EN17092 Motorcycle Clothing Safety Standard – Explained
When you’re buying motorcycle clothing, you’ll often see EN17092 mentioned on labels and product descriptions. But what does it actually mean for you as a rider?
EN17092 is the European safety standard that tests motorcycle clothing to make sure it offers real protection if you come off your bike. It’s proof your gear has been tested in the lab — so you can ride with confidence knowing it’s built to protect you.
What EN17092 Tests
Every garment is tested for:
- Abrasion Resistance - How well it stands up to sliding on tarmac.
- Tear Strength - How difficult it is to split or rip.
- Seam Strength - How strong the stitching is under stress.
- Impact Protection - Checks armour placement and energy absorption.
- Fit & Ergonomics - Ensures it won’t ride up, twist or burst open during a crash.
The EN17092 Protection Classes
Different garments are rated for different riding styles and levels of risk.
Here’s what the classes mean:
Class AAA
EN 17092-2:2020: The highest level of protection, against the highest level of risk.
Best For: Track days, racing, adventure touring.
Protection Level: Survives longest slide times and highest speeds.
Class AA
EN 17092-3:2020: The second highest level of protection, against the risks of the greatest diversity of riding activities.
Best For: High protection. Ideal for most road riding.
Protection Level: Balance of protection and comfort.
Class A
EN 17092-4:2020: The third highest level of protection.
Best For: Basic protection - more lightweight, urban or summer gear.
Protection Level: Shorter slide times but still meets the standard.
Class B
EN 17092-5:2020: This class is for specialised garments, designed to provide the equivalent abrasion protection of Class A garments but without the inclusion of impact protectors (armour).
Best For: Abrasion protection only - no armour.
Protection Level: Often base layers or outer shells.
Class C
EN 17092-6:2020: Specialised non-shell garments, designed only to hold one or more impact protectors (armour) in place, either as an undergarment or over-garment.
Best For: Armour only - no abrasion protection.
Protection Level: For use under other protective layers.
Why It Matters to You as a Rider
- Gives proof your gear has been tested, not just marketed as "protective".
- Helps compare gear fairly across brands.
- Lets you choose the right balance of safety and comfort for your riding style.
Where to Find the Rating on Your Gear
- On a label inside your clothing with a pictogram of a rider.
- In the product description online.
- Ratings start with EN17092 followed by the class (e.g. EN17092-2:2020 AAA).
Simple Buying Advice
- Commuters/Tourers: Aim for AA or above.
- Track/High Speed Touring: AAA recommended.
- City/Summer: A can be enough, but more protection is always better.
When you see Bikers Paradise clothing that is AAA rated, you can rest assured that fit and ergonomics have been thoroughly taken into account. AAA may offer you the best possible protection but it doesn't have to mean that you have to compromise on comfort.