Inside a motorcycle jacket you will see labels such as "EN 17092-4 Class A", or "EN 1621-1 Level 2" on a shoulder protector. These codes tell you which tests the gear has passed and what level of protection it provides. In Europe, motorcycle clothing and protectors are classified as personal protective equipment and tested to these standards. In this guide we explain, in plain language, the protection levels, what kN values mean and the clothing classes.
EN 1621-1: joint protectors
EN 1621-1 covers protectors for joints and limbs such as the shoulder, elbow, knee, hip and shin. In the test a weight is dropped onto the protector with a set energy and the force passing through beneath the protector is measured. The lower the force that passes through, the better the protector.
| Level | Mean transmitted force |
|---|---|
| Level 1 | Below 35 kN |
| Level 2 | Below 20 kN |
Level 2 protectors are generally slightly thicker and harder, but with modern materials the comfort gap has narrowed. The size of the protector matters too: the standard has separate types for small and large protection areas. On some labels, letters such as "S" (shoulder), "E" (elbow), "K" (knee) and "H" (hip) show which area it is approved for.
EN 1621-2: back protectors
Back protectors are subject to a separate standard and the thresholds are tighter, because the spine is more sensitive to impact.
| Level | Mean transmitted force | Upper limit in a single impact |
|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 18 kN and below | 24 kN |
| Level 2 | 9 kN and below | 12 kN |
Back protectors are also classified by length: short protectors covering only the mid-back, and full-length protectors extending from the shoulder blades to the waist. In many jackets the back section contains only a thin piece of foam; this foam is not protection. Fitting a real protector labelled EN 1621-2 in the pocket is a cheap and effective upgrade. Options are on the protectors page.
EN 1621-3 and EN 1621-4
- EN 1621-3: covers chest protectors. A chest protector is used in addition, especially in off-road riding and in some road jackets.
- EN 1621-4: covers mechanically triggered airbag systems, that is, those triggered by a tether attached to the motorcycle. For details see the airbag guide.
EN 17092: the garment itself
While EN 1621 measures the impact-absorbing capacity of the protectors, EN 17092 assesses the whole garment such as a jacket, trousers or suit: the fabric's abrasion resistance, tear and seam strength, the protectors staying in place and ergonomics. This standard replaced the old EN 13595 and other regulations.
| Class | Meaning | Typical use |
|---|---|---|
| AAA | Highest abrasion, tear and seam resistance; including impact protectors | Leather suits, track and high speed |
| AA | High protection, a better balance of comfort and weather protection | Touring and adventure jackets |
| A | With impact protectors, lighter and more ergonomic | City jackets, summer mesh jackets |
| B | Class A abrasion level, but without impact protection | Garments without protectors fitted |
| C | An inner layer or vest carrying only impact protection | Protective underwear worn with other clothing |
Important detail: the EN 17092 class is a grade given for the whole garment. If the garment uses different fabrics in different zones, each zone is tested according to its own risk area. The class on the label summarises the garment's overall level of protection.
How to read the label
Inside the protector or garment there is a pictogram label. Next to the motorcyclist symbol:
- The standard number (for example EN 1621-1:2012, EN 17092-3:2020)
- The level or class (Level 1 / Level 2, AAA / AA / A / B / C)
- On protectors, the area code and type
- The CE mark
Be careful with labels that say only "CE" but do not give a standard number and level. The CE mark declares that the product complies with European legislation; the level of protection is shown by the standard number and level.
Which level suits you?
- City, low speed: an EN 17092 Class A jacket and trousers, Level 1 or Level 2 joint protectors, plus a back protector.
- Long distance and motorway: Class AA clothing, Level 2 joint and back protectors.
- Track and sports riding: a Class AAA leather suit, Level 2 protectors. Leather suit options.
- Short trips in everyday clothes: separately worn knee and elbow protectors are better than nothing, but do not replace protective motorcycle trousers.
Keeping protectors in place
Even the highest-level protector is useless if it moves off the joint during a slide. So:
- Choose the jacket and trousers in the right size; loose clothing makes the protectors shift. The jacket and trousers size guide will help here.
- Adjust the knee protector to a height where it sits over the knee in the seated position.
- Join the jacket and trousers with the connecting zip.
- Check the protectors over the years: replace them if the foam has hardened, cracked or taken an impact in a crash.
Standards for gloves and boots
Gloves are tested to EN 13594 and boots to EN 13634; both have Level 1 and Level 2. Details are in the glove guide and the boot guide.
Old standards and second-hand gear
On older motorcycle clothing you may see different labels instead of EN 17092. The previously common EN 13595 standard was for professional-use clothing and has given way to EN 17092. In some older garments only the protectors are certified; the garment fabric has not been tested. These garments are not completely useless, but if you are making a new purchase, choosing a product with an EN 17092 class stated gives clearer information.
Be careful when buying second-hand gear: it is hard to know the age and crash history of the protectors. Stay away if there are scuff marks on the fabric, tears or repaired seams, or cracks or permanent crushing in the protectors. If you are buying a second-hand jacket, factor replacing its protectors with new ones into the budget. For a helmet the rule is clearer: do not buy a second-hand helmet whose history you do not know, because damage in the inner foam is not visible from the outside.
To remember briefly
When choosing a protection level, think about the riding condition you use most; short city trips and long motorway tours call for different protection.
Conclusion
On a protection label look at two things: the EN 1621 level on the protectors (Level 2 transmits less force) and the EN 17092 class on the garment itself (AAA is the highest, A is the lower limit for the city). Replacing the foam in the back pocket with a real protector and choosing the right size are as important as the figures on the label. For the overall gear budget, take a look at the gear guide.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between Level 1 and Level 2 protection?
Level 2 protection transmits less force to the body in an impact. For joint protectors the limit is 35 kN for Level 1 and 20 kN for Level 2; for back protectors the mean is 18 kN and 9 kN.
Is EN 17092 Class A enough?
It is an acceptable lower limit for city and low-speed use. On the motorway and on long trips Class AA, and on the track Class AAA, provides higher protection.
Does the back foam in my jacket count as a protector?
No. Thin foams that do not say EN 1621-2 on the label do not provide impact protection. You should fit a certified back protector of a suitable size in the pocket.
When should protectors be replaced?
Replace them if they took an impact in a crash, if there are cracks or permanent crushing in the foam, and if the material has hardened over the years. For an exact lifespan, see the manufacturer's instructions.