Protective clothing for motorcyclists

- Tips of the GTÜ

22.04.2020

When purchasing a new helmet, pay attention to the ECE 22-05 standard
The warning vest: uncool for many – but a big safety boost
Photo: GTÜ

The first kilometers in the fresh motorcycle season are a special pleasure for many bikers. For the forward-looking among them, it does not start with the helmet on and the start of the machine. They take some time to prepare the protective clothing. The GTÜ Gesellschaft für Technische Überwachung mbH gives some tips for a safe start to spring.

Injured limbs are the most common in motorcycle accidents. So the head doesn't lead this statistic – fortunately. Thus, the helmet fulfils its function in many falls. In order to ensure that the head is well protected, the biker should regularly pay some attention to his helmet. This starts with the care and sometimes ends with the new purchase. For the care, the trade offers numerous helmet and visor cleaners. Often, however, home remedies also help. To remove insect residues, it is sufficient to soak them and wash them off with sponge cloth and lukewarm soapy liquor. Brand cleaners are also suitable for the inner upholstery, but a hand wash with fine detergent also leads to the desired cleanliness and freshness.

However, if the helmet has a hard serve behind it or is older than five to seven years, the GTÜ recommends a new purchase. The structure may have suffered, so that the full protective effect is no longer present. Legally, there are grey areas, but those who adhere to the ECE 22-05 standard are on the safe side. The GTÜ hit list of purchase criteria are safety, fit, comfort and functionality. Only then will price and design follow.

In the case of further protective clothing, the development does not stand still. This becomes just as clear with the "Neck Brace", the common term for the neck brace, as with the airbag: lighter, more comfortable and safer, these are the trends.

This also applies to the protectors on the knees, elbows and, above all, the back. They should belong to any equipment. Many motorcycle jackets and trousers can be retrofitted with this protection and thus brought up to the latest state of the art. For the back there are many independent systems as separately attached protectors or protector vests. They are worn under the motorcycle clothes. It is important that the protector best fits the body anatomy and complies with the CE EB 1621-2 standard.

What about the classic question of protective suit material – leather or textile? Personal taste may decide. Textile clothing is more variable and lighter than those made of leather, better protects against cold and is at the same time more breathable. Leather scores with its higher abrasion resistance and good adaptability to body shapes and protectors. On the other hand, there is agreement on underwear. Such made of functional fibres regulates the moisture climate on the skin – it keeps warm in the cold and allows the sweat to evaporate over a large area in the heat.

In many cases, hands and feet are particularly at risk in the event of a fall. For gloves, the outer material is less important. Crucial are sufficiently strong protective pads made of plastic or special foam, which protect the hand edge and ankle from injury. Care must be taken to ensure a good fit with sufficient freedom of movement to operate all levers and switches safely and quickly.

Motorcycle boots protect especially ankles, shin, heel, toes and foot edges. Reinforcement for actuating the shift lever prevents some pain under intense stress and also a rapid wear of the boots at this point.

One more word about the safety vest: More and more bikers rely on the bright yellow or orange, even if they think wearing it is quite uncool. The argument is valid: they are recognized far better on the road than in black or grey clothing. The GTÜ underlines this view. Signal vests are a comparatively simple but crucial contribution to greater safety.