Armor and Protection
Armor and Protective Gear: CE Levels, Standards and Armor Types Explained
CE Level 1 vs 2 armor, EN 1621 parts 1-4, EN 17092 classes AAA to C and EN 13594 glove levels in short tables, plus where sources disagree.
Motorcycle armor ratings come from European standards. Impact protectors are tested to EN 1621 and earn Level 1 or Level 2; Level 2 lets less force through to the body. Riding garments are classed AAA, AA, A, B or C under EN 17092, and gloves are rated Level 1 or 2 under EN 13594.
This hub gives the short answer for each standard and links to the page that covers each armor question in full.
Key takeaways- On impact armor, a lower transmitted force means more protection.- EN 1621 has four parts: limbs, back, chest and inflatable protectors.- There is no CE Level 3. An early draft had one, but it was removed.- A garment class (AAA to C) and an armor level (1 or 2) are separate ratings. Garments rated AAA and AA must include EN 1621 armor.
CE armor levels at a glance (EN 1621)
Each test drops a striker onto the protector and measures the force that reaches an anvil underneath. The limits below come from SATRA's EN 1621 summary, a Rider Magazine armor guide and a UK retailer's guide. We have not read the standard texts.
Sources do not agree on chest Level 2. A UK retailer gives an average of 15 kN and a 20 kN maximum, measured in an extra force-distribution test. Rider Magazine gives 9 kN and 15 kN. SATRA confirms only that Level 2 chest protectors must also pass the force-distribution test.
The sources also count EN 1621-1 impacts differently: three per sample in one summary, nine averaged in others. Optional hot and cold tests add T+ or T- to the marking.
Level 1 armor is usually thinner and lighter, and Level 2 protects more. For what "Level I" means on other kinds of armor, see what Level I armor means.
| Standard | Covers | Level 1 | Level 2 | Fact |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EN 1621-1:2012 | Shoulder, elbow, hip, knee | Average below 35 kN, no strike over 50 kN | Average 20 kN or less, no strike over 30 kN | – |
| EN 1621-2:2014 | Back (full, central, lower) | Average below 18 kN, no strike over 24 kN | Average below 9 kN, no strike over 12 kN | – |
| EN 1621-3:2018 | Chest (divided or full) | Average 18 kN or less, no strike over 24 kN | Sources disagree, see below | – |
| EN 1621-4:2013 | Inflatable (airbag) | Adequate protection | More protection than Level 1 | – |
Garment classes: EN 17092 AAA to C
EN 17092 was published in 2020 in six parts, as SATRA's EN 17092 page explains. Part 1 sets the test methods, and parts 2 to 6 set the requirements for classes AAA, AA, A, B and C.
Armor inside an EN 17092 garment must meet EN 1621. In the abrasion test, the layer next to the body must not show a hole of 5 mm (0.2 in) or more.
| Class | What it means | Fact |
|---|---|---|
| AAA | Highest requirements; elbow, shoulder, knee and hip armor mandatory | – |
| AA | Middle requirements; the same four protectors mandatory | – |
| A | Lower requirements; hip protectors optional | – |
| B | Class A abrasion protection without impact protectors | – |
| C | Impact protection only where its protectors sit; worn with an AAA, AA, A or B garment | – |
Gloves: EN 13594 Level 1 and Level 2
Level 1 gloves give protection with little loss of comfort. Level 2 gloves protect more but may weigh more and restrict movement. Knuckle impact protection is optional at Level 1 and mandatory at Level 2.
In the palm abrasion test, Level 1 samples must last at least 3 s each with a 4 s mean. Level 2 samples need 6 s each and an 8 s mean. Summaries also disagree on minimum cuff length.
What armor is made of
Hard foams absorb an impact by breaking down, so they work once and then need replacing. Viscoelastic armor stays soft until it is hit, then stiffens. A hard plastic shell resists abrasion but does not absorb impact by itself, so it sits over an absorbing layer.
- What is D3O armor? explains the best-known soft, rate-sensitive material.
- What is hardened leather? covers cuir bouilli, the molded leather once used as armor.
Types of armor and their parts
Armor also means many things outside motorcycling: historical plate, body armor and game items. Two pages sort out the types: types of armor and their uses and types of armor and how they differ. For the pieces that protect the spine and the rear of a suit, see the back of armor.
Putting armor on so it works
Armor only helps if it stays over the joint it was tested to protect. Our step-by-step guide, how to put on armor, covers checking labels, fitting pockets and testing the fit in a riding position.
Where armor pockets fit in leather gear
Many Leather Collection motorcycle jackets have inner armor pockets at the shoulders and elbows. Some race and touring styles add a back pocket. The store says the supplied armor differs by style, so check each product's specifications.
FAQ
What is the difference between CE Level 1 and Level 2 armor?
Level 2 armor lets less force through. For limb armor, Level 1 averages below 35 kN and Level 2 averages 20 kN or less. Level 2 is usually thicker and heavier.
Is there CE Level 3 motorcycle armor?
No. An early draft of EN 1621-1 had a third level, but it was removed before the standard was finalized.
What is the highest safety rating for a motorcycle jacket?
Under EN 17092, class AAA sets the highest requirements. The armor inside it carries its own EN 1621 level.
Do the standards prove armor prevents injury?
Not on their own. Research cited on Wikipedia found the EN 1621-1 force limit may be too high to reduce impact injury effectively.
HitKB Editorial Team
HitKB articles are researched from published sources, cited in the text, and reviewed before publication.