CE Level 1 vs Level 2 Motorcycle Armor: Jacket Pads Explained
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Most motorcycle jackets have pockets at the shoulders, elbows and back for armor. But "armor" can mean anything from a thin foam pad to a certified CE Level 2 protector. This guide explains what CE Level 1 and CE Level 2 mean, how to read the label on your jacket pads, and when it's worth upgrading.
Quick answer: CE Level 1 vs Level 2
Both levels are tested the same way: a weight is dropped onto the protector and a sensor underneath measures how much force gets through. Level 2's force limit is about 40% lower than Level 1's. For shoulder, elbow, hip and knee armor (EN 1621-1), Level 1 must average under 35 kN and Level 2 under 20 kN. For back protectors (EN 1621-2), the limits are 18 kN for Level 1 and 9 kN for Level 2. Level 2 protects more; Level 1 is usually thinner, lighter and more flexible.
| Standard | Body area | CE Level 1 (average force) | CE Level 2 (average force) |
|---|---|---|---|
| EN 1621-1 | Shoulders, elbows, hips, knees and lower legs | under 35 kN | under 20 kN |
| EN 1621-2 | Back (spine) | 18 kN or less | 9 kN or less |
Lower numbers are better: they mean less force reaches your body. kN = kilonewtons.
What is CE motorcycle armor?
"CE" means the protector has been tested and certified to a European standard for motorcycle impact protectors. The standards most riders will see are:
- EN 1621-1: limb protectors for the shoulders, elbows, hips, knees and lower legs.
- EN 1621-2: back protectors.
- EN 1621-3: chest protectors.
- EN 1621-4: inflatable (airbag) protectors.
Armor that isn't certified isn't necessarily useless, but you have no way to know how much it protects. Many jackets ship with a soft foam "back pad" that is only a placeholder for a real back protector.
How the CE armor test works
In the EN 1621-1 test, a 5 kg striker is dropped onto the protector with 50 joules of energy, about the energy of a hard knock against the road. The protector sits on a dome-shaped anvil with a load cell underneath that measures the force that passes through. The test is repeated several times and the results are averaged:
- Level 1: the average transmitted force must stay below 35 kN, and no single impact may exceed 50 kN.
- Level 2: the average must stay below 20 kN.
Back protectors are tested under the stricter EN 1621-2 rules, because the spine is more vulnerable: Level 1 allows up to 18 kN on average and Level 2 allows up to 9 kN.
How to read the label on your armor
Certified armor carries a printed or molded label. Look for:
- The CE mark and a motorcycle pictogram.
- The standard number: EN 1621-1 for limbs, EN 1621-2 for the back.
- The level: 1 or 2.
- A body area code on limb armor, such as S (shoulder), E (elbow) or K (knee).
If a back pad doesn't say EN 1621-2, it isn't a certified back protector. That's the single most common upgrade riders can make.
Should you choose Level 1 or Level 2?
| CE Level 1 | CE Level 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| Impact protection | Good | Better (less force gets through) |
| Thickness and weight | Thinner, lighter | Usually thicker or denser |
| Comfort and airflow | Easier to move in, cooler in summer | Can feel stiffer; newer designs add airflow channels |
| Best for | Commuting, hot weather, riders who value comfort | Highway speeds, sport and touring riders, maximum protection |
Our advice: wear Level 2 wherever it's comfortable, especially on your back. If Level 2 elbow pads are too bulky in your jacket, Level 1 is still far better than uncertified foam. The best armor is the armor you'll actually wear on every ride.
Motorcycle jacket pads: upgrade or replace?
You don't need a new jacket to get better protection. Most jackets use pockets that accept universal armor inserts. Before you buy:
- Check what's in your jacket now. Pull out the pads and look for a CE label.
- Measure the pockets. Universal inserts fit most jackets, but very slim pockets may not fit thicker Level 2 pads.
- Start with the back. Swapping a foam back pad for a certified back protector is the biggest single upgrade.
- Check placement. Armor only works if it sits over the joint. Use your jacket's adjustment straps so elbow pads stay on your elbows when your arms are stretched to the bars.
GDM armor options in our motorcycle armor and protectors collection include:
- GDM Motorcycle Jacket CE Certified Armor: a 5-piece, triple-density set with 2 shoulder pads, 2 elbow pads and a back pad, in a universal fit.
- GDM CE Level 1 Protector Pads: a lightweight, flexible 5-piece set for shoulders, elbows and back.
- GDM CE Level 2 Protector Pads: higher-protection shoulder, elbow and back pads with a cooling airflow channel design.
Shopping for a jacket instead? The GDM ALPHA All Season jacket comes with removable CE armor in the shoulders and elbows and a pocket for an optional back protector. See all motorcycle jackets.
How to care for motorcycle armor
- Take armor out before washing your jacket, and wipe the pads with mild soap and water.
- Let it dry at room temperature. Heat from a dryer or heater can deform the foam.
- Inspect it after any fall. Replace armor that is cracked, torn, permanently dented or crumbling.
- Replace aging armor. Foam gets stiff and brittle over the years, even in storage.
CE armor FAQ
Is CE Level 2 armor worth it?
For most riders, yes. Level 2's limit in the standard test is about 40% lower than Level 1's, and many modern Level 2 pads are thin and flexible enough for everyday wear. It matters most for your back and for riders who spend time at highway speeds.
Can I put Level 2 armor in any motorcycle jacket?
Usually, as long as the pads fit the pockets. Universal inserts are designed for most jackets. Check the pocket size and make sure the pad sits over the joint when you're in your riding position.
What's the difference between EN 1621-1 and EN 1621-2?
EN 1621-1 covers limb protectors (shoulders, elbows, hips, knees). EN 1621-2 is the separate, stricter standard for back protectors. A back pad should be certified to EN 1621-2.
Do motorcycle jacket pads expire?
Armor doesn't have a fixed expiration date, but foam ages. Replace pads that are hard, cracked, crumbling or damaged in a crash.
Upgrade your protection today with CE certified motorcycle armor, and pair it with a DOT approved helmet for complete protection.
