When it comes to motorcycle riding, choosing the right gear is a must. A simple fall or bump in the road could expose you to serious injury without the right body protection. Each piece of gear offers different protection: motorcycle helmets for the head, gloves for the hands, and even airbags that can be worn and cushion the upper body from the force of impact. The spine is just as important, and a motorcycle back protector will help keep it protected in the event of an accident. This guide aims to demonstrate why a motorcycle back protector is an essential investment, how to choose the right one, and the best motorcycle back protectors currently available.

Why a Motorcycle Back Protector Matters

Motorcycle back protectors are protective coverings made from strong and flexible materials that cover the back while riding your motorcycle. Should an accident occur, the back is usually vulnerable to injury, so the protector offers vital shielding to your back. It is used to complement your existing motorcycle safety gear and ensure you remain safe and protected on the road. Here are the main reasons why a motorcycle back protector is a great investment.

Spinal Protection

The spine is one of the most important parts of the human anatomy. Not only does it support the body, ensuring good posture and structure, but it also houses the spinal cord, which sends signals from the brain to the rest of the body. If your spine were to be damaged in an accident, you could potentially lose the ability to use certain limbs or even suffer full paralysis. To guard against this type of injury, it is imperative that your spine is fully protected at all times during your ride.

Impact Absorption

Should an accident occur, a motorcycle back protector will absorb the impact and protect your back from the full force of the blow. In normal situations, the part of your back that makes contact with the road or an object will receive the full force of the impact, potentially causing serious injury. Not only does the back protector absorb most of the impact, but it also spreads it across the entire back, ensuring less damage overall. In many cases, this can make the difference between a serious injury and walking away with little more than soreness.

Comfortable Fit

The technology behind motorcycle back protectors has come a long way since they were first introduced in the 1970s. Today's back protectors are designed with comfort and flexibility in mind, and sit comfortably under your motorcycle jacket without feeling restrictive. While there are back protectors in different sizes suited for different body shapes, all should be lightweight, fit comfortably on your back, and offer maximum protection without restricting movement.

Enhanced Safety

Motorcycle back protectors complement your existing riding gear, ensuring full body protection in any situation. As mentioned, modern back protectors are designed to be lightweight and flexible, comfortably sitting under your motorcycle jacket and protecting your back from any potential injury. While wearing back protectors may not be mandatory where you are, they are still recommended as part of your overall motorcycle gear.

Types of Motorcycle Back Protectors

Just like motorcycle pants and jackets, motorcycle back protectors come in all shapes and sizes, depending on your body shape and style of riding. Whether you are a casual rider or a professional racer, there is a motorcycle back protector designed for your needs. Here are the main types of motorcycle back protectors you can find on the market.

Road Riding Back Protectors

Made for casual riders and everyday commuters, these back protectors are designed to balance protection with mobility. They are made from a dense foam that is easily inserted under existing motorcycle gear. Should an accident occur, the back protector offers impact absorption and reduces the chance of serious injury. While they only offer basic protection compared to other types of motorcycle back protectors, they are nonetheless a good choice for everyday riders who need extra protection without compromising on comfort and mobility.

Sports Riding Back Protectors

For professional riders who need better protection at high speeds, these back protectors offer excellent coverage. They feature a hard shell outer layer made from plastic or carbon fibre, and a soft padded interior. Covering the entire back, these back protectors offer more impact resistance than foam-based road riding back protectors, and are the best choice for anyone who needs to prioritise safety while riding.

Off-Road Riding Back Protectors

The toughest and most rigid motorcycle back protectors out there, these are designed for track riders and off-road adventurers. Made from hard materials that cover the entire back, these back protectors have been fully tested and CE-approved up to Level 2, ensuring maximum impact dispersal. Although much less flexible than other types of motorcycle back protectors, these offer some of the highest levels of protection for riders.

Standalone and Integrated Back Protectors

In addition to the previous types mentioned above, you can choose between motorcycle back protectors that are integrated within your existing gear and ones that come as a separate additional attachment. Standalone back protectors tend to offer more flexibility in how they are worn, although those that are integrated within jackets tend to be more affordable. Ultimately, whichever you choose comes down to your own preferences, as both offer similar levels of protection.

