Leather, Textile,Denim or Kevlar??

Shadow152 · Nova Slayer Joined: 26 Sep 2010 Karma :

Wait, Kevlar? isn't that what bulletproof vests are made of??

Ok, i'm a new biker by any standards, binned a bike on the first day taking it home and was very lucky to come out without serious injuries, but not letting it go to my head, i know i'm not invincible (i wish), got my new bike a week ago and since then been riding around in similar gear as the crash, proper biking gloves, helmet and rest just casuals: Jeans, normal trainers and a thermal waterproof jacket.

But i'm not happy with this, i see the first accident as a warning and such if i am destined to have another one as a learner i want to get as much protection as possible.

My gloves are a £90 pair of Richa's and my helmet is a Viper RS-V66 for now but thats getting replaced on the 29th as it was involved in the first crash in september.

what i want to know is people's opinions on the different gear thats available: Leather, Textile or Denim for trousers and jacket and also what kind of boots would people recommend?

If possible i'd like to get gear through my local dealer that i got my bike from: www.nemc.co.uk (can't find anything in the rules against posting links, if i'm wrong could a mod please remove this and suggest another way for readers to see my dealer's available gear?)

Just interested in the opinions of those with experience, not only for the safety aspect but also for the warmth aspect as i will be driving in winter where i feel safe to do so and preferably something i won't cook in during the summer as i'm not gonna be blasting down the roads to cool myself unless i manage to pass my DAS before then (unlikely).

Please vote on the poll and explain why if you're feeling generous

Shadow.

Clanger · Stirrer Joined: 27 May 2004 Karma :

Shadow152 · Nova Slayer Joined: 26 Sep 2010 Karma :

Well i like to think all the amazingly experienced members look out for new posts on the new biker forums and respond appropriately Smile

plus for the time being i'm a new biker so i thought it appropriate to post in the new bikers forum

MinhDinh · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 Jan 2005 Karma :

Leather is the best for speed above 30 IMO.

It's not the best for warmth and rain though.

Of course get the best gear you can afford, but riding safely is the most important thing ever.

I have both leather and textiles for different weather conditions.

Boots are important because you don't want your shoes just flying off and messing your toes up.

Get good fitting items too, a helmet that is tight enough to not drop off etc...
____________________
Hit the G spot. Wink

Clanger · Stirrer Joined: 27 May 2004 Karma :

Shadow152 · Nova Slayer Joined: 26 Sep 2010 Karma :

ahh terribly sorry bout that, i'll be sure to search on all my topics before i post in future but still appreciate the replies

Howling TerrorOutOfOffice · Super Spammer Joined: 05 Dec 2008 Karma :

Well today i was wearing a thermal top and leggin thingies. Textile jacket. Leather jeans with stretch fabric panels. If it's warmer i'll wear leather jacket and kevlar jeans. Boots today were some plastic frank thomas things(warm tho) and some leather with thinsulate lined gloves. And a necktube.

As i don't intend on crashing Smile

... i tend to dress to the weather conditions 1st and foremost. Then it'll depend on my journey...popped into town in a t-shirt and jeans summer just gone. Wore full leathers when last on the motorway. Time before that i was in kevlar jeans.

In short..i have alot of clobber and don't always ride in full protection. My choice.

Pat
____________________
Diabolical homemade music Bandcamp and Soundcloud
Singer songwriter, Artist and allround good bloke Listen to Andrew Susan Johnston here
The Harry Turner Project

Shadow152 · Nova Slayer Joined: 26 Sep 2010 Karma :

Howling TerrorOutOfOffice · Super Spammer Joined: 05 Dec 2008 Karma :

So what are your thoughts so far?
____________________
Diabolical homemade music Bandcamp and Soundcloud
Singer songwriter, Artist and allround good bloke Listen to Andrew Susan Johnston here
The Harry Turner Project

Shadow152 · Nova Slayer Joined: 26 Sep 2010 Karma :

Howling TerrorOutOfOffice · Super Spammer Joined: 05 Dec 2008 Karma :

My 1st bike kit was a 2 piece textile. Dutch army boots (which i can't find for love nor money...nice smooth sole and a buckle gaiter...god i love them boots....where the feck are they Evil or Very Mad

)

Aye textiles... Thumbs Up

____________________
Diabolical homemade music Bandcamp and Soundcloud
Singer songwriter, Artist and allround good bloke Listen to Andrew Susan Johnston here
The Harry Turner Project

Bendy · Mrs Sensible Joined: 10 Jun 2002 Karma :

Shadow152 · Nova Slayer Joined: 26 Sep 2010 Karma :

Tonka · World Chat Champion Joined: 11 Jun 2008 Karma :

A large bike gear wardrobe seems to be de rigeur! I've kit for every occasion and I've only been riding a couple of years! Embarassed

Personally for that feeling of snugness and safety I'd go with my leathers every time. However, I really don't like the waterproof oversuit that I have for over the leathers in wet weather, so I also have textiles. They are very comfortable to wear, but I slide a bit on the seat (need some of that 'stuff' I know! Embarassed

) and I'm not convinced that the armour wouldn't move about at the moment I needed it most.

As for other stuff I've yet to find kevlar that I like and fit me well enough to fork out the money and I'm quite fond of my skin and not so confident in my riding skills so don't ride in denim.

If I had to have one set of gear I guess the most versatile would be the textile kit - it has three layers; outer with armour, water/windproof liner and thermal layer, so good for all types of conditions. Oh, mine's Richa but not sure that matters!

HTH
____________________
'The core of a man's spirit comes from new experiences'
Suzuki SV650S (Clean); Yamaha XT250 Serow (Dirty)

MinhDinh · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 Jan 2005 Karma :

Beelzebob · Spanner Monkey Joined: 08 Sep 2010 Karma :

I have been riding for about 6 months and got textiles for the versatility. That and the story the guy told me about flesh grinding away against tarmac means I'm reluctant to ride without any kind of abrasion protection...

Personally it's just for a short commute at the moment - so textiles are best, versatility, all-weather, relatively cheap - but my jacket still has a built in back protector.

Go with what best suits your circumstances, what you can afford and, crucially, what fits you well on the bike Thumbs Up

____________________
'09 YBR 125 -> '92 XJ600 S Diversion -> '99 Hornet 600

"Stronger than your average female lifeguard"

image riot · Renault 5 Driver Joined: 21 Oct 2010 Karma :

As verstile as Textile is, I will always go for leather simply based on experience. I once took a dive at approx 50mph in a 1 piece leather suit when I binned my ZX9-R and I walked away virtually injury free. So my vote goes for leather Very Happy

____________________
GSXR750 > GSXR1100 > ZX9R > CBR900RRP >CBR929RR>K1200S

Shadow152 · Nova Slayer Joined: 26 Sep 2010 Karma :

carlosthejack... · World Chat Champion Joined: 16 Aug 2010 Karma :

Howling TerrorOutOfOffice · Super Spammer Joined: 05 Dec 2008 Karma :

Size 9.5

Used to be a great shop in town...Totally broke every H&S reg going. Weird redfaced bloke behind the counter with his totally deaf assistant who was at least a billion years old (visions of her crummy tights whilst teetering on stepladders Sick

)..Still..Used to get them from there. The lost pair have been re-stitched and are size 10...Never could get 9.5s.

Boots are very important in my life...did you guess?

Pat
____________________
Diabolical homemade music Bandcamp and Soundcloud
Singer songwriter, Artist and allround good bloke Listen to Andrew Susan Johnston here
The Harry Turner Project