Motorbiking- Leathers versus Textiles.

[machineman9]

Being 15, I am nearing the age where I can possibly get a job, and getting fairly near to the age when I can get a motorbike 125cc license.

I am calculating up all the costs to get on the road (the bike- an aprilia rs125, insurance, lessons and of course the clothes)

I am stuck between buying more expensive leathers, or going out and getting the cheaper but more manageable to carry around college (for when I am there) textiles.

Is there anything legal which splits the two? What would mean that I have to wear leathers...?


Cheers

[eno]

There's no legal requirements as to what you wear ......apart from a helmet. As for Leathers V Textile any good biker will tell you Leathers as in an accident they'll save your skin.. stones embeded in your flesh don't make for good tattoos.

[machineman9]

True, true... I dont feel like getting bad grazes or worse.

So, is there actually any requirements for body clothing? Helmet, of course, but anything else?

[MWISimmer]

Another consideration is any man made fibre invariably melts if subjected to friction/heat (skidding along on your ar*e) whereas leather doesn't. Obviously, the best thing is not to go mad and keep both wheels firmly on the road but there's no legislating for other road users unfortunately...

[machineman9]

Well... I plan to stay with both wheels on the ground, im not a hugely daft person and generally dislike putting myself in danger.

Odd. My mum would prefer me to do bike racing instead of street riding. I am considering combining the two after a few years experience.

[ozzy72]

Alas there are a LOT of idiots in tin-cans out there who'll try and do you in as a biker.
I'd never get on a bike without my lid, leathers, gloves and boots! You can replace these things.... you can't grow new limbs.
You could try looking at kangaroo skin as an alternative as that is also incredible strong and popular. Try going to a biker show or looking around for a shop closing down, you'll get a good price for kit. Just try haggling
You could even try getting second hand leathers (not crashed). I got my first 2-piece suit that way for 20 quid off a mate who'd got the gear for his test and then lost his nerve. He even threw in some Frank Thomas winter gloves (which I'm still using 15 years later)

[machineman9]

Well I would love a pair of leathers... (RAF symbol stiched onto the back of them would be cool- my colours are black, blue and white... so blue red and white would fit on well) but then there is the practicality side of it.

I like, what, 6-7 miles away from my school and depending on which college I go to, that could either be the same 6-7 miles or down to about a mile and a half.

Getting zipped up into leathers each day to do this trip (and then carrying all my other clothes, unless I wear them as bulky under my leathers) might get a bit annoying... so a jacket of sorts might be more useful.

But I dont know... it might be okay to wear leathers over the top of all my clothes- what do you think? I really only know what goes on on the top of the skin of bikers  ;)


edit: of course, the RAF logo after I have hopefully, sucessfully made it through training (attempting at being an Officer  ;D )

[Sir_Crashalot]

All I can say is that my leathers saved my @$$ a few times. I don't think I would sit this comfortable if I was wearing textiles at that time. Just remember that there is leather and there is leather. A cheap unbranded set of leathers might look the works but with cheap stitching and thin leather it won't do much. Be on the safe side and buy something good. You'll pay (a lot) more but you'll enjoy it in the end.

Crash

[machineman9]

Any particular brands that are good? I was looking at RST. Theyve got some fairly good prices, nice designs and their clothes seem to have some kevlar padding, and their leathers seem to be approved for the job.

[Sir_Crashalot]

My favourite: Dainese. Expensive stuff but the best there is. Lookwell, MJK are just a few names that pop in my mind. There are many more. Just get yourself well informed in the shop. Don't just go for looks but also take in account that your leathers have to fit you. Too small will hurt you, too big and you'll look like an elefant on a moped. You could also decide to have your leathers made for you, too fit perfectly.

Crash

[machineman9]

MJK are selling for

[Sir_Crashalot]

MJK, Dainese will sell you a pair of leathers for around 1000 to 1200 Euro.

Dutch website for MJK

Crash