Why do Motorcycle Suits have a Hump?

What's up with the hump? Why does motorcycle leathers have this feature? Lets figure it out.
Trauma and motorcyclists; born to be wild, bound to be injured?, John D.Hinds, Gareth Allen, Craig G.Morris, 2007
www.sciencedirect.com/science...

[@BrianFrichette]

The first author of that study you quoted is Dr. John Hinds, an absolute legend in motorcycle trauma care. RIP.

[@Aiken47]

I love DR Hinds lectures

[@geoffreycasey875]

Yes. 🍀👍

[@cowboy4378]

He could keep up with the riders even though he was on a medic bike.

[@Jungleland33]

@@cowboy4378 he was such a good rider he was faster than half the people racing. RIP.

[@mrnylz6839]

thats realy true RIP

[@rickybobby8224]

"Let me quote the paper" is music to my ears in the internet age...

[@andrewrymell1]

1:35 - RIP John Hinds, gave so much, including his own life, to injured motorcyclists. :( Kept many a rider safe at the Irish Road Races. Top bloke.

[@Crimson_Strider]

I learned about the hump from the Flying Doctor documentary. Well known First responder for the isle of man TT. Knowing that I still want the hump cause it makes me look fast.

[@mickbrenton]

YOLO STRIDER I see that John Hinds was one of the authors of the study mentioned in this video! A great personality that will be remembered in road racing folk lore!!!!

[@michaelrullis7501]

JOHN HINDS!!! The flying doctah!! RIP!!

[@dokvader9283]

Lol.. the candy red paint on my vespa adds 10bhp

[@Peanutdenver]

@@mickbrenton Every rider should watch the documentary on Dr John Hinds. He is a legend and did so much for the sport in theory and medically of course. In fact you could find it here on KZbin for quite sometime. Here's the "Cases from the Races" short doc to check out as well. - kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJW1fmOBfKyGd80

[@Hype.15]

Whatever good stuff it can provide to me, the only part is it looks good 😁

[@hesleyt]

The best sentence ever: "Here we let science help us out". That is the way to go.

[@CaesarAugustus27]

@Rod Rebman Maybe not but Science is always better than believing since science gives you the answer.

[@jon5918]

@@CaesarAugustus27 if you believe in the same science...

[@garrywhitelaw8723]

@Rod Rebman don't take Rob seriously. Rob ripped 3 bongs and wrote that to see what everyone would say.

[@jeremywelder5383]

Science literally means question everything

[@roshanthapa4164]

We are here to know from him But he let science to help us I mean why the hell did i click this video then😂

[@loganhuntervagle]

I will say, when I had my high side on the track with my R6, I flipping end over end in the air and landed on the back of my head and upper back, the speed hump, since my suit simply has padding in the hump and none of that fancy stuff, absorbed all of the impact when I hit the ground and I walked away with no injury after nearly a 50 mph crash. Say what you want about them, but that little thing made for me to look cool, pretty much saved me from future back problems😂

[@spaceflight1019]

The problem with motorcycle crashes is that there are so many scenarios and their respective forces to take into consideration. Everything from a low speed low side to overcooking a turn on the Mountain Course. They all have different ways to spit you out and throw you on the road. Plan for the worst and hope for the best.

[@helinutjoseph]

But to say they do nothing for safety is a lie. I walked away from a 100mph crash (lowside) in my opinion due to this hump... and bit of padding where it can be applied will help when rolling down the road.

[@winston7762]

@@helinutjoseph I don't think the video said it doesn't do anything for safety, it's just not designed to be intended for safety

[@whyzul]

Thank you for the explanation

[@raynaldluta4831]

Abang idola lah😍😅

[@raiskarim1392]

Hahahaha smpai sini abg zul

[@Semmel2k]

RIP Doc Hinds, what a great guy he was.

[@jmannUSMC]

May Dr. Hinds rest in peace. One of the most bad ass doctors there ever was!

[@AnirbanSaha13]

I always wondered about the hump, never researched about it though. Thank you for such a vivid explanation - a keen subscriber.

