Back Protectors

Your Guide to Motorcycle Back Protectors

Whether you ride a hyper sport or naked bike, protecting your spine should be a top priority. It’s a fact, back protectors are a vital safety upgrade for your motorcycle apparel. Some motorcycle jackets have protective padding built-in to the back. Yet, the most popular type of back protector is one you can wear independently. This type will offer flexibility and protection on every ride. XLMOTO has an impressive collection of safety-approved back protectors. What’s more, we at XLMOTO will make sure you have all the information you need to help you choose the best one for you. Back protectors are not compulsory for road use, however, they are mandatory on the racetrack. It’s interesting to note that the first professional rider to wear one was Barry Sheene in 1979. No one wants to suffer a motorcycle accident but in the worst-case scenario, wearing a back protector could mean you get to walk away. Like all good pieces of safety and tuning kit, racetracks provide the world’s fastest R&D department. Today, competitively priced motorcycle back protectors are available to everyone.

How to Wear a Motorcycle Back Protector

All motorcycle back protectors, starting at entry-level, have securing straps around the shoulder and a waist belt. These are essential to keep the back protector in the right place. More advanced back protector models feature additional securing points. These ensure not only a good fit but also provide extra comfort. Some motorcycle back protectors may appear larger than others. However, their primary purpose is to protect the spinal column rather than the entire back. The most crucial point is to be able to secure the back protector safely in place while remaining comfortable.

Fit and Sizing

Getting the correct fit of a motorcycle back protector is essential. All brands have different manufacturing processes, meaning that placement and fit will differ slightly. For this reason, you may need to try on a variety of back protectors before finding one that sits just right. Some motorcycle back protectors have a basic shoulder strap and waist belt. For this type, sizes relate to the waist size. For more advanced back protectors, measurements get taken in up to three locations. These are height, waist and shoulder to waist. As the correct fit is important, there are two main points to remember. First, coverage should be from the base of the spine to the base of the neck. The back protector should not be so long that it is pushed upwards by the seat and interfere with the rider’s motorcycle helmet. The second point to remember is to check the manufacturer’s sizing policy. Here, you will find details specific to the brand and how to take the correct measurements for sizing categories.

Materials

Motorcycle back protector material types will differ from brand to brand. Some will feature a hard plastic outer shell with shock-absorbent foam inside. Other manufacturers offer a flexible foam or gel protector attached to an ergonomically shaped frame. Meanwhile, a friction resistant ballistic nylon covers the exterior. As this kit is in constant contact with the back, heat build-up is inevitable. So check that your choice of motorcycle back protector has built-in vents to allow airflow.

Motorcycle Back Protectors Safety Certification

Some base models appear to be a one-piece design. Other motorcycle back protectors may feature a hinged or articulated design like armadillo plates. The design, materials and price point may differ but the level of protection is constant. This consistency is the European safety standard that governs personal protection gear. All suitable motorcycle back protectors should be labelled EN1621-2, followed by either CE Level 1 or Level 2 certification.

Below is an explanation of the safety standard coding.

EN1621: This part of the code means the armour rates for motorcycle use.

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-2: If you see this number after the previous code, it means that it’s rated as back armour.

CE Level 1 – This standard of armour has undergone testing to a maximum transmittable force of 18kN but not exceeding 24kN.

CE Level 2: This code means the back armour has undergone testing in the same way as CE Level 1. However, the transmitted force lower range is 9kN and must not exceed 12kN. The lesser-transmitted force of Level 2 means it is safer than a Level 1 back protector because it permits less of the shock wave through to the rider

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