Is Motorcycle Armor Necessary?

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Getting out on the open road on your motorcycle is what it’s all about. Whether you’re enjoying cruising down back roads, adventuring off the beaten track, or testing your speed and skills in racing, riding your motorcycle is where the joy is. 

Unfortunately, motorcyclists are also one of the most vulnerable road-users. They are up to three times more likely to be involved in a fatal accident on the road than car drivers. While you can’t be prepared for every scenario, wearing motorcycle armor and garments that are CE certified (or UKCA equivalent) to the PPE Regulation 2016/425 in accordance with the  EN1621 series of standards can decrease the risk of serious injury occurring. 

Anya Violet, female motorcyclist and co-founder of women's motorcycle gear brand Atwyld, gave a first hand account of the strength of D3O® armor after she was involved in a serious crash. While she did suffer injuries, her shoulders, back, elbows and knees were unharmed - all thanks to D3O®.

D3O® impact protection is designed to take on the challenges that are unique to motorcycling. Keep your limbs, back, chest and extremities safe and protected with D3O® impact protection, so you can keep riding your motorcycle with maximum enjoyment for years to come. 


Why wear motorcycle armor?

Motorcycle armor helps keep you safe in the event of a crash or fall. It’s not just worn by professional racers, but by everyday and casual riders too. Armor can protect you from serious injury and damage, maybe even saving your life one day. As it is classed as a form of PPE, any armor or garments sold legitimately must comply with the relevant CE/UKCA requirements, to ensure the rider is protected. Motorcycle garments are categorized within a class AAA-A scale, and armor is certified for its level of protection. Depending on whether you’re a professional racer or a commuter, there are a range of garments and armor to not only match your style, but your motorcycle needs too. 

A simple wobble off your bike could result in a broken bone if you land wrong or the bike falls on top of you. Do not underestimate how much difference wearing motorcycle armor can make to your personal safety. It can give you peace of mind while riding too, especially if you’ve previously had an injury and want to rebuild your confidence. 

You wouldn’t think about getting on your bike without your helmet, and motorcycle armor should be seen the same way. It’s an essential part of your motorcycle gear to help protect you while riding without impeding your movement or enjoyment. Make sure you choose a motorcycle jacket with armor, plus motorcycle pants, boots and gloves to stay safe.


Types of motorcycle armor

While a helmet protects your head, motorcycle armor protects your body. D3O® is the number one motorcycle armor brand, thanks to its innovative materials that are soft and flexible to wear, stiffening on impact to disperse its force and protect the wearer. When you buy motorcycle gear featuring D3O® impact protection, you know you’re getting the best armor out there.

Armor comes in many different forms, including:

  • Limb protection. This includes elbow, shoulder, knee and hip armor. You typically find this in motorcycle pants and jackets.
  • Hand protection. Typically featured across the knuckle, but some motorcycle gloves also have D3O® sheet material in the palm and fingers. 
  • Ankle protection. Designed to protect the vulnerable bones that make up your ankle, this reinforced disc-like armor is found in boots, and around the ankle collar. 
  • Foot protection. Built into the footbed of motorcycle boots, D3O® material helps absorb vibration and impact. 
  • Back protection. Options for back protectors include central spine protectors and wider coverage across the ribs and lower back. 
  • Chest protection. Choose from a solid chest piece, a split chest piece, or a race-fit chest protector with D3O®

D3O® produces motorcycle armor covering all of these categories. No matter what your discipline is or how much armor you want to add into your gear, you’re guaranteed the excellence of D3O® protection. 


How to choose the right motorcycle armor for you

Whatever type of riding you do, you should always be wearing the right type of motorcycle armor. There are different protection levels of armor available, plus features that might better suit some disciplines than others. 

D3O® impact protection covers a broad spectrum so there’s something for every rider and riding style available. 

For the racer or stunt rider

  • D3O® LP2 Pro limb protectors. These will protect your elbows, shoulders, hips and knees. CE certified according to EN 1621-1:2012, Level 2, the LP2 pro limb protector range is highly breathable and provides maximum protection. 
  • D3O® Racing Chest Protector. The slimline design of this chest guard fits easily into a tight sports jacket or race suit, and wraps across the ribs and sternum to keep you safe. Exceeding CE EN 1621-3:2018 Level 2 protection, this is the ultimate motorcycle armor for your chest. 
  • D3O® Viper Pro Back protector. Flexible and full coverage, the Viper Pro back protector from D3O is CE certified to EN 1621-2:2014, Level 2, making it suitable for use in track racing. Available in 5 different sizes and with Airflow technology for superior ventilation, the Viper Pro is a great choice for racers. 


For the tourer or off-roader

  • D3O® LP1 Limb protectors. Lightweight and breathable while still offering excellent CE-certified protection according to EN 1612-1:2012 Level 1, the LP1 limb protectors are ideal for long distance riders or those heading into difficult conditions - particularly warm or wet conditions. 
  • D3O® Viper Stealth back protector. The Viper Stealth is flexible, low profile and lightweight - great for riders who expect to be out for hours or even spending days on the road. Airwave technology aids in ventilation, great for warmer temperatures, but the Viper Stealth has also been tested to an optional cold condition and is suitable for use in temperatures as low as -20°C. This makes it a great option for cross-country tourers or motorcyclists who live and ride in cold weather.
  • D3O® CP1 L1 Chest Protector. If you want an extra level of protection, the CP1 L1 Chest Protector is an excellent choice. It can be added into most jackets that have a built-in chest protector pocket, and comes in a divided design to accommodate zips. CE certified according to EN 1621-3:2018 Level 1, and offering lightweight and breathable comfort, the CP1 adds discrete protection to your ribs and chest.


For the commuter or casual rider

  • D3O® Ghost™ Limb Protectors. The ultimate in ‘fit and forget’ protection, D3O® Ghost™ Limb protectors are designed with fluid movement in mind. The super flexible material and lightweight construction mean you’re never restricted when riding, allowing complete freedom movement. The thin design also makes them low profile and easy to add into jackets and pants without additional bulk. You get all these benefits and the security of knowing Ghost™ armor is CE certified to EN 1621-1:2012 Level 1 for tried and tested performance. 
  • D3O® Viper Central back protector. A back protector focused on keeping the spine safe, the Viper Central is low profile and flexible for comfort. CE certified to EN 1621-2:2014, Level 1, it covers the spine for essential protection. Commuters can also opt for a Viper Stealth back protector if more coverage is desired. 


Regardless of the brand, or the type of garment and armor you choose to buy, it is crucial that you check its CE/UKCA certification before purchasing it, ensuring it meets any mandatory requirements for use. 

You can explore the full range of partner brands who choose D3O® impact protection as part of their offering here: https://www.d3o.com/brands/