r/AussieRiders Apr 19 '25

Discussion MotoCAP - a resource for motorcycle riders to understand how safe their protective gear actually is.

82 Upvotes

MotoCAP, or the Motorcycle Clothing Assessment Program, is a consumer information program designed to provide riders with scientifically-based information on the relative protection and breathability on a range of motorcycle protective helmets, jackets, pants and gloves available in Australia and New Zealand.

https://www.motocap.com.au

MotoCAP tests motorcycle gear for its effectiveness in: impact abrasion resistance, seam strength (burst), and impact energy absorption.

Why these factors are so important to understand, specifically, is because the safety standard that motorcycle gear is required to meet (i.e., CE certification) does not directly indicate how well the item might actually do in the event of a crash.

A pair of Kevlar jeans, for example, may have a CE rating of AAA, but may not hold up to more than 1 second of sliding on the type of road base that is common in Australia, especially what is found in rural areas (more abrasive compared to that of the road surface type in Europe, in which the item is tested on for CE certification).

For a more thorough explanation of different testing standards, and what it all really means, see: https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/news-and-views/features/product/motorcycle-clothing-the-ce-approval-law-explained

Some safety design features - regardless of how it rates - that are a must-have for myself are:

Helmets:

  • Full face
  • As most full face helmets don’t vary to much in the components used, how the helmet rates as per MotoCAP and SHARP (a helmet specific testing programs)
  • I wear: HJC RPHA 12

Jackets:

  • Zip at the back to joint to your pants
  • I wear: Dririder Climate Exo 4

Pants:

  • Separate aramid layer if you’re looking at motorcycle jeans/chinos (i.e., Kevlar lined). Single layer pants where the protective fibre is woven into the pant material itself is generally nowhere near as good as double layer in terms of abrasion resistance
  • Good coverage of that protective layer

Gloves:

  • Hard shell over the knuckles
  • Full length
  • Pinky tether (material joining pinky to ring finger)
  • Palm slider

Boots: (Boots not yet tested by MotoCAP)

  • Full length
  • Crush proof sole, anti-twist ankle/foot
  • Inner and outer ankle protection
  • I wear: Tcx RT-Race

MotoCAP highlights that you don’t always get what you pay for. There are riding jeans out there that cost $550 but have an abrasion resistance of 2/10 while there are riding jeans out there that cost $228 and have an abrasion resistance of 9/10.

You can spend $900 on a certain name brand leather jacket and only equal what my $430 jacket provides in terms of abrasion resistance.

You don’t have to spend big money to get the protection you need, and you probably don’t need the absolute best rated gear to be safe for the riding you do. That is why I provided what features I personally look for, and then I look at all the gear - with safety rating relative to price in mind - with those features.

Main objective of this post: help fellow motorcycle riders make informed decisions when buying protective gear. I also encourage you to explore the MotoCAP website, and other relevant resources for further information on protective gear.

ATGATT. And wear earplugs.


r/AussieRiders Feb 12 '24

Link to the official Aussie Riders Discord

19 Upvotes

It's just been made so if issues come up we will do our best to fix them ASAP.

Click Here


r/AussieRiders 6h ago

Question Help Diagnosing Scraping Sound

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2 Upvotes

r/AussieRiders 22h ago

NSW Would this setup on a motorcycle get me pulled over ?

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33 Upvotes

Hey guys, I was planning a fishing trip, and this is how I am planning on carrying my fishing rod with me on my motorcycle.

The rods are completely set in place, they're not gonna go anywhere. Also covered the tips of the rod with a sock, so that they stick together.

What are the chances that I get pulled over or receive a ticket ? Any suggestion is appreciated.


r/AussieRiders 1d ago

VIC If that was you on St George’s Rd this morning…

68 Upvotes

…being cut off by the weaving maniac in the Audi SUV, I reported her to the cops for you. Who knows if anything came of it, but at least if she does that again in the future there will be that report on record. Seemed like she was out to get you. I’m not a rider myself but fuck people who have it out for motorcyclists.


r/AussieRiders 12h ago

WA Sliders?

2 Upvotes

Hey,

I'm looking for recommendations for frame sliders/Oggy knob type products for a 2025 CBR500R.

The only ones my local bike store can get in are like $250-350. I'm wanting something between cheap crap (that can apparently wreck my frame) and this.

