Article: AA vs A Rated Motorcycle Gear: What Riders Need to Know
AA vs A Rated Motorcycle Gear: What Riders Need to Know
When shopping for motorcycle gear, it’s easy to assume that all protective riding apparel offers a similar level of safety. But once you start looking closer at CE certifications and motorcycle gear ratings, you quickly realize that not all riding gear is built the same.
One of the biggest differences riders should understand is the distinction between A rated and AA rated motorcycle gear.
While both are CE-certified for motorcycle use, AA rated gear is designed to provide a higher level of abrasion resistance, seam strength, and overall protection compared to standard A rated apparel.
For riders looking at motorcycle hoodies, armored riding shirts, gloves, or casual riding gear, understanding these ratings can make a significant difference when choosing equipment for everyday riding and commuting.
What Do Motorcycle Gear Ratings Mean?
Motorcycle clothing sold in many markets is tested under the CE certification standard known as:
EN 17092
This testing standard evaluates motorcycle apparel based on several factors, including:
- Abrasion resistance
- Tear resistance
- Seam strength
- Impact protection compatibility
Under this system, motorcycle gear is commonly classified into the following protection levels:
- A Rated
- AA Rated
- AAA Rated
Each level is designed for different riding conditions and protection expectations.
What Is A Rated Motorcycle Gear?
A rated motorcycle gear is generally considered the entry-level certification for protective riding apparel.
A rated gear is often designed for:
- Lower-speed urban riding
- Lightweight comfort
- Casual riding apparel
- Hot weather use
Many motorcycle hoodies and riding shirts on the market fall into this category because manufacturers prioritize flexibility, airflow, and comfort over higher abrasion resistance.
While A rated gear is still tested and certified for motorcycle use, it typically offers a lower level of abrasion resistance and durability compared to AA rated gear.
For some riders, especially those primarily riding in city environments at lower speeds or warmer climates, A rated gear can provide a practical balance between comfort and protection.
However, not all riders realize there is a significant difference between A and AA protection standards.
What Is AA Rated Motorcycle Gear?
AA rated motorcycle gear is designed to provide a higher level of protection compared to standard A rated apparel.
To achieve AA certification, gear must pass more demanding tests for:
- Abrasion resistance
- Tear strength
- Seam durability
AA rated gear is often considered a strong balance between:
- Everyday comfort
- Real-world protection
- Street riding practicality
This makes AA rated motorcycle hoodies and jackets especially popular among:
- Commuters
- Urban riders
- Weekend riders
- Riders looking for casual styling with increased protection
Many riders prefer AA rated gear because it provides a more confidence-inspiring level of protection while still remaining practical for everyday use.
Understanding CE Approved Motorcycle Riding Shirts
Motorcycle riding shirts have become increasingly popular among riders looking for lightweight protective gear during warmer weather.
Many riding shirts are designed with:
- Breathable outer materials
- Protective linings
- Integrated armor
- Casual everyday styling
A properly CE approved motorcycle riding shirt can offer significantly more protection than a standard flannel or casual shirt.
At Riparo, our Kevlar lined riding shirt was designed specifically for:
- Summer riding
- Hot weather commuting
- Lightweight comfort
- Casual everyday wear
The shirt includes:
- CE approved motorcycle protection
- Kevlar lined reinforcement
- CE Level 1 armor
- Lightweight riding-focused construction
For riders who prioritize airflow and lightweight comfort during warmer months, an armored riding shirt can be an excellent alternative to heavier jackets or hoodies.
You can explore our Kevlar lined CE approved motorcycle riding shirts here:
Understanding CE Certified Motorcycle Gloves
Protective motorcycle gloves follow a different certification system than jackets and hoodies.
Motorcycle gloves are commonly tested under:
EN 13594
This certification standard evaluates:
- Abrasion resistance
- Seam strength
- Impact protection
- Restraint system strength
- Knuckle protection
One important designation riders may see is:
CE Level 2 KP
The “KP” designation indicates the gloves include certified knuckle protection, while Level 2 represents a higher level of protection performance within the standard.
When shopping for motorcycle gloves, riders should pay close attention to:
- CE certification
- Knuckle protection
- Palm construction
- Abrasion-resistant materials
- Overall glove construction quality
At Riparo, our motorcycle gloves are designed with premium materials and protective construction focused on balancing:
- comfort
- feel
- durability
- rider protection
You can explore our CE Level 2 KP motorcycle gloves here:
Why The Difference Matters
At first glance, many motorcycle hoodies, riding shirts, and gloves can look very similar online.
