Breaking in your new leathers

alliamc · Nearly there... Joined: 04 Jun 2003 Karma :

I paid for some Wolf leathers to be made up, unfortunately they didn't look exactly how I had hoped (he gave me manspace room in the trouser department!) I want to wear the leathers anyway, because you don't spend £550 on non-returnable leathers only to leave them wrotting in your room. The main problem is that they're not as comfortable as my lovely textiles, so for now I'm wearing them around the house to get used to, but the problem is when riding, it's a right pain putting feet on the floor and havign to pick them up to go because the leathers just aren't free enough, so has anyone got any tips to speed up the loosening of the leathers???

sorry it was long-winded
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dainesefreak · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Apr 2003 Karma :

I'm afraid I'd be taking them back and telling them where to stick em. There "cock up" not yours.

Other than that, the best thing to do is persevere with them on your bike and break them into your riding position.

alliamc · Nearly there... Joined: 04 Jun 2003 Karma :

DucatiEVO · Could Be A Chat Bot Joined: 02 Sep 2005 Karma :

I think a good rideout in the rain would help break them in, but let them dry naturally afterwards, and feed the leather too. Thumbs Up

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dainesefreak · World Chat Champion Joined: 04 Apr 2003 Karma :

alliamc · Nearly there... Joined: 04 Jun 2003 Karma :

Dark · World Chat Champion Joined: 02 Jun 2004 Karma :

When i went to buy some leathers i tried on loads. The bloke who owns the shop is an ex racer (Mark Phillips) and he brought out loads of pairs decreasing in size.

I tried on a pair and thought they fitted great, but he said if you can get in them on your own when they're new they will be too big in a few months.

He finely squeezed me in the smallest size he had and they felt way too tight, but i trusted what he said and bought them.

They took months and months to bed in! but they became a perfect fit and after 5 years of wearing them they are still a perfect fit.

All i did was ride in them as much as possible.
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My Bikes in order:- Yamaha RXS100 / Suzuki X7 250 / Yamaha RD350LC / Kawasaki
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Going2fast · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Jun 2004 Karma :

's to Darks post.

I used to sell motorcycle clothing. Hardest thing is to convince a customer that they will break in / stretch.
Remember when you pay for more expensive leathers the thickness generally gets a lil thicker, maybe even kangaroo leather.
Test of time will make em stretch. Get out there and ride, yeah maybe a little wet weather may help but generally just riding will do it.

In my wolf race suit i can not stand up, i have to walk like ive got somethin lodged in my arse Razz

Okay not that bad but i can not stand fully straight.

Pretty sure your leathers are great Thumbs Up

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Cazza · Two Stroke Sniffer Joined: 04 May 2006 Karma :

Agree with the last two posts.

And as for the "manspace" - all leathers I've tried (even women's) make it feel like you're missing some body part or you've been given room just in case you have an accident!
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stinkwheel · Bovine Proctologist Joined: 12 Jul 2004 Karma :

Get them wet. Keep them on 'till they're dry (preferrably whilst sat on the bike). These showery spring days are ideal for it, give you a good soaking then the sun comes out and you're dry before you get home.
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Andy C · Tree Seeking Missile Joined: 26 Apr 2005 Karma :

yea i got my RST trousers a few months back (dont have them anymore as got cut by paramedics in crash) and they were really tight and were just starting to break in after 2months and have to get new ones now!! Twisted Evil

I wasnt sure at first but everyone told to just to sit out the pain then they would be fine. They did start to break in so i think they werent lying!!

The worst i found was by your thighs as the leather digs in really hard there!!
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99 RS125 --> 02 SV650s --> 03 Speed Four --> 92 RXS100 --> 93 CB400sf --> 01 CB600f Hornet

Cillit-BANG · World Chat Champion Joined: 05 Oct 2005 Karma :

Dark · World Chat Champion Joined: 02 Jun 2004 Karma :

I agree Cillit, the service is top notch, they bend over backwards to help. I too have spent a lot of money there over the years (about £1.5k) and will continue to do so.
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My Bikes in order:- Yamaha RXS100 / Suzuki X7 250 / Yamaha RD350LC / Kawasaki
KR1S 250 / Kawasaki ZXR750 H2 / Honda C50 / Kawasaki ZX7R P5 / Kawasaki ZX10R / Suzuki GSXR 400 / Honda CBR1100 Blackbird & Yamaha FZR 600

colezxr · Traffic Copper Joined: 31 Oct 2005 Karma :

ive just started wearing my hunter leather trousers, i hated them to start with, but now they have started loosening up and they are starting to feel realy comfortable. Thumbs Up

(ps, riding in sogy wet leathers realy sucks Thumbs Down

)
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Its better to live your life for one hour as a tiger, Than it is to live your whole life like a worm.
past: gilera dna125. kawasaki zxr400h1, honda cbr 900rrr fireblade (currently being sold for parts). present honda hornet 900

extreme3d · World Chat Champion Joined: 27 Dec 2004 Karma :

If you are having problems lifting your feet up this usually down to the knee armour still being stiff and new. Like the leather it will also start to wear in as it's flexed more.

colezxr · Traffic Copper Joined: 31 Oct 2005 Karma :

alliamc · Nearly there... Joined: 04 Jun 2003 Karma :

Handsome · World Chat Champion Joined: 30 Dec 2005 Karma :

Pleased I read this thread, some helpfull Advice here for when I get around to sorting myself out with a set.....

Karma's been given guys.....
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Previous Bikes...Honda NSR 125 RR...Kawasaki Zephyr 550...Suzuki SV 1000 S...Yamaha FZ8...Current Bike...Suzuki GSX-R 750...

Barney · Spanner Monkey Joined: 17 Jun 2005 Karma :

When my bike was off the road I borrowed my sisters car to get to and from work. I used to wear my leathers whilst driving and that helped stretch the stiff knee armour. So if you drive wear them in the car Thumbs Up

Don't forget your normal trousers/jeans though, otherwise you will look a fool!

colezxr · Traffic Copper Joined: 31 Oct 2005 Karma :

not sure realy, since my crash a few months ago my knee is still bruised and it still irratates it with the armour in. but im still safer in leathers than i was in jeans.
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Its better to live your life for one hour as a tiger, Than it is to live your whole life like a worm.
past: gilera dna125. kawasaki zxr400h1, honda cbr 900rrr fireblade (currently being sold for parts). present honda hornet 900

alliamc · Nearly there... Joined: 04 Jun 2003 Karma :

The Dude · Crazy Courier Joined: 04 Mar 2004 Karma :

I bought a pair of Dainese leather pants. I'm a 31 aroudn the waist and i had to get a pair sized 46, which is 28 uk. They fit like a glove. Anything else would have been too big. Work that out Confused

alliamc · Nearly there... Joined: 04 Jun 2003 Karma :

Sephiroth · World Chat Champion Joined: 09 Apr 2006 Karma :

Walloper · Super Spammer Joined: 24 Feb 2005 Karma :

Camping shop, 'wicking' thermal longjohns circa £20.
Sorted.
The weight of the garment also takes some aclimatizationing too BTW.
WTF's 'Man Room'?
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