Motorcycle riding gives you freedom and control on the road, but proper protective gear is an important part of responsible riding. While a helmet protects your head, motorcycle body armours are designed to help protect areas such as the back, chest, shoulders, elbows and other vulnerable parts of the upper body.
Whether you ride every day, commute through the city, enjoy weekend rides or travel long distances, the right motorbike body armour can add another layer of protection to your riding gear.
In this guide, we explain what motorcycle body armour is, the different types available, what features to look for and how to choose protection suited to your riding style.
What Are Motorcycle Body Armours?
Motorcycle body armours are protective components or protective garments designed to help absorb and distribute impact forces during a motorcycle accident.
Depending on the design, motorcycle armour can protect areas including:
- Shoulders
- Elbows
- Back
- Chest
- Hips
- Knees
Some motorcycle jackets include integrated armour, while other riders choose separate protective armour that can be worn underneath or over suitable riding clothing. The right option depends on your riding gear, preferred level of protection and how you use your motorcycle.
Why Is Motorcycle Body Armour Important?
Motorcycle riders do not have the same physical protection provided by a car or other enclosed vehicle. In a fall or collision, the rider may come into contact with the road, another vehicle or surrounding objects.
Protective armour is designed to help reduce the severity of impact to protected areas.
A suitable set of motorcycle body armours can provide additional protection while allowing riders to maintain comfortable movement and control.
Body armour should be considered alongside other essential protective equipment, including a suitable helmet, motorcycle gloves, riding jacket, riding trousers and appropriate footwear.
Types of Motorcycle Body Armours
Different areas of the body require different forms of protection. Understanding the main types can help you choose the right setup.
1. Back Armour
Back protection is designed to help protect the spine and surrounding areas during an impact.
A good back protector should fit securely inside the compatible jacket or protective system without restricting normal riding movement.
When choosing back armour, check the compatibility, size and protection rating rather than assuming that all back protectors provide the same level of protection.
2. Chest Armour
Chest protection can help provide additional coverage across the front of the torso.
Some riding jackets include optional chest armour inserts, while dedicated protective systems may incorporate chest protection as part of a larger armour setup.
Chest protection can be particularly useful for riders who want more comprehensive upper-body coverage.
3. Shoulder Armour
Shoulder protection is commonly integrated into motorcycle jackets.
It is positioned around the shoulder area to help absorb impact forces in the event of a fall.
A properly positioned shoulder protector should remain securely located while riding without causing uncomfortable pressure.
4. Elbow Armour
Elbows are another area that can experience significant impact during a motorcycle accident.
Elbow armour is commonly incorporated into motorcycle jackets and protective riding suits. The protector should remain correctly positioned over the elbow when the rider is in a normal riding position.
5. Hip and Knee Armour
Some motorbike body armours systems extend beyond the upper body and include protection for the hips and knees.
These protectors are commonly found in motorcycle riding trousers or dedicated protective riding equipment.
If you want full-body protection, consider how your jacket, trousers and other protective gear work together rather than choosing individual pieces in isolation.
What to Look for in Motorbike Body Armours
Choosing motorbike body armour is not simply about finding the thickest or hardest protector available. Protection, fit, comfort and compatibility all matter.
1. Appropriate Protection Rating
Look for armour that has been tested and rated according to the relevant motorcycle protective-equipment standards for its intended use.
Where applicable, check the product specifications for the relevant CE marking and protection standard.
Do not rely solely on marketing terms such as "impact resistant" or "protective". The actual certification and specification provide more useful information.
2. Secure Fit
Even high-quality armour may not provide its intended protection if it moves away from the correct position during an accident.
The armour should sit securely over the area it is designed to protect.
For separate motorcycle body armours, adjustable straps or a secure fastening system can help keep the protector correctly positioned while riding.
3. Comfort and Flexibility
Motorcycle armour needs to be protective without making normal riding unnecessarily uncomfortable.
Look for designs that allow natural movement around the shoulders, elbows and torso.
Flexible armour can be particularly useful for commuters and riders who spend several hours on the motorcycle.
4. Ventilation
Riding in warm weather can become uncomfortable when protective gear traps heat.
Some body armour systems incorporate ventilation channels, breathable materials or open structures to improve airflow.
For Australian riders, ventilation can be an important consideration when choosing protective riding gear for warmer conditions.
5. Compatibility With Your Gear
Before buying separate armour, check whether it is compatible with your motorcycle jacket, riding suit or other protective clothing.
Important considerations include:
- Protector dimensions
- Insert shape
- Fastening system
- Pocket size
- Armour thickness
- Position of the protective area
Always check the manufacturer's compatibility information before replacing or upgrading armour inserts.
Motorcycle Body Armours vs Motorcycle Jackets With Armour
Both options can provide useful protection, but they serve different purposes. A motorcycle jacket with integrated armour combines protective inserts with an outer garment designed for riding.
