A standard research methodology for comparing the performance of various motorcyclist crash protection devices such as airbags and leg protectors, has been developed under the auspices of the International Standards Organization, ISO/TC22/SC22/WG22. This methodology employs an Anthropometric Test Device, ATD, specially designed to represent a motorcyclist. Based on the Hybrid III, it incorporates several special features specific to this application. Among these is a neck which includes several unique performance specifications.

Foremost among these requirements is the recognition that the initial head-neck orientation of the motorcyclist is both different from the automobile occupant and will vary from vehicle to vehicle. Secondly, the helmeted head of the motorcyclist ATD will be subjected to inertial and impact loading not only in the fore-aft direction, but also laterally. Finally, the head and neck Will be subjected to torsional loading.

Some of these requirements have been incorporated in Draft International Standard 13232. Others need further development particularly if the dummy is to be used for motorcycle airbag research. This paper discusses how current biomechanical specifications for frontal and side impact automotive ATDs are applied to this special application Additionally, new specifications for neck torsional response are proposed. A set of general criteria for these has been proposed and accepted by the relevant technical committees and could form the basis for possible neck development.