Tag Archives: Jackets

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

Varied protection for country and urban riders

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

He explains the differences in this video from MotoCAP, the world’s first safety and comfort ratings system for motorcycle clothing which launched on 18 September 2018.

Jackets and pants tested

Almost a year after launching, the Australian testing facility has now rated 146 items.

The latest inclusion is comfort and safety ratings for four jackets and seven pairs of pants.

Alpinestars SP-X perforated leather pants four stars for thermal comfort, the highest rating for leather pants in this category yet.

The pants also obtained three out of five stars in protection.Chris Hurren Varied protection for country and urban riders MotoCAP

The MotoDry Advent Tour textile pants received the maximum score of 10 for water resistance, only the second pair of pants so far to earn the highest score.

The pants only scored half a star for protection, but were awarded three stars for comfort.

The Merlin Hamlin Zip-up Hoodie jacket was awarded the highest rating for thermal comfort in this release, scoring three out of five stars, and one out of five stars for protection.Chris Hurren Varied protection for country and urban riders MotoCAP

MotoCAP ratings explained

The brief MotoCAP video follows recent seminars across the country by MotoCAP researchers from the Deakin University.

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

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

Typical rider questions are:

  • 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 146 articles of clothing.
  • Q: Are any companies getting on board with the program?
  • A: Despite invitations, no manufacturer has yet come forward to have their gear tested. Instead, they use a system of secret buying.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

What does CE approved clothing mean?

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(CE certification article contributed by Pando Moto)

Motorcycle protective rider gear has become a lot safer over the years since Europe introduced a CE legal standard for motorcycle clothing, known as EN13595, in 1994.

It was originally designed as a standard for professional racers, but now any motorcycle clothing that does not meet the standard cannot be sold as ‘protective’ wear in Europe.

This CE standard (Conformité Européene or European Conformity) is now used throughout most of the world.

In Australia, it gets a little more confusing as we also have an independent MotoCAP testing regime for safety and comfort. Click here for the latest news on gloves that failed their tests.

If you are confused with the various labels, CE markings, standards and information about impact protection, double-stitched seams, and abrasion testing, read on.

CE markings and regulations

When buying protective motorcycle clothing, it is important to know whether the garments you are considering are produced to at least a minimum CE standard.

A label should have a CE marking permanently attached to the garment.

Pando Moto CE label

Any CE-approved product must come with a certificate of conformity.

What do CE standards mean?

If a product bears any type of CE marking, this means its manufacturer has constructed this garment to an applicable standard of safety and protection legislation.

This means the product is made to at least a particular level of quality for the consumer’s reassurance.

In 1995, Cambridge University played a big part in the development of CE marking, which aided an increase of knowledge for anticipated CE personal protective clothing regulations.

CE tested, certified or approved?

There is a huge difference between the terms “CE Tested”, “CE Certified”, and “CE Approved”:

CE Tested: The term normally implies that the manufacturer tested the whole or just a piece of a garment within their own facility that might meet certain standards. However, the garment is not necessarily tested in a certified testing facility to meet officially accredited standards.
CE Certified: This term is more secure, as it states that the garment samples were tested in certified testing facilities. In this case, you need to find out which part of a garment was tested.
CE Approved: This term means several parts of a garment were tested in certified facilities and are accredited to meet or surpass the required standards in all zones.

Garment testing zones

The certification test EN13595 uses two test levels, with the body divided into four zones (see illustration with zones below):

CE Testing zones

Zone 1: must-have impact protectors and needs to last 4 seconds on the Cambridge Abrasion Machine to meet Level 1 protection, and 7 seconds to meet Level 2.
Zone 2: must-have impact protectors and needs to last 4 seconds on the Cambridge Abrasion Machine to meet Level 1 protection, and 7 seconds to meet Level 2.
Zone 3: requires 1.8seconds for Level 1 and 2.5 for level 2.
Zone 4: can be used for ventilation and stretch panels, but must still last 1 second on the abrasion rig for Level 1, and 1.5 seconds for Level 2.

Cambridge abrasion machine

EN17092 has five test levels, covering three key zones of the garment – Zone 1, Zone 2 and Zone 3, with samples tested on a Darmstadt machine that spins them at a set speed until they’re dropped on to a slab of control concrete where they slow to a stop.