Separate motorcycle body armours may allow riders to customise their protective setup or add additional protection depending on the product.
A dedicated armour system can also be useful for riders who want flexibility across different riding environments.
The right choice depends on how much coverage you need, what riding gear you already own and how comfortable you want your protective setup to be.
When Should You Wear Motorbike Body Armours?
Protective armour can be useful for many different types of motorcycle riding.
Daily Commuting
Even short urban journeys can involve traffic, intersections and unpredictable road conditions. Riders who commute regularly may benefit from incorporating appropriate body protection into their everyday riding gear.
Touring
Long-distance riders may spend many hours on the road, making comfort and protection equally important.
A well-fitted armour system can provide additional protection without unnecessarily restricting movement during long rides.
Weekend Riding
Weekend riders can choose protective gear according to their preferred riding environment, from urban roads to longer country-road trips.
Motorcycle Training
Learner and training riders may also benefit from suitable protective equipment while developing their riding skills.
Always follow the requirements of your training provider and local riding regulations.
How Should Motorcycle Body Armour Fit?
Correct fit is one of the most important aspects of protective equipment.
Armour should remain securely positioned over the intended body area while you are sitting in your normal riding position.
When checking the fit:
- Sit on the motorcycle in your usual riding position
- Check that shoulder armour remains over the shoulders
- Make sure elbow protection stays correctly positioned
- Check that back protection covers the intended area
- Ensure chest protection sits securely
- Move your arms naturally to check flexibility
- Avoid armour that causes excessive pressure or discomfort
Protective gear should fit securely without restricting your ability to control the motorcycle.
Can Motorcycle Armour Be Worn Under a Jacket?
Yes, depending on the design. Some dedicated motorbike body armours are specifically designed to be worn underneath suitable motorcycle jackets or riding clothing.
However, the jacket needs to provide enough room for the armour without compressing it or preventing it from remaining correctly positioned.
Always check the manufacturer's instructions and compatibility information before layering protective equipment.
How to Choose Motorcycle Body Armours for Australian Riding
Australian riders can experience hot weather, changing temperatures, rain and long-distance riding conditions.
When choosing motorcycle armour, consider where and when you normally ride.
For warmer conditions, prioritise:
- Ventilated construction
- Breathable materials
- Lightweight design
- Flexible movement
For longer-distance or higher-speed riding, riders may prefer:
- More comprehensive coverage
- Suitable back and chest protection
- Secure armour positioning
- Durable riding clothing
- Protection across multiple impact areas
The best setup is the one that provides suitable protection while remaining comfortable enough to wear consistently.
Frequently Asked Questions About Motorcycle Body Armours
What are motorcycle body armours?
Motorcycle body armours are protective components or garments designed to help protect areas such as the back, chest, shoulders, elbows, hips and knees during motorcycle riding.
What is the difference between motorcycle body armours and motorbike body armours?
There is generally no practical difference. Motorcycle body armours and motorbike body armours are two common terms used to describe protective armour designed for motorcycle riders.
Is motorcycle body armour necessary?
Protective armour can provide an important additional layer of protection for motorcycle riders. The appropriate level of protection depends on your riding style, gear and riding environment.
What areas should motorcycle armour protect?
Common protection areas include the back, chest, shoulders and elbows. Some riding systems also provide protection for the hips and knees.
Is CE-rated motorcycle armour better?
CE-rated armour has been tested against relevant protective-equipment requirements. When comparing products, check the specific certification and protection standard rather than relying only on the term "CE".
Can I add armour to my existing motorcycle jacket?
In some cases, yes. Many motorcycle jackets have dedicated pockets for compatible armour inserts. Check the jacket manufacturer's specifications before purchasing replacement or additional protection.
Is soft motorcycle armour safe?
Soft armour can provide impact protection when it is designed and tested for motorcycle use. Check the product's protection rating and intended application when comparing different types of armour.
Should motorcycle armour be tight?
Motorcycle armour should fit securely and remain correctly positioned without causing excessive pressure or restricting normal movement.
What motorcycle body armour is best for beginners?
Beginners should prioritise properly fitted, appropriately rated protection that they will be comfortable wearing consistently. A suitable jacket with correctly positioned shoulder, elbow and back protection can be a practical starting point.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right motorbike body armours is about finding the right balance between protection, fit, comfort and riding conditions.
Whether you commute every day, enjoy weekend rides or regularly travel long distances, consider the areas you want to protect and make sure your armour is compatible with the rest of your riding gear.
For riders comparing motorcycle body armours, focus on the protection rating, secure fit, coverage, ventilation and compatibility rather than choosing based on appearance alone.
The right protective setup can help you ride with greater confidence while keeping safety an important part of every journey.