[@Mmyers1177]

I really like the straight up facts that this channel provides

[@ausguitarist]

I could have sworn it was for whiplash and neck protection. I was shaking my head until you cited the peer reviewed study and explained the history of it. very well produced video!! especially the note of the airways being obstructed,

[@motomazz]

Great video, Mike. I also saw a video featuring the late Dr. John Hinds (road-going, first-response doctor from Irish and British road racing series) where he actually said (like in the article your quoted from) that the speed hump needed to be removed before you could intubate a crashed rider. So it being a safety measure is very questionable, like you also state yourself.

[@one-of-us9939]

Wow... The lessons keep coming! I am so glad I keep learning essential! Thanks bro 👍

[@ramcadag]

Thank you for the information, Mike! Your video is informative as always!

[@sinkovecigor]

I liked this one. Short, informative and not overly scientific. Thanks!

[@ercussio]

Thank you so much for a definitive, scientific answer! I get asked this question all the time when I'm on the street with my race suit on... Now I know exactly what to say!

[@Jehvinz]

Knowing nothing about the hump, I just assumed it was to protect the spine in a crash.

[@kriskiezen327]

Thanks for this piece of information, I always thought it was a safety feature for protecting the spine.

[@venkatachalamp]

Thanks. I had this question for many years.

[@LL-cz5ql]

I was going to cite dr.hinds lecture regarding the speed bump but you already cited him

[@saraw6446]

Yes,, and John Hinds knew more than anyone about trauma from bike accidents

[@brada.7248]

That was a great commentary, esp liked you getting into the math, physics & visual aide (the pillow) u sir have impressed me. Keep up the educated posts.🤘👌👍

[@MrChocalatestarfish]

If anyone hasn't seen any of Dr John hinds speeches please go have a look, he was the flying doctor at the Irish road races and sadly lost his life helping others. So if you have a few spare minutes just search Dr John hinds and watch one of his speeches on how medics treat bikers

[@silvershadow797]

Awesome my man you'll always inspire people with your knowledge

[@MikeonBikes]

Thanks!

[@akupehsluarketatAR]

seems like ur mind reading me. i had this question yesterday in my mind and you came up with the video today..

[@VirtanenDK]

would love to learn more about the suits airbag. Thanks for a great video

[@kritischparken]

great research, nice use of sources!

[@Skyhigh275]

This channel is wow. Such a good and wise information for bikers.

[@fliegenmann2562]

I really dig the Aprilia 2 stroke! The 1999 MP 125ccm model was my first bike. I still have it and a 250 is next on my bucket list.

[@kikobruni]

Excellent video!!! Thanks for posting it!

[@MikeonBikes]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@eeqbal]

Awesome sir, thanks for the explaination. If you don't mind, I would like to know more about EXUP also. I notice it's there on MotoGP bikes, but most riders are keen to ditch them off.

[@sambaraka5228]

Thanks for not making this 12 minutes long.

[@guypascua8848]

Great info! Thank You!

[@Scootir185]

Another great video my man - I too thought it was a safety thing.

[@M3Vader]

I never new the airbag feature that is so cool !

[@jbox293]

0:53 he straight up did a jump from his motorcycle. I'm just thinking now that if your foot gets caught by the wheel, it's gone. bye bye foot.

[@giovanniriccardovigano3990]

To be fair, nothing is safe on a motorcycle. We try to mitigate it, but it still is ultimately extremely dangerous. But it's a decision, each of us decides that it's fair to trade safety for engagement and emotions

[@papabear1uk]

I seem to remember a commentator, (I think MotoGP), a couple years back explaining that the "hump" was packed with an airbag, which deployed immediately with the aim of helping to protect from spinal injuries, when electronic telemetry within the suit sensed the rider making "sudden, unrealistic changes in trajectory". In other words, as soon as they were airborne, usually from a high-side. Ofc, being a commentator of one of the most prestigious motorcycling events, I had no reason to doubt the statement, and in fact, it made some sense. Apparently not, though. It would be a perfect way, with today's technology, to make good use of the hump though...