But visually similar products may offer very different levels of protection.
Some riding gear prioritizes:
- Fashion styling
- Lightweight feel
- Minimal armor
- Partial protective lining
Others are built with:
- Reinforced construction
- Higher abrasion resistance
- Protective lining systems
- Upgraded armor systems
- Certified impact protection
This is why understanding CE certification and motorcycle gear ratings is important before making a purchase.
Protective riding gear should be evaluated based on actual certification standards and construction quality — not appearance alone.
Armor Alone Does Not Determine Protection
One common misconception is that armor is the only thing that matters.
In reality, armor is just one part of the equation.
A motorcycle hoodie, riding shirt, or glove’s overall protection also depends on:
- Fabric strength
- Abrasion resistance
- Stitching quality
- Seam durability
- Protective lining coverage
- Impact protection design
This is why riders should look at the overall CE certification level of the garment or glove — not just whether armor is included.
Why We Designed Our Hoodie Around AA Protection
At Riparo, we wanted to create a motorcycle hoodie that delivered a more serious level of protection without sacrificing everyday comfort and wearability.
Our goal was to build a hoodie riders could comfortably wear:
- during daily commutes
- around the city
- on casual rides
- during everyday use
while still maintaining meaningful motorcycle protection features.
That’s why our hoodie was designed with:
- AA rated certification
- Full kevlar lining
- CE Level 2 armor included
- Reinforced protective construction
Rather than focusing purely on appearance, we wanted to create a riding hoodie that balances:
- comfort
- protection
- casual styling
- real-world usability
You can view our full AA Rated Armored Motorcycle Hoodie here:
Is AA Rated Gear Good Enough For Highway Riding?
Many riders consider AA rated motorcycle gear to be an excellent balance for mixed riding conditions, including:
- city riding
- commuting
- suburban roads
- moderate highway use
While AAA rated gear typically provides the highest overall protection levels, it is often heavier and more track-oriented.
For many everyday street riders, AA rated apparel offers a strong combination of:
- comfort
- mobility
- breathability
- meaningful protection
Are Motorcycle Hoodies and Riding Shirts Actually Safe?
Not all motorcycle hoodies and riding shirts provide the same level of protection.
A properly certified motorcycle garment designed with abrasion-resistant materials, reinforced construction, protective lining, and quality armor can provide significantly more protection than standard casual clothing.
However, riders should always look carefully at:
- certification ratings
- armor specifications
- protective lining coverage
- construction quality
before purchasing riding apparel.
Final Thoughts
Motorcycle gear ratings exist for a reason.
Understanding the difference between A rated and AA rated motorcycle gear helps riders make more informed decisions about the protection they choose to wear.
The same applies to motorcycle gloves and riding shirts, where certifications such as CE Level 2 KP and CE approved riding apparel help riders identify products designed with meaningful protective features.
While no motorcycle apparel can eliminate risk, choosing gear designed with stronger protection standards can provide additional confidence for everyday riding.
As motorcycle hoodies and protective riding gear continue becoming more popular, riders should look beyond appearance alone and pay close attention to the actual protective features and certifications behind the product.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is AA rated motorcycle gear better than A rated?
Yes. AA rated motorcycle gear is tested to higher standards for abrasion resistance, tear strength, and seam durability compared to standard A rated gear.
What does AA rated mean for motorcycle gear?
AA rated motorcycle gear refers to apparel certified under the EN 17092 standard at the AA protection level, offering increased protection compared to A rated garments.
What does CE Level 2 KP mean for motorcycle gloves?
CE Level 2 KP motorcycle gloves are gloves certified under the EN 13594 standard with certified knuckle protection and higher protective performance requirements.
Are Kevlar lined motorcycle shirts good for summer riding?
Many riders prefer Kevlar lined riding shirts for warmer weather because they provide lightweight comfort, airflow, and motorcycle-specific protection compared to heavier jackets.
Is AA rated gear enough for everyday riding?
Many riders consider AA rated gear an excellent balance between comfort and protection for commuting, city riding, and regular street use.
Are all motorcycle hoodies CE certified?
No. Some motorcycle hoodies and riding shirts are not fully CE certified as garments. Riders should always verify certification details before purchasing.
What is the difference between armor and abrasion resistance?
Armor helps absorb impact energy, while abrasion resistance helps protect against sliding and material failure during a crash. Both are important parts of motorcycle gear protection.