Riding a motorcycle in India is an adventure—but it’s also a risk. With nearly half of all road fatalities in India involving two-wheelers, the importance of proper protective gear can’t be overstated. According to a detailed analysis of motorcycle accidents in India, lack of certified body protection is a leading cause of severe injuries, especially to the chest, back and limbs. The right biking protectors—chest, back, shoulder, elbow, knee and hip—can make the difference between walking away from a crash or facing life-changing consequences.
But with so many options, how do you pick the best protectors for your riding style? Let’s break down the differences between racing and touring protectors, why they matter and which top picks you’ll find at ReiseMoto to keep you safe on every ride.
Why Biking Protectors Matter
India’s roads are among the most dangerous for bikers. A study in the Journal of Neurosciences in Rural Practice highlights that while helmets are critical, certified body protectors can reduce the severity of injuries by up to 70%. Chest, back and limb protectors are especially effective in preventing fractures, spinal injuries and internal trauma—injuries that are all too common in high-speed or city crashes.
Types of Biking Protectors: What You Need
Before we compare racing and touring, here’s a quick overview of the main protectors every rider should consider:
- Back Protectors: Shield your spine from impact and abrasion.
- Chest Protectors: Guard your ribs and vital organs.
- Shoulder and Elbow Protectors: Absorb and distribute impact forces.
- Knee and Hip Protectors: Essential for lower body safety, especially in slides or falls.
All of these should be CE certified—Level 1 for basic protection, Level 2 for higher-impact scenarios.
Best Motorcycle Safety Gear for Track Riders
If you’re a track enthusiast or a spirited sport rider, your protectors need to handle high-speed spills and slides.
- Materials: Hard plastic, viscoelastic compounds (like D3O, SAS-TEC) and sometimes metal sliders for abrasion resistance.
- Coverage: Full-coverage back protectors, chest plates and articulated knee and elbow guards. Shoulder sliders are designed for sliding on tarmac.
- Fit: Snug and pre-curved, so they stay in place even during high-speed tumbles.
- Certification: Prioritise CE Level 2 for back, chest and limb protection.
Best for: Track days, racing and aggressive sport riding.
Touring Body Protectors for Indian Roads
Touring is about long hours, changing weather and comfort without sacrificing safety.
- Materials: A blend of soft and hard armor, focusing on breathability and flexibility.
- Coverage: Integrated or removable back, chest, shoulder, elbow, knee and hip protectors.
- Fit: Ergonomic and ventilated for all-day comfort.
- Certification: CE Level 1 is common, but many premium touring jackets and pants now offer Level 2 options.
Best for: Long-distance rides, city commutes and all-weather adventures.
Real-World Safety: Protectors Save Lives
A recent government report shows that riders using certified body armor have significantly lower rates of serious injury and hospitalisation. Back and chest protectors, in particular, reduce the risk of spinal and thoracic injuries by nearly half. The takeaway? Invest in good gear—it’s your best insurance on the road.
ReiseMoto Top Picks: Protectors for Every Rider
Ready to upgrade your safety? Here are a couple of standout options from the ReiseMoto protectors collection:
- Spidi Warrior Chest Protector: This robust chest protector offers CE-certified impact resistance for your sternum and ribs—ideal for both racing and touring riders.
- Spidi Warrior L2 Back Protector: Lightweight and ergonomic, this CE Level 2 back protector offers advanced spinal protection without bulk, ideal for riders seeking maximum safety and comfort.
- D3O Shoulder T5 EVO PRO X: Lightweight, flexible and CE approved, these shoulder protectors are perfect for upgrading your jacket’s impact zones.
- D3O Elbow T5 EVO PRO X: Designed for comfort and serious protection, these elbow inserts are ideal for both aggressive and long-distance riders.
- D3O Knee LP1 Protector: Lightweight, breathable and CE Level 1 certified knee protection that balances comfort with reliable impact absorption.
- Acerbis Linear Roost Protector: For off-road or motocross riders, this protector offers comprehensive chest and back coverage with adjustable fit and ventilation.
Browse the full range for chest, elbow, shoulder and hip protectors to build your ideal setup.
How to Choose: Key Questions
- What’s your riding style?
Track riders should go for maximum protection (Level 2, full coverage, hard armor). Tourers and commuters can prioritise comfort and breathability, but should never compromise on certified armor.
- Do you need modularity?
Touring protectors are often removable and upgradeable, while racing gear is usually fixed for security.
- What’s your climate?
Look for ventilated protectors if you ride in hot weather—many have perforations for airflow.
Choosing the right biking protectors for your ride isn’t just about comfort—it’s about making sure you come home safe, every time. Whether you’re pushing limits on the track or exploring new roads on a tour, invest in CE-certified chest, back, knee, elbow, shoulder and hip protectors. The right gear can make all the difference.
Gear up with India’s top-rated protectors. Explore ReiseMoto’s CE-certified racing and touring collection now.
-Team Reisemoto
