Motorcycle Armour Explained: Level 1 vs Level 2 and Back Protectors
In short: Motorcycle armour is tested to EN 1621-1 (shoulders, elbows, hips, knees) and EN 1621-2 (back). Level 2 lets roughly half as much force through as Level 1, and today’s slim Level 2 protectors are comfortable enough for everyday riding clothes. A back protector is worth adding if your garment only has a pocket.
Abrasion-resistant fabric protects your skin in a slide. Armour protects your joints and bones from the impact before the slide. Both matter, but armour is often the part riders know least about. This guide explains the ratings, the difference between Level 1 and Level 2, why a back protector is worth adding, and what to look for in shoulder, elbow, hip and knee armour.
Where motorcycle armour goes
- Shoulders and elbows in jackets, shirts and hoodies
- Hips and knees in pants and riding jeans
- Back in a pocket in the jacket, or as a separate protector
- Chest as an optional add-on in some jackets
The standards: EN 1621-1 and EN 1621-2
Motorcycle armour is tested by dropping a weight onto the protector and measuring how much force gets through to the anvil below. The lower the transmitted force, the better the protection.
| Standard | Body area | Level 1 | Level 2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| EN 1621-1 | Shoulders, elbows, hips, knees | Average below 35 kN | Average below 20 kN |
| EN 1621-2 | Back | Average below 18 kN | Average below 9 kN |
Put simply: Level 2 lets roughly half as much force through as Level 1. Both are certified, but Level 2 is the higher protection level.
Level 1 vs Level 2: which do you need?
Level 2 armour used to be thicker and stiffer, which is why many riders chose Level 1 for comfort. Modern materials have changed that. Today there are Level 2 protectors that are slim, flexible and comfortable enough for everyday clothing, so for most riders there is little reason left to settle for Level 1.
Soft armour: how it works
Most modern armour is made of a material that stays soft and flexible when you move, and stiffens or flows when it is hit hard, spreading the force across a larger area. Well-known names are D3O® and RE ZRO®.
RE ZRO® was founded by former D3O managers. Its Flat protectors are ultra slim and sit flat, so they don't change the shape of a jacket or a pair of jeans. They are ventilated, and made from a single-polymer TPE that can be returned and reprocessed. From the 2027 collection, every Resurgence garment ships with RE ZRO® Flat Level 2 protectors.
Why you should add a back protector
Many jackets come with a pocket for a back protector, but not with the protector itself. That pocket is there for a reason: the back and spine are among the most vulnerable areas in a crash. A back protector adds little weight and is one of the most effective upgrades you can make.
- Check the size. Back protector pockets are made for a certain size, for example M or L.
- Look for EN 1621-2, ideally Level 2.
- Make sure it covers your spine from the shoulder blades down to the waist in the riding position.
Fit matters more than the rating
Even Level 2 armour only works if it sits on the joint when you hit the ground. Check this in the riding position, not standing up:
- Elbow protectors should cover the point of the elbow with arms bent toward the bars.
- Knee protectors should sit on the knee with your legs bent. Height-adjustable pockets help.
- If the armour slides around, the garment is too loose.
What comes with our garments
| Garment | Armour included | Back protector |
|---|---|---|
| Cafe Racer, Warrior, Klondike jeans | RE ZRO® Flat Level 2, knees & hips (height-adjustable) | – |
| Kingston Shirt, Wellington Hooded Sweater | RE ZRO® Flat Level 2, shoulders & elbows | Pocket for size M or L |
| Richmond Jacket, Adelaide Fieldjacket | D3O® Ghost Level 1, shoulders & elbows | D3O® Ghost included |
Frequently asked questions
Is Level 1 motorcycle armour enough?
Level 1 is certified protection. Level 2 transmits less force and offers more protection. If you can choose, choose Level 2.
Can I upgrade the armour in my jacket?
Usually yes, if the replacement fits the pocket. Check the size and shape before you buy.
Does armour need to be replaced?
Check your protectors after a crash or a hard impact and replace them if they are damaged or deformed. Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
Do I need to remove the armour before washing?
Yes. Take the protectors out before washing the garment and put them back in the right position afterwards.
The bottom line
Good motorcycle clothing combines two things: a fabric that holds up in a slide and armour that takes the impact. Look for EN 1621 Level 2 at shoulders, elbows, hips and knees, add a back protector, and make sure everything stays in place when you ride.
