Case Study
Motorcycle Racing Protective Clothing
By
Ravi Sharma
2011TT10951
INTRODUCTION:
Compared to car drivers, motorcyclists are more likely to be killed or severely injured in crashes during racing or off road riding. You’ll lose 1mm of flesh for every 1mph you're going over 30mph when you hit road. Hence riders wear armour to protect against injury from falling off, hitting other riders and bikes, debris kicked up from the rear wheel of leading bikes, and from running into track barriers protecting the public. This armour protects the extremities from breakage and dislocation and the back and chest from strain and broken bones. Although fairly efficient, it is of course not always completely effective. Many riders wear "roost protectors" designed specifically to protect against painful debris from other bikes, but are of no use in a fall or collision. The reduced risk of hospitalization observed in studies suggests that …show more content…
They are produced in various densities and generally used close to the body for comfort.
Hard plastic: Hard armour usually consists of a hard plastic and is designed to resist abrasive and puncture injuries. Hard armour generally is used in conjunction with some impact absorbing foam or other material on the inner surfaces facing the body because hard armour by itself does not provide impact/shock absorption qualities.
Viscoelastic: The use of viscoelastic materials in motorcycle armor has allowed for hand (glove) elbow, knee, shoulder, tail-bone, and back armor to be manufactured in a soft and pliable state at rest. Upon the introduction of shock the armor adopts extremely rigid and protective properties. Examples of this armor are SAS-TEC, SW, d3o, Rukka APS air, EXO-TEC and TF armor. They are currently being used in jackets, trousers and suits by manufacturers such as REV'IT!, Firstgear, BMW Apparel, Scorpion, Rukka, Klim and Aerostich respectively..