[@spider121]

The suit does pack with ‘airbag’. Whatever he said was true for current motorcycle tacing suit. However, not sure about the hump part. Riders suit will blow up to cushion them during fall.

[@miguelarias2260]

Me too. Thanks for the videos boss. A fellow San Jose-an :)))))

[@motocentph]

Thanks for info !

[@grandmasterj5]

@Mike on Bikes yes, the hump is totally to do with aerodynamics. (Originally) I know as one of my friends helped finalise and test the design of it it along with some engineering university students before it went mass market. They even created a racing motorcycle to go along with it that had a huge round/hump shape as the seat unit too that followed on from the width of the riders hips/butt (It was called the Ensign and I thiiiiink it was a 125 prototype. Long time ago) It was ugly as anything though too. Was bright blue and had a really fat looking ass to it 😁

[@FastTrailPh]

Thats informative. Great vid!👍👍👍

[@pedgarage]

Hi Mike! I did the same video on my channel in Italian a year ago and I came to your same paper! :-D It state that the hump it's actually dangerous because in case of a broken bone in your spine it can put it a bad position and cause damage to your nervous system.

[@Chris-qy3td]

The hump also helps you slide and keep your body more streamlined in a crash on the track

[@ruthlessreid9172]

I always thought it was interesting how leather coat tail would flap until 100 plus mph.

[@felicityallen309]

Must admit, I thought it was a safety hump as well as being an aid to aerodynamics. However, anything that makes you go faster and still looks cool, I’ll take that as well. Enjoying the channel. Keep up the good work! Graham @nctrackattack

[@bhubesh979]

Good informational video bro💯

[@HerrZenki]

I looked at it right away without research and told myself "it's for your neck isn't it?" I was wrong. Grossly wrong.

[@sarasarah1810]

Well they say you should learn something new everyday yea...well today I did, TY for the share.👍

[@dougiequick1]

Makes a lot of sense. But I too was thinking along the lines of the hump providing cushion especially for the helmet snapping back against the neck. I was particularly reminded of my very first fullface helmet which at the time was the rather off brand more obscure Shoei. This was in early 70s and thismodel helmet had no she'll in the back lower part of the helmet and instead had black styrofoam the whole idea being there was no hard edge to lever back into your neck ...Lol bought that idea literally as did many others but I guess science was not with that either as it dissapeared

[@LMFAS9528]

I've got a Triumph race jacket with the hump and yep it's for airflow over your body but the hump does something else for me ,,when you get over 200kms the hump pushes the back of the helmet and stops the front of my helmet from coming up from wind speed when I'm tucking right in , makes it really comfortable at really high speeds

[@wahriff]

I actually like the hump because manufacturers use it to channel ventilation for your back. Vents go from the hump directly down to where my back protection usually gets sweaty. Sweet!

[@Ro6entX]

I always wondered if it served additional purpose or not. And i knew a rider who removed the padding, put his hydration pack in it. Seemed to work but eventually had to get rid of the suit after bad crash and gave up riding.

[@youwantmyname9208]

I love your hair, nice vid bro

[@michaelmessiter370]

Few years back I crashed on the track. I was strapped onto a backboard with the hump still under my neck, that nearly did more damage to my neck than the crash.

[@LordAnestis]

I really thought it was for safety, and to be honest I don’t like how it looks on my Dainese jacket.

[@VickyNadar46]

There is also another point, it helps in the entire Aerodynamic of the bike and the rider all together. The air flow will be smooth with any hurdles in between which is disturbing the aerodynamic air flow.

[@Ariel24K]

Never assumed it to be a safety feature, I assumed it was for aerodynamic reasons because it looks like a cafe racer seat hump

[@redmille1000]

On an Aprilia RS 250 it allows you to carry spare knees! I still miss mine.

[@maggern_204]

I was told that it helps stabilize my head when in a tucked position going down the straight.

[@redactedrider7606]

You know, I didn't even think about a water bladder. I knew about the Aero and computers, but I never even thought of water. I'm glad this actually taught me something.

