets

INTERNAL STORAGE

Phone, Sunglasses, Wallet, Knife And a Concealed Pocket

ADJUSTABILITY

Waist Adjustability

CLOSURES

Velcro Sleeve Closures

VISIBILITY

Reflective Piping

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Women’s jackets join MotoCAP testing

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For the first time, women’s riding jackets are among a new crop of leather and textile jackets tested by MotoCAP as researchers start advising riders about their service at seminars across the country.

The world’s first motorcycle clothing safety ratings program has added six textile jackets and nine leather jackets to its growing list of 128 products.

It includes seven jackets designed exclusively for women and two advertised as “unisex”.

The only other women’s gear tested and rated in the past year since MotoCAP began were women’s leggings.

Top jackets

For women, the $650 Dainese Mike Lady jacket scored the highest MotoCAP protection rating with three out of five stars.

Dainese Mike Lady jackets
Dainese Mike Lady jacket

The unisex $1495 Klim Badlands Pro also scored well with a protection rating of three.

Klim Badlands Pro jackets
Klim Badlands Pro jacket

For men, the $500 Merlin Hixon men’s jacket scored the highest MotoCAP protection rating of this batch with four stars.

Merlin Hixon jackets
Merlin Hixon jacket

All 15 jackets listed were awarded between half and two stars for the MotoCAP thermal comfort rating.

The new ratings can be viewed on the MotoCAP jackets rating page.

MotoCAP seminars

The latest round of testing results come as researchers from the Deakin University who carry out the MotoCAP testing have been giving seminars to riders to explain what the service is about.

Senior researcher Christopher Hurren will give a seminar this Saturday (10- August 2019) at the Scarborough Community Centre, 163 The Esplanade, Western Australia.

He was invited by Dave Wright of the Motorcycle Riders Association of Western Australia who successfully applied for a grant under the Road Safety Community Grants Programme.

Riders and rider group representatives can attend from 10-11.30am and motorcycle dealers and motorcycle clothing retailers from 1-2.30pm.

Contact Dave Wright for more information and to reserve your place via 0418 954 424 or email, or visit their Facebook event page.

It follows seminars by leading researcher Liz de Rome for Q Ride in Queensland a few weeks ago and for the MRA in Victoria a few months ago.

Chris says he will brief riders on MotoCAP aims, how a rider can use it to select the right gear, what is tested and why, plus “some of the science that we do to back up our work”.

When Chris delivered a similar presentation in New Zealand in February as part of the “Shiny Side Up” tour, the main questions were:

  • Q: Who funds the program?
  • A: MotoCAP is a not-for-profit organisation in partnership with and funded by: from NSW – Transport for NSW, SIRA and the NRMA; from Victoria – VicRoads, TAC and RACV; from South Australia – DPTI, MAC and RAA; from Queensland – TMR and RACQ; from Western Australia – the Western Australian Road Safety Commission; plus the Australian Motorcycle Council and the New Zealand Accident Compensation Corporation.
  • Q: How many garments are tested a year?
  • A: It was launched in September 2018 and has so far tested 128 articles of clothing including 64 jackets, 29 pants and 35 gloves.
  • Q: Are any companies getting on board with the program?
  • A: Despite invitations, no manufacturer has yet come forward to have their gear tested.

If you are interested in having a MotoCAP researcher talk to your riders group, click here to contact them.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

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Macna Bastic a clever summer jacket

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This Macna Bastic bomber jacket looks like casual wear, not a motorcycle jacket, yet it has a lot of protection and some clever features that make it ideal for next summer’s riding.

The European motorcycle clothing company makes some advanced technological gear with a lot of street smarts.

We’ve tested several of their jackets and they all seem to have some unique features such as the Aytee all-season jacket I used on last year’s Italian Alps tour.

Macna Aytee motorcycle jacket
Macna Aytee motorcycle jacket braves the Italian alps

Safety

All European gear now has to be properly certified and these jackets contain a lot of protective materials for abrasion and impact resistance.

This Macna Bastic jacket features CE-approved impact pads in the back, shoulders and elbows.

However, I don’t think the satin-finish polyamide nylon material would have much abrasion resistance.

Clever features

But it is the clever little additions that I like.

For example, there is a sunglasses hook to hang your sunnies on your chest.

Macna Bastic bomber jacket
Sunnies holder

It also has two deep outside pockets that won’t let your valuables fall out even if you forget to fasten them with the two snap buttons.

Macna Bastic bomber jacket
Deep pockets

Instead of the usual zip in the back to attach to your trousers if they have a matching zip, there is a simple snap tag that fits to your pants’ belt loop. Simple, easy to use and it works. Very clever.

Macna Bastic bomber jacket
Pants belt loop attachment

But the most clever thing is the venting system.

I didn’t think it would be very good in hot weather with its elasticised cuffs and waist band not allowing in any breeze.

However, there are two small zipped vents on the upper arms that direct air straight into your armpits for maximum cooling effect.

I tried it out in 30C heat in Portland, Orgeon, this week on the Harley LiveWire launch and it works!

Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle basic
Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle

The front zip is also a clever two-stage zip.

If it’s cold, do it up to the tighter zip, but if it’s warm, zip up the second zip, leaving a 25mm-wide vent panel right down the front of the jacket.

Macna Bastic bomber jacket
Twi-stage zip with vent system

Of course, this won’t work if you are behind a windscreen.

But on a naked bike it almost feels like you have no jacket on at all; the air current is amazing.

