The conversation was hosted by motorcycle vlogger Doodle On A Motorcycle, who was joined by Chris Hurren, MotoCAP’s Chief Scientist, to discuss motorcycle protective clothing, independent testing and what riders should look for when choosing their gear.
Motorcycle protection is something we have always taken seriously at BKS. For us, creating protective riding clothing isn't simply about meeting a standard; it's about understanding how clothing performs and making sure riders have protection they can actually wear, comfortably and correctly.
That's why it was particularly interesting to see BKS mentioned during a recent live discussion between motorcycle safety researcher Caroline and Professor Chris Hurren, Chief Scientist behind the Australian Motorcycle Clothing Assessment Program (MotoCAP).
The wide-ranging 90-minute conversation explored everything from abrasion resistance and impact protection to garment fit, the importance of independent testing and how riders can make better-informed decisions when choosing motorcycle clothing.
Protection is more than a label
One of the key themes throughout the discussion was the difference between clothing that is marketed as protective and clothing that has genuinely demonstrated a high level of protection.
Professor Hurren discussed MotoCAP's extensive testing programme and the significant variation they see between motorcycle garments. He explained that some lightweight and comfortable garments can perform extremely well, while others can offer surprisingly little protection despite being marketed as motorcycle-specific clothing.
The conversation also highlighted an important point for riders: the highest possible protection isn't necessarily the best choice if the garment is so uncomfortable that it stays in the wardrobe.
As Professor Hurren explained, a rider is better protected by a garment offering a good level of protection that they are comfortable wearing every time they ride, rather than a higher-rated garment that only comes out occasionally.
That philosophy is something we strongly recognise at BKS.
Why fit matters
The discussion then moved towards the challenges faced by riders who don't fit conventional off-the-peg sizing.
When asked about the availability of good protective clothing for riders outside standard sizes, Professor Hurren explained that price isn't necessarily an indication of protection and pointed towards manufacturers who offer made-to-measure solutions.
It was at this point that BKS received an unexpected mention.
“BKS is an example that I know of in the UK that they do make-to-measure clothing.”
The conversation went on to recognise BKS as one of the companies where riders can request clothing made to their individual measurements, alongside other made-to-measure options around the world.
For us, this was a particularly pleasing mention because made-to-measure isn't simply a service we offer, it is fundamental to how BKS clothing is created.
A motorcycle garment needs to fit the rider properly so that the protective elements remain where they are designed to be. A precise fit also makes a significant difference to comfort, freedom of movement and, ultimately, whether a rider chooses to wear their protective clothing every time they ride.
Independent research matters
The conversation also covered how MotoCAP selects and tests products, including its process of purchasing garments rather than simply relying on samples supplied by manufacturers. The programme uses independent testing to compare products and publish the results, giving riders another source of information when making decisions about their riding gear.
There was also plenty of discussion around armour, laundering, ageing, abrasion resistance, seam strength and the different demands placed on motorcycle clothing depending on how and where a rider uses their bike.
It's exactly the sort of conversation we believe the motorcycle industry benefits from: asking questions, challenging assumptions and using research to better understand what actually happens when protective clothing is put to the test.
Watch the full conversation
There's far more to the discussion than we can cover here, and the full conversation is well worth watching for anyone interested in motorcycle safety and protective equipment.
You can watch the full 90-minute discussion below.
Watch the full conversation on YouTube
We're particularly pleased to see BKS recognised within a conversation centred around independent research, protective clothing and the importance of getting the right fit.
After all, protection only works if you're wearing it — and the right fit makes all the difference.
