Protective equipment (motorcycle sport)
In motorcycle sport and on public roads, protective equipment is the protective clothing for drivers and passengers of motorized two-wheelers ( small power , light motorcycles and motorcycles ). Its primary task is to protect against injuries resulting from a fall . Modern protective clothing can also increase comfort by protecting against the effects of the weather, for example from getting wet in the rain, from being cooled down by the wind or overheating in the sun, and thus maintains the driver's fitness to drive for longer.
The most important components of protective clothing for motorcyclists are motorcycle helmets , a suit (an overall or jacket plus trousers with protectors) made of leather or textile fabric, as well as gloves and boots to protect the limbs.
The requirements for protective clothing are also laid down in various standards, such as B. ECE 22-05 for helmets or EN 1621 for protectors.
Components
helmet
The motorcycle helmet protects the rider's head and is the only part of protective clothing required by law in German-speaking countries.
In the event of an impact, the foam parts contained in the helmet deform, absorb some of the impact energy and ideally protect the head from serious injuries. The deformation makes the helmet unusable in most cases after an accident and has to be replaced. Motorcycle helmets are available in different designs, both with and without a protective function in the chin area.
In Germany every driver is obliged to wear a "suitable" helmet. Helmets that do not comply with the European standard ECE 22 (current version: ECE 22-05) may also be permitted here, e.g. B. a helmet certified according to other standards. However, the helmet should be designed as protection in motorcycle accidents, which will not be the case with so-called braincaps, steel helmets or the like. In Austria and other European countries (e.g. Italy) it is not allowed to use helmets that do not comply with the ECE standard or are explicitly approved.
Station wagon
The protective clothing should be made of an abrasion-resistant and heat-resistant material such as leather or special textile fibers (e.g. Cordura ). This protects the driver when sliding on the road. The clothing should also contain protectors that absorb impact and shock. It is not uncommon for motorcycle station wagons, even in the higher price regions, to contain only foam placeholders made of simple PU foam on the back, which do not comply with DIN standard 1621 for protectors and must only be replaced with DIN-compliant protectors. Normal street clothing, army clothing, work clothing or z. B. Bomber jackets do not offer the advantages of suits (abrasion resistance, protectors and air conditioning).
With two-piece suits of the same design, pants and jacket can be connected to each other with a zipper. On the one hand, this reduces drafts, and on the other hand, in the event of a fall, it prevents the jacket from slipping and no longer fulfilling its protective function optimally.
In addition to the 1621 standard for protectors, there is also the EN 13595 standard, in which the suit (or jacket or pants) is tested as a whole. Among other things, this standard contains requirements for the structure, abrasion resistance and the strength of the seams. Clothing tested according to EN 13595 is currently only offered by a few manufacturers.
Upper material
In the event of a fall, the upper material of the clothing must be extremely abrasion-resistant in order to protect the driver even when sliding over the asphalt for long periods at high speed. Here, leather is more resistant than most textile fabrics. Kangaroo leather in particular is extremely abrasion-resistant compared to cheaper cowhide, although untreated it is more sensitive to moisture. Leather is also offered with a hydrophobic finish. It is then treated in such a way that it can no longer soak itself up with water, but instead it rolls off the surface. Leather treated or impregnated in this way does not get cold from the wind when it is wet and it has a longer service life.
The seams of clothing are a weak point in the event of a fall, as the threads can easily be chafed through. This is why concealed seams, so-called safety seams, are often used in production.
In addition to the classic black, motorcycle suits are now available in eye-catching colors or with corresponding color applications (e.g. neon yellow or orange). The additional reflective surfaces increase the visibility of motorcyclists, especially in bad weather or in the dark.
Lining
In addition to its protective function in the event of a fall, the station wagon also has the important task of keeping the two-wheeler warm. A hypothermic driver is unable to concentrate and makes mistakes. ( Windchill ) The clothes must not be too hot in summer either, because an overheated driver is also limited in his ability to make decisions . Leather or textile clothing that is provided with a climate membrane has proven itself here. These climate membranes (e.g. Gore-Tex , Sympatex ) allow the driver's sweat to escape in the form of steam (also known as breathability), make clothing waterproof and impermeable to wind.
The innermost warming lining can often be removed from the outer jacket so that it can be driven in both summer and winter. In the case of high-priced jackets, the climate membrane can even be removed as a second layer. Air inlets provide additional cooling through the airstream.
