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Motorcycle back protector, yes or no? Is it worth it? At Motocard we always recommend that you protect yourself in a suitable manner. A back protector is an important safety element for avoiding injuries. We explain to you everything about it.

The motorcycle back protector is one of the less habitual bike protections. Although it is true that little by little its use is growing in the road segment, in off-road it’s almost an obligatory protection.

So, we’re going to explain how to correctly choose the right motorcycle back protector, what types you have, which is the best motorcycle back protector and which size you should choose, among many other things. Carry on reading because when we ride our motorcycle, our safety is the most important thing.

What does the motorcycle back protector do?

The first thing some newbie bikers ask is: what does the motorcycle back protector really do? It’s additional protection that is installed in the motorcycle jacket and which protects our spine against impacts in the event of a fall. This back protector can be more or less soft according to the material chosen. But, are back protectors certified?

Homologations of motorcycle back protectors. Everything you need to know

As we’re dealing with protection equipment for motorcyclists, the back protectors must be correctly certified and homologated. On the one hand, the current certification is regulated by the European Community in the case of Spain. This standard certifies that the back protector has passed certain resistance tests and ensures its correct functioning.

On the other hand, there are two types of homologations for motorcycle back protectors:

• Level 1: the back protector must transmit a force of less than 18 kN to the motorcyclist during impact.
• Level 2: the back protector must transmit less than 9kN.

What does the label on the motorcycle back protector mean?

1. Identifies that  this is a protection for motorcyclists
2. The type of protection. In this case, Full Back protector
3. It has satisfactorily passed the low temperature test (at -10 degrees)
4. High temperature test (+40 degrees)
5. Homologation level (type 1 or 2)

Which is the best motorcycle back protector. Types of back protector

Apart from the homologation and the material, there are various types of motorcycle back protector according to the use we’re going to give it: the protectors for sports riding, the back protectors for road (more or less hard according to the material chosen), and the off-road back protectors, which are usually integrated into the roost deflector. They’re not separated as in the case of the road ones.

• The protector for the track

The protector for the track is a plate that covers the entire back and goes close to the biker’s body thanks to some straps. It protects from the cervical to the coccyx area and has been developed in order to provide good protection at high speeds. Similarly, it has been developed to allow us good mobility on the motorcycle.

Each manufacturer (especially Alpinestars and Dainese), have their own back protectors for their race suits (whether 1 piece or 2). In fact, they incorporate a system to set the protector in the jacket or the suit in order to integrate it perfectly and not subtract comfort.

• Back protectors for road use

On the other hand, there are back protectors that cover half the back. They’re usually more common for motorcycle jacket with a back protector. As we said before, in this case we have to differentiate the main material of the back protector and its level of protection.

• Back protectors for off-road

And finally, there are protectors adhered/integrated to a gilet and are usually used for off-road (although there are exceptions).

How to choose the size of the motorcycle back protector

One of the big questions is how to choose the size of the motorcycle back protector. The first thing is you must ensure that the motorcycle jacket you have or want to buy allows you to incorporate a motorcycle back protector. Bear in mind that you should look to see if your jacket has an inner pocket to place the motorcycle back protector.

Once you’ve made sure, it’s advisable to choose the motorcycle back protector from the same manufacturer as the motorcycle jacket that you have, we’ll avoid installation problems. Anyway, it’s also true that there’s nothing to stop you using a different back protector. But, you must make sure that it fits in the inner pocket of your jacket and here comes another question.

How do we choose the size of the motorcycle back protector? Generally, the sizes correspond to the jacket sizes. Even so, it’s important that you make sure with the manufacturer’s size guide according to your measurements or that you carefully read the product description in the product file. It’s a very useful tool.

How to place the motorcycle back protector. Is my jacket compatible?

Another common question is about how to correctly place the motorcycle back protector in your jacket.

The vast majority of jackets have an inner pocket in the rear. Here’s where we’ll introduce the back protector with, important!, the logo always towards the exterior. As we said before, you must ensure that your motorcycle jacket is compatible with a motorcycle back protector.

In the case of protectors for the track, you adhere them to the body via the straps or band.

Lastly, some manufacturers include a hook for the back protector in their jackets or suits. A very practical solution and that you’ll see in the product file at Motocard.com.

Motorcycle back protection: the comfort

Talking about comfort, this precisely is a key factor at the moment of choosing a back protector. Apart from finding the right size, it’s advisable to opt for a perforated back protector and of soft material so that it doesn’t become a heat source. In fact, we’ll appreciate wearing this type of back protector in summer with a vented motorcycle jacket. The back protector will not impede airflow. This is, without a doubt, the key aspect as regards comfort.

The origin of the motorcycle back protector. A brief history

Throughout its history, the back protector has evolved considerably since its birth in 1979. It was none other than the world champion Barry Sheene who geared up with a motorcycle back protector from the Dainese brand. He was the first Pro rider to incorporate this safety element in his race suit.

Motorcycle back protector, yes or no?

This is the question. Motorcycle back protector, yes or no? Is it worth it? At Motocard we always recommend that you protect yourself in a suitable manner. A back protector is an important safety element for avoiding injuries. Also, they’re not usually very expensive and they adapt to motorcycle jackets or suits such that you can’t tell they’re there.