Darmstadt machine

Usually, you will see A, B or C letters on a label that indicates garments classification.

Classification AAA: The highest level, demanding four seconds of abrasion resistance with the machine spinning at 707.4rpm (the equivalent of 120km/h) in Zone 1, two seconds at 442.1rpm (about 75km/h) in Zone 2 and one second at 265rpm (around 45km/h) in Zone 3.
Classification AA: More suited to touring gear, this specifies two seconds in Zone 1 at 412.6rpm (about 70km/h), one second at 265.3rpm in Zone 2 and 0.5 seconds at 147.4rpm (the equivalent of around 25kmh) in Zone 3.
Classification A: Deemed suitable for urban riding, with Zone 1 requiring one second of abrasion resistance at 265.3rpm and half a second at 147.4rpm in Zone 2.
Classification B: same as A, but impact protectors are not required.
Classification C: covers garments such as the mesh under-suits that have impact protection for off-road riding.

Samples are taken from each zone to be tested for seam strength and abrasion resistance.

A company using the same materials and construction methods in two or more jackets, for example, could meet approval with one test, so long as the tested parts are put together in a tested way within the tested zones, and subsequent garments are added to the certificate.

Once these materials and construction methods are approved, they cannot be changed, and that includes the specific supplier of the material.

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

Motorcycle News, News

Aldi claims safest motorcycle gear yet

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Aldi claims this year’s annual motorcycle gear sale will feature their safest gear yet with their $189 leather jacket being the most popular buy.

The sale is usually held in the first couple of Saturdays of August, but has been delayed this year until 31 August 2019, starting at 8.30am.

“Every year we work to improve the range to make it even better than the last,” an Aldi spokesperson says.

“This year is no exception, with considerable time devoted to product development, sourcing and testing to ensure our products are of the highest quality and exceptionally priced.”

In past year, sale items have been selected with the help of Neuroscience Research Australia’s Dr Liz de Rome.

Liz, a rider since 1969, also helped develop MotoCAP, motorcycle clothing ratings system. So far, MotoCAP has not tested any Aldi products.Aldi annual sale - Riders urged to support motorcycle dealers claims

Safety claims

However, Aldi claims they have been “testing relevant motorcycle clothing products to European Standards for several years in order to obtain independent certification”.

“This year, we have worked closely with our supply partners to create products that are both safe and stylish – all without compromising on quality,” their spokesperson says.

“All Torque motorcycle clothing has been certified to the European Personal Protective Equipment Regulation (2016/425).

“We anticipate the leather jacket will be popular among customers as it is exceptional value for money.”

Their 2019 catalogue of motorcycle gear on sale this year will be available on their website next week.

Aldi says the Torque leather jacket features APT-TECH protection technology at the elbows and shoulders, is compliant to Level 2 European Standard EN 13595 and has impact protectors in the back, shoulder and elbow that are compliant to EN 1621.

aldi motorcycle gear sale
Leather Jacket – $189

Their Torque motorcycle boots ($99.99) have strengthened heels, hi-vis reflective ankle strips and meet requirements of the Personal Protective Equipment standard EN 13634.

aldi motorcycle gear sale
Boots – $99.99

The Torque motorcycle denim jeans ($79.99) have reinforcement lining made of “high-tenacity aramid fibre at critical areas of seat, hips & knees”. They are compliant to EN 17092-4:2019 for “A” classification garments and feature EN 1621 knee protectors.

aldi motorcycle gear sale
Denim Jeans – $79.99

They have a choice of two Torque gloves, both costing $34.99.

Their goat leather pair have carbon fibre protectors for the knuckles and fingers, rubber padding in “critical areas” and are EN 13594 level 1 compliant.

aldi motorcycle gear sale
Carbon Knuckle Leather Gloves – $34.99 (2)

However, their padded gloves do not have an EN certification. Instead, they have 3D foam rubber protection at the knuckles, fingers and thumbs with 3M Thinsulate padding

aldi motorcycle gear sale
Padded Leather Gloves – $34.99

As usual, there is also a range of other motorcycle goods for sale including balaclavas, thermals, bike covers and helmets.

Plus, there’s our perennial favourite – $9.99 Aldi motorcycle socks!

New this year are three types of $19.99 locks and chains to secure your bike and/or luggage.

aldi motorcycle sale theft stolen locks
Locks – $19.99

There is also a range of $39.99 tail and tank bags.

