Time for better gear
- Thread starter PaleHorse
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XPEHBAM
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I used to have a whole bunch of gear: rain gear, summer gear, winter gear, etc. more than half of my closet was full of these things. I looked for something that would work at all times.
Highly recommend revit ignition 3 pants & jacket (they zip up together, so its a 2 piece suit): I havent worn any other street gear since I got it a year ago. If you take out the thermal liner and waterproof liner it feels like you're riding naked - there's that much airflow. If you put them back in - you're good for going through a thunderstorm and remain dry. I've used it in temps from 40F to 90F and was comfy.
It isn't just textile vs leather. Most textile is utterly inadequate as gear, but most riders ignore safety and buy convenient or cheap instead. I've done it too. That's most of what they have in the shops.
As a hueristic, polyester gear is junk--check the garment label. That includes most cheap gear and some of the more expensive gear as well. And gear with an EN17092 AAA rating is good. EN13595 level 2 as well, but that's harder to find--though you can find moto jeans in the US with that rating. The rest of the gear is somewhere in between.
If you're riding on the track definitely leather. If you're doing short fun rides, leather is great too. If you're doing longer rides, textile is a lot more convenient, and you might want to look for good textile gear instead
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mototireguy
Moto Tire Veteran
A thoughtful mix of textile outers with hard armor unders might be worth a try before going full boat on leathers.
one thing to consider is what style of boots you want to wear in conjunction with your leathers. Some leather pants are made to go on the outside of the boot while others are made to tuck inside the boot. You may have a SOL moment if you're not pairing boot with pant combination.
norcalkid
Well-known member
I recently got Klim mesh too. Very happy with the induction jacket. Not a huge fan of the voyager air pants. The crotch is cut weird. Always bunched up and I think they need a rear air exit mesh panel too. I really like the soft armor ( 3DO). Can wear down to about 60 W base layer and peal off as it warms up.
I'd buy the induction jacket again in a heartbeat. I think I'm guna sell and replace the pants.
When looking for mesh for the Sac valley heat there really weren't a lota choices I felt provided adequate protection.
mrmarklin
Well-known member
Since you have a Harley, I’ve found that HD markets a lot of quality leather equipment. FXRG is some of the best available from any source, but its price is reflective of that. But there is a lot of good stuff in between.
This stuff is designed for street riding, not the track.
PaleHorse
Well-known member
Thanks for all the responses. As far as gear for the Harley, I'm good and im pretty well outfitted with textile stuff for both bikes. I'm looking for a full set of leathers for the gsxr. After putting another hole in thr knee of a brand new pair of alpinestars pants I'm over wearing anything other than leather on a sport bike unless it's raining and need more protection from the elements.
So, I'm 6' tall 175lbs. I'm guessing the best option is to go try a bunch on and see what size fits. This euro sizing stuff is bullshit though.. :thumbdown
So, I'm 6' tall 175lbs. I'm guessing the best option is to go try a bunch on and see what size fits. This euro sizing stuff is bullshit though.. :thumbdown
CasualSteve
Well-known member
I have an old race suit that may fit you perfectly. It's a Spidi that was repaired by Helmut years ago, bought it used and it never really fit me right.
nakedape
Well-known member
Or you can have custom made in USA lightweight Kevlar mesh that’s way stronger than leather and machine washable. Every time one of these I need real gear threads pops up I say the same thing, but read the reviews. ADV rider has some real battle threads about Motoport that are good reading.
Leather is sub optional for street riding and especially daily commuting in variable weather. Don’t buy full body leather for your three track days per year.
https://www.motoport.com/
PaleHorse
Well-known member
I sent you a message!
PaleHorse
Well-known member
Looks like quality stuff. I have never done a track day but am planning on it this year. Does this gear meet the requirements to ride in all groups?
CasualSteve
Well-known member
Nothing in my inbox, feel free to email me - "Redacted" I’m headed back home this weekend and I can send you photos of the suit if you want to see it.
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Unlikely--you can ask your trackday provider. Leathers for the track. Textiles are more comfortable for day trips and touring. For shorter stuff, you'll figure out what you want to wear that keeps you comfortable enough and safe enough.
If you buy leathers, and decide it's not convenient/comfortable enough for your day trips/touring/commuting, you can look for textile gear that works for that. Else you've got the gear you need.
afm199
Well-known member
Textile is considered one shot throw away when it comes to crashes. Aerostich is the exception. It's my choice for the street. I have destroyed textiles in a crash and walked away, they did their job. The asphalt sanded through the textile, knee pad, inner liner and kissed my jeans.
nakedape
Well-known member
No need to ask track folks, it is. The only consideration is zip together/one piece requirements. They can sew that in on request.
"Textile is considered one shot throw away when it comes to crashes. Aerostich is the exception. It's my choice for the street. I have destroyed textiles in a crash and walked away, they did their job. The asphalt sanded through the textile, knee pad, inner liner and kissed my jeans."
My experience is the same here. Absolutely exploded a set of Tourtech pants in a get off at 60mph. No person damage, but the pant were a flappin.
Motoport rebuilds and repairs crashed stuff so often its a good part of their business. Assuming the rider survives and wants to ride again. The big tell is how many motor officers use it. Whole agencies now recommend MP and it's going to NorCal agencies as well. They have a huge rack of suits and jackets all badged up you can see in the fitting room.
I've only been using MP gear for a bit over two years, but like a 'stich, it wears in and becomes a part of you. The armor is washable and Euro-something compliant. The owner cares as much or more about safety and fit than any shop. All the management rides including Baja 100.
They have unsold inventory people threw $250 deposits at but never picked up. Worth a call to ask about pre-built pieces. That's how I got my jacket with extras thrown in. Pants were custom. You can request over boot or in boot fit. They will build a quality set of gear, track and commute ready, and instead of buying their spendy liners you can layer with what you have around.
New one piece suits to directly compete with Aerostich are now in production.
https://www.motoport.com/product-category/one-piece-suits/
If you ride in summer the mesh is cooler and the kevlar more protective than the cordura 'stich uses. Not a little, a lot. Testing data is there to evaluate.