Protective clothing rating system

Australian motorcyclists now have a way to make educated decisions around protective clothing after the launch of a publicly accessible online rating system called MotoCAP.

Said to be the first in its kind anywhere in the world, the Motorcycle Clothing Assessment Program (MotoCAP) provides pieces of commercially available motorcycle apparel with two separate star ratings that depict the level of protection offered, as well as the level of comfort in terms of coping with Australia’s unique conditions.

The program puts jackets, pants and gloves through a series of tests to determine the rating. The three-tiered protection rating includes tests for abrasion, burst and impact resistance for each garment, while the comfort rating tests for moisture and vapour resistance, thermal resistance and, where applicable, water resistance.

As well as the rating out of five stars, would-be owners can download a detailed five-page report that publishes the specifications and findings on each and every garment tested.

NSW Minister for Roads, Maritime and Freight, Melinda Pavey, announced the initiative earlier this month, revealing it was a collaboration between the Australian Motorcycle Council and key insurance bodies, as well as “other agencies and motoring organisations around Australia and New Zealand".

Still in its early stages, the site currently has published reports available on 10 leather jackets and 10 pairs of denim riding jeans, while the gloves section advises users it’s "coming soon". Only one of the products tested so far - a $400 RJays Calibre jacket - has achieved a five-star rating.

You can sign up to receive news and alerts released after products are tested and their results published. Check it out at www.motoCAP.com.au.