When it comes to motorcycle armour, CE Level 2 offers a clear advantage over Level 1 in absorbing and dispersing crash impact energy.
Transmitted Force – The Numbers
- Allows up to 35 kN of force to pass through to the body.
- Limits force to 20 kN or less — premium models can drop that to around 9 kN.
That’s up to 50% more impact energy absorbed compared to Level 1, meaning far less force reaches you in a crash.
On the Road – What This Means
In a typical spill — hitting tarmac or colliding with an obstacle — Level 2 can be the difference between severe bruising or fractures (common with Level 1) and walking away with only minor bruises. Riders often say it “turns a bone-breaking hit into one you can shrug off,” especially in high-impact zones like knees, elbows, and shoulders.
It’s not a shield against extreme, high-speed collisions, but in everyday accidents, the injury reduction is significant.
Why Level 2 Matters Most
For higher-energy impacts, Level 2 can prevent fractures and serious trauma that Level 1 might not. That’s why it’s the go-to for racing, spirited riding, or daily commutes with higher speed exposure. The better the absorption, the greater your chances of walking away.
Key Points to Remember
- Level 2 absorbs up to twice as much energy as Level 1.
- Less force transferred to your body means lower risk of serious injury.
- If you want maximum safety in higher-risk riding, choose Level 2.
- Level 1 is adequate for low-risk, casual riding — but Level 2 is the safer bet for speed, traffic, and unpredictable roads.