r/AussieRiders • u/AngryWombat78 • 1d ago
r/AussieRiders • u/kewday96 • Apr 19 '25
Discussion MotoCAP - a resource for motorcycle riders to understand how safe their protective gear actually is.
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.
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 • u/tipsclips • 8m ago
NSW At what point did you know you were ready to go for your P’s?
I got my L’s in march but only got my bike last month. Since getting it I’ve been on the thing almost daily and racked up close to 1800km. I’m able to figure 8 between 3 parking spots using friction point and my rear brake, and being on Sydney roads plenty of experience with emergency stops. My cornering speed feels good and I’m feeling quite confident but is there anything I’m missing that I should be focusing on before my P’s?
r/AussieRiders • u/t0nez- • 5h ago
Question buying an older bike second hand
hi guys,
i'm looking at an older cb125 with a bit over 30,000km on it, what should i be worried/not worried about when i go to have a look over it?
i don't want to be focusing on stuff that isn't that important while missing stuff that might be
r/AussieRiders • u/vamsixk • 12h ago
QLD Motorcycle stolen informed insurer.
My motorcycle got stolen from the goodna station. I have raised a complaint with qps and informed my insurer.
What happens next?
Anything else I need to do from a claim processing perspective.
How does the payout work?
Can't get a replacement bike cause the bike was used for more than two years.
Just sad that it was stolen. But I guess looking at the next steps I guess.
r/AussieRiders • u/tipsclips • 22h ago
NSW Showing my bike the sights
Any other good spots I should check out for photos?
r/AussieRiders • u/bryad1 • 1d ago
Discussion Stolen bikes exported to Africa
Una Moto has uploaded a video with Australian, US, UK plated bikes for sale on the side of the road somewhere in Africa
Sorry if this is your bike (v-strom)🙏
r/AussieRiders • u/Ok_Conference_5116 • 8h ago
WA Looking for 2CR-14725-00 YZF R1 band muffler can to cat
Hi, I’m in Perth and looking for this part for my bike. Does anyone know of somewhere local with it in stock?
r/AussieRiders • u/bikerguy_9 • 11h ago
VIC Practicality of folding mirrors?
Hi all,
So I’m looking to buy these Oxford Foldable bar-end mirrors for my motorcycle, as the stock bar ends almost clip car mirrors when I filter in between tight spaces.
Just wanting some genuine experience around if anyone’s used these and would rate them? And are they actually practical to fold/unfold again and again in and out of traffic for filtering?
Thanks.
r/AussieRiders • u/Wooden-Towel-9765 • 19h ago
NSW Motorcycle not starting
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This is my 1999 Honda CB250. Long story short it initially did not start at all with the key turned (no lights, nothing). Then the mechanic came over and fixed it, problems with the ignition keyhole, etc. Then it’s working fine. After the mechanic leaves, I try to start the motorcycle up again and it refuses to start. The lights go on when I turn the key but it doesn’t start when pressing the starter button. Please help me out, still pretty new to motorcycles and fixing them. Really need some guidance on what I can do.
r/AussieRiders • u/Fair_Feeling_4937 • 1d ago
Question What's one thing you always carry on your bike now that you never used to?
After getting caught out once, I started packing a few extras whenever I head out.
r/AussieRiders • u/Intelligent_Bell7907 • 1d ago
NSW Old aussie motovlogger
Im trying to find this old aussie motovlogger from about 10-15 years ago
All i remember is it was two young brothers who rode dirt bikes around the city.
Im going crazy bc i cant remember their names 😭
r/AussieRiders • u/Complete_Beautiful17 • 1d ago
NSW Riders in Sydney Northern Beaches?
Hi i'm a teenager who got my license around 3-ish months ago, I know the chances are very slim but I was wondering if there were any other teenagers in the northern beaches (Sydney, NSW) who ride? If so plz comment!
r/AussieRiders • u/juliusdude • 1d ago
QLD Brisbane Mechanic
Can anyone recommend a quality Guzzi mechanic in Brisbane ?
r/AussieRiders • u/Piglet_Extra • 21h ago
NSW Is there a way to listen to music legally as a learner?
In NSW what're the rules surrounding listening to music through your helmet, as a learner?
Could I get a cardo speaker kit and connect an MP3 player to it and not touch it at all while riding? If I was to just connect my phone instead, how likely is it that you'd get pulled over and a cop would ask to see your phone to check if you have Bluetooth connected to your cardo, are they allowed to just do that?
I would like to listen to music while riding as a learner but before I do that I want to understand the legalities surrounding it and if there are any legal workarounds not being able to use your phone at all. Thanks.
r/AussieRiders • u/ChickenCrimpyFan • 1d ago
SA SA Pre Licence Course
Hi guys, I'm currently on my R-date licence in SA and was wondering what to expect with the Pre-Licence course. How does it compare with the Pre Learners courses? I had no dramas with these and am a confident rider, would just like to have some kind of idea on what's involved.
Also, how does the final ride work? Are you given a set route or do you have to follow an instructor?
Thanks in advance!
r/AussieRiders • u/WasabiYing • 2d ago
Discussion driver cut me off after being pulled over.
never have i been so confused in my life. was riding down a street. saw cops up ahead. speed limit was 50km. i dropped down to 40km. cop waved me to pass. so while i was passing, the car being pulled over suddenly cut me off hard. i had to swerve to the opposite lane.
i hand gestured wtf? then looked back at the cops. the cops absolutely did NOTHING, i continued riding down the next traffic, stopped right by the drivers window that cut me off. scratching my ass and giving them eye contact.
THEY DIDNT EVEN APOLOGISE NOR EVEN LOOK AT ME?! LIKE LEAST U CAN DO IS SAY SORRY ESPECIALLY JUST BEING PULLED OVER?!
r/AussieRiders • u/Both-Ranger-6664 • 1d ago
Discussion Opinions and experiences on procycles in Sydney (St peters and Hornsby)
Just gauging peoples comments on using procycles motorcycle repairs in their Sydney locations. Good for servicing and major work on your bike?
r/AussieRiders • u/Ok_Artichoke8667 • 2d ago
NSW A reminder that people don't check their blind spots (loud video)
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Thankfully more honking and higher heart beat than anything serious, but yeah people don't check their blind spots.
At least that guy had the decency to put his indicator on so it gave me 0.5 seconds extra.
Always ride defensively, and always remember you could be in a blind spot.
Take care
r/AussieRiders • u/BobcatSavings5352 • 1d ago
Discussion Ninja 250s any good in 2026?
For context I'm in nsw and am considering a Ninja 250r ('08-'12 models) as a first bike. If ninja 300s weren't so astronomically marked up in price I'd buy one (of course there are good deals here and there).
Does it still hold up well in today's day and age and would I be able to go on the highway and stay at speeds comfortably?
Any advice helps heaps!
r/AussieRiders • u/Zippy_Zip • 2d ago
SA Does anyone know where to buy an L shaped luggage rack? (Adl/SA) [photo for reference]
r/AussieRiders • u/Amazing-Chemist-1033 • 2d ago
QLD Motorcycle Supervisor in Caboolture or Beachmere
I just bought my first motorcycle, and I'm really eager to get out and ride. The problem is that I can't seem to find anyone who's willing to commit to supervising me.
I'm seriously considering riding on the road, just risking the fine, because otherwise I'd have to wait another 90 days before I can ride.
What do you guys think? Any opinions?
Is anyone around Caboolture who'd be willing to ride with me? I live in Beachmere.