[@valinogoldberg2475]

you could use the helmet that is using rear spoiler to give better illustration of reducing turbulence. but great vid anyway, didn't know there is a journal about that.

[@stop-the-greed]

My bks jacket says on it that it is NOT a safety feature... It increase s the chance of a broken neck and of a blocked airway but it does seem to reduxe drag

[@kyleessex6301]

no one knows motorcycling and medicine like Dr Hinds. rest in peace doc.

[@MrNoh88]

I like your hair, thanks for such nice info

[@CoffeeBrakes]

Hmm that makes sense now. Still have yet to buy a suit!

[@penguins0392]

Have you ever used a Taichi suit? The leather they use feels amazing

[@tribal6974]

I've seen it several times on your channel and i have to ask. Are you the owner of that RS250? I really would like to see an onboard video of ot. I too own a little GPR 80 which is technically little brother of RS250

[@Aiken47]

It creates a dorsal joining point for the air. Re safety they cut out the hump so that CPR can be performed

[@levoyageurmauritanien8528]

Thenks you are the best

[@durtysouth85]

i tought the hump was for a small hydration pack to be honest since the AGV pista helmet has a water tube built in i tought that's where you would store water in a race suit

[@AbhishekReddy1993]

Your last line made me to Subscribe

[@Projekt1]

Good info. Subscribing definitely

[@thisnotmyrealname]

Subscribed! ❤

[@TheFujac]

i don't have racing leathers so when i go out for a high speed hoon i pack a backpack full of jumpers and towels and it stops my head from getting badly buffeted....

[@abadgerabroadinthailand1378]

Arhhh. I clicked just to see my old bike that's on the thumbnail but it wasn't featured 😰

[@elbu2968]

Backprotector in combination with a neckbrace (Leatt has two great examples).

[@nuhomusic9343]

No

[@rwemarika]

Hello Mike. Thanks for the video. I thought the hump helps to stop your head from tilting too much backwards. Like it would prevent a whiplash. Next time you put on your leather suit and helmet try to tilt your head backwards and you'll feel that you can't move any further because the back of your helmet be stopped by the bump.

[@MikeonBikes]

Hi rwemarika, do you have any credible references that supports the claim that the hump helps prevent whiplash?

[@rwemarika]

@@MikeonBikes I don't have any references. It's just my personal assumption. And I came to that conclusion while I was stretching and realised that back of my helmet bumps into the hump at a certain point 😂. But now that I think about it I actually have an old racing suit without a hump I am going to try it and see if it makes any difference compared to a racing suit with the hump. But first I have to find the old suit.

[@robertadams4415]

I don't think I ever thought of hump as a safety device

[@rodrigogoni6743]

Cool video

[@MikeonBikes]

Thanks!

[@karljay7473]

I thought it was to keep the neck from snapping back too far. Kind of a whiplash head thing on car seats.

[@mountainbloke40]

I noticed they came in after Wayne Rainey*s crash in GP 500 around 93....then got popular with road riders....

[@marble25]

I am sure it can protect the spine and the neck. When you're falling on your back first impact will be absorbed by it.

[@olivialambert4124]

I get the impression anyone who thinks a hump is going to help the spine or neck hasn't worn a hump suit. I will never forget just how awkward and uncomfortable it felt on my back when I first sat in a chair with one. Laying down would be just as bad. Frankly I assumed everyone could see it was purely for aero. I do notice a little less pressure on my helmet at speeds (140mph or so) and I'd imagine on the road it might make a little spinal cushioning, but there are far better and less obtrusive devices if safety is the priority for sure. It does look cool though, just as long as one doesn't need to wear the suit for any social appointments.

[@kemitchell]

The late John Hinds mentioned speed humps in one of his (excellent) presentations on emergency medicine at races in Northern Ireland. Search KZbin. As I recall, it was all bad news, due to the kinks in spinal position and airway they create when laying down. His team would cut them out.

[@themightydash1714]

Remember when superbikes used to have seat humps, Oh and I think MCN (might not have been) did a test on how to make your bike faster, Nitros vs Gearing Vs Seat hump, they used Yamaha xj600 Diversions lol. Speedhump was the largest topspeed increase by a long way. Abarth did a simular thing with the boot lid on the 500 once upon a time.

