Motorcycle Racewear Safety, Armor, and Protection

Motorcycle racing safety gear protects you in three layers: the suit's leather resists sliding, impact armor at the joints and back absorbs hits, and an airbag, if you wear one, cushions the torso once it inflates. Each layer has its own test: EN 17092 for the garment, EN 1621 parts 1 to 3 for armor, and EN 1621-4 for airbags. For track days you also need a back protector, a full-face helmet, motorcycle boots and gloves.

This hub gives the short answer on each topic and links to the detailed guide.

The three layers of race suit protection

Under EN 17092, classes AAA and AA must carry elbow, shoulder, knee and hip protectors, class A needs elbows, shoulders and knees, and class B is abrasion only.

Armor levels: what Level 1 and Level 2 mean

EN 1621 armor comes in two levels, and the lower the force passed through to your body, the more protective it is. The test set-up is summarized by SATRA's EN 1621 overview. To pass at all, a limb protector must keep the mean transmitted force below 35 kN. A back protector must stay below 18 kN, and it comes as a full back, central back or lower back (lumbar) design.

Chest protectors are tested separately under EN 1621-3, in divided or full designs. Upgrading from Level 1 to Level 2 back protection can push you up a suit size, so fit the protector before you choose the suit.

For choosing a level and a hump together, read hump, airbag and CE level: choosing protection for a track suit.

Motorcycle airbags

An airbag rated Level 1 under EN 1621-4 lets through no more than 4.5 kN at a 50 J impact, and Level 2 no more than 2.5 kN, according to Dainese's airbag guide. Under the same input, a rigid back protector may pass up to 18 kN at Level 1 or 9 kN at Level 2. Electronic airbags have been compulsory for professional riders in every world championship class since 2018.

Two cautions. EN 1621-4 is written around tethered, mechanically triggered airbags, and makers such as Dainese apply its test procedures to electronic systems the standard does not cover. And a "CE" mark alone does not prove a garment is protective equipment; look for the airbag symbol with the level and protected areas.

A vest worn under leathers needs room: size the suit with the vest on, and leave 2 to 3 inches (5 to 7 cm) for it to inflate. Compare types and set-ups in how to choose motorcycle airbags.

One-piece vs two-piece race suits

A one-piece suit gives unbroken leather through the torso for track use, while a two-piece zips together and splits for road riding. No Limits Trackdays, a UK organizer, accepts a one-piece or a two-piece fully zipped together, with the zip running all the way round the torso and no gap when you raise your arms.

EN 17092 also tests that join: the zipped suit is pulled with 100 N for 60 seconds and checked for gapping. Our guide to choosing a two-piece motorcycle racing suit covers zips, panels and fit.

Armor under everyday clothes

Not every ride needs leathers. EN 17092 class C garments carry impact protection only and are meant to be worn with or under another riding garment. Read how to wear motorcycle armor under clothes for base layers, armored shirts and what they can and cannot do.

Under a race suit, skip cotton: it soaks up sweat and stays wet, so synthetic mesh or merino works better.

Fit is part of protection

Armor only works if it stays on the joint when you are tucked on the bike. Check fit in the riding position, as explained in how a race suit should fit on the bike. If you are between sizes, the measuring guide at made-measure.com walks through the 20 measurements for a custom suit.

After a crash, stop riding in the suit, inspect it and replace any protector that took an impact.

Race suits with removable armor

If you want armor you can upgrade, look for internal pockets. MotoSpeeds puts its protectors in them, so you can swap or upgrade them, and selected models add a chest protector. All four stock suits, the Savitar Pro, Whiz Tech, Veteran and Tyro, use interchangeable knee sliders. Neither the race suit page nor the FAQ mentions airbag compatibility, so ask before pairing one with a vest. Browse the MotoSpeeds leather race suits.

Heading to your first event? Start with our motorcycle track days guide, and keep your kit in shape with motorcycle gear storage.

FAQ

What CE level should race suit armor be?

Level 2 is the more protective of the two EN 1621 levels because it passes less force to the body. Many UK track days make a back protector compulsory, and No Limits rents Level 2 protectors at booking.

Is my race suit airbag compatible?

Only if the maker says so. Compatible suits are built with extra chest and shoulder room so they do not restrict inflation. If a suit is too tight over a vest, size up, because a compressed airbag may not deploy properly.

What should I wear underneath motorcycle gear?

A synthetic or merino base layer, not cotton. The armor-under-clothes guide above covers the rest.