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View Full Version : Leathers - Which ones?


krhall
17-08-07, 09:19 AM
I am looking for some leathers, but don't have a massive amount to spend on them really.

Have just been looking on J & S website and have found the following ones, which are all about £300:

RST Forza 1 Piece Suit

http://www.jsaccessories.co.uk/Picts/clearpixel10.gifhttp://www.jsaccessories.co.uk/Picts/clearpixel10.gifRST Dark 05 1 Piece Suit


IXS Supermotard 1pc suit - plus FREE IXS Tarmac Jacket!!

Are they any good or should I just wait until I can afford something better?

plowsie
17-08-07, 09:23 AM
I like the Frank Thomas ones think they are around the same sort of price

Bear
17-08-07, 09:47 AM
Reviews of kit from the folks at Ride Magazine