Topic: Vanson race leather "floating armor"

[gschuld]

Sorry, a shade off topic:  but clearly related

I might be able to swing a pretty good deal on a nearly mint, hardly used, never crashed, all black, Vanson RR1 classic road racing suit made in 1997, raced briefly, and retired to the closet shortly after.  It comes with all the armor in great shape plus the full spine protector.  It was built a few years before the Vanson full floating armor system came out.  Anyone with experience with Vanson suits out there that has any useful opinions regarding the difference in comfort, flexibility, and crash protection between pre and post floating armor Vanson suits?  Is the floating armor system common today among other race suit makers?

Thanks,


George

[turboguzzi]

 i might be a bit off your topic myslef, but are you really sure you want to trust 18 year old leather in a 100mph crash?

had a dainese suit (from the days they were made in italy with top local leather...)  that i even didnt wear that much, that simply started to come apart after 15 years  safely guarded in the closet.... it hurted to throw away but no other options really.

[gschuld]

It's a good point.  It was a follow up question I was going to bring up afterward.  I have a 1969-1972 vintage Schott café jacket that is in great shape for a daily rider jacket. The leather and stitching appear to be holding up very well.  Of course I have no idea how it would stack up against a new jacket in a crash, not that I am keen on dumping one of the bikes to test it out.

If the leathers are well cared for and stored, and totally undamaged, is an 18yr old set of race leathers "age damaged" and compromised beyond consideration?

George

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

It the leather and stitching has been cared for/closeted (not exposed to heat, sun, etc.), it should hold up fine.  After using my racing leathers, I also clean and moisturize the leather with a spray cleaner and rub in additional moisturizer. 

Vanson products have not drastically changed over time.  They use quality, heavier cowhide.  I have a Mark 2 Cobra perforated jacket.  It is a great jacket, but does not soften/brake in like many of my other jackets. 

Vanson also stands behind their products and does excellent repair work.  If the armor has issues, they can replace it or probably modify the suit to take new armor.

I think that if the suit was not crashed and the leather has been well cared for since 1997, it should be fine but it is your skin.  Just like your own skin, if you don't clean or condition leather, it degrades especially if exposed to elements.  Time itself, in a closet, should not degrade the leather or stitching -- especially 17-18 years. You can buy a new Alpinestars or other quality suit with updated fit and features if you have doubts.

[gschuld]

Just spoke with the race suit tech at Vanson Leathers in Fall River Mass.  He basically stated that the suit will degrade VERY little based on age alone.  As long as the suit was dry, conditioned, and stored inside in a dry environment out of the sunlight, it should be perfectly fine.  It is important to make sure the leather is soft to the touch, still very flexible, and not cracking.  The stitching should not show any signs of fraying or wear.  Any damage to the suit must be carefully examined for proper repair.

Regarding the floating armor vs non floating armor, the major difference seems to be the extra range of motion with the floating armor as the armor is attached to the liner rather than solidly fastened to the suit leather itself.  The farther the arm/leg/hip extension from the normal designed range of motion, the more comfortable the suit will feel if it has floating armor. 

The seller is pretty cool about it.  I can return the suit, no questions asked, if it doesn't work for me for any reason.  I do like the fact that Vanson services their stuff, and being in the northeast I can see them in person at will.  I need to head that way in 3 weeks regardless on another mission anyway.  If I get the suit, I will bring it directly to them in person, have them look it over, and decide whether to keep it or not.

George

[PeWe]

I had old leather boots that I was sure were still OK. I bought them 1988, used them during long touring Sweden-Spain-Sweden à 6000km's + about 3000kms more that season. 1989, 1990 maybe max 3000kms each season. After that storage in dry and warm place until 2014.

They really started to fall apart (paint on upper part on the foot side) looking worse than my friends boots of same model (Lindstrands Safety) purchased same year as mine with the difference he has used them every year and still using them.
So I had to buy new....Alpinestars WEB 2.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I'd follow the Vanson rep's advice.  It would not hurt to rub in some leather conditioner before and after you use the suit.  Also, make sure you suit is fully dried after use.  Spray the inside with Fabreeze if particularly sweaty and condition the leather.  This suit will probably outlast you.