Page 19 - RidingOn156 SPRING 2022

simulate garments sliding across an asphalt surface, whereas well the garment performs in each element of protection.
the Cambridge machine simulates rougher surfaces. The MotoCAP provides more information to riders about the gear’s
Darmstadt machine replicates the European road network that performance.
is predominantly smooth asphalt.
Are stars better than standards?
Whilst most urban areas in larger cities and towns in Australia
and New Zealand do have asphalt surfaces, almost all rural The European standard EN 17092 is a pass or fail standard that
roads are chip seal. Recent on-road trials in Australia and New supports legislation with which manufacturers must comply in
Zealand have confirmed that testing on the Cambridge machine order to sell motorcycle clothing in Europe. It only tells a buyer
accurately simulates sliding on chip seal road surfaces. These if the garment has passed a minimum level of protection. It
trials have validated the Cambridge impact abrasion test as does not tell the buyer by how much a garment passed each of
the more appropriate method for Australian and New Zealand the test criteria.
motorcycle clothing, and addresses the most challenging road
surface clothing might encounter, as well as less abrasive city MotoCAP is a star rating system where products are tested and
streets; hence why it is used by MotoCAP. ranked according to their precise protection and breathability
capabilities. It enables riders to make the choice of the level of
protection they wish to ride in. It provides ranking and scores
for each of the test criteria, increasing the information available
MotoCAP is a star The European to the rider.
rating system standard EN Is the gear tested by EN 17092 the same as that tested by
17092 now
where products has five levels MotoCAP?
of protection
are tested and so how is it The gear tested for the European standard EN17092 is provided
by the manufacturer. The product should remain the same
ranked according different to between the certified and production garments.
MotoCAP?
to their precise The European MotoCAP buys all the test garments from stores in Australia and
protection and standard EN New Zealand. These are the same garments that are purchased
and worn by riders. Riders can be confident that what they buy
breathability 17092 offers is the same as what was tested in MotoCAP.
five levels of
capabilities. protection Where can I obtain the MotoCAP test results?
(AAA, AA,
A, B and C); The test results and other information can be downloaded from
however, in reality there are only three levels: AAA, AA and A. www.motocap.com.au New test results are continually being
Level B is the same protection levels as Level A without impact added to the website and you can subscribe to receive emails to
protectors. Level C specifies separate garments that hold impact notify you of these.
protectors. Level C garments are typically worn by motocross
riders, usually under their riding clothes, and are generally not Article submitted by the Australian Motorcycle Council, a
relevant to road riders. member of the MotoCAP Working Group

A buyer of an EN 17092 garment is not able to tell by how Ulysses Members, if you have any further questions beyond the
much the garment has passed the minimum requirements aforementioned Website information, please forward them to
of the certification level provided. In contrast, MotoCAP tells secretary@amc.asn.au
them precisely how well a garment performs, with the stars
providing five levels of protection. The individual scores for Ed.
abrasion, burst and impact in MotoCAP inform riders how

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