There is also a strange, shallow pocket with no real fastener on the outside left chest. I do not have any clue about its purpose!

There is only one inside zipped pocket which is a shame, although it is quite big.

It’s also weather proof as are the pockets.

I haven’t yet been caught in the rain with this jacket, but I did give it a test in the kitchen sink and the interior stayed dry.

Macna Bastic bomber jacket

Macna men's jacket range

  • Satin finish Polyamide Nylon.
  • Soft polyester mesh liner with fixed Raintex waterproof membrane.
  • “SCS Lite” ventilation system.
  • Shoulder Safetech CE level 2, Elbow Safetech CE level 1.
  • Night Eye reflective panels.
  • CE back protector prepared, fitted with 12 mm EVA back pad.
  • Hoody holder, Air vents sleeves & back. Rear belt loop.
  • Zipgrip, Phone pocket, Sunglasses holder Coat hanger loop.
  • Olive Green.
  • Men’s sizes S-3XL

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

First motorcycle jacket to score 10-star rating

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The RST Ventilator textile jacket is the first jacket to receive a full 10-star rating for thermal comfort in the MotoCAP ratings system since it began a year ago.

It is one of six jackets and nine pair of gloves to be added to the list of 110 motorcycle protective clothing items.

MotoCAP has now tested 49 textile and leather jackets, 18 pairs of jeans and leggings, seven pair of leather pants, one pair of textile pants and 35 pairs of gloves.

The world’s first safety and comfort ratings system for motorcycle clothing provides comfort ratings for thermal comfort and waterproofing on jackets and pants, but not gloves.

Top star

RST Ventilator jacket top rating star
RST Ventilator jacket

The $350 RST Ventilator jacket scored a full 10-star rating for thermal comfort, thanks to mesh panels in the arms, chest and sides.

However, it only scored two out of five stars for safety despite elbow and shoulder impact protectors and pockets at the back for aftermarket impact protectors.

Dainese fighter jacket rating star
Dainese fighter jacket

In the latest round of testing, the highest protection rating went to the $800 Dainese Fighter leather jacket.

It scored a three-star rating even though it has the same impact protectors as the RST.

Glove ratings

For gloves, two products scored equal high protection ratings of three stars.

These were the Five Gloves X-Rider Water Proof and the Ducati Performance C2 leather gloves.

Gloves are not tested for comfort under the MotoCAP rating protocols.

Transport for NSW says that to measure for comfort a large square of fabric must be obtained.

“There is not enough material in a glove to obtain a sample for the thermal comfort measure,” they say.

The new ratings can be viewed on the MotoCAP home page by scrolling down to “Latest Rated Products”.

  • MotoCAP is a partnership between Transport for NSW, State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), VicRoads, Transport Accident Commission (TAC), Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV), Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC), Lifetime Support Authority (LSA), Western Australian Police: Road Safety Commission, Department of State Growth, Insurance Australia Group (IAG), Australian Motorcycle Council and Accident Compensation Corporation in New Zealand.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Jackets fail MotoCAP abrasion testing

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A dozen motorcycle jackets have failed dismally in abrasion testing for the latest round of MotoCAP safety and comfort ratings.

Only two of the six leather jackets tested scored three out of five stars for safety.

Six leather and textile jackets scored two stars while three textile and the $749 Harley-Davidson Command leather jacket scored just one star.

Jackets fail MotoCAP abrasion testing
Latest ratings

Testing times

Three jackets, all textile, were advertised as water resistant so MotoCAP conducted testing according to their water resistance protocols.

The highest performing were the BMW Tourshell and the Rev’It Ronson, which received five out of 10 stars for water resistance.

The $460 DriRider GT leather jacket scored three out of five stars for safety, but only one star for comfort because it does not have any vents.

DriRider last year topped the Canstar Blue customer satisfaction survey on motorcycle jackets, having also won in 2015 and ’16 while Harley won last year.

The Canstar Blue ratings compare motorcycle jacket brands on factors including value for money, comfort/fit, protection, durability, functionality, style and overall satisfaction.

They do not do scientific testing like the MotoCAP service.

MotoCAP is a partnership between Transport for NSW, State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), VicRoads, Transport Accident Commission (TAC), Royal Automobile Club of Victoria (RACV), Department of Transport and Main Roads (TMR), Motor Accident Insurance Commission (MAIC), Lifetime Support Authority (LSA), Motor Accident Commission of South Australia (MAC), Western Australian Police: Road Safety Commission, Department of State Growth, Insurance Australia Group (IAG), Australian Motorcycle Council and Accident Compensation Corporation in New Zealand.

Transport for NSW says ………..

MotoCAP ratings

Motocap Motorcycle clothing rating system launched The world’s first motorcycle clothing safety ratings program, MotoCAP, has given only half a star to two stars to eight more pair of textile pants.
A dummy dressed in riding gear is tested for abrasion resistance

MotoCAP has now tested 43 textile and leather jackets, 18 pairs of jeans and leggings, seven pair of leather pants, one pair of textile pants and 26 pairs of gloves.

Deakin Uni Institute for Frontier Materials Senior Research Fellow and Honda GB400 rider Chris Hurren says they targeted only 10% of the market in the first year so manufacturers could be involved.

Transport for NSW says there has been “interest from some manufacturers to have their items rated”, but all gear rated so far has been bought by them through a secretive buying system to guarantee integrity.

Click here to find out how products are selected for rating in secret.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com