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Riders Gear Helmets, gloves, jackets, etc. You need to protect yourself from everything and anything. So what should you buy? Check out what others have to say.
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Old 07-01-2008, 10:01 AM   #1 (permalink)
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Default Leathers?

How comfortable are full leathers, Im not talking about how hot or cold they are. But what does a full leather feel like? is it like a heavyweight overall, or is it tight and hard to move in?

The reason I'm asking is ive never tryed on a full suit, and I was wondering.
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Old 07-01-2008, 10:40 AM   #2 (permalink)
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depending how you are built it could be skin tight or loose like gym cloths... whatever you are in a dress suit size should fit just right for 1 peice leathers.
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Old 07-01-2008, 11:19 AM   #3 (permalink)
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IMHO...if they leathers fit you right, they are quite comfortable when you're on the bike. This isn't a gear nazi comment...it's a comfort comment...I actually prefer my leathers to jeans/jacket.

They are heavier, but that's something you'll get used to over time. Movement isn't as restricted as you might think once a the suit is broken in. It will take a little time to get used to wearing leathers though...
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Old 07-01-2008, 01:09 PM   #4 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by CYLax View Post
IMHO...if they leathers fit you right, they are quite comfortable when you're on the bike. This isn't a gear nazi comment...it's a comfort comment...I actually prefer my leathers to jeans/jacket.

They are heavier, but that's something you'll get used to over time. Movement isn't as restricted as you might think once a the suit is broken in. It will take a little time to get used to wearing leathers though...
+1 to taking some time to feel comfortable. They're much heavier than other gear and somewhat stiff at first. After a few rides/few hundred miles they break in and feel like a second skin.
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Old 07-01-2008, 02:03 PM   #5 (permalink)
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+1 to taking some time to feel comfortable. They're much heavier than other gear and somewhat stiff at first. After a few rides/few hundred miles they break in and feel like a second skin.

+1 to cylax and ray ... pretty much sums it up.
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Old 07-02-2008, 02:48 AM   #6 (permalink)
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it just takes alittle while to get use to them, but once you ride in full leathers you wont want to ride in anything less.
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Old 07-02-2008, 04:23 AM   #7 (permalink)
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The only thing hard about riding in full leathers is the time it takes to get them on and off... and for me half of that time comes from my boots and gloves.

Just make sure to try them on before you buy, or make sure your online shop has a no-hassle exchange policy.

I suggest getting some long-sleeve Underarmor style shirts and pants so make the suit more comfortable, and easier to get on and off. (or an undersuit, but they're $$$$)
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Old 07-02-2008, 10:41 AM   #8 (permalink)
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+1 to the Underarmor or similar. I'm hoping to try the new Dry Inside gear.

I made the mistake of trying to wear my new leathers with a tank top and had to have a buddy help me get them off my shoulders. Something that will wick sweat away or at least be slippery to help squirm in and out of the suit.

I ended up buying a Teknic Chicane 1 piece from Motorcycle closeouts. I tried out a 48 (my normal jacket size) and thought it was a bit too tight, but when I tried on the 50 it was obviously WAY wrong. Didn't feel right at all. I picked up the 48 and it gets more comfortable each time I use it.
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Old 07-02-2008, 10:48 AM   #9 (permalink)
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How much does a decent full suit cost?
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Old 07-02-2008, 11:01 AM   #10 (permalink)
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The Chicane is on close out for $299 for the 1 piece at MC Closeouts and $275 for the 2 piece at New Enough. I'd rather have a custom fitted suit made but can't justify the expense.
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Old 07-02-2008, 11:27 AM   #11 (permalink)
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How much does a decent full suit cost?
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Old 07-02-2008, 11:32 AM   #12 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SloppyJoseph View Post
How much does a decent full suit cost?
You can get Technik suits pretty cheap right now. Check out the usual online retailers- Newenough, Iron Pony, Motorcycle-Superstore, etc. Last I saw, they were going for about $500 for a one- or two-piece suit on closeout. Dainese or A* can be insanely pricey- $1000 and up. Alternatively, you can build your own two-piece by buying separate jacket and pants. Doesn't matter if the zippers match, beca0use they always come with the mate.

: obviously they've gone down... hurry and buy!

Oh yeah, my A* jackets are just as comfortable as any street jacket. The pants take a bit of getting used to, but they'll break in. Definitely wear under armour or something under them.