Motorcycle Airbag and Back Protectors

Some motorcycle back protectors have been combined with motorcycle airbags for full protection of the back and torso in the event of an accident. While these are a great choice for overall safety, they can come with a higher price tag compared to standalone models. In addition, the extra weight might make riding less comfortable and flexible overall. Nonetheless, this is a good choice for riders who want the best overall protection for the upper body.

How to Choose the Right Motorcycle Back Protector

With so many different types of motorcycle back protectors around, you may be wondering which ones offer the best level of protection. There are several features to consider when selecting the right back protector for your needs. Here are some of the main ones to look for.

Certification

In order to meet the basic standards of protection, all motorcycle back protectors should be tested and certified according to current safety standards. At a minimum, back protectors should have a CE Level of 1 for basic impact resistance. For riders involved in track racing and the like, CE Level 2 will offer a higher level of protection. Make sure to check the label of your product to ensure it is CE certified.

Comfort

Your motorcycle back protector should sit comfortably around your back area and not cause you any discomfort during your ride. If it is a standalone product, it should be fully adjustable so it can fit in with your current gear easily. If integrated with your jacket, it should already fit well so that you don't notice it while riding. In some cases, straps and adjustable pockets will help you adjust the protector until it fits comfortably. Try testing it out to see how well it works with your current gear.

Materials

As you'll likely be wearing your motorcycle back protector for extended periods while riding, it should be made from a breathable but sturdy material. Memory foam and nitrile rubber are good choices for strong yet breathable and flexible materials. Materials that allow for cooling airflow and have moisture-wicking properties will also help keep you from overheating during your ride.

Size and Weight

No matter what size motorcycle back protector you need, it should be lightweight enough that you can wear it without feeling weighed down. Honeycomb designs not only increase airflow and reduce weight, but they also add flexibility, which is important for rider movement. Try on a protector to see if it feels light on your back before making a purchase.

Durability

Your motorcycle back protector should be built to last a long time. While foam-based protectors are fine for everyday use, they often don't last as long as hard-shell protectors. Consider your riding style too, as heavy use and high-speed racing will require more durability than the average road riding back protectors can provide.

Riding Style

Consider what sort of rider you are. Are you an off-road adventurer, a professional racer, or an everyday urban commuter? Depending on your style of riding, there is a different type of motorcycle back protector suited for your needs. Keep in mind that the harder and faster your riding style, the stronger your back protector will need to be.

Motorcycle Back Protector Safety Ratings

All motorcycle back protectors are tested and certified according to the CE European safety standard EN1621-2-2014, as established by the European Committee for Standardisation (CEN). Testing methods include impact tests where the protector is struck at full force, temperature tests where the protector is exposed to extreme heat and cold, and wet conditions tests where the protector is exposed to simulated wet weather and assessed for reliability. If the protector passes these tests and is determined to be of the right size and ergonomic design, it will receive a CE safety certification. Currently, there are 2 CE levels used for motorcycle back protectors.

CE Level 1

This is the standard level for all motorcycle back protectors and is suitable for everyday and casual riding. It is designed to absorb moderate-level impacts of up to 18kN of force. These types of back protectors are often made from soft but durable materials that help protect against the impact of low-speed collisions, such as in urban traffic.

CE Level 2

The next level up, this safety rating is designed for higher-impact riding situations and offers greater impact absorption than CE Level 1. The protector disperses up to 9kN of force across the entire back, helping to reduce injuries and fractures. It is often made from a harder, bulkier material that improves protection at the expense of mobility.

Finding the Right Fit for Your Motorcycle Back Protector

Now that you know all about motorcycle back protectors, the different types available, and what to look for when buying one, you may be curious as to what the best motorcycle back protectors are. Here are some of the best back protectors currently out there to complement your motorcycle gear.

Alpinestars Nucleon KR-1 Back Protection Smoke-Black-Red

The latest in back protection from Alpinestars, the Nucleon KR-1 is designed for both comfort and heavy shockproofing. Certified CE Level 2, this is a heavy-duty motorcycle back protector with a hard shell exterior and a tough but flexible impact-absorbing foam interior. Designed to be lightweight and with practicality in mind, the Nucleon KR-1 easily slips under your existing motorcycle jacket with comfort and ease for full back protection on the road.

