Hey all-  I'm looking to invest some dough in a leather suit and boots, but wanted to see what people were wearing and get some feedback on what they liked or didn't like before I made my purchase.  Any info would be sweet.  Anyone looking to sell a suit would also be sweet.

are you going on the track?  that is were the one piece are used other than for show.   when i did the track thing i used a HCJ one piece with neck protector hump.  if your intent is to ride around your town on a gs in a one piece suit i would think about that for a moment

My advice:

Get a two piece.

Get a custom-fitted suit if you can afford it.

If you are skinny/lanky/thin, or like 'em to fit tight, go with Spidi, Dainese, Alpinestars (less so than the first two), but if you like 'em loose or still haven't worked off the holiday happy pouch, Joe Rocket, Icon, AGV and others will fit you better.


TRY THEM ON BEFORE YOU GO TO ANY WEBSITE AND BUY.  This is a very individual thing, and I work at an online retailer, and we always have people returning stuff because they didn't go try it on first.  The fitment changes from one suit in a brand's line-up to another from the same brand, and then again when you switch brands.  Make sure you try it on or be prepared to exchange it.



As for the boots, I started off with heavy duty shoes/leather tie-ups (Skechers, whatever you wanna call that style of boot/shoe), then moved up to Alpinestars SMXs and wore those till the soles came off (I wore them to school, and walked around in them a lot for 2 years).  Now I've got Sidi Vertigo Corsas and they are just ridiculously nice.  Sure they are super expensive, but definitely worth it, no matter what bike you are on.  The best protection for your ankle/foot that you can buy today.  They are lighter than my old SMXs, quieter (no squeaking when walking), easier to feel the shift/brake pedals, and ventilate better (I still should have gone with the Corsa Airs, since I live in SoCal and frequently ride out through the desert).

Quote from: frankieG on July 21, 2007, 09:13:21 AM
are you going on the track?  that is were the one piece are used other than for show.   when i did the track thing i used a HCJ one piece with neck protector hump.  if your intent is to ride around your town on a gs in a one piece suit i would think about that for a moment

No posing here.  We have great roads here in Western NC that are very tempting to haul a$$ on and I just want to protect myself.  Perhaps you've heard of Deals Gap, AKA the Dragon?  I'd eventualy like to do some track days, too.  Thanks for the info so far, any other info would be appreciated!

Quote from: frankieG on July 21, 2007, 09:13:21 AM
are you going on the track?  that is were the one piece are used other than for show.   when i did the track thing i used a HCJ one piece with neck protector hump.  if your intent is to ride around your town on a gs in a one piece suit i would think about that for a moment

Werd. Boardshorts and a wife beater is plenty of protection for the street.

Hey Woop where abouts in Asheville are you.My Brother Lives Pretty close to one of the Hospitals Down there.Uhhhhhh I think it's Memorial or Something like that.

^^^^  Jughead is a squid, he doesn't even wear a helmet   Not that there's anything up there to be damaged

Special Buttercup ^^^^ Prefers Chaps.Without Pants and Undies. I think I heard Him refer to His Asscrack as Georgia or something.

Least I wear gear, ya pig molester

c'mon guys, don't screw up his thread.  Have a little respect.

Brain dump follows:

If you plan to do any kind of serious street riding you should get a two-piece, unless you like dragging your sleeves in that "stuff" on the floor of a gas station restroom.  God forbid something you had for lunch should disagree with you, because you'll have to take your boots off, then your leathers and walk in it barefoot.   

Nevermind that a properly fitting 1-pc damn near takes a helper to get on, and will take a helper to get off after you've sweated in it for a few hours.  In addition, you should not be able to stand up straight in a 1-pc.  If you can, it's too big.

I suggest you look at 2-pc zip-together suits for street use.  These are also accepted at most trackdays.  If you eventually take to track riding and racing, a separate 1-pc would be the thing to do.

As far as manufacturers, I prefer BKS in England or Vanson in Boston, MA, although I've heard Barnacle Bill makes some very good suits too.  The leather they use is so far beyond the typical off-the-rack stuff.  It is much thicker, stronger, and generally better hide.  The downside is they're expensive.  A custom-made 2pc Vanson suit is in the range of $1,700.  Due to the current exchange rate, BKS is double that.  However, you get what you pay for.  When you first put on a Vanson jacket it will feel incredibly stiff, and that's normal.  It took me about 4,000 miles to break in my Vanson custom leathers, but now I really don't notice I'm wearing them other than the weight.

My only other suggestion would be to size your street gear a little big.  Properly fitting race leathers should look painted on and you'll have to seriously suck in your gut to zip them up.  On the street it is nice to be able to wear layers or heated gear under your leathers in inclement weather.  It's also nice to have enough flexibility to wriggle into a rain suit if necessary. 

I can just get into my jacket with a heated jacket liner on.  I had the pants sized about 1" larger in all girth dimensions so I can wear snow pants or heated pants inside them in the winter.  Works great, and expands my temperature envelope from about 0F to 95F.  Although the pants fit a little loose in the summer, they're still tighter than textile, more comfortable to wear all day, and should have no problems protecting me in a 70MPH slide. 

Boots wise, if you have narrow feet I don't think you can go wrong with Sidi boots.  I bought a pair of Vertebra II's on closeout from New Enough.  I've worn them 12-14 hours at a stretch year round with NO problems.  They're one of the most comfortable boots I've ever worn.  I should have bought a second pair, I don't like the styling of their current model.  Due to their design, it is much easier to shift and brake than wearing work boots but this is true of any proper sport riding boot.  They fit very tight, so if you normally wear sneakers it will take some time to adjust.

Quote from: Jughead on July 21, 2007, 06:13:52 PM
Hey Woop where abouts in Asheville are you.My Brother Lives Pretty close to one of the Hospitals Down there.Uhhhhhh I think it's Memorial or Something like that.

I live in the river arts district, not all that far from the hospital (or downtown, or the biltmore, or anything else in asheville)  Does he ride?

Quote from: WoopDwooP on July 23, 2007, 05:07:50 PM

Quote from: Jughead on July 21, 2007, 06:13:52 PM
Hey Woop where abouts in Asheville are you.My Brother Lives Pretty close to one of the Hospitals Down there.Uhhhhhh I think it's Memorial or Something like that.

I live in the river arts district, not all that far from the hospital (or downtown, or the biltmore, or anything else in asheville)  Does he ride?

No He's a Geek. He Plays in Bars with His Band and Works at one of the Hospitals.He's a Brain Surgeon but since there isn't Much Demand for one Where he Works They gave Him a Food Service Job. If you ever see a Red 73 Ford Maverick running Around Town thats Him. 

If I ever get down that way I'll look you up.I guess Since He Lives there I probably won't Visit though. Asheville just isn't big Enough for the Both of us.

Ok gear I have.

Oxtar TCS Evo race boots. love them
Frank thomas jacket and pants. Thy are ok but currently in the shop having zippers replaced. They have a lot of wear for 9 months old but i think they could have done a better job to begin with.
Frank Thomas gloves. So far I am very happy with them. Although I will be looking at some dainese gloves next time i buy.
Shoei RF-1000 helmet. For my melon it's a perfect fit. I love it.

I have Oxtar Matrix boots and thing they're great.  Waterproof and offer good protection.