Protectors
Clothing that is equipped with protectors in accordance with EN 1621-1 on the shoulders, elbows, forearms, knees, and shins as well as on the hips and with protectors in accordance with EN 1621-2 on the back provides adequate protection. Simpler protectors made of viscoelastic foam do not meet the higher requirements and do not offer optimal protection. Protectors are protective elements that are adapted to the shape of the body and consist of shock-absorbing materials. Often they consist of movable segments made of solid plastic, but are increasingly being replaced by special shock-sensitive foam elements. These are soft and flexible at body temperature and allow a high degree of freedom of movement. If you fall, the material hardens on impact and protects the body. The general aim of the protectors is to distribute the energy, which occurs at points in contact, over a large area. In the best case, the kinetic energy is converted into heat or deformation by the damping properties of the material, so that underlying body parts have to absorb less energy. They are also provided with an abrasion-resistant surface and can be firmly integrated into clothing, in special inner pockets or attached to clothing afterwards. In addition to back protectors inserted into the jacket, these are also available separately, usually in conjunction with a kidney belt. The protective effect of this variant is greater because the protector can reach from the neck to the tailbone .
Hard protectors, which use permanent deformation to break down energy in the event of an accident, should generally not be used after an accident. Since they have deformed, there is only a reduced damping effect if there is another accident. Soft protectors can also be permanently damaged in the event of a severe fall and should be replaced. Modern soft systems, on the other hand, can go back to their original shape and protect again after light to medium impacts. In general, it is advisable to inspect the protector after a fall and check for changes to the material or shape.
Airbag
In the event of an accident, a gas cartridge or a pyrotechnic propellant charge inflates air chambers, the task of which is to absorb or redirect as much energy as possible when the body hits other objects. Airbags are currently available in two forms: as an integral part of motorcycle jackets or as an additional vest to be worn over a conventional jacket. The technical requirements are specified in DIN EN 1621-4.
Current models are triggered in two ways, mechanically or electronically. In the mechanical variant, a rip cord is attached to the motorcycle, which is connected to the vest's release mechanism via a clip-in mechanism. In the mechanical variant, the airbag is triggered when the rider and motorcycle are separated by removing the locking pin of a pretensioned spring. At the tip of this spring there is in turn a cutting device which punctures a propellant gas cartridge and thus lets the gas compressed in the cartridge escape suddenly. The operating time of current mechanical systems is around 100 milliseconds. Compared to electronic systems, this system has the disadvantage that it is triggered comparatively late, namely only when the motorcyclist begins to separate from the vehicle - electronic systems trigger before the driver disconnects from the motorcycle. In addition to the relatively late release time compared to electronic systems, this system has the advantage that the airbag jacket or vest does not have to rely on its own power supply from batteries that can be regularly recharged (the batteries in the jackets or vests of current electronically controlled systems must be recharged approx. every 30 hours), are maintenance-free compared to electronic systems and the release mechanism is very simple and therefore very reliable.
Electronic systems are either permanently installed on the vehicle and triggered by radio impulse or are incorporated directly into the vest / jacket. It is triggered when the sensors detect extraordinary accelerations or other signs of an accident. Triggering occurs much earlier than with mechanical systems, which saves valuable time. In the event of a frontal collision between a motorcycle and a solid obstacle, for example a collision between a motorcycle and a car, in which the operating time of the system plays an important role, electronically controlled systems have proven to be superior according to tests by the ADAC . With some of these electronically controlled systems, instead of CO2 propellant charges, pyrotechnic propellant charges (as in car airbags) are ignited, which have an even faster deployment time. However, the disadvantage here is the repair of the system after it has been triggered. The renewal of a propellant gas charge of mechanically triggered systems can be done by the user himself by unscrewing the used propellant gas cartridge and exchanging it for a new one, whereby the costs are usually less than 30 euros. In the case of an airbag jacket or vest triggered by a propellant charge, it is often necessary to send the entire system to the manufacturer for repair. In this case, the costs for the repair are approx. 250 euros (as of 2020). Another disadvantage of the electronically ignited airbag installed on the vehicle is the fact that the airbag is "paired" with the vehicle, so that this system cannot be used when vehicles change (extreme case: mandatory test drives by a mechanic after visits to the workshop).
