Leather suit

From Ninja250Wiki

Why leather?

There is no question that leather is a safer material in a crash than textile. If it weren't, you'd see people racing in textile suits. If you're planning on spending time at high speeds, especially on a track, you should consider a one-piece leather suit. Why one piece? Again, it's safer. You don't have that exposed midriff thing going on, and you'll know that every part of your body is covered, except that which will be under your helmet, boots, and gloves.

For everyday riding, textile is usually more practical for most people. It is easier to get into and out of, and it's usually not quite as hot. But leather holds the armor in place better and will help preserve your skin when you go sliding at high speeds.

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Fit

You want leathers to be on the snug side (almost tight) so as they break in they fit to your body. They should be tight enough so that the armor will not move when you go down. Look at some of the pictures of the pro racers; theirs are TIGHT. You also want to account for room to allow a back protector. If you're looking for a one-piece, keep in mind that they may be manufactured based on seating position of the bike, meaning they may fit oddly while standing straight up. Find out how they feel when you're sitting on a bike.

Leathers may take a while to break in. If you have a reasonably average build you should be able to find some good-fitting "off the rack" leathers. If you have a little (or a lot) more cash, there are places that make custom leather suits. All brands fit differently and are sized a bit differently as well. Try them on, or plan on sending a few back until you get the right fit. Try on as many brands as you can to see which fit you best.

If you usually ride in hot weather, or are the kind of person who sweats all the time in the summer, you may want to get perforated leathers. These have tiny holes all over them to let air in while you're moving.

Plan on wearing either thin silk long underwear or some kind of space-age wicking material under the suit to help with movement and sanitation. Silk doesn't hold an odor like synthetics sometimes do. It's a lot easier to clean silk or polyester than leather. Underwear helps make it easier to put on, take off, and keep clean.

Once you get a good-fitting set of leathers, you may not be able to get warm clothes under them, but you can always wear warm stuff on the outside. It won't look quite as good, but would you rather be cool or freezing?

You don't necessarily have to clean your leathers, but you should invest in some Lexol leather conditioner. Lexol has been recommended as the best of its kind by seasoned riders. Conditioning will help break the suit in faster, and if you regularly use it you shouldn't have to use any kind of cleaner on it. There are good leather care tips on the Lexol site, in the auto and horsey sections.

Now go find some leathers, then get to a track for complete motorcycle satisfaction.

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