MotoCAP Open Day: An Eye-Opener for Avid Riders

Loren Turnbull toured the MotoCAP test laboratory in February 2024. She recently shared her experience of the day.

As a longtime motorbike rider with a firm commitment to “all the gear all the time,” I thought I had a pretty good handle on what makes for first-class riding gear. It turns out there was still a lot to learn about the effectiveness of different materials in crash protection. After attending the MotoCAP Open Day at Deakin University, I had my eyes opened to just how nuanced the world of motorcycle gear testing really is.

For those who might not be familiar, MotoCAP is a fantastic initiative in Australia and New Zealand that tests and rates motorcycle gear for safety and comfort. MotoCAP provides riders with a rating on how well different motorcycle gear performs in terms of impact protection, burst resistance, abrasion resistance, breathability and water protection. The Open Day at MotoCAPS’s Deakin University laboratory offered a behind-the-scenes look at how these tests are conducted.

One of the most surprising revelations for me was the variance in abrasion resistance across different types of Kevlar materials. If a piece of gear includes Kevlar, I automatically assumed it would offer significant slide protection. After all, this is the same material used in bulletproof vests, right? How could it possibly differ from one brand or product to another? It was a real wake-up call to see how much variability exists between products labelled as Kevlar.

The MotoCAP testing demonstrated that there’s a significant difference in how various Kevlar materials perform. Garments I assumed would excel in abrasion resistance didn’t fare as well as I expected, in fact, in one case, it performed worse than plain old denim. This was a real eye-opener and made me rethink how I choose my gear. It highlighted just how crucial it is to pay attention to the specifics of gear testing results, rather than relying solely on brand names, or materials, or even price.

What was equally fascinating was learning about the way MotoCAP evaluated comfort alongside safety. It’s not just about how well your gear can withstand a crash, but also how comfortable it is to wear. The combination of safety and comfort testing provided a comprehensive view of what’s really going on with the gear I use every day. For instance, a jacket that scores high in protection might not necessarily be the best in terms of comfort, such a breathability, and vice versa. MotoCAP’s holistic approach helps riders like me make better-informed decisions.

Another highlight of the day was the water protection test, which was both entertaining and informative. This test involves drenching a mannequin, affectionately named “Ritchie,” who is perched on a Honda CB 125 motorbike. Watching the test in action was a lot of fun and really drove home the importance of good water protection in riding gear. Poor Ritchie. I could identify with the feeling of being absolutely drenched on a bike and can really appreciate the contribution that quality wet weather gear can make in minimising the discomfort.

The MotoCAP Open Day was an experience that challenged my assumptions and deepened my understanding of motorcycle gear. I walked away with a greater appreciation for the science of safety and a renewed commitment to choosing gear based on tested performance rather than just brand name or price.  I highly recommend attending a MotoCAP Open Day to any and all riders. It’s an investment in your safety and peace of mind (for you and your family) that’s well worth the effort.

 

Loren Turnbull is a passionate motorcycle rider and instructor, with a decade of experience on the road. As the leader of an active female motorcycle group on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Loren has played a pivotal role in empowering riders, fostering a supportive riding community, and promoting safe group riding opportunities for new and experienced riders. Loren rides a pink-wheeled Aprilia RS660, affectionately named "Illy Prili”.