Due to a patent dispute between the companies Dainese and Alpinestars, the introduction of the electronic system was severely hindered because the parties also settled their dispute at the back of the specialist trade. Dealers were warned, so that the trade was initially very reluctant to offer these systems.
Gloves
It is a normal reflex for people to use their arms and hands to support themselves in a fall. Serious hand injuries can result at low speeds if gloves are not worn. Gloves with special protectors made of carbon fiber or steel are sensible protection if the motorcycle falls on the inside of the curve when the motorcycle is lowsider (sliding to the side). Fingerless gloves, which are only made of thin leather and do not cover the knuckles, offer little or no protection in the event of a fall.
The gloves must comply with DIN EN 13594 protective gloves for motorcyclists and have the corresponding sewn label in order to be allowed to be sold as "motorcycle gloves ". In most countries, however, there is no obligation to wear standardized gloves. An exception is France, where wearing non-compliant gloves can result in a fine.
Boots
Boots can be provided with robust steel or plastic reinforcement to protect the foot in the event of a fall. Serious injuries in particular can occur if - B. when the motorcycle slips sideways in a curve - the foot is trapped between the motorcycle and the road and is thus pressed against the asphalt by the weight of the sliding machine. Also, when the driver slides under the guardrail by its carrier, feet or lower legs can be severed, which can be avoided by wearing high boots. Knee-high boots also have the advantage that they connect to the knee protector and completely cover the shin. Such boots may have sufficient adjustment options, e.g. B. in addition to a zipper have a lacing or buckles. Many boots also have double-worked or reinforced material on the upper side in the forefoot area as switching reinforcement . This ensures a longer lifespan for the boots and relieves the toes when there is frequent contact with the gear lever when changing gears. For driving off-road and on unpaved roads, there are special cross and enduro boots that have both a coarse tread and a hard shell construction that surrounds the entire lower leg.
The minimum requirements for motorcycle boots in terms of mechanical and chemical parameters (including cut resistance, harmful substances from leather processing) are specified in DIN EN 13634 "Protective shoes for motorcyclists". In most countries there is no obligation for motorcyclists to wear footwear in accordance with this standard, but manufacturers are not allowed to market boots as "motorcycle boots" if they do not meet the standard. Such boots can be recognized by a firmly sewn label.
Others
Back protector
A back protector protects in the event of an impact and if you slide for a long time on your back. Above all, it reduces the risk of soft tissue injuries and fractures in the shoulder and rib area. The protector also protects the spine in the event of an impact. However, vertebral fractures, which are usually caused by compression, and torsional injuries are difficult to prevent. A back protector can either be placed in a matching jacket or worn separately. A separate protector usually covers a larger area and is often combined with a kidney belt.
The requirements for a back protector are specified in the European standard EN 1621-2. Simple foam parts in the back area, as found in many motorcycle jackets, are usually not tested according to the standard, but can be replaced by protectors.
Protector jackets
Protector jackets are an under jacket, usually made of airy mesh material, which is equipped with protectors, e.g. B. Elbow, shoulder and back protector. The main advantage is that the protectors can be fixed close to the body with Velcro straps, regardless of the outer clothing. Particularly when wearing wider cut textile clothing, this can mean a considerable gain in safety, since the built-in protectors can often be moved too much.
Some jackets can also be turned into vests with zippers or the back protector can be worn alone, e.g. B. in the leather suit. Protector jackets are one of the most flexible parts of personal protective equipment today. They can also be used to upgrade older motorcycle clothing without protectors to safety clothing. After all, it is possible with them to ride a motorcycle in a “classic” outfit (vintage car, classic highway or chopper jackets) and still achieve the safety of protector suits.
Similar to protector jackets, there are also underwear shorts and underpants with protectors (hip, tailbone, thigh, in the long version knee and shin protectors). So far, they are far less common than upper body protection.
In off-road sports, z. B. chest protectors, used to paraplegia be prevented by spinal injuries in motorcycle accidents. Special protector jackets for sports use are more strongly padded and have hard shell inserts compared to flexible protectors for road drivers. They are also available with additional chest and rib protection.
