Motorcycle Armor Levels | CE Ratings Decoded

For the full breakdown, see our best Motorcycle Armor guide.

Motorcycle armor levels involve two distinct rating systems: CE Level 1 and Level 2 measure impact protection for armor pads, while EN 17092 classes AAA through C rate the garment’s abrasion resistance. These are tested independently under different standards, and both matter for crash protection.

CE Level 1 vs. Level 2: What’s The Difference?

Both Level 1 and Level 2 armor must pass a 50-joule impact test measuring force transmitted through the pad.

Level 1 armor is thinner and more flexible, comfortable for daily commuting. Level 2 is thicker and stiffer, preferred for highway speeds or off-pavement riding. It is rarely standard in mass-market jackets — most riders buy Level 2 inserts separately. Bennetts’ CE safety ratings guide explains how these levels apply across gear types and brands.

The governing standards are EN 1621-1:2012 for limb protectors, EN 1621-2:2014 for back protectors, and EN 1621-3:2018 for chest armor. Material specialists like D3O manufacture inserts certified to both levels; swapping Level 2 pads into a Level 1 jacket is often straightforward if pockets match.

EN 17092: AAA, AA, A, B, C — What Do They Mean?

While CE Level 1 and 2 rate armor inserts, EN 17092 rates jacket or pants fabric for abrasion and tear resistance during a slide. The standard defines five classes based on tested slide speed and duration.

A critical point: a jacket can carry AAA abrasion rating but contain only Level 1 impact armor. These ratings are fully independent. For highway or track riding, aim for high marks in both — high abrasion class for fabric and Level 2 for armor inserts.

Gloves, boots, and helmets follow their own standards — EN 13594:2015 for gloves (Level 1 or 2 impact), EN 13634:2017 for boots, and ECE 22.06 for the current legal helmet standard across the UK and Europe.

How To Check Your Gear’s Armor Level

Find the CE mark sewn into the jacket, pants, or glove — usually inside a seam or pocket. The label must state the specific EN standard and Level number. Limb armor reads “EN 1621-1:2012” followed by “Level 1” or “Level 2.” Back protectors read “EN 1621-2:2014” and chest armor reads “EN 1621-3:2018.” Check the standard’s date on the label — current gear should reference these harmonized years. No CE tag means the gear has not been independently tested.

A common pitfall: confusing the garment’s abrasion class (AAA, AA, A) with its armor level (1 or 2). They appear in different places on the tag and measure different protections — fabric slide resistance versus impact force absorption. Both ratings belong on your checklist before buying.

If upgrading from Level 1 to Level 2 armor, confirm replacement inserts fit your jacket’s pockets. Most brands use standard dimensions, but measuring current pads before ordering prevents unnecessary returns.