PROTECTIVE ACCESSORIES

Standalone armor is sold separately rather than fitted inside a jacket or riding pants. Pocket inserts go into the garment you already own, while strap-on pieces sit over everyday clothing. It is not a universal-fit system. Brands cut pockets differently, so the body position alone does not confirm a match.

Yes. Komine SK-684 uses a hinged shell over the knee and shin, and its sections slide as the leg bends. Hevik ranges from a compact knee shell to a hinged design reaching part of the shin. The Komine label checked in-store reads CE Level 2. Set each hook-and-loop strap snugly. Recheck after setting off: too tight causes numbness, too loose lets the guard slip.

RS Taichi RSJ351 and LS2 Breeze have chest protector pockets but include no protector, while LS2 Airy includes a CE Level 1 chest protector. D3O sells shoulder, elbow and back pieces by piece or as a set for jacket pockets. The LS2 back protector swaps in through the back zipper. Product pages list D3O as EN 1621-1:2012 Level 1, Type A, and LS2 as EN 1621-2:2014 Level 2.

No. Brands cut armor pockets to their own dimensions. Measure the pocket length and width, send BigBike a photo, or bring the jacket in, especially one bought overseas. RS Taichi TRV086 hip protector hooks onto the hip panels and does not fit RS Taichi leather pants. The product page lists it as CE Level 1.

CE Level 2 transmits less force than CE Level 1, but is usually thicker and stiffer. A Level 2 protector sitting away from the joint is a worse choice than Level 1 centered correctly. Bend the joint and check it stays put. Protectors reduce injury but do not remove risk, and speed and riding choices still matter most.

BigBike applies a 12-month warranty on the stitching for Komine, RS Taichi and Hevik protectors sold here, not on the whole item. D3O and LS2 terms follow the exact item, so ask at purchase. Armor that has taken a crash should be retired, as it no longer protects. Contact BigBike for a warranty claim. The other brands' labels appear in the answers above. Hevik product pages do not state a standard, so inspect the label in-store.