D3O: The New Armour for Motorcyclist Protection!

One of the functions of the evolution of technology is to optimise the performance of motorbikes. Efforts have been made to provide an opportunity to advance in the promotion of equipment for manufacturers or vendors especially motorcycling gear with focus on protective items. This promotion has been evolving primarily in the luxury sector.

Advances in technology matter

In fact, the evolution is becoming more general over the years. The birth of D3O protection is one of them. For decades, only leather was recognised as a material for motorbike equipment. This is because leather has a unique feature: it can shrink with heat. While other materials expand, dilate or melt. Leather gear can withstand the corrosion and abrasion caused by falls on tarmac if it is thick and has strong seams. It then protects the biker from injuries and burns. With the development of the performance of these two wheels and their pace, some consequences have had to be considered. Eventually, the protection of the rider from injuries and fractures, especially at the level of the joints has become another objective.

The importance of protection on motorcycle clothing

It is noticeable that motorbike clothing is increasingly being fitted with protection in certain areas. These include knees, elbows, shoulders and hips. The boots are well covered, reinforced on the shin, especially on the ankles. For the gloves, it's at the metacarpal level, at the wrist level, at the moment. There is also motorbike rider equipment or D3O protection, which has made great strides in covering the back, neck, spine and vital areas. While these areas are highly exposed to risk of impacts, they have long been overlooked.

Purpose of the protective equipment

All D3O protective equipment has a single objective. It must retain the force of the impact so that the rider does not feel it too much. This means keeping the movement so that the impact is not amplified by its weight. This development has challenged a previous belief where it was previously thought that using hard and compact materials was the right thing to do. It is according to this same theory that in the past, western warriors wore rigid armour and shields, made from very hard, very thick and very heavy metals (at first bronze, then iron and finally steel). In fact, when a medieval squire fell off his horse, he could not get back on his feet because his armour was so heavy.

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