Motorcycle Chest Protectors: CE Levels, Types & How to Choose One (2026 Guide)
A motorcycle chest protector is CE armor that covers your sternum and ribs. If you ride fast on the road or on track, it's the logical partner to your back protector. Choose one certified to EN 1621-3:2018 Level 2: it passes the same impact test as Level 1 and a force-distribution test, so it spreads a concentrated blow, such as a kerb, handlebar or car edge, over a wider area. Make sure it fits in your riding position without pressing on your throat or hitting the tank. A dirt-bike roost guard isn't the same thing unless it's certified to EN 1621-3.
- Chest protectors are certified to EN 1621-3. Both levels must transmit an average of 18 kN or less, and Level 2 also has to pass a force-distribution test (15 kN or less on average).
- Level 1 protectors are usually soft; Level 2 protectors are rigid, built to spread point impacts.
- They come as divided (two halves) or full (one piece) designs, worn as inserts, strap-ons, armored vests or as part of an airbag system.
- In a German study of fatal motorcycle crashes, 94% of riders autopsied had serious chest injuries. Chest protection matters most where crashes are most severe.
- Roost guards built only for flying stones fall under EN 14021, not EN 1621-3. Check the label.
- MotoGP rules require a chest protector, and after an FIM rule change the UK's ACU made chest protection compulsory in motocross from 2018.
What is a motorcycle chest protector?
A motorcycle chest protector (also called a chest guard or chest armor) is a protective panel worn over the front of your torso. It covers your sternum and the ribs on both sides. It absorbs and spreads impact energy when your chest hits the road, your own bike, a kerb, a barrier or a vehicle.
It fits into chest pockets in a jacket or suit, straps on under your gear, or comes built into an armored vest. For road and track riding, look for certification to the European standard EN 1621-3. That label separates real chest protection from foam padding.
Why chest protection matters
Riders have worn back protectors for decades, but the chest is often left bare. The crash data says that's a mistake.
of motorcyclists and pillion passengers autopsied after fatal crashes at LMU Munich had a serious chest injury (AIS 3+). Damage to the thoracic aorta was found in around a third of them. Source: German Insurers Accident Research (UDV) and LMU Munich, 2020.
The same study found a clear split by crash severity:
- In minor crashes, arms and legs are injured most often, and chest injuries are less common.
- In serious and fatal crashes, the chest is "by some distance" the most relevant and most seriously injured body region.
- The most dangerous impacts were against rigid objects with a small radius, such as a car's roof edge or sill, which concentrate force on a small area of the chest.
That last point is why the Level 2 force-distribution test matters: a rigid protector spreads a concentrated hit over a wider area of your chest.
Chest protectors and airbags reduce injuries in lower-speed impacts. The same study found that today's chest airbags reach their limits at impact speeds of around 50–60 km/h (31–37 mph) against rigid objects. No protector makes a high-speed impact survivable. Chest armor improves your odds; it doesn't replace riding within your limits.
CE chest protector ratings explained (EN 1621-3:2018)
Chest protectors are tested to EN 1621-3:2018. In the main test, a weight of about 5 kg strikes the protector at about 16 km/h (an impact of roughly 50 joules), and a sensor measures how much force gets through. Level 2 protectors then face a second test with a rounded (hemispherical) striker. It checks that the protector spreads a concentrated blow rather than letting it punch through in one spot.
On a phone, swipe the table sideways to see every column.
| EN 1621-3 level | Impact attenuation test | Force distribution test | Typical construction |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Average 18 kN or less; no single strike over 24 kN | Not required | Soft, flexible foam |
| Level 2 | Average 18 kN or less; no single strike over 24 kN | Average 15 kN or less; no single strike over 20 kN | Rigid shell or stiff composite, often with foam backing |
Notice how this works differently from limb and back armor. For chest protectors, Level 2 doesn't simply lower the force limit; it adds a test. If you want to compare chest armor with other CE armor, read our guides to back protector ratings and CE Level 1 vs Level 2 limb armor.
