Racing leathers are better in the rain...

[venari]

I currently own a summer jacket and a pair of those jeans with reinforcement.

I've finally held my licence for long enough (2 years) to get on a track day at my local track and I want a set of leathers for that.

Question is, how well will a one-piece set of racing leathers keep me warm and dry at this time of year?

My theory is that buying race leathers now may be cheaper and may keep me dry enough for some weekend riding until the sun reappears.

Thoughts?
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[/bullshit]

[binge]

Leathers are fucking useless in the cold and rain.
I will take the bike out all year round, but will opt for the truck if it's raining. I don't mind the cold, but I cant think of anything less exciting than riding a bike in the rain. It's shit.

Leathers do not keep your dry, and they are designed to keep you cool. So windchill in the winter is insane!

Oh, and the first time you get your leathers wet, you will dye your entire body the same colour as your leathers.
In my case, I turned into papa Smurf for a few days.

[venari]

[Undinist]

Just get 2 piece waterproofs. They don't have to be expensive. Lots of non-bikey waterproofs will work fairly well. They often cost less than bikey stuff, and you can wear them off the bike too.

I use these as a bottom half - full length zips on each leg, v easy to get on and off https://www.meanandgreen.com/army/British_Army/New_British_Lightweight_MTP_Goretex_Trousers/2330/3033.html Shop around and you might get 'em for less, I paid £25.
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Current bike: K1100RS. Previous: CD200, GSX250, GT550, VFR750, K100LT, K1100LT, R1100GS, R1150GS, ZZR1100, Hayabusa, RSV Mille, MV F4 750S, R1, ZX-10, KTM Adventure 950S

[doggone]

They aren't a total disaster in winter, you would be reasonably comfortable for an hour or two provided you can get warm layer(s) underneath - or even on top, and if it's wet there are such things as waterproof oversuits.

On a bike the main chilling effect is the wind blast and plenty of days in our summer are little warmer than a mild winter day at least early and late in the day.

[Beehive Bedlam]

You will look cool as fuck and females will want to sleep with you.

[Kawasaki Jimbo]

I wore 2-piece leathers all year round for a long time. I eventually retired the knackered jacket and got a textile one but I plan to go back to leather. Both jackets have quilted, removable thermal liners. I haven't noticed textile being any warmer than leather but the key in both cases is to use thin layers under and/or over, as required. In particular I have cheap-ish waterproof/wind proof PVC/polyamide 2-piece overs and a thin, close-fitting Merino wool jersey which pack down small when not in use. The Wolf leather trousers are vented (perforations) and I'm still using those exclusively. I only wear the jersey and water/wind-proofs if it is freezing or there is heavy rain. With leathers you get the best crash protection too, obviously. Year-round leathers works for me.

[The Tot]

Leathers will also hold in a LOT of water weight when they get damp! And whilst on that subject, if you don't dry them out properly, they also may end up going mouldy!

Getting wet leathers in summer might not be in issue if temperatures are about 15°C and you're riding quick enough for them to dry out, but as Binge eluded to, it's gonna get very cold, very quickly.

I don't mind riding in my one piece if temperatures are around about 5°C and have done so in the past! Even ridden whilst it was snowing, but it did involve me riding with 2 base layers and a windproof inner liner in lieu of my back protector and a kidney belt to keep the warmth. To be honest, I'd take textiles and thermals arond about this time. Been ill too many times forcing myself to ride in the wet and cold over the last 10 years to care!
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The Tot 2019 Z1000SX - 2007 R1
Never argue with autism

[waffles]

Also to add in that leathers have stretchy fabric panels in them in certain areas such as your crotch. When it rains that water is going straight off your tank and into the crotchal region. Enjoy your wet nads!

Leathers are great but get a waterproof oversuit if you intend to use them all year round.
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Theory test - 19/8/09, CBT - 11/10/09, MOD 1 - 16/8/10, MOD 2 - 27/10/10
Past rides Yamaha XT125X, Triumph TT600, Honda XR250
Current rides Suzuki GSXR 600, Honda MSX125

[Cdb1991]

[MarJay]

Leathers aren't waterproof. They aren't warm. They are basically good for nothing except preventing you losing your skin when you crash. If you're doing trackdays or looking at racing, I'd definitely go 1 piece. Otherwise 2 piece is fine for the summer, and I'd go waterproof textiles for year round and winter riding.
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British beauty: Triumph Street Triple R; Loony stroker: KR1S; Track fun: GSXR750 L1; Commuter Missile: GSX-S1000F; Cheap project: CBR900RR FireBlade
Remember kids, bikes aren't like lego. You can't easily take a part from one bike and then fit it to another.

[Cdb1991]

[G]

Remember you can always add a fleece, another jacket etc on top of one piece leathers.

However, I wouldn't generally choose them for anything but focused riding.

[MarJay]

[Hahadumball]

i wear jeans + textile trousers (thermals underneath if its fecking cold)

then on top i wear thermal top, jumper and a light slightly waterproof jacket thatll melt as soon as i bin it.

keeps me warm and takes a good 30 minutes of hard rain before i start feeling it, drys in 15 minutes in the tumble dryer.
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Fin: no matter how much I look at It I can't understand what was going through my head, all I remember is going about 80 and redlining it to stop it seizing.
360 Deg... Five 1/4 turns. :- Teflon-Mike 18 Jan 2015