Riders urged to support dealers

However, riders have been urged by the Australian Motorcycle Dealers Association to support their local motorcycle dealer who {“deserves rider loyalty in tough times“.

They point out that motorcycle retailers offer a lot more product choice and all-year round availability.

Supporters of the Aldi sale say it promotes the wearing of good quality gear by making it affordable to more riders. 

In our coverage of the annual Aldi sale, as well as MotoCAP’s testing of products, we find readers claim Aldi products are good quality and value.

We have also tested Aldi gear and find it is up to par, including the Bluetooth unit that is still working just fine after three years.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

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

Motorcycle News, News

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

MotoGP airbag vest for everyday riders

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Last year MotoGP made airbag race suits mandatory and now Dainese has produced an airbag vest for everyday riders that goes under a normal jacket.

Versatile vest

Many riders have different jackets for summer and winter.

It would be expensive to buy an airbag jacket for each season, so this idea of an airbag vest underneath seems handy for those who want extra protection.Dainese airbag vest

However, we wonder just how baggy your jacket would need to be to accommodate the vest.

Not only do you have to fit the vest under you jacket, but also allow enough room for if/when it inflates!

The extra layer could defeat the purpose of a ventilated summer jacket, but it is ventilated.

We wonder how it might limit movement, but Dainese says it is light and flexible.

It’s not cheap at $US699 and replacement components after it has deployed will add to the cost.

Although what price do you put on safety?Dainese airbag vest

Dainese says the airbag vest is seven times more protective than the usual back protector.

The vest is also waterproof and abrasion resistant.

How it worksDainese airbag vest

The vest uses seven sensors including GPS, accelerometers and gyroscopes to detect a crash such as low and high-sides, collisions and even being hit from behind when stopped at the lights.

All that tech depletes the batteries which need t be recharged after 26 hours of use.

After it’s exploded, you then have to take it back to the shop to get a new airbag system. Apparently fitting is a quick operation.

It arrives soon in six sizes for men and women.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com

Motorcycle News, News

Why does riding gear fail abrasion tests?

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Motorcycle jackets and pants tested in the MotoCAP safety and comfort ratings have failed in the abrasion tests, but could easily be made safer, says a technical expert.

Back in 2015, Deakin University fibre science and technology senior researcher Chris Hurren warned that eight out of 10 of the most commonly worn motorcycle suits in Australia had failed their abrasion tests.

These tests were the precursor for the development of MotoCAP, the world’s first safety ratings for motorcycle protective gear which launched in September 2018.

Over the past few years, motorcycle clothing does not appear to have improved.

In recent MotoCAP ratings, leather and textile pants and jackets have failed dismally in abrasion tests.

Textile abrasion fail

Chris says textile pants and jackets are typically made of 600 denier woven nylon or polyester fabrics.

“These have relatively low abrasion resistance when tested on the Cambridge impact abrasion tester,” he says.

Motocap Motorcycle clothing rating system launched target abrasion tests
MotoCAP testing equipment at the Deakin Uni Geelong campus

“Where these fabrics are used as the shell fabric in important protection areas such as the elbow and shoulder of a jacket they generally do not provide the levels of protection desired in a protective motorcycle garment.

“These jackets could be improved in their protective performance by manufacturers by adding further protective layers or by use of a heavy shell fabric in these critical protection areas. 

“These garments are still capable of providing better protection to a rider than if they were to ride in normal clothing especially when they are worn with their shoulder and elbow impact protectors in place. This is the class of garment that will benefit the most from improvement in protection levels into the future.”

Leather abrasion tests 

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. abrasion tests
A dummy dressed in riding gear is tested for abrasion resistance

More interestingly, leather appears to be not much better than textile gear.

“A number of the leather garments reported in (the latest tests) were made from thinner, supple leather,” Chris says.

“While this is more comfortable for the wearer, these leathers typically do not provide the same level of abrasion protection of a thicker leather.

“Where a thinner leather is used there needs to be additional protection put into the critical abrasion risk areas.

“The high level of impact protection seen in some of these garments was quite encouraging.”

Motorbike Writer publishes every new release of gear tested by MotoCAP, so stay tuned for more updates.

Source: MotorbikeWriter.com