Modern motorcycle racers and track-day riders demand the highest safety standards in their gear. In Europe, motorcycle leather race suits must be CE-certified under strict regulations, with the gold standard being EN 17092-1:2020, the CE benchmark for protective motorcycle clothing.
The EN 17092 series, particularly Part 1:2020, sets the framework to test, approve, and meet motorcycle race suit standards, but its technical language can be difficult for the average rider to understand. That’s why I break it down into simpler terms, covering the regulatory context, defined risk zones, key testing methods, performance classes (AAA, AA, A, and others), and how protective armor standards align with FIM racing requirements.
By the end, you will know exactly what CE-certified motorcycle leather race suits are, how the prestigious EN 17092 AAA rating is achieved, and why that certification is crucial for safety whether on the track or the street. And one area that’s remained constant through the years is the role of armor: it doesn’t eliminate force but spreads it across a wider area, either integrated into the suit or carried in a pocket.
Below are a few practical product suggestions I’ve found useful to consider when buying armor to wear under leathers:
| Category | Motorcycle Armor Model | Check & Buy Now |
|---|---|---|
| Best Back Protection Pads | AGVSPORT Mayhem Motorsports | AGVSPORT | eBay |
| Best Airbag | Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 Plasma | RevZilla | CycleGear |
| Best Armored Vest | Icon Stryker Vest | RevZilla | CycleGear |
| Best Armored Under Shorts | Dainese Hard Shorts E1 | RevZilla | Amazon |
| Best Armored Under Pants | Icon Field Armor Compression | RevZilla | CycleGear |
| Best Chest Protector | Alpinestars Bionic Action | RevZilla | Amazon |
| Best Knee Sliders | Dainese Pista | RevZilla | Amazon |
Regulatory Context: CE Certification for Motorcycle Suits
All on-road motorcycle clothing sold in Europe must be CE-certified as PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) under EU Regulation 2016/425. In practice, this means jackets, pants, and full suits intended for riders must meet harmonized standards and carry a CE label. The current standard for leisure motorcycle clothing is the EN 17092 series (introduced in 2020), which supersedes the old professional-only EN 13595 series. EN 17092 splits garments into five performance classes (AAA, AA, A, B, C), reflecting intended use and protection level.
EN 17092-1:2020 is the foundational part that defines all test methods and requirements for motorcycle garments. It is not a class itself, but it underpins Parts 2–6, where each Part specifies pass/fail criteria for Class AAA through C. For example, EN 17092-2:2020 covers Class AAA (highest protection, typically one-piece race suits) and EN 17092-4:2020 covers Class A (urban jackets and pants).
Below is a summary of the EN 17092 series:
| Standard Part | Focus/Class | Typical Garment Use |
|---|---|---|
| EN 17092-1 | Test methods & Zoning | All motorcycle garments |
| EN 17092-2 | Class AAA requirements | One-piece race or “combi” suits |
| EN 17092-3 | Class AA requirements | Two-piece touring/road suits |
| EN 17092-4 | Class A requirements | Casual jackets/pants, city use |
| EN 17092-5 | Class B requirements | Jackets/vests without armor |
| EN 17092-6 | Class C requirements | Impact protectors only (vests/pads) |
Each EN 17092 garment class requires different test thresholds. Class AAA is the top level for racing suits, with the strictest abrasion, tear, and seam strength requirements. Achieving AAA means the suit has demonstrated outstanding resistance in all core tests, making it the “passport” for professional track use.
Notably, in many racing series today (including FIM-governed events), competitors must wear suits meeting EN 17092 Class AAA or at least AA. For example, FIM’s official track racing rules state “race suits must comply with EN 17092 level AAA or AA”. In short, CE certification is mandatory for legal and safe riding in Europe, and most serious racers aim for the highest EN 17092-2 Class AAA standard.
Understanding Risk Zones in a Race Suit
A key concept in EN 17092-1:2020 is the zoning of suit panels by abrasion risk. The standard divides a full suit into three abrasion-risk zones plus special “seam keyburst” areas (seams are tested separately). The zones are:
- Zone 1 (High-risk areas): Parts that are most likely to impact the road first or carry high load. This includes the seat, outside of arms and legs, knees, elbows, shoulders, and hips. In a crash slide, these regions face the toughest abrasion.
