Crash Tested: Low Speed, Hard Fall, and the Gear That Took the Hit
April 23, 2025
Motorcycle accidents don’t always happen at high speeds or involve dramatic crashes. Sometimes, even at low speeds, a small mistake can lead to an unexpected fall. That’s exactly what happened during a slow-speed training session in Tres Cantos, Spain.Despite the unusual nature of the accident, the Pando Moto Shell UH 03 base layer and Skin UH 02 base layer absorbed most of the impact, protecting the rider from serious injuries.
A Training Session That Didn’t Go as Planned
It was late November, and the training was taking place in a large asphalt area, perfect for maneuvering practice and improving low-speed control. These exercises require precision, balance, and quick reflexes, but even the most experienced riders can find themselves on the ground in an instant.
That’s exactly what happened. While performing a tight turn around a cone at 20-40 km/h (12-25 mph), the bike began to tip over. Instinctively, the rider put a foot down to stabilize, but an unexpected force changed everything.
The stiff motorcycle boot got caught under the exhaust, which acted as a lever, and the 140 kg Honda CB300R suddenly lifted up. The abrupt movement threw the rider off balance, and he hit the ground hard, landing on his elbow, hand, and ribs.
The Gear That Absorbed the Impact
The first part of the body to hit the ground was the right elbow, taking the hardest impact. Fortunately, the combination of D3O protection and the durable Shell UH 03 material, made of extremely durable power-stretch 65% UHMWPE (15 times stronger than steel), absorbed most of the force.
The rider walked away with only a minor shoulder injury, caused by the sudden movement of the arm, but the skin remained completely intact, proving the effectiveness of the protective motorcycle gear.
After the crash, the Pando Moto Shell UH 03 showed visible damage:
- Two small holes in the right elbow area, likely due to the concentrated impact.
- Some stitching around the armor pockets started to come undone.
“I was also wearing Pando Moto pants beneath a regular pair of jeans, and the hip protection did an awesome job. No damage, no consequences there.”
Despite the minor damage to the protective gear, it did its job perfectly, protecting the rider in a situation where regular clothing would have torn instantly.
A €500 Reminder That Protection Is Essential
The motorcycle also sustained some damage from the fall. Even though it wasn’t a high-speed crash, the awkward impact resulted in:
- Broken front light assembly parts
- Total repair costs exceeding €500, even with second-hand parts
It was a costly mistake, but far cheaper than hospital bills or a long recovery.
Lessons Learned: Why Base Layers Matter
Even though the rider has experience with several high-end motorcycle brands, including BMW, Rev’It, and Alpinestars, he admits that he always wears Pando Moto armored base layers as the first line of protection.
Why? Because they:
- Keep protection in place – unlike loose-fitting jackets, Pando Moto base layers hold armor exactly where it needs to be.
- Provide extra abrasion resistance – even under casual clothing like jeans or hoodies, they offer real protection.
- Remain comfortable all day – unlike bulky armor, they allow full freedom of movement and long-term comfort.
His biggest takeaway from the crash?
“I can’t imagine riding without Pando Moto gear. It truly saves lives.”
Final Thoughts: Crash Tested, Rider Approved
Such a low-speed accident only proves that protective motorcycle riding gear is essential in all riding conditions, not just on highways or sharp corners. Even a fall at low speed can result in severe abrasions and injuries without the right protection.
Pando Moto motorcycle clothing took the hit, so the body didn’t have to.
And if there’s one thing that the rider took from this unfortunate experience, it’s this:
“I’d buy Pando Moto gear again and again…”