Raven Pagnus Flex Level 2 Back Protector

Combining the softness of everyday motorcycle back protectors with the hard impact resistance of sports and off-road products, the Raven Pagnus Flex is the latest word in all-around back protection. When used in everyday riding, the material in the Raven Pagnus Flex remains soft and flexible for a more comfortable ride. Should an accident occur, the material hardens on impact, ensuring full protection in any situation.

Raven Phalanx Level 2 Back Protector

One of the sturdiest motorcycle back protectors on the market, the Raven Phalanx offers high-performance back protection at an affordable price. Made from a shock-absorbing EVA material and a hard plastic shell with a neoprene and nylon interior, this product more than meets the requirements for a CE Level 2 certification. For quality protection on the road without spending a fortune, this is the back protector for you.

Furygan D3O EVO Level 2 Back Protector

The latest product from Furygan, the Full Back Fury D3O Evo, offers a new level of back protection thanks to its unique design and materials used. D3O is an ultra-soft material where the molecules lock together in the event of an impact to absorb kinetic energy. This allows you the comfort of wearing a soft and lightweight protector under your riding jacket, which can offer sports-level protection in the case of an accident.

iXS Back Protector CCS Level 2

Featuring a four-layer construction and a material that offers lightweight comfort as well as high-level protection, the iXS CCS back protector is one of the best on the market. Lightweight, flexible, highly breathable and with moisture-wicking properties, this back protector is one of the most comfortable available. Each layer is designed to shift against one another during movement, allowing for full flexibility in addition to maximum impact absorption.

Leatt 3DF Back Protection Black

Three-dimensionally designed to sit neatly against the spine, Leatt 3DF Back Protection offers one of the most comfortable fits while offering CE Level 2 certified protection. Made of compression material, 3DF foam and stretch fabric, the product is extremely lightweight and low profile against your body when worn. The Leatt 3DF also comes with MoisterCool technology, keeping you cool while wicking away moisture effectively.

Rev'It! Slingshot Back Protector Black

The perfect addition to your motorcycle riding armour, the Slingshot from Rev'It! is fully adjustable, offering you full protection and comfort on any ride, no matter your style. The Slingshot comes with adjustable straps at the shoulder and hips, ensuring the back protector stays stable throughout your ride. It is also made from a strong Hicom mesh outer shell, a highly breathable 3D mesh interior, and a well-ventilated SEESOFT RV protector.

Richa D3O Backshield Back Protector Adult Black

Whether on the streets, the track, or the open road, the Richa D3O offers full protection in any situation. Made from a flexible and breathable material, the product covers the whole back, with additional removable neck and coccyx protectors available. The fit can be adjusted with straps at the waist, shoulder, and sternum if necessary. Lightweight and fully ventilated, this back protector is the perfect all-rounder.

Zandonà Shield Evo x8 Back Protection Black

Great for everyday use, the Shield Evo is the perfect back protector for road riders and urban commuters. It uses EVC (Evoluted Viscoelastic Cells) technology to protect the back from injury, with the back plates assembled with a wire system to ensure impact is spread across the back for maximum safety. It is also flexible and breathable, and follows the natural movements of the back for full support during rides.

Macna Vault Back Protector Black-White-Red

Flexible, breathable, and ergonomically designed, the Macna Vault series is the ideal combination of comfortable and protective during rides. The product uses a strong but flexible combination of microfibre, fleece, and 3D mesh, ensuring full airflow and comfort while the protector conforms to the shape of your back. Lightweight and adjustable, the Vault also comes with several straps to ensure a perfect and stable fit on any ride.

Motorcycle back protectors are important when it comes to keeping your back protected during rides. Without protection, your back, including the spinal cord, could be at risk of serious injury. Many back protectors on the market combine safety and comfort, with different types available depending on your style of riding. When choosing your back protector, consider whether it has been safety tested and certified, the materials used, and how effective it is for your riding style. If you are a sports rider or an off-road adventurer, consider a back protector on XLMOTO with a CE Level 2 certification. Otherwise, a CE Level 1 certification is suitable for daily riding and urban commuting.