- Zone 2 (Medium-risk areas): Panels adjacent to Zone 1, like the chest, back, inner arms/legs, and sides. They still face abrasion but slightly less directly.
- Zone 3 (Low-risk areas): Inner torso, inside thighs, underarms, etc. These rarely hit the ground first.
Before testing, a notified lab must mark the finished garment according to these zones to ensure that test specimens are taken from the most vulnerable parts (worst-case sampling).
For example, a leather patch from a Zone 1 panel must withstand a sliding test up to the Class AAA requirement of ≥4.0 seconds at about 120 km/h. Understanding zones helps designers reinforce critical panels and helps riders recognize that not all parts of a suit get tested equally. In practice, Zone 1 areas use the toughest leather and double layers, while more stretch-friendly or lighter materials can sometimes appear in Zone 3 or 2.
Overall, the zone mapping in EN 17092-1 emphasizes that a properly homologated suit defends you where it counts most during a spill.
Core Test Methods in EN 17092-1:2020
EN 17092-1:2020 defines how every part of the suit is tested. The main purpose is to verify that the suit’s fabrics, seams, and construction can survive a crash scenario. Below is an overview of the critical tests:
| Property | Test Method (Standard) | Where Measured | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Impact Abrasion Resistance | Darmstadt rotating concrete slab (5.4) | All outer materials & seams in every zone | Simulates a 120 km/h slide and measures how long until a 5 mm hole forms. Ensures the fabric will protect skin during a slide. |
| Seam Burst Strength | ISO 13935-2 “grab test” (one-sided) | All load-bearing seams | Measures the force to rip open a key seam. Ensures seams won’t burst open if the rider tumbles. |
| Tear Strength | ISO 3377-1 (leather) & ISO 4674-1 (textile) | Pre-slit specimens of each panel (by zone) | Measures the resistance to propagating a tear. Ensures small tears do not run large during a crash. |
| Dimensional Stability | ISO 5077 wash-dry-wash cycles | Stretch panels, liners | Garment is washed 5+ times under standard conditions. Limits shrinkage to <5% to ensure armor pockets and fit are not compromised. |
| Ergonomics & Restraint | Dynamic mannequin wear test; human fitting | Whole suit | Checks range of motion and that protectors (armor) stay in place when moving. Confirms wearer comfort and that armor retention features (pockets/loops) work. |
| Innocuousness (Chemical Safety) | Laboratory chemical analysis | All materials | Ensures dyes and chemicals in fabrics/finishes are non-toxic and non-allergenic. Tests pH, banned substances, etc. to prevent skin irritation or harm. |
Impact Abrasion Test
The most demanding test is the rotating Darmstadt concrete slab abrasion test. A specimen from each zone is held against a rough drum moving at 120 km/h. The timer stops when a hole larger than 5 mm appears. Class AAA suits must achieve at least 4.0 seconds on Zone 1 samples (for context, older EN 13595 “pro level 2” suits targeted 9.0–13.0 s).
In plain terms, AAA requires the material to endure the equivalent of several seconds sliding at highway speed before ripping open. This prevents the rider’s skin from contacting pavement.
Seam and Tear Tests
Seams are potential weak points. In EN 17092-1, major seams (e.g. jacket-to-shoulder, pant-to-knee) are tested by grabbing fabric on either side of a stitched seam and pulling. A minimum force per millimeter (e.g. ≥10 N/mm for AAA) is required to pass.
Tear strength tests use a pre-cut sample; the force needed to rip it further is measured. High tear strength means a small puncture or nick won’t instantly rip through your suit during a crash.
Dimensional Stability
EN 17092-1 requires suits to be washed (machine or “standard conditions”) multiple times. This checks for shrinkage. Excessive shrink could distort fit or pull protective armor out of pockets. The spec allows only a few percent shrinkage. In effect, this test “locks in” that an EN 17092 suit won’t drastically warp after cleaning, preserving its protection.
Other tests include burst strength (not explicitly listed above but often done to ensure no seam or fabric hole), and the “restraint” tests which confirm armor stays secured (no big story here). In combination, these methods ensure a CE-certified suit is carefully analyzed from materials to assembly. As Michelle DeLashmutt (Komine leathers) summarizes, the suite of EN 17092 tests makes “clothing that looks like it’s geared toward riding actually reflect it in a worst-case scenario”.