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Old 07-02-2008, 12:07 PM   #13 (permalink)
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I'm sticking with what I said earlier... get the same size you would go if you were to get a suit for work or an interview. I'm a 42 Short. I ordered that $299 1 peice from MC Closeouts and posted pics... Yea they look tight but after a few (4 weekends) of ride'n, walking around the house, watching TV etc they've broken in quite well. I'd suggest ordering the Psyclcye skins from STG as that helped getting in and out. Its $100 but worth every penny as they keep you warm,cool,dry and ease of getting in and out of the suit. Also, I'd recomend getting a backprotector, that too I ordered from STG, Knox. That helped alot with the stretching of the leathers to comform to my body.

Remember a 1 peiece isn't meant for walking around its meant to be in the tuck position on a bike. This doesn't mean I can't walk into a McDonnalds of the PA Turnpike and be uncomfortable, ask pholcat.
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Old 07-02-2008, 12:48 PM   #14 (permalink)
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Default Leathers, yes!

Leathers must be fitted closely so the armor stays in the correct places if you take a fall. This is also important to reduce the probability that the leather will bunch up and catch if sliding. If it catches, then it will promote tumbling in a fall.

New leathers must be a bit on the tight side. They will stretch with use to fit your body and any armor within them or worn under them.

It is expected that the leather WILL restrict movement of your limbs. You will probably not be able to put your arms above your head, and your elbows may not bend all the way. These are non issues on the bike, however -- and you really don't want your arms to be able flail above your head in a tumble.

I wear a VelocityGear Juggernaut armored shirt with back and chest protectors under my leathers. The armor has been removed from the leathers so they fit properly. I believe the Juggernaut is better armor than can be found in most suits, and I can wear it under almost any properly-sized motorcycle jacket or suit.

It is important that any leathers you buy be made for motorcycle use. Fashion leather may not have the strength, abrasion resistance, or seam construction that will come into play in a fall. Same goes for boots and gloves.

Textile suits may not be able to withstand more than one fall to the tarmac before requiring replacement. Also, many textile suits do not hold the armor securely enough in position. I have an Icon TiMax jacket and pants set that looks great, but I feel unprotected in it even with the armored shirt beneath it. The attachment between the jacket and pants is very insecure looking, consisting of three snap-fastened straps. This may allow separation at the waist, resulting in road rash. The suit material is said to be substantial enough, but I believe leather is more so. I have not "road tested" this outfit in a fall.

Two-piece leathers with full-circumference zipper at the waist are very convenient for road use, and can be used at most tracks. Many are not perforated or well ventilated, so they can be hot. One-piece leathers are less convenient for street use, but look good and are very functional. Many are perforated for cooling, and are quite comfortable up to about 95 degrees when moving. Liner garments can be worn for lower temperature use. Almost any leather (and many textiles) will be hot when stopped. One piece leathers are also very difficult to get into and out of. Once in, they are very comfortable.

Underwear is important to be able to slide the suit on and off as mentioned above by another poster. Cotton underwear is not good, it gets soaked and doesn't dry easily. Polypropylene or polyester is better. Bicycling shorts add a little extra padding where needed for long jaunts. Polar fleece or polar pile is good for cooler weather.

A tip about riding in high temperatures: Maintain hydration well beyond what you think you need. Drink water to the extent that you must urinate at every stop. When you're "in the wind" your fluids leave your body quickly. If you get even mildly dehydrated, your mental ability will suffer and you'll be prone to panic and bad judgement.

OK, to the answer: I never ride without wearing full leathers. Two piece for commuting, one piece for the longer rides in the mountains. Once in them, I forget they are on me. They feel good, and I feel protected. I have taken a fall with a Fieldsheer two-piece leather suit, gloves, boots, helmet, and Juggernaut armor without any road rash and with relatively minor tendon/ligament/muscular damage that healed up in a few weeks on its own. No broken bones. (Your results may vary.)

See this video for some help in fitting a leather one-piece suit:
YouTube - Leather fit

...but these guys are afraid to help one another get out of their leathers. Must be a guy thing along the lines of never asking for directions when lost (I can identify with that):
YouTube - The Leather Dance

Go for it...and then post a picture!
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Last edited by Bucky2 : 07-02-2008 at 02:45 PM.
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Old 07-02-2008, 01:02 PM   #15 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Spec-R View Post
...
I suggest getting some long-sleeve Underarmor style shirts and pants so make the suit more comfortable, and easier to get on and off. (or an undersuit, but they're $$$$)
I have several pieces of long sleeve and long legged stuff from REI in different weights. Really thin for summer and thicker for winter. Not too $$. Get polyester or silk and it will wick the sweat away from your skin. Cotton sucks for this.
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