Different bodies. Different bikes. Different rides. Why motorcycle protection should be as individual as the people who wear it.

Motorcyclists have never been a one-size-fits-all group.

We ride different bikes, take different roads, live in different climates, and come in just about every shape and size imaginable. Some of us ride thousands of miles across the country. Others ride a few miles to work. Some ride through scorching summer heat, while others refuse to put their bikes away when temperatures drop.

Yet for decades, much of the motorcycle gear industry has operated as though riders fit into a handful of standard sizes, shapes, and categories.

And if you didn't fit the mold? Well, you were often left making compromises.

We think it's time to change that.

A Different Way of Thinking About Protection

Back in 1997, Bohn founder Paul English challenged conventional thinking when he introduced the armored base layer — protective gear designed to be worn underneath the clothing riders already loved.

It was a simple but innovative idea. Instead of forcing riders into a particular jacket or pair of pants, why not give them protection they could wear with their own riding gear?

When Ed and I took over Bohn in 2017, they saw the potential to take that idea even further.

I came into the motorcycle industry with a fresh perspective, one thing quickly became clear: the industry wasn't doing enough to accommodate the incredible diversity of people who ride.

Women struggled to find gear that fit properly. Petite riders were swimming in oversized protection. Big and tall riders were often left with limited choices. And even riders who fell into traditional sizing categories struggled to find something comfortable enough for their particular riding style or climate.

The problem wasn't the riders.

The problem was expecting riders to fit the gear instead of making gear that fit the riders.

Riders shouldn't have to choose between comfort, fit, and protection. And they certainly shouldn't have to settle for motorcycle gear that doesn't fit their body. Every rider deserves protection designed for their shape, their riding style, and the conditions they ride in. Because when it matters most, your armor needs to be exactly where it's supposed to be.

Because Fit Is More Than a Size on a Label

When it comes to motorcycle protection, proper fit isn't just about looking good or feeling comfortable.

It's about helping protective armor stay positioned over the parts of your body it's designed to protect.

Shoulder, elbow, back, hip, and knee protection can only do their intended job when they're positioned correctly. And poorly fitting gear can shift, bunch, restrict movement, or simply become so uncomfortable that riders stop wearing it altogether.

That's why Bohn has focused on developing armored base layers that fit close to the body, move with the rider, and can be worn beneath a wide variety of outer clothing.

Whether you're petite or plus-size, short or tall, riding in summer heat or cooler temperatures, the goal is the same: to help you find protection that fits your body and your ride.

Because the best protective gear is gear that fits properly — and that you'll actually wear.

Taking the Road Less Traveled Isn't Always Easy

Of course, challenging the status quo sounds great until you're the one trying to do it.

Expanding size ranges, developing products for different body types, finding the right materials, maintaining quality, and manufacturing specialized protective clothing is complicated.

And expensive.

There have been production setbacks, supply chain challenges, rising costs, mistakes, and plenty of moments when they've had to rethink their approach––and many days when I have almost gave up.

But we've also learned that doing things differently rarely comes with a smooth, predictable path.

Some days have been downright brutal and I am not going to pretend this journey has been easy. We've made mistakes, faced some pretty huge obstacles (I often feel like I should write a book), and we've learned more than a few lessons the hard way. But I believe in what we're doing. Every time a rider tells us they've finally found protection that fits, or shares a story about how their Bohn armor helped protect them in an accident, it reminds me why we keep going.

Protection Should Fit Your Life, Too

One of the biggest misconceptions about motorcycle protection is that it has to dictate what you wear.

We don't believe that.

Want to wear your favorite flannel? Your adventure jacket? A pair of riding jeans? Or simply add protection beneath clothing suited to your particular ride?

That's the beauty of the Bohn armored base layer.

It gives riders more flexibility to choose their outer clothing while keeping protective armor close to the body.

And that versatility matters.

A rider commuting through summer traffic has different needs than someone touring through the mountains in November. A weekend cruiser may have entirely different preferences than an adventure rider spending days on the trail.

There isn't one perfect riding outfit for everyone.

And there shouldn't have to be.

We're Not Perfect. And We're Certainly Not Finished.

Nearly 30 years after Bohn began, we're still learning, evolving, and looking for ways to do better.

There are more products we'd like to develop, more riders we'd like to reach, and more challenges to solve.

And yes, there will undoubtedly be more bumps in the road.

But we're committed to continuing the work.

Because this has never been about making motorcycle gear for one type of rider.

It's about making serious protection available to more of the people who love to ride.

To every customer who has supported us, challenged us, shared feedback, or trusted us with their protection, thank you.

You've helped shape what Bohn has become, and you're a big part of where we're going.

The road less traveled isn't always the easiest. But sometimes it's the one worth taking.

Different bodies. Different bikes. Different rides. One commitment to protection.

— Kristen + The Bohn Body Armor Team