Motorcycle Riding Gear Armour. Fully Explained !

When we talk of motorcycle gear, armour is your intangible shield—defending you when the wheels turn wrong. You’re a commuter, weekend rider, or touring machine, armour can be the difference between getting up and a long recovery. Let us dissect where armour is located, the various types, and what to consider when selecting the best protection.

Where is Motorcycle Armour placed ? – Motorcycle armour is strategically positioned at impact-prone areas of your body. The most common armour placements include:

• Shoulders & Elbows – Found in jackets, these protect from high-impact crashes where riders instinctively land on their arms.
• Back Protector – Often overlooked, a solid back protector can prevent serious spinal injuries.
• Chest Protector – Less common in standard jackets but essential for aggressive riders or track use.
• Knee & Shin Guards – Used in riding pants to defend against direct blows and abrasions.
• Hip Armour – Usually added to pants to cushion side impacts.
• Gloves with Knuckle Protection – Padded with armour or sliders to safeguard hands in a slide.

Types of Motorcycle Armour – Not all armour is equal. There are various types, with varying materials and levels of protection:

• Foam Padding – Present in low-end gear, this is minimal effect protection and should be replaced. Please DO NOT USE foam armour
• Hard Shell Armour – Heavy-duty plastic or composite armour to spread impact energy.
• Viscoelastic Armour (Memory Foam-Based) – Tough and pliable until hit, then becomes rigid and crushes impact.
• D3O & Advanced Impact Protection – Advanced material which is flexible but immediately stiffens upon impact.
• CE Ratings: Level 1 vs. Level 2 vs
  • When shopping for armour, you’ll notice CE ratings, which measure impact protection. The two most common levels are:
  • CE Level 1 – Absorbs up to 18 kN of force and is found in most entry-to-mid-level gear. It’s lighter and more breathable but offers less protection.
  • CE Level 2 – Absorbs up to 9 kN of force, providing superior impact protection. It’s slightly bulkier but highly recommended for serious riders.
• CE Level 2 vs. D3O: What to Pick? – CE is a rating and D3O is a type of armour so that is the first thing. D3O armour is a particular form of viscoelastic armour that qualifies as CE ratings but is more comfortable and flexible. Regular CE Level 2 armour tends to be thicker and less flexible, whereas D3O Level 2 armour stays soft and supple until being hit. For those who care about comfort and mobility, D3O is the best, but both have excellent protection.

What to Look for in Motorcycle Armour

• Proper Fit – Armour should remain in position and protect impact areas, not move around.
• Ventilation – Perforated or mesh-backed armour enhances airflow for warm-climate riding.
• Replaceability – Make sure your gear offers the ability to upgrade armour.
• Coverage Area – The bigger the armour, the greater protection.

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Buying good-quality motorcycle armour is not an option—it’s a must. Whichever you go for, be it old-school CE Level 2 or the latest D3O, ensure your armour provides the highest level of protection available. Because, let’s face it, the road is not kind, but good armour can get you going another day. There are a few divergent new schools of thought on wearing armour but I can tell you that my riding gear with D3O armour has saved my life more than once so please buy the best armour. Ride on. Ride more

Here is the armour we use – Firstly if you want to know more about D3O Level 2 armour here is the > D3O armour D3o 2. Here are buy links for D3O we use only level 2 and would strongly recommend the same 1. Revzilla – D3O 2. FCmoto – Rukka