How Your Motorcycle Gear is Actually Tested

Responsible motorcyclists know that safety has to be the top priority out on the road. While we can’t control how everyone else drives, we have control over how we ride and what we wear to protect ourselves. Motorcycle gear is our second skin, and we need it to keep ourselves as safe as possible on our adventures. But have you ever wondered how your gear is tested to ensure it meets the highest safety standards? Take a look at the rigorous processes that help us gear up with confidence:

Setting the Standard

Organizations like the European Committee for Standardization (CE) and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) establish guidelines for motorcycle gear manufacturers. These standards cover multiple aspects of safety gear, including impact resistance, abrasion resistance, and ergonomics.

Whether leather for jackets, Kevlar for gloves, Cordura denim, or advanced polymers for helmets, each material undergoes stringent testing for durability, flexibility, and resistance to impact. Manufacturers often collaborate with material scientists to ensure optimal strength and comfort.

Impact Testing

One of the most critical aspects of safety gear testing is evaluating its ability to withstand impacts. Impact testing involves dropping a weighted object onto the gear from various heights and angles and simulating different collision scenarios. Helmets, in particular, undergo elaborate testing to measure their shock absorption and distribution capabilities, helping ensure they can effectively protect the rider's head in the event of a crash.

Abrasion Resistance

Road rash is a very common injury in motorcycle accidents, making abrasion resistance key in safety gear testing. Testers use abrasion machines that simulate the frictional forces experienced during a slide on the pavement. This process helps determine how well the gear holds up against road surfaces.

Fit and Ergonomics

Safety gear has to be both protective and comfortable for riders to wear. Fit and ergonomic testing involve evaluating the gear's design to ensure it allows for natural movements while riding. Manufacturers use anthropometric data to create gear that fits a diverse range of body types, providing comfort and protection.

Environmental Testing

We face a lot of different weather conditions out on the road, so safety gear must be able to withstand the elements. Environmental testing includes exposing gear to extreme temperatures, rain, and UV radiation. This ensures that the gear remains effective and durable in real-world riding conditions.

Quality Control

Consistency is key in manufacturing safety gear. Quality control processes involve inspecting individual pieces to ensure they meet the established standards. This includes checking stitching, zippers, and other components to guarantee that the gear will perform reliably when it matters most.

Motorcycle safety gear is our second skin, giving us much-needed protection against the unpredictable nature of the open road. Our gear as motorcycle riders, especially the gear we carry at GLS Co., undergoes some serious testing to ensure that we can gear up confidently. The next time you hit the road, you can enjoy your ride a little more knowing that your gear has your back!