What to look for on the label
- The CE mark and the motorcyclist pictogram
- The standard: EN 1621-3:2018. Older products may show prEN 1621-3:2013, which means they were tested to the draft version before the standard was finalized.
- The level: 1 or 2
- T+ or T− if it passed the optional hot or cold impact tests
- The manufacturer and model reference, plus the size or fit range
A pad with no label is foam, not a certified chest protector.
Divided vs full chest protectors
EN 1621-3 recognizes two designs:
| Design | What it is | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Divided | Two separate halves, one for each side of the chest | Fits the chest pockets in many jackets and suits; flexible; works around a center zip | Leaves a gap over the center of the sternum; each half can shift on its own |
| Full | One piece covering the whole chest | Continuous coverage over the sternum; stays aligned as one unit | Usually a strap-on or vest; bulkier under a tight suit |
Ways to wear a chest protector
Pocket inserts. Divided protectors that slip into chest pockets inside a jacket or suit. They're the easiest option, but they only work if your gear has the pockets and fits snugly enough to hold them in place.
Strap-on protectors. Worn under your leathers, often clipping onto a back protector's harness. They stay put whatever your jacket does, and you can move them between suits.
Armored vests and base layers. One garment with chest and back protection (and sometimes shoulders). They're quick to put on and give consistent coverage, but they're warmer.
Airbag vests and suits. They inflate in a crash to cover the chest, ribs and back, certified to a separate standard (EN 1621-4). Many riders still wear passive chest and back armor with them (see below).
Chest protector vs roost guard: the dirt bike question
Search for "chest protector" and half the results are motocross roost guards (also called roost deflectors). They look similar, but they're built for different jobs:
- Roost guards / stone shields: designed to stop stones and dirt thrown up by the bike in front. If a product is meant only for flying stones, it's covered by EN 14021, a separate off-road standard.
- EN 1621-3 chest protectors: tested for impacts and falls on the chest. EN 1621-3 says products meant only for flying stones should use EN 14021 instead, so an EN 1621-3 label means real crash testing.
For street and track riding, ignore roost-only guards and look for EN 1621-3. Off-road riders who want crash protection should look for it too. Some motocross chest protectors are certified to EN 1621-3, so check the label.
Chest protector vs airbag vest: which do you need?
Airbag vests protect a wider area and can cover your neck, ribs and back as well as your chest. A passive chest protector is always in place, needs no charging, has no trigger and costs far less. The research above shows that both are most effective in lower-speed impacts.
- Budget or first upgrade: a CE Level 2 chest protector, paired with a Level 2 back protector.
- Serious track riders: an airbag system is worth considering. Many airbag vests work alongside passive chest and back armor rather than replacing it. Follow the airbag maker's guidance on what to wear underneath.
How to choose and fit a chest protector
Choose Level 2 if you ride on track or ride fast on the road. The force-distribution test is the reason to buy it.
Check compatibility. Does your jacket or suit have chest pockets that fit an insert? If not, choose a strap-on, ideally one that connects to your back protector.
Test it in your riding position. Sit on the bike in your normal tuck. The top edge must not press on your throat or collarbones, and the bottom edge must not hit the tank.
Breathe and move. Take deep breaths and twist side to side as you would in a corner. The protector shouldn't restrict your breathing or slide off your sternum.
Make sure your leathers still fit over it. A rigid Level 2 protector adds thickness. Try your suit on over it, zip it fully and get into a tuck before you ride.
Take your chest and torso measurements while wearing the chest protector (or airbag vest) you'll ride in, and note it with your order. That way the suit is cut to fit over your armor, not squeeze it. Our custom suit measuring guide walks you through every measurement.
Chest protectors in racing and at track days
- MotoGP: the rules require every contracted rider to start each race event with at least two complete sets of undamaged safety equipment, including a back protector and a chest protector, worn correctly fastened at all times on track.
- Motocross: after an FIM and FIME rule change, the UK's ACU made chest and back protection compulsory at all its motocross events from 2018. It cited recent fatal accidents from chest and internal injuries.
- Track days: rules vary by organizer. Back protectors are now commonly required, and some organizers and race clubs also require chest protection. Check the tech rules before you book, and use our track day gear checklist.
