Changes in legal requirements for motorcycle clothing

[black-k1]

As of 21st April, all motorcycle clothing sold in the UK, with the exception of rain suits, will have to be CE approved.

Details of what this means here: https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-vie...

Personally, I think this is a good move. For too long manufacturers have been able to produce kit that looks "rufty tufty" but with no evidence to support just how good the kit is likely to be at doing what it was purchased to do.

My only slight concern is around the question of is this the first step to the compulsory wearing of CE approved kit?

[Biker's Nemesis]

I concur, a lot of gear on the market is nothing more than PPE so I'm told by a mate who's been in bike/clothing sales for decades.

[black-k1]

Biker's Nemesis said:

I concur, a lot of gear on the market is nothing more than PPE so I'm told by a mate who's been in bike/clothing sales for decades.

I'm sure that's very profound as it's the wise words of the BB Grand Master but, I'm buggered if I understand it!

[Biker's Nemesis]

Hmm, you're right.

I was told a lot of motorcycle clothing wasn't tested for motorcycle use but had cert that was maybe used for things like hi viz vests and safety vests.

I'll see the person who told me this and listen properly this time so my answer has some clarity.

That's the best I can do without googling, I'm not perfect.

[black-k1]

I, too, concur! Often, current kit contains CE approved Armour or, as you say, meets CE High Vis standards, but is not CE approved for the one situation you really want, a motorcycle accident.

Biker's Nemesis said:

... I'm not perfect.

Are you sure?

[Biker's Nemesis]

black-k1 said:

Are you sure?

Yes I'm sure, I have only ever said I'm awsome.

[black-k1]

Biker's Nemesis said:

black-k1 said:

Are you sure?

Yes I'm sure, I have only ever said I'm awsome.

[Cbull]

I've recently bought a used Rukka Gortex jacket and bottoms. Apparently the protection is CE approved but I can almost guarantee that protection will barely make a difference when needed. The new ruling would be great if CE actually meant anything.

[CoolHands]

It’ll just be fake CE approved labels from China sewn in to your clothing. Personally I don’t see it as a good thing anyway, if I want to buy cheap jacket then let me.

[black-k1]

CoolHands said:

It’ll just be fake CE approved labels from China sewn in to your clothing. Personally I don’t see it as a good thing anyway, if I want to buy cheap jacket then let me.

You appear to be assuming that the level of protection increases is directly related to cost. More expensive = better protection. This has been shown to be wrong with helmets and will, I believe, also be wrong with Jackets, trousers, boots etc.

I'd rather that anything sold "for motorcycling" has at least some form of controlled testing done on it and be graded accordingly. If you want to buy a cheap jacket then buy a cheap jacket that's not trying to pretend it offer protection.

[Brads67]

For all the difference it will make.

You can wear flip flops and shorts if you like.