On July 17th, 2024, a quiet ride through the southern Netherlands took a devastating turn for Tom. Riding his Yamaha R7 alongside his younger brother, the two found themselves trailing behind a slow-moving tractor and a string of cars. The road was open, with no solid line and no visible oncoming traffic. Judging the moment to be safe, Tom decided to overtake.
As he accelerated and passed the line of cars, everything changed in an instant. The tractor turned left, suddenly and without any signal, just as Tom was overtaking. He had no time to react. Traveling at around 80 km/h before braking, he collided with the rear wheel of the tractor at an estimated 50 to 60 km/h. The impact launched him from the bike and into a ditch. When he regained consciousness, his brother was already by his side.
Severe Injuries, But a Miracle Survival
Tom’s injuries were extensive. He sustained a fractured femur that required surgical intervention and the insertion of a titanium rod. His shoulder blade and ribs were broken, his lungs severely bruised, and his L3 vertebra fractured. Most alarmingly, Tom also suffered a traumatic brain injury. The physical pain was immense, but the road to recovery was equally taxing – six months passed before he could walk unaided again.Despite the trauma, his doctors emphasized how fortunate he was. His men's motorcycle gear, combined with his physical fitness, had prevented even more catastrophic consequences. He had survived an impact that could have easily been fatal.
The Gear That Took the Impact
That day, Tom had made the conscious choice to fully suit up before the ride. He wore a Pando Moto Commando UH Black – Men’s Light-Weight Motorcycle Jacket and Pando Moto Skin UH 03 – Protective Motorcycle Base Layer / Pants. His helmet was an AGV K1, and he completed his setup with Alpinestars gloves and motorcycle shoes.
The Pando moto motorcycle jacket is a lightweight yet heavy-duty layer made from an extremely durable power-stretch knitted BALISTEX® fabric that is 15 times stronger than steel, offering top-tier abrasion resistance. Paired with motorcycle pants, made from the same ultra-durable BALISTEX® fabric and equipped with armor at key impact zones, this gear was designed to act like a second skin – protecting without restricting movement. Remarkably, the motorcycle riding gear itself suffered no major damage from the crash. It remained intact through the impact. However, due to the severity of Tom’s injuries and concerns about internal bleeding, paramedics had to cut through the motorcycle clothing completely to provide emergency medical care.
Back on the Road
Today, Tom is not only walking again – he’s riding. He’s upgraded to a Yamaha R6 and continues to gear up every time he gets on the bike. Pando Moto already sent him a full replacement through our Lifetime Warranty Program, which supports riders by replacing safety gear damaged in serious crashes.
His story serves as a sobering reminder that even the most experienced riders are vulnerable to the unpredictable. But it’s also a testament to the power of preparation and to motorcycle riding gear that holds up when it matters most. Want the same protection Tom had? Explore Pando Moto’s crash-tested gear here.