[@themightydash1714]

Sorry, it was Bike Magazine, video is called three divis lol

[@MRryuhayabusa]

Make a video on your rs250!!!

[@deividasvisockas]

It looks cool and i want to have it :D

[@esatd34]

That was a quickie.

[@jameslewis2810]

So I am by no means a specialist in the kinematics of a motorcycle accident, nor the typical mechanisms of trauma incurred by riders - but I am a fifth year medical student and I have spent quite some time working in one of the busiest trauma units in the world. My impression is that the hump probably offers nothing in the way of protection for the back, head or neck - particularly since many of the internal injuries are caused by rotational/sheer forces and rapid local/global deceleration rather than any sort of impact that the hump could conceivably interfere with. Just my 2 cents, and I really appreciate your content, Mike!

[@MikeonBikes]

Thank you James!

[@motovntrzss]

My street/track leathers have a hump and its always annoyed me. Hard to wear backpack and i feel a bit "try hard". Unfortunately not many manufacturers offer leathers without one.

[@BrianFrichette]

My Dainese Super Speed 3 has a mini hump that doesn't affect my backpack. Combine it with Alpha pants and you have a good two piece suit for the street. On track or riding hard on the street you should be wearing a one piece suit without a backpack.

[@motovntrzss]

Yeah my mates got the same and it seems to be a bit more convenient. Theres a mountain pass between work and home so i prefer to wear leathers, 2 piece is more manageable for the street, but yeah 1 piece is 1st thing on my list for next years race season

[@martinfoster5163]

Aerodynamics was my understanding of the hump too. But I’ve seen the myth of protection too. Personally, I don’t want to look like a racer because I’m not. However, so many leathers have a hump, that it’s harder to find the top leathers without one. If you want maximum safety, get an airbag inside your leathers.

[@GEARUPGETOUT]

This is really great content and well made :) I create motorcycle related content as well. How do you get the crash videos to incorporate into your video? I would love to have that ability but am not sure how to get the content nor how to make it legal to incorporate. Thanks for the content! Best - Liz

[@MikeonBikes]

Hey Liz! Assuming you are in the USA, there are fair use laws which allow you to use copyrighted content as long as your use of it is transformative. Transformative uses are those that add something new, with a further purpose or different character, and do not substitute for the original use of the work. This is how for instance channels that review movies can actually show you clips from the movies, because their use of that copyrighted content is transformative. My use of clips from MotoGP is transformative, because I either comment on it or use it to educate people on something that can be observed in the clips.

[@GEARUPGETOUT]

@@MikeonBikes Awesome! Very helpful. How do you obtain the clips?

[@jonikyro1168]

Mike on Bikes=MOB So is Mike a mob boss

[@5sos-dontstopthevamps-rest679]

I thought this suit is used for practicing wheelie too just incase you loop out.

[@one-of-us9939]

Love the vid cuz the Aprilia... I'm kinda a fanboy. Thanks Mike!

[@one-of-us9939]

PS... Great video bro!

[@xaviercaparros7138]

In the first time was developed for aerodynamics, later for safety. First dainese second alpinestars.

[@KeepFit2324]

I honestly thought it was an upper spine protector of sorts

[@azureeykola]

I've always thought of it as some kind of aero thing cause when you see drag races, especially the illegal ones, they always lean in to lessen drag. I don't get the science behind it though.

[@spaceflight1019]

Anything that sticks out in the windstream creates drag. It also creates turbulence which can make the bike's handling become unpredictable. NASCAR is a good teacher here, as Dodge learned that the rear window on the 1968 Charger generated lift that affected the cars on the big tracks. Chevy learned this when Dale Earnhardt raced the Monte Carlo with the squared off rear window.

[@mangodotexe]

I honestly thought it was a little neck brace in case the riders neck was to be pushed back too much

[@Juke_SL64]

My friend talked to a isle of man Tt medical rider and he said that it's a pain the the ass. It's bad for a broken neck and airways, as the journal states