Abrasion testing for 17092 or as it is known, the Damstadt test, can give far more consistent and realistic results than its predecessor (13595). Instead of a sanding belt, the Damstadt test uses a large circular abrasive tile which is calibrated to have the same abrasive properties as asphalt. This tile can then be repeatedly re-calibrated so that the abrasive surface is consistent for each test.

The Damstadt abrasion testing equipment has 3 arms, each of which hold a disc of the tested clothing, these are fixed in different directions and spun on to the tiles, in textile terminology the direction they are fixed to is the warp, the weft and 45° between the warp and weft. Predetermined speeds or rev’s dictate a pass level of A, AA or AAA, originally these were identified by speed ratings, 45kph for A, 75kph for AA and 120kph for AAA, after reviewing and to avoid variances in rider weight the measure of speed is now rev’s. The abrasion result is achieved by the discs forced to a stop by the material pressure on the tile. To pass the abrasion, all 3 directions (Warp, Weft, 45°) need to survive the test without holing. Once passed we can then say that this material has achieved a speed rating, which for the end user is a more meaningful result than seconds to destruction.

So, to conclude:

• Abrasive tile is calibrated to the same as asphalt
• EN17092 allows for the abrasive tile to be accurate calibrated resulting in more accuracy in testing
• The material is tested in 3 direction, Warp, Weft, 45°. Not just 1 singular direction, meaning the material is more thoroughly tested.
• Speeds are used rather than seconds, which is a more relatable measurement for the motorcycle industry

PARTS OF CE STANDARD:

• The first part of the European Standard(EN 17092-1:2020) describes some of the test methods for use with protective garments for motorcycle riders (Part 2 and later parts).

 

• The second part (EN 17092-2:2020) specifies general requirements for motorcyclists’ protective garments of Class AAA: Heavy-duty protective garments, which are intended to provide best protection to the wearer against injury.

 

• The third part (EN 17092-3:2020) specifies general requirements for motorcyclists’ protective garments of Class AA: Medium-duty protective garments, which are intended to provide medium protection to the wearer against injury.

 

• The fourth part (EN 17092-4:2020) specifies general requirements for motorcyclists’ protective garments of Class A: Light-duty protective garments, which are intended to provide limited protection to the wearer against injury.

 

• The fifth part (EN 17092-5:2020) specifies general requirements for motorcyclists’ protective garments of Class B: Light-duty abrasion protection garments, which are intended to provide limited protection to the wearer against injury.
• The sixth part (EN 17092-6:2020) specifies general requirements for motorcyclists’ protective garments of Class C: Impact protector ensemble garments, which are intended to provide limited protection to the wearer against injury.

 

Effectively there will be three standards for the average road rider: Class AAA, Class AA and Class A.

• Class AAA is heaviest and least comfortable but provides the most protection.
• Class AA is more comfortable and less heavy, but also provide slightly less protection.
• Class A is the lightest and most comfortable but provides the least protection.

 

There are separate test standards for light-duty abrasion protection garments (Class B), which are intended to provide limited protection to the wearer against injury. Also harnesses with impact protectors (Class C) have separate test standards.

 

To be approved clothing must pass all the requirements of all parts of the standard as well as PH and Azoics.

 

                                   

 

The garment is broken into "Zones", determined by impact and abrasion risk.

High Risk Zones are determined by the most likely/ first points of contact for a rider that has hit the road. These are usually for the torso: Shoulder/Elbows and for legs: Seat/Hips/Knees.

Medium Risk Zones are the zones in between high and low, generally this would be anywhere you would consider as the outside faces of the body, for example: Forearms, Biceps, Back, Thighs and Shins.

Low Risk Zones can be considered as primarily the inside faces of the body, these areas are unlikely to make contact with the road, for example: Inside Forearm, Inside Bicep, Chest, Inside Thigh, Inside Calf.