Simviation Forum - Motorbiking- Leathers versus Textiles.

Mar 13^th, 2008 at 1:01pm

machineman9 Offline
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Nantwich, England

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Being 15, I am nearing the age where I can possibly get a job, and getting fairly near to the age when I can get a motorbike 125cc license.

I am calculating up all the costs to get on the road (the bike- an aprilia rs125, insurance, lessons and of course the clothes)

I am stuck between buying more expensive leathers, or going out and getting the cheaper but more manageable to carry around college (for when I am there) textiles.

Is there anything legal which splits the two? What would mean that I have to wear leathers...?

Cheers

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Reply #1 - Mar 13^th, 2008 at 2:24pm

eno Offline
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your farts!!
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There's no legal requirements as to what you wear ......apart from a helmet. As for Leathers V Textile any good biker will tell you Leathers as in an accident they'll save your skin.. stones embeded in your flesh don't make for good tattoos.

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Reply #2 - Mar 13^th, 2008 at 2:31pm

machineman9 Offline
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True, true... I dont feel like getting bad grazes or worse.

So, is there actually any requirements for body clothing? Helmet, of course, but anything else?

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Reply #3 - Mar 13^th, 2008 at 5:39pm

CD. Ex Member

Another consideration is any man made fibre invariably melts if subjected to friction/heat (skidding along on your ar*e) whereas leather doesn't. Obviously, the best thing is not to go mad and keep both wheels firmly on the road but there's no legislating for other road users unfortunately...

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Reply #4 - Mar 13^th, 2008 at 6:06pm

machineman9 Offline
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Well... I plan to stay with both wheels on the ground, im not a hugely daft person and generally dislike putting myself in danger.

Odd. My mum would prefer me to do bike racing instead of street riding. I am considering combining the two after a few years experience.

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Reply #5 - Mar 14^th, 2008 at 12:27pm

ozzy72 Offline
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Alas there are a LOT of idiots in tin-cans out there who'll try and do you in as a biker.
I'd never get on a bike without my lid, leathers, gloves and boots! You can replace these things.... you can't grow new limbs.
You could try looking at kangaroo skin as an alternative as that is also incredible strong and popular. Try going to a biker show or looking around for a shop closing down, you'll get a good price for kit. Just try haggling Wink

You could even try getting second hand leathers (not crashed). I got my first 2-piece suit that way for 20 quid off a mate who'd got the gear for his test and then lost his nerve. He even threw in some Frank Thomas winter gloves (which I'm still using 15 years later) Wink

There are two types of aeroplane, Spitfires and everything else that wishes it was a Spitfire!

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Reply #6 - Mar 15^th, 2008 at 8:10am

machineman9 Offline
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Nantwich, England

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Well I would love a pair of leathers... (RAF symbol stiched onto the back of them would be cool- my colours are black, blue and white... so blue red and white would fit on well) but then there is the practicality side of it.

I like, what, 6-7 miles away from my school and depending on which college I go to, that could either be the same 6-7 miles or down to about a mile and a half.

Getting zipped up into leathers each day to do this trip (and then carrying all my other clothes, unless I wear them as bulky under my leathers) might get a bit annoying... so a jacket of sorts might be more useful.

But I dont know... it might be okay to wear leathers over the top of all my clothes- what do you think? I really only know what goes on on the top of the skin of bikers Wink

edit: of course, the RAF logo after I have hopefully, sucessfully made it through training (attempting at being an Officer Grin

)

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Reply #7 - Mar 15^th, 2008 at 2:37pm

Sir Crashalot Ex Member

All I can say is that my leathers saved my @$$ a few times. I don't think I would sit this comfortable if I was wearing textiles at that time. Just remember that there is leather and there is leather. A cheap unbranded set of leathers might look the works but with cheap stitching and thin leather it won't do much. Be on the safe side and buy something good. You'll pay (a lot) more but you'll enjoy it in the end.

Crash Wink

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Reply #8 - Mar 15^th, 2008 at 2:40pm

machineman9 Offline
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Nantwich, England

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Any particular brands that are good? I was looking at RST. Theyve got some fairly good prices, nice designs and their clothes seem to have some kevlar padding, and their leathers seem to be approved for the job.

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Reply #9 - Mar 15^th, 2008 at 3:28pm

Sir Crashalot Ex Member

My favourite: Dainese. Expensive stuff but the best there is. Lookwell, MJK are just a few names that pop in my mind. There are many more. Just get yourself well informed in the shop. Don't just go for looks but also take in account that your leathers have to fit you. Too small will hurt you, too big and you'll look like an elefant on a moped. You could also decide to have your leathers made for you, too fit perfectly.

Crash Wink

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Reply #10 - Mar 15^th, 2008 at 3:58pm

machineman9 Offline
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Nantwich, England

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MJK are selling for £10k on this site....

I think there is a biking shop fairly near to where I live so I can check them out when the day comes. There is also a suzuki dealership near to me, and they might sell bikes.

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Reply #11 - Mar 15^th, 2008 at 4:23pm

Sir Crashalot Ex Member

MJK, Dainese will sell you a pair of leathers for around 1000 to 1200 Euro.

Dutch website for MJK

Crash Wink

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