We often make the point that, “Transmoto events are about fun, not officialdom”. After all, our goal has always been to strip out the bullshit, sideline any unnecessary rules, and throw fun events for people who just want to get out there to ride epic locations with their buddies, lap up the relaxed atmosphere, and go home with a smile on their dials.
But when it comes to rider safety, we’re the first to agree with the sport’s governing body, Motorcycling Australia (MA), that rules are non-negotiable – wearing a compliant helmet, for example.
So, it’s important that anyone entering a Transmoto event this year is aware that MA’s regulations regarding body armour were updated as of January 1, 2026.
Type “C” body armour is now mandatory for all Junior and Senior competitors racing Enduro, Motocross, Supercross, and Classic Motocross disciplines. This requirement already applies to Junior (U16) competition classes but has been extended to Senior competition classes for 2026. And that includes Transmoto Enduro Events.
If you want to get into the rule-change nitty-gritty, you can check out MA’s Information Bulletin here. But in short: to comply with the new rules, body armour needs to be commercially manufactured and provide front and rear upper-body protection.
So, for anyone who’s entered a 2026 Transmoto Enduro Event, please ensure your body armour complies with these new rules, as armour will be scrutineered (along with your bike and helmet) at the events this year.
We strongly recommend that body armour is worn by riders entered into Saturday’s non-competitive Juniors/Ladies Loop at a Transmoto event, but it is not mandated by Motorcycling Australia (MA).
WHAT IS TYPE “C” BODY ARMOUR?
When the rule change was first announced by MA last year, there was some confusion about whether both hard/rigid and ‘soft’ body armour would comply. Thankfully, MA has now confirmed that both types comply with the 2026 rules.
In short, Type “C” body armour needs to:
- Be commercially manufactured;
- Provide both front and rear upper body protection (ie, chest and back/spine); and
- Be worn securely (good fit, secure straps, no missing pieces).
WHICH ARMOUR DOESN’T COMPLY?
- Front-only roost guards;
- Back-only spine protectors;
- Soft padded shirts with no hard armour;
- Jackets with no chest- or back-plates;
- Homemade or altered armour;
- Armour worn incorrectly or with parts missing.
IF YOU NEED NEW BODY ARMOUR…
Leatt Protective (who’ve partnered with Transmoto Enduro Events for a few years now) are protective gear specialists and boast the biggest range of body armour on the market (including Junior-specific armour), and they’ve offered a 15% discount on Leatt armour exclusively for those who’ve entered the 2026 Transmoto 8-Hour at Macleay Valley.
Here’s how to cash in on Leatt’s exclusive 15% discount offer:
- Click this link: https://moto.leatt.com.au/collections/chest-body-protection;
- In the ‘Discount Code’ box, enter “TMCPR1” (TransMoto Chest Protection Round 1); and
- Go ahead and complete the discounted transaction.
This offer applies to all products in Leatt’s ‘Chest and Body Protection’ category (all of which are MA-rule compliant, with prices starting at $179.99) and will end on March 21, when the 2026 Transmoto 8-Hour at Macleay Valley gets under way on the Mid North Coast Region of NSW.
NOTE: The Leatt Protective guys will not be on-site at the Macleay Valley event on March 21-22, so if want to take up this 15% discount offer, you’ll need to purchase it online prior to the event.
