Topic: best leathers for the $$

[wannabridin]

hey guys.  i'd love to have a set of leathers whenever i get the CB done, but i have no clue where to start looking or how much to spend!  i've tried searching on here and can't find anything, maybe i'm looking for the wrong stuff?  either way, i'd like to know from people that have their own leathers and/or experience racing in them, what should i look for as a first time buyer?  1 pc, 2 pc?  what brand?  how much should i spend?  thanks a bunch guys!!!

[vanillagorilla]

Depend on what kind of riding you plan on doing... More info!!! If you're going to the track, then a 1 or 2 piece riding suit would be ideal. If you are just going out riding for fun, get yourself a good jacket(leather or otherwise, with crash pads), a pair of riding boots(or a good, comfortable all purpose boot), and some good gloves. A pair of draggin jeans(kevlar reinforced riding jeans) wouldn't be a bad idea either. Being in Tx, I would want a jacket that is warm for the winter, but breathes well for in the summer. A lot of jackets have zip out liners. These are perfect. Safety is obviously first and foremost when talkin about gear, but if you ain't comfortable, you ain't gonna be riding! I have a hard time picturing myself on a brisk ride through East TX in full leathers, but that's just me... So that is my blanket answer to your question!

[Rocking-M]

get full armored gear, even for the street. Alpine Star two piece suit, good boots, good gloves, and an Arai helmet.
If for mostly warm weather riding perforated leathers are not uncomfortable even in the 90's as long as your rolling.
I don't ride in cities so I've no advice for that. But remember,


The street is a whole lot less unforgiving than the track.

[myhondas]

Great leather gear at a very reasonable price. Also very good customer service.

http://www.leatherup.com/

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=49838.0

[Alan F.]

I'd recommending running a search for accident stories, members seem to usually mention just what gear they were wearing...when it worked well.

Otherwise check out www.newenough.com
and www.vansonleathers.com

[wannabridin]

i have a nice leather jacket (old school 50's style) from leather up, and it's pretty good quality, although the pads need to be replaced, they suck! 

and i think a nice leather suit would be nice for the more aggressive riding days.  especially for when i move back to CO.  it's about time for a new helmet, as it's been 4+ years with the one i have now, so it's starting to break down i assume.  i don't know if i can justify spending $4-600 on a helmet, as I'll only buy a snell approved helmet, and they all meet those standards, you just pay for extra features on those super expensive ones, dont you? 

thanks for the info so far, keep it coming if you have advice!!

[myhondas]

try this place for a great deal

http://www.indysuperbike.com/customer/home.php?cat=21894

[Gregorymoto]

Hay man if your looking for racing leather look on ebay. I picked up a nice 2 peace in 2005 for $300. It was a BATES to. Good luck

[kpier883]

Maybe look for a Fox Creek leather jacket used on Craigslist.  I was able to get one close enough to my size for a whole lot less than a new one.  They are made in the U.S. of quality leather.  

Link to their site:
http://www.foxcreekleather.com/mensjackets.phtml

Example of one on Craigslist, but I paid a lot less for mine:
http://bloomington.craigslist.org/mcy/1469417571.html

[Sam Green Racing]

If you are going to use them for racing and go for 2 peice, remember, they have to zip together.

White is a good colour or if you are in America....color

Sam.

[Gregorymoto]

Wow Sam just how do you get your whites so white!?

[Sam Green Racing]

I boil them for about one hour in bleach and caustic soda, the helmet is a little easier.

Sam.

[wannabridin]

ya, i'll have to check craigslist and ebay for some good deals when the money comes in.  until then, i might grab myself a set of good pants or nice chaps for riding the cruiser.  it's (hopefully) going to be getting colder soon here, and a set of chaps would be nice, no tassels please 

dummy question, but is the hump on racing leathers at the top of the back to keep the head from going too far back?

[ColinMc]

i LOVE anything I own made by Vanson...but they don't come cheap that's for sure. The stitching and quality is well above anything else I own...and i've gathered quite the collection of gear lol.

I like their custom tailored items since i'm above average height (6'2") and thin (175lb?) but have broad shoulders and monkey arms lol....they are the only thing I can seem to get that fits me right. Any universal one piece or even two piece suits that fit my upper body are HUGE around the waist.