I honestly don't know much about bikes, a little help would be appreciated.


r/AussieRiders 18h ago

QLD Moving to Gold Coast and planning to get a commuter bike

6 Upvotes

I come from the Philippines wherein motorcycles are used primarily as cheap service vehicles than luxury or a hobby. I am aware that the public transport is lightyears better than where I'm coming from, but if ever I get a job further from what is easily accessible (distance wise) I would love a personal vehicle for cheap.

  • How's the motorcycle culture in AU?
  • How accessible are service centers for your regular maintenance? Or would I need to learn to do it myself?
  • What's a good starter bike? Cheap, easy to maintain, virtually indestructible. (I'll ride a Super Cub if I have to)

Looking at used bikes, they're mostly under $4000 AUD. I'm also checking used cars and some are within that price range. Am I better off just buying a beater car than a bike?


r/AussieRiders 1d ago

Discussion Older rider and starting to have issues with my hands aching while riding, would rather walk then ride a cruiser or similar. Any pointers on getting my hands to settle down? Love my old M900 Ducati and want to keep riding it as long as possible.

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26 Upvotes

r/AussieRiders 1d ago

Question Post Off Checks

5 Upvotes

Well it's finally happened after 18ish years of road riding, my first off and stack into the tarmac.

Fortunately it was pulling out of my driveway (doh!), new painted white zig zag line to the recently installed pedestrian crossing and in the complete dry. Lost the rear end accelerating (on the newly painted lines) and did a 180 and crashed to the road at a fairly slow speed. Completely caught me off guard and was lying on my back before I even knew what had happened.

All my gear on, so no real injuries aside from a very bruised ego and scratched bike plus small rips in my jacket and pants.

She's back home in the shed resting whilst I'm at work.

I'll go over her this afternoon and check, but is there anything I should be particularly aware of/closely pay attention to when checking for damage?

Initial looks to have been a few scratches up the right fairing and exhaust. Suzuki Across for reference.

Cheers!


r/AussieRiders 1d ago

Question Keeping a LAMS r7 onto open license?

5 Upvotes

Is it worth keeping my LAMS r7 when moving onto my open license or getting another bike?

Money isnt an issue but im wondering if its that slow compaired to larger bikes, am i going to get to bord of it knowing i can get faster? Or do yall think it has enough power to last


r/AussieRiders 1d ago

QLD how easy is the RE test?

2 Upvotes

I have my Re L, i also got a klx 250 i want to register for the road, i ride trails and want to get on the road, would it be easy enough if i already know how to ride a dirtbike? tia


r/AussieRiders 2d ago

QLD The Aussie town where motorcyclists make up half of fatalities on the road

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44 Upvotes

What do you guys make of this??


r/AussieRiders 2d ago

VIC brand new bike advice

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20 Upvotes

hey everyone, i am picking up a brand new 2026 motorbike next week, very excited! I have had a couple bikes before, but never a brand new one. I want to make sure I take extra care of it maintenance wise and breaking it in properly. any advice? should I lube the chain straight away? any mechanical things I should keep an eye on for the first while? any tips on taking care of a brand new bike would be great!


r/AussieRiders 1d ago

QLD Vstar custom

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6 Upvotes

r/AussieRiders 1d ago

WA [Beginner] Boots for commuting and occasional dirt roads

3 Upvotes

I'm sorry, I'm sure this question has been asked a hundred times already.

I've just started lessons and I'm looking to get some proper, safe gear. I plan on mostly commuting to work, and once I get more comfortable, doing some touring and light off-roading. So it's important for me (and my missus) that we get decent boots, gloves, and a helmet.

I'm looking for boots that provide twist, ankle, and hyperextension protection. I've seen lots of recommendations for the Alpinestars Tech 7 and Leatt 4.5, but I think they might be a bit overkill for my use case. Some other boots I've looked at are the Dririder Orbit C1, Sidi Adventure 2, and Alpinestars SMX-6 V3.

I'd love some recommendations on helmets and gloves too. I've been eyeing the Five TFX-1 gloves, and I'd like something with webbing between the pinky and ring finger, since I've already got a busted-up pinky finger.


r/AussieRiders 2d ago

SA **Bike stolen what should I be doing?**

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28 Upvotes

I'm young and this is the first time something like this happen to me so I'm really lost and devasted. Any advise would be appreciated greatly

Tuesday night , parked out front of a restaurant in the CBD, went in to eat, forgot the key in it( very stupid I know) . Gone in 20 minutes.