Overall, EN 17092-1 is about consumer protection: it forces manufacturers to validate in the lab that their suits meet minimum safety performance. For riders, seeing the CE label (with class AAA/AA/A) means the gear has undergone these rigorous tests.
EN 17092 Performance Classes: AAA, AA, A and Beyond
With the tests defined by Part 1, each garment earns one of five CE categories based on actual results. The top three classes (AAA, AA, A) are most relevant for leather racing suits and heavy sport use. Briefly:
- Class AAA (EN 17092-2): Highest protection, intended for racing suits. Requires the toughest criteria in every test.
- Class AA (EN 17092-3): High protection, aimed at premium two-piece suits for touring. Slightly lower thresholds than AAA.
- Class A (EN 17092-4): Entry-level protection for urban or casual gear. Lowest of the three, but still better than untested clothing.
- Class B (EN 17092-5): Specialized garments without armor, providing abrasion protection only.
- Class C (EN 17092-6): Non-shell clothing meant to hold separate protectors.
For leather race suits, the key is Class AAA. Below is a comparison of select Pass/Fail values between classes (Zone 1 panels):
| Test Parameter | Class AAA (EN 17092-2) | Class AA (EN 17092-3) | Class A (EN 17092-4) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Abrasion slide time (Zone 1) | ≥ 4.0 s @ ~120 km/h | ≥ 2.0 s | ≥ 1.0 s |
| Seam burst strength | ≥ 10 N/mm | ≥ 7 N/mm | ≥ 4 N/mm |
| Tear strength (leather) | ≥ 70 N | ≥ 50 N | ≥ 30 N |
(Simplified values for Zone 1; actual standard has more measurements.)
As shown, AAA suits must do twice as well in abrasion vs AA, and four times vs Class A (4.0 s vs 1.0 s). Similarly, their seams and leather must be substantially stronger. In practice this means AAA race suits use thicker, stronger leather (often ≥1.2 mm full-grain cowhide or kangaroo) and heavy-duty stitching. The higher Class also generally requires higher-performance armor (see next section).
Few riders notice these numbers, but a ride at speed makes the difference clear. Because professional track speeds easily exceed 160 km/h, most European race suits today target AAA certification. Indeed, as I always say,
“EN 17092-2 Class AAA, the highest level specified by the standard, is suitable and sufficient for competition use.”
Lower-class suits (AA or A) are technically legal for road and slower touring, but they are not recommended for full-on racing.
EN 13595 vs EN 17092
A quick note on the old standard: EN 13595 was the previous set of PPE standards for professional riders (civil couriers, police, etc.). EN 13595 had even tougher tests (especially abrasion) than EN 17092 AAA, but it applied only to work-use clothing.
With EN 17092 harmonized for all leisure gear, EN 13595 has mostly been superseded, though suits meeting the old EN 13595 still qualify for CE mark (until the standard eventually phases out). Some high-end race suits claim dual EN 17092 AAA and EN 13595 level 2 certification as a marketing plus, but functionally, EN 17092 AAA is now the race ticket.
Impact Protectors and Armor Integration
CE-certified race suits also mandate proper use of protective armor. EN 17092-1 references separate protector standards: EN 1621-1 for limb protectors (shoulders, elbows, knees, hips), EN 1621-2 for back protectors, EN 1621-3 for chest, and EN 1621-4 for airbag systems. A suit cannot claim Class AAA (or AA/A) unless at least Level 1 CE armor is fitted in all required positions. In practice, true race suits include Level 2 (maximum) armor, which absorbs more impact, especially at shoulder, elbow, knee, hip and back.
The standard’s “restraint” test (5.5) checks that the armor pockets or attachment points actually hold the protectors in place during movement. This ensures armor won’t slide out of position or pop out in an accident. Manufacturers satisfy this by sewing reinforced straps and pockets in the suit.
For riders, the key takeaway is: an EN 17092-2 AAA suit comes ready with proper CE-rated armor (often Level 2) in all critical areas. This integrated approach (rugged leather + built-in armor) is what makes a suit race-quality. Many brands that target AAA certification actually push even harder by using double layers of leather or exotic materials in Zone 1, precisely to boost abrasion time beyond 4 seconds.