Care and replacement
- Take inserts out before cleaning your jacket or suit. Hand-wash soft protectors in lukewarm water with mild soap and air-dry them flat, away from direct heat.
- Check rigid shells for cracks and foam for hardening or permanent compression.
- Replace any chest protector after a significant impact, and follow the manufacturer's service-life guidance.
The same rules apply as for back protectors; see the care section of our back protector guide.
Common chest protector mistakes
- Buying a roost guard for road or track riding without checking for EN 1621-3.
- Assuming Level 1 and Level 2 differ only in force. Level 2 adds the force-distribution test.
- Choosing a protector that presses on your throat or hits the tank in a tuck.
- Squeezing a rigid protector under a suit that was sized without it.
- Wearing divided inserts in a loose jacket, where they can slide off your chest.
- Thinking an airbag vest means you can skip passive armor. Follow the airbag maker's guidance.
Protecting your chest in a Bleed suit
Our leather race suits come with CE Level 2 armor at the shoulders, elbows, knees and back. To protect your chest as well, wear a CE Level 2 chest protector or an airbag vest underneath. If you order your suit tailor-made, which costs nothing extra, measure while wearing it, so the suit fits properly over your protection.
Building a complete track kit? Read our back protector guide and our knee slider guide next.
Frequently asked questions
Q. Do I need a chest protector for street riding?
It isn't legally required, but it's strongly worth considering if you ride fast or ride a sportbike. Crash research shows the chest is the most seriously injured body region in severe and fatal motorcycle crashes. A CE Level 2 chest protector adds little weight and works alongside your back protector.
Q. What is the difference between a Level 1 and Level 2 chest protector?
Both must pass the same impact test under EN 1621-3, with an average of 18 kN or less transmitted. Level 2 protectors must also pass a force-distribution test (15 kN or less on average), which shows they spread a concentrated blow over a wider area. Level 1 protectors are usually soft; Level 2 protectors are rigid.
Q. What is the difference between a divided and a full chest protector?
A divided chest protector comes in two halves, one for each side of the chest, and often fits the chest pockets of a jacket or suit. A full chest protector is a single piece that covers the whole chest, including the center of the sternum, and is usually worn as a strap-on or part of a vest.
Q. Can I wear a chest protector under my leathers?
Yes. Strap-on chest protectors and armored vests are designed to be worn under a leather suit or jacket. Try your suit on over the protector, zip it fully and get into your riding position to make sure it isn't too tight, and if you order a tailor-made suit, take your measurements while wearing the protector.
Q. Is a dirt bike roost guard the same as a chest protector?
Not necessarily. Products designed only to stop flying stones fall under EN 14021, the off-road stone-shield standard. A protector certified to EN 1621-3 has been tested for impacts and falls on the chest. For crash protection, check the label for EN 1621-3.
Q. Should I buy a chest protector or an airbag vest?
A CE Level 2 chest protector is the affordable, always-on first step. An airbag vest covers a larger area and is worth considering for serious track riding, but many riders wear passive chest and back armor with it. Research shows both are most effective in lower-speed impacts.
Q. Are chest protectors required at track days?
It depends on the organizer. MotoGP rules require a chest protector, and some race clubs and track day organizers require one too, while others only require a back protector. Check your organizer's gear rules before you book.
Q. How long does a chest protector last?
Follow the manufacturer's service-life guidance, and replace a chest protector after any significant impact, even if it looks undamaged. Retire it sooner if a rigid shell is cracked or the foam has hardened, crumbled or stays compressed.
Sources
Kühn, Lang, Aranda, Bauer, Peldschus (German Insurers Accident Research / LMU Munich): Optimized protective clothing for motorcyclists: which safety benefit can airbag-clothes deliver? (IMC 2020)
iTeh Standards: EN 1621-3:2018 motorcyclists' chest protectors
SATRA Technology: EN 1621 motorcyclists' protectors: test overview
Crash.net: MotoGP's compulsory safety equipment
ACU: Increased body protection for 2018 onwards at ACU motocross events