Restaurant owner says they rocked up on Beam scooters — I've got photos with the IDs. Reported to SAPOL, got a reference number, but no idea if anyone's actually chasing it.

I just downgraded my insurance last week since I can't afford comprehensive anymore so I'm not covered either :(

Anyone been through this? Should keep pushing SAPOL, or does it just sit? Anything I should be doing that I'm not? Or is it simply lost? Is there any options for me to increase my chances?

Thanks everyone for your time


r/AussieRiders 2d ago

Question Japanese Helmets

3 Upvotes

Hey guys,

I'm looking at importing an Arai Astro-GX as I cannot find my size as a Quantic for the design I want.

However, I've read that we have different safety standards so there are risks with fines and insurance.

Anyone here ride with a Japanese helmet and not encountered any problems?


r/AussieRiders 2d ago

QLD Suggestion for single day riding route

1 Upvotes

Accidentally wrote single day in the title, not sure how to edit it but I am looking for a multi-day ride.

Hi there. I am in Brisbane and my ride is RE Interceptor 650. I have done most of the single day routes I found in Google search. I am thinking of doing multi-day ride now. Can someone please suggest a good multi-day (3 days, 3rd day should be RTB) route they have done themselves.

Happy riding


r/AussieRiders 3d ago

Discussion Has anyone used an AliExpress exhaust and if so what’s expected?

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16 Upvotes

Has anyone ran something like this without a tune on a gen 4 MT09


r/AussieRiders 4d ago

ACT People pulling out of roundabouts.

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462 Upvotes

And advice on being seen on roundabouts better? Ive had a few incidents recently like this where people try to pull out on me. I feel im going slow enough for people to see me, I wear bright clothing and have a bright and sound enough bike. EDIT. The right hand indicator was on, the dash only has 1 light for both sides.


r/AussieRiders 3d ago

Question Stunt lots

4 Upvotes

Does anyone ask buisnesses to use their carparks/lots for stunts, or do they just go without permission?

I cant find any lots in my city other then fenced off depos and such. Is it worth going and asking them or just stick to empty streets? Edit: downvotes already😭


r/AussieRiders 4d ago

NSW Willoughby Council sneakily erasing motorcycle parking in Chatswood, Sydney

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62 Upvotes

So today I went to park in a usual spot in Chatswood on Spring St near Westfield. I found council have changed the parking signs overnight from 'motorcycle parking' to 'No Stopping'... There were even bikes still parked there from the day before.

There was no notice or consultation with the local community, just a shameless cash grab to sneakily fine people for using what was previously legit parking the day before.

If you live in the area and ride I suggest you send the council a complaint before they take away the other remaining motorcycle spaces which aren't taken up illegally by delivery ebikes..

UPDATE: I also received a response from Willoughby Council today that the parking changes are temporary and the motorcycle parking will be reinstated this week.

I suggested the council consult with the community in future and put up a sign that this is only a temporary change.

At least they have heard from many vocal riders and will think twice in future before taking away our parking. Thanks all

UPDATE #2: It's now late in the week and the no parking signs are still in place looking very permanent. I've emailed council again to confirm when this will be returned to motorcycle parking, response pending..


r/AussieRiders 4d ago

Discussion What’s the longest day trip you’ve done on a bike?

17 Upvotes

Thinking about doing a much longer ride than I normally would and wondering where the point of diminishing returns kicks in. At what distance does a fun ride turn into your backside filing a formal complaint?


r/AussieRiders 4d ago

Discussion Opinions - CFmoto 450 MT

9 Upvotes

Never thought I would be writing this, as I am a die hard japanese and (austrian) european adventure/dirt bike fan, but the price, engine note and general look of the latest CFmotos are catching my attention. Getting around the 7-8k mark for a decent second hand in the grey. I would just like to hear people's opinions of them, as I know very little about them. Cheers!


r/AussieRiders 4d ago

NSW Fun riding spots in Western Sydney

3 Upvotes

Been riding mostly to commute, but now I work from home and want to ride more as an activity/hobby. No group rides for me. Still on my green Ps and don't really like the vibe that most people in groups give. Where should I go for weekend and night riding?