Finally, while EN 17092-1 handles armor integration for CE, professional races governed by the FIM may have additional requirements. For example, FIM track rules mandate wearing a back protector (EN 1621-2) and often a chest protector (EN 1621-3) under the suit. Most top-tier race suits accommodate this by providing a space for a chest protector plate or come with a back protector built-in.
Labeling, Manuals, and Rider Information
All CE-certified suits must carry a permanent label with key information, as required by EN 17092-1. On this label you should find:
- Standard number and year + Class: E.g. “EN 17092-2:2020 AAA” to show the suit’s class.
- Motorcycle pictogram: The little bike symbol indicating it’s motorcycle PPE.
- Size, care symbols, serial or certificate ref.: To identify the exact suit and how to wash it.
Manufacturers must also supply a multilingual instruction leaflet. This booklet explains what the class means, how to fit and replace armor, inspection intervals, and service life limits. In short, the label and manual should clearly tell you that the suit is CE-certified, of what class, and how to properly use it as safety gear.
If you buy a “race suit” claiming to be CE-certified, always check for this label. By law, any on-road gear must be PPE. If the label is missing or bogus, it’s illegal and unsafe. Legitimate suits come with the label sewn inside and a printed certificate of conformity. Some brands even accompany it with a QR code linking to the test results.
Notably, after Brexit, U.K. law requires a UKCA mark (the UK equivalent of CE) on gear sold in Great Britain. But the marking details are the same – EN 17092 standards still apply. So riders in the UK can look for UKCA or CE marks, knowing the safety criteria behind them are identical.
FIM Homologation and Racing Compliance
FIM (Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme) sets the technical rules for major motorcycle racing events. While FIM primarily focuses on motorcycles, it also mandates rider PPE standards for safety. For supersport and superstock classes, FIM regulations (e.g. Track Racing Technical Rules) specify that race suits must comply with EN 17092 Class AAA or AA. In fact, some championships have required AAA as the default (it’s common for roadracing organizers to insist on AAA suits, since that offers the best abrasion rating).
Until the end of 2023, FIM even allowed leather made to the old EN 13959 racing suit standard (since superseded by 13595), but the direction is clear: modern racing suits must meet EN 17092 AAA. The Bennetts TT article notes that while the regulations didn’t explicitly mandate AAA, “as a minimum only EN 17092-2 Class AAA – the highest level specified by the standard – is suitable and sufficient for competition use”. Lower-rated suits are generally deemed inadequate at high speed.
Moreover, for top-level events (MotoGP, World Superbike, etc.), riders and manufacturers may seek the FIM Racing Homologation Programme (FRHP) approval on their suits. This is similar to the helmet homologation; the suit must be listed and often include FIM holograms or QR codes on labels. In practice, that means a FIM-homologated suit will be EN 17092-2 AAA CE certified, and often with an extra label or sticker from FIM. The specifics vary by series.
Key point: When buying a race suit for competition, look for CE AAA and check if it’s FIM-approved for your series. Many factory race suits from brands like AGVSPORT, Alpinestars, Dainese, or Spidi carry both. For club or track day use, AAA certification alone is usually sufficient.
Practical Implications for Manufacturers and Riders
From a design perspective, achieving EN 17092-2 AAA is challenging. Manufacturers often take these steps:
- Material selection: Use thick full-grain cowhide or kangaroo leather (≥1.2 mm). Some also use textile/Kevlar inserts for flexibility, but these must be tested or double-layered if in high-risk zones.
- Panel design: Stretch or mesh panels (for ventilation) are placed in Zone 2 or 3 when possible. If they encroach on Zone 1 (for ergonomics), the suit may use double layers or reinforcement there.
- Stitching: Strong, safety stitching (hidden/taped seams or triple stitching) with robust thread (nylon 6.6 Tex 80 or above) prevents seam failure.
- Prototyping: Brands often do pre-certification tests in-house. For example, they may run the abrasion drum at 10% higher speed to build a margin against lab variability.
- Documentation: A thorough technical file (per ISO 9001 practices) with material specs, test reports, and certificates is maintained for the notified body audit.
For riders, the practical upshot is that a CE AAA suit tends to be heavier, stiffer, and sometimes hotter than a non-certified suit. That’s because of the thick leather and extra reinforcements. Track riders accept this trade-off for the security of higher abrasion performance. For road riders, Class AA or even Class A gear (which allows more mesh or textile for cooling) might be acceptable.
