RST has achieved the mammoth task of making their entire 2019 range of jackets, trousers, leather suits and textiles compliant with the latest, stringent CE guidelines which are due to come into force in April this year.
A few years ago, the company was thought of as a low-cost option for new riders and those who put price before protection. But, 2019 looks to be the year that shifts those perceptions as their latest collection is not only 100% compliant with the EU’s guidelines but utilises premium materials, designs and manufacturing techniques, all while still providing excellent value for money.
We are going to bring you a full rundown of the highlights of the range in the coming days, but first it’s worth explaining what the PPE rules are, and how they affect you, the clothing industry and the products that you buy.
What does the new PPE regulation mean to me?
From the 21st April, the PPE regulation called 2016/425 will come into force and replace the previous directive for PPE which was called 89/686/EEC. As of this date any motorcycle clothing that has the provision for armour, stuff with pockets to carry armour or armour fitted at point of sale, must be CE approved. This means that high-risk areas of the clothing must provide a minimum level of abrasion and impact protection by using special fabrics, specific stitching types and manufacturing processes. Previously motorcycle clothing could be sold with CE armour but there were no stipulations around the construction of the clothing, materials or abrasion resistance.
To prove it’s a CE garment a small label must be sewn into the garment, not the thermal liner or the waterproof element, showing the motorcycle pictogram (above) and the standard number assigned to the garment.
What about the old stock from last year still in dealers?
RST’s Dealers can still sell any carryover stock from the 2017 range, which will become CE certificated on a rolling change and any other garments not carrying over to the 2018 range will be allowed to sell through.
The new regulation doesn’t relate to boots or gloves as they already have their own regulations. All of RST’s boots and gloves meet the EN13635 and EN13594 standards respectively.
Won’t this just make all bike kit more expensive?
In a word no, it won’t. And RST is the proof of this as they have made their entire range compliant with the regulations without passing any of that cost onto customers.
How do I know how much protection a product provides?
The technical specification comprises of three performance levels. The level of specification should be chosen by the user depending on aspects such as temperature and environment.
Level AAA:
Performance clothing designed to offer the highest level of protection, however, they may be ergonomic, or weight penalties associated with its use.
Level AA:
Performance clothing designed to offer a balance between the level of protection available and any ergonomic or weight penalties associated with its use.
Level A
Performance clothing offering a lower level of protection which is designed to reduce any ergonomic or weight penalties associated with its use to the lowest level. It is intended for use where conditions would make a higher level of protection inappropriate for example warm weather.