Kidney belt
A kidney belt (e.g. made of PU foam , neoprene ) is used to protect the lumbar vertebral muscles from the effects of the cold and thus prevent tension or painful muscle contractions. Many motorcyclists find a kidney belt to dampen vibrations and relieve the back muscles. Today's kidney belts mostly have stretch panels. In this way, slight pressure can be exerted on the internal organs when applying. This is desirable and reduces the risk of injury in the event of an accident. Kidney belts made of leather are no longer in use today.
It is often wrongly assumed that a kidney belt has the task of protecting the kidneys from hypothermia. This is a widespread mistake, because before the kidneys were cold, the motorcyclist would no longer be conscious due to the severe hypothermia.
Glasses
Sturdy and impact-resistant glasses or sunglasses can be worn instead of a visor.
Back hump and neck protection
In racing, back humps serve, in addition to aerodynamic reasons, to protect the neck from hyperextension and injury in the event of an accident. The back hump can be relatively small (in the neck area) or extend over almost the entire back.
Neck protection is a relatively recent development. It is either a ruff that is worn underneath the helmet at the height of the jacket collar or protective plates that, for. B. can be attached to the collar of protector jackets. Some versions are placed over the head and have chest and back plates for fixation. Such a neck protector, together with a back hump, can significantly reduce the risk of injuries to the sensitive cervical vertebrae, but development is still in progress.
Reflectors
The motorcycle clothing can be equipped with reflectors in the form of hip belts, arm and leg straps, etc. This is particularly useful if the clothing does not have reflective inserts or is dark in color. This makes motorcyclists more visible, especially in bad weather and at night. Wearing an EN high-visibility vest is not recommended for this purpose, because in the long run the actual signaling effect - particularly dangerous situation - would no longer be given.
Other specifications
In addition, there are numerous additions that primarily make motorcycling more comfortable, but also offer an additional plus in safety, as they maintain the driver's ability to drive for longer:
- Functional underwear to support the climatic function of the outerwear. One-piece suits are usually worn with an undersuit today.
- Scarves and balaclavas .
- Waterproof covers for leather suits, gloves and shoes
- Rain puller that is placed on the index finger to pull off the visor when it rains
- Anti-fogging agent, if the visor no anti-fog coating or a Pinlock visor has
- Sun visor in the helmet, which can be folded in front of the eyes if necessary
If clothing with climate membranes ( Gore-Tex , Sympatex , etc.) is used, additional rain protection is not required. The rain suitability is bought with a lower climate exchange (risk of sweating), because the climate exchange only works with a significant temperature gradient from outside temperature to inside temperature.
Discussion about an obligation to wear
On the occasion of the development of protectors, their standardization and CE certification, experts, politicians and the EU Commission repeatedly considered introducing a Europe-wide obligation to wear motorcycle clothing (beyond the helmet) and defining certain minimum requirements.
It cannot be overlooked that at that time, compulsory wear would have meant the purchase of complete protective clothing for around three million drivers, so that a majority was against such efforts. A numerically very small group of motorcyclists threw the ghost of a “uniform” on the wall.
Today, in addition to helmets and gloves, many motorcyclists also regularly wear suits or one-pieces with protectors. The information provided by the media (not least the Internet), the high level of protection demonstrated by certifications, and a wide range of fits, designs and prices enable riders to choose their own equipment. This has probably led to a higher level of driving safety than would have been possible under state coercion and the reluctance associated with it.
Employees who ride motorcycles on duty (e.g. courier drivers) are obliged to wear suitable personal protective equipment.
The EU directives are currently being revised. In addition to a more practical measurement of the attenuation values of protectors, regulations on the attachment of protectors and their positioning are to be included.
Individual evidence
- ↑ Materials. August 25, 2016, Retrieved December 17, 2018 (UK English).
- ^ Protective Concepts. Retrieved December 17, 2018 .
- ↑ ADAC: ADAC Test - Motorcycle Protection Systems. Retrieved April 11, 2018 .
- ^ Patent dispute over airbag systems . motorradonline.de. Retrieved October 24, 2019.
- ↑ Glove compulsory in France on motoroute.de
- ^ IVM (Motorcycle Industry Association), October 10, 2002
- ↑ Dipl.-Ing. Florian Schueler in Motorcycle ( Memento of the original from April 12, 2010 in the Internet Archive ) Info: The archive link was automatically inserted and not yet checked. Please check the original and archive link according to the instructions and then remove this notice.