One occasional downside is that the EN 17092 system doesn’t measure every aspect of safety. For instance, the abrasion test is set at 120 km/h, which doesn’t account for very high-speed slides above that. Some critics argue the system encouraged lighter textile jackets (which can meet Class A with minimum leather) at the expense of heavy-duty race gear.
However, the industry response has been to market hybrid solutions: suits that pass AAA via smart material layering (and often carry EN 13595 too for extra assurance). Riders should be aware that AAA means very high abrasion resistance, but it’s still fundamentally testing fabric durability – it doesn’t guarantee immunity to all injuries (bikes can still do damage above the test thresholds).
In summary, choosing a CE AAA race suit ensures you have a garment built and tested to the highest current standards. Combined with proper fit and fitting of quality armor, it gives you the best chance to leave skin intact in a crash.
Michael’s Conclusion and Conclusion
For motorcycle racers and track-focused riders, CE certification under EN 17092-1:2020 and specifically the Class AAA rating is a key indicator of a suit’s protective quality. This CE mark means the suit has passed rigorous motorcycle protective gear testing, from slide abrasion to seam strength to ergonomics, according to a harmonized European standard. Understanding the standard helps riders make informed gear choices.
In practice, wearing a CE-certified leather race suit (especially AAA class) provides confidence that your gear can withstand the forces of a high-speed crash better than uncertified or lower-class apparel. It also keeps you legal for road use and in sync with racing regulations (including FIM-approved suits for competition).
When shopping for a motorcycle leather race suit, look beyond brand or looks: check the CE label, read the manual, and ensure the class (AAA, AA, etc.) matches your riding needs. A properly homologated suit might cost more and feel stiffer, but it’s an investment in safety that can make all the difference when you need it most.
FAQS — I Have the Answers!
Q: What Does CE Certified Really Mean for a Race Suit?
A CE mark on a motorcycle suit means it has been tested and found to meet the minimum safety requirements of European PPE law. For leather race suits, CE certification means the suit conforms to the EN 17092 series. A CE label with “EN 17092-2:2020 AAA”, for example, indicates the suit passed all Class AAA tests. In practical terms, CE certification confirms the suit was made as protective gear, not just a fashion garment, and that it’s legal to ride in Europe.
Q: How Do I Know If a Suit is AAA-Certified?
To know if a motorcycle race suit is AAA-certified, look at the sewn-in label or the instruction booklet. It should explicitly say something like “EN 17092-2:2020 AAA”. The label will also have the CE logo, the motorcycle pictogram, and sometimes UKCA mark. If it just says “CE” without class, ask the seller for the certificate of conformity. Reputable retailers list these details in product specs. Beware of suits labeled CE but without class – that may mean class A or unverified.
Q: Do Street Riders Need Class AAA Suits?
Street riders don’t need class AAA suits. Class AAA suits are very protective but are often bulkier and designed for racing posture. For everyday street riding, many riders use Class A or AA gear (textile or leather) because it’s more comfortable and breathable, while still offering CE-grade protection. Class AAA is recommended if you do high-speed track days or racing. Otherwise, AA (touring suit) is a solid compromise: it still requires strong leather and armor, just with slightly lower abrasion time (2.0 s vs 4.0 s).
Q: How Does FIM Approval Differ from CE certification?
The main difference is that FIM’s homologation is an additional endorsement on top of CE. A FIM-approved race suit is always CE certified (at least AAA/AA), but also meets any extra FIM requirements for racing (like sponsor logos, numbering, etc.). FIM may require a QR code or hologram label on racing gear. The key is that FIM rules essentially require EN 17092 AAA for competition. So, for a rider, buying a CE AAA suit from a reputable racing brand usually covers both CE and FIM homologation needs.
Q: Is EN 17092 the Same Everywhere?
EN 17092 is the European standard, but it’s used widely around the world. In North America, there is no direct equivalent PPE system for riding gear (some riders look at EN standards anyway). What matters is regulatory compliance where you ride. In Europe and many racing series globally, EN 17092 is the benchmark. It’s best to match the standard of your local governing body or race series.
Information for this article was partially sourced and researched from the following authoritative government agencies, educational institutions, and nonprofit organizations:
- EUR-Lex (European Union)
- SATRA Technology
- SATRA Technology
- Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM)
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
- International Organization for Standardization (ISO)
- European Commission
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