RST Leathers, and 1 or 2 piece?

[bikertomm]

Hi lads,

Well, figured it's finally time I got some proper riding gear.

I recently got a new job and am looking to start riding to work, once it's a bit warmer

Now, I'm thinking a 2 piece is going to be a hell of a lot more practical, or am I completely wrong thinking I'll get a 2 piece on over a work shirt and trousers? Can this be done?

Also, most reviews I've seen on RST stuff seems to be good value for money. Was wondering what BCF's consensus is.

Here's the one's in question, the Tractech jacket and bottoms, they zip together completely.

https://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o520/bikerrtomm/rst_tractech_evo_leather_jacket_black_zpsd9f9c59d.jpg
https://i1145.photobucket.com/albums/o520/bikerrtomm/rst_tractech_evo_leather_jean_black_zps57e325da.jpg

I can get these for £400 which seems okay. Would be open to other suggestions though, alpinetarts seems priced a little too high..

So, TL:DR are RST any good?

Can I wear a 2 piece for all my riding needs including going to work?

Going to try and find somewhere to try some on!

Thankies!
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07' Honda Hornet now full powaah! My guide on performing an oil change!

[johnnyarctic]

2 piece but you wont get your work clothes on underneath, you'll have to change when you get there. i don't commute, but if i did i would do it in textiles for sure
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Current Ride: VFR750

[bikertomm]

[johnnyarctic]

i should clarify - you could get a shirt and jumper, but not trousers! so you'd still have to change in the loos or whatever. leathers are supposed to fit right to your skin
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Current Ride: VFR750

[covent.gardens]

Meh, 2 piece and 1 pieces are supposed to fit tight so not "supposed" to be able to wear clothing underneath.

I've accumulated quite a lot of second hand stuff now, I've got a tight 2 piece (how it's supposed to be) but I use my oversize 2 peice all the time, as I can do exactly what you want, wear a shirt and trousers on underneath. And I love it.

You could get a second hand oversize for commuting pretty cheaply if that's what you want and keep the snug fitting new one for pleasure rides, just a thought.

[johnnyarctic]

[P.addy]

It looks to be a little cheaper from a local shop down here, I'm looking at these too. Might be worth a PM to _Iain_, was in their shop today and wanted a pair of them

[clancy]

I've had rst leathers for the last 4 years, all in all, very good

Still look new except a few things, in the last 6 months most of the zip pulies have snapped (so lasted 3+ years fine) few ware marks on the bending parts of the knees, other than that they still look new

Great value for money IMO

I also prefer 2 piece, little more practical to get on and off
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KLX 300r

[Eddie Hitler]

[Jefr0]

Personal preference 2 > 1 piece. Just easier.

For commuting, I use textiles rather than leathers. They have inner thermal removable liners. For the summer remove them and they are much cooler than leathers.

Leathers tend to get hot n sweaty so not ideal for work shirts. If you get caught in rain you'll be fine in textiles (waterproof ones) rather than leathers.

I wear a work shirt under goretex (breathable & waterproof ) and leave a few pairs of trousers at work and just change there. Also leave my shoes there.

You may find you get on alright with leathers, I did it for a few months before I got textiles n wouldn't go back.

I just wear my leathers for anything but commuting now.
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Rides: Honda XR 125 ('03) Honda CBR 600F ('91), Ducati 916 Biposto ('95)

[Jayy]

[j.silvs]

Why don't you go to a shop and try the stuff on with your work cloths on?

That will be the best way.

I have the pro series 2 piece and I can fit a t shirt under the leathers but no way could I fit anything under the trousers

[MattEMulsion]

If you buy a set of leathers that you can wear normal clothes under, then you are buying leathers that are too big - simple as that. They are not designed to be worn in that way.

Thus those leathers will then become only any real use for commuting in as you need a set of clothes on underneath all the time or they will be too loose.

What about when it comes to summertime, do you really want to put your smart work clothes on, then pull your leathers on, sweat your bollocks off on your commute to work, then sit there in the same clothes stinking all day???

What you are suggesting is just impractical, if you really want to commute in work clothes, buy textiles!!!
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Yamaha YZF-R6

[bikertomm]

Nice one lads.

I'm thinking of just changing when I get to work then.

Or failing that, find some cheapy textile trousers and use them and my jacket and wear stuff underneath

Forgot what a faff leathers can be, want them for the summer though!

Cheers
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07' Honda Hornet now full powaah! My guide on performing an oil change!

[Jayy]

[Musketeer]

For the road two-piece. For the track one-piece.

It my be quite a challenge to take a piss while in one-piece suit. The smaller penis the harder to get it out
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Current Bike: Yamaha XSR900 Previous bikes: Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade, Kawasaki ZX-6R Ninja, Aprilia RS125 2-stroke

[Chalky.]

For a bit I rode in leathers and just got changed at work.

Now I just ride in my suit, with gloves and helmet for saving the kittehs.

[Bullet]

I bought An RST 2 piece new and was happy with most of it, the zips however were shite, sent it back to be repaired 3 times for zips failing, eventually i gave up with RST fixing it and took it to a local cobbler/leather worker and he put much better zips on it for me and now theyre great wouldnt like to wear work clothes under it though, theyd fit, but youd arrive at work with so many creases on you, just change in the loos or use textiles for the commute

The other thing worth mentioning is that the suit you're looking at has perforated leather and probably stretch panels in it, so not atall waterproof, youl get wet if it rains on you for any length of time.
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nonstop unicorns vomiting sunshine pills into a rainbow toilet
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past: ZXR750 J1, K1 & H1, GPX600R, Yamaha Radian. present: ZXR750 J2, SP-1, CB350

[Llama-Farmer]

RST leathers are very good in their own right, but one of the best in terms of value for money.

RST boots are good, but not the best. I've got some and wouldn't say no to getting some more, but I do prefer my Astars boots.

RST gloves are bad and should be avoided at all costs. The velcro stitching always comes undone making them very difficult to get on and off. The inside lining on waterproof ones is very thick and you lose quite a lot of dexterity. And they're not particularly cheap anyway. Go for another brand of gloves.



You won't get anything other than baselayer bottoms on underneath leathers trousers. Or at least you shouldn't if they fit properly. If you can, they're too baggy and will do more harm than good in a crash.

You can get a tshirt or base layer top underneath leather jacket, a shirt would fit, but the buttons and collar might be a bit of a nuisance. A jumper on as well would be rather warm on an average day.


If you want to wear your work clothes on underneath, get some textiles.
If you want to wear leathers, take work clothes in a rucksack and change at work.




The reason leathers are supposed to be a tight fit against the skin is so that you slide. They shouldn't be easy to get on and off, they're too loose if it's not quite hard work. If they're baggy enough for clothes underneath then they'll bunch up and create folds in a crash which will stop you sliding and send you tumbling instead, more likely to do more injuries that way.
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[Dave70]

^^^Pretty much spot on.

Just to reiterate, do not buy RST gloves though as you may as well just burn your money. I've never had their boots though, so can't comment.

I bought a two piece Tractech set of leathers about a year ago and I'm still pleased with them. Great value. I've not had any problems with the zips yet but, the one on the front of the jacket could be of the chunkier type of zip imo, as I feel it's a little fragile and may well give up one day.

I wouldn't wear work clothes under them though and as stated previously, they are not waterproof. Owning a set of leathers and textiles will give you the best of both worlds. I wear what the weather dictates on the day.

[-Matt-]

RST are the only leathers i've used regularly for years - very good quality. Helmets seem good too. Boots and gloves, not so much.

I've personally used 1-pieces, although obviously they're a bit of hassle sometimes if you intend to get off the bike a lot in hot weather and things like that.

I can get a thin layer of clothes in mine and they aren't at all loose. PITA stopping trousers riding up your legs often though, I tend to use elasticated-ankle tracksuits in winter so the elasticated bit is trapped outside the suit once the legs zipped down, which holds them in place.

Probably easier to just change quickly in the loo's when you arrive at work though.

[anthony_r6]

I have RST two-piece leathers and I can wear my clothes underneath. In fact I can wear a thick wool Hoody underneath it (although the hood makes it feel tight around the neck) and yet it still feels tight-fitting when I'm wearing nothing but a tee underneath.

When it comes to the trousers, I tend to wear my jeans over them because I look stupid in leather trousers.

The sizing on them are crazy though, you'd have to try 'em on.
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[bikertomm]

Wow, some brilliant insight, exactly what I was after.

Thanks very much lads.
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07' Honda Hornet now full powaah! My guide on performing an oil change!

[Supermoto_Fan]

I've due delivery of this exact 2 piece tomorrow after buying online for £390, would of preferred to buy at a local store but out of the 3, 2 didn't have my size in the top and one was waiting on a spring RST delivery altogether!

Will let you know what I think, only ever worn RST leathers
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Yamaha MT-09 - Triple powerrrr

[Supermoto_Fan]

I've due delivery of this exact 2 piece tomorrow after buying online for £390, would of preferred to buy at a local store but out of the 3, 2 didn't have my size in the top and one was waiting on a spring RST delivery altogether!

Will let you know what I think, only ever worn RST leathers
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Yamaha MT-09 - Triple powerrrr