Crash Tested: A Failed Wheelie Saved by Skin UH AAA Pants
February 06, 2025
For 19-year-old Tobia from Ozzano Monferrato, Italy, motorcycles are more than just a means of transportation—it is a passion that began unexpectedly but turned into an essential part of his life over time. From his first rides on a Yamaha YZF-R125 to his current Husqvarna 701 Supermoto, motorcycles have taken a special place in his heart.Recently, while practising wheelies in an empty parking lot, Tobia faced an unexpected challenge. Losing control during the stunt led to a crash at approximately 50 km/h. Fortunately, his Pando Moto Skin UH AAA pants did their job, protecting him from much more serious injuries.
From Doubt to Passion
Tobia’s love for motorcycles didn’t begin with his own decision. When he turned 16, his parents asked whether he would prefer a motorcycle or a scooter to move independently around town. That simple choice marked the start of his journey. “We went to a shop, and as soon as I saw and sat on the little R125, I knew it was for me,” Tobia recalls. From that moment, his interest in motorcycles grew into a genuine passion.
Two years after he started riding, Tobia switched to a Husqvarna 701 Supermoto. With this motorcycle, he began practising wheelies—a skill he had long dreamed of mastering.
The Crash: A Dream Turns Into a Lesson
On a sunny but cool day, Tobia was practising alone in an empty parking lot. The asphalt was dry and clean, and the conditions seemed perfect for practice. Feeling confident, he lifted the front wheel into a wheelie. But as soon as the wheel rose, it began to wobble. “I lost control and fell backwards,” Tobia recounts. He hit the ground hard and slid across the asphalt at around 50 km/h.The impact was severe. The handlebars struck his hand directly, causing a small fracture in his right metacarpal. His right knee scraped the asphalt, but the Skin UH AAA pants protected him from serious injuries, leaving only minor abrasions.
The Protective Gear That Saved the Day
During the crash, Tobia was fully equipped: an AGV K1 helmet, a Dainese textile jacket, Spidi gloves, and Pando Moto Skin UH AAA pants, which he wore as a protective base layer under regular pants.
The Skin UH AAA pants proved to be a crucial part of his protection. Although his outer trousers were completely destroyed, the Skin UH AAA pants held up impressively, sustaining only two small holes in the right knee area.
These motorcycle pants embody Pando Moto’s core values: safety, functionality, and style, designed by riders, for riders. Made from Balistex fabric, they provide AAA-rated protection—the highest safety standard for motorcycle gear. The integrated SAS-TEC TripleFlex armor in the knees and hips absorbs and distributes impact energy, reducing the risk of severe injuries.
Tobia also highlighted key features that impressed him:
- Underfoot straps, which kept the pants from riding up during the crash.
- A comfortable, snug fit that kept the protectors in the correct position over his knees and hips.
“These pants are incredibly versatile and protective,” Tobia says. “The straps under the feet kept them in place, and the protectors stayed exactly where they needed to be.”
Reflections and Lessons Learned
Tobia walked away from the crash with minor injuries: a fractured hand, a sore elbow, and a sprained ankle (which wasn’t protected). Reflecting on the incident, he says, “I realized that you should never get too confident or relaxed while riding, especially when testing your limits. Even when it feels like nothing can go wrong, it can.”His advice to other motorcycle riders is simple but vital: always wear protective gear. “Good gear makes all the difference,” he emphasises. “It’s not just about looking good—it’s about staying safe.”
Crash-tested and Rider Approved
Despite the crash, Tobia’s passion for motorcycles remains as strong as ever. His experience highlights the importance of high-quality protective motorcycle riding gear, like the Skin UH AAA pants, which performed exceptionally well under extreme conditions.
“Thank you, Pando Moto, for such an amazing service,” Tobia says. “Your pants saved me from far worse consequences. I’ll definitely keep riding with them.”At Pando Moto riders gear shop, we design gear that works as hard as you do, ensuring you’re ready for the unexpected. Tobia’s story is a testament to the value of investing in high-quality motorcycle clothing that keeps bikers safe and ready for their next adventure.
Going fast
