The Australian Motorcycle Council has been involved with MotoCAP since the outset – since the establishment of the program in 2017. MotoCAP is the abbreviation for the Motorcycle Clothing Assessment Program, based at Deakin University.

The AMC is a member of the consortium that oversees MotoCAP. Other members include state transport and road safety agencies, and motor vehicle injury insurers.

Through promotion of MotoCAP, the AMC and our member organisations across the country support riders making informed choices about the gear that best suits their circumstances.

We prefer this informed and educated approach to motorcycle protective gear, in preference to a set standard or any form of mandate. Other than wanting riders to make their own choices, any regulatory system would be impossible to enforce, and a significant intrusion into the simple joy of motorcycle riding.

One of the most interesting aspects of the MotoCAP test results over many years is that price does not always equal quality and safety. Some of the most economically-priced gear on the market is amongst the best!

The forerunner to MotoCAP was the Good Gear Guide for Motorcycle and Scooter Riders, developed by the George Institute in 2009 through a grant to the AMC from the Australian Government.  The Good Gear Guide was launched in September 2009 by Transport Minister at the time, Anthony Albanese.

MotoCAP tests and rates jackets, pants, armour and gloves. Ratings are on a 5-star scale, covering safety and breathability. Breathability is important across the wide range of climates in Australia, with fatigue and comfort emerging in recent years as a key element of motorcycle safety.

Some people ask why we don’t just follow the European rating system in Australia. Bike gear in Europe is tested with smooth hotmix as the road surface, whereas much – most! – of Australia’s highway system is chip seal, which is four and a half times more abrasive. So MotoCAP provides testing for Australian conditions.

You can find all the information on MotoCAP, including the latest test results, videos, and subscribe to updates here.

You can find the AMC’s Position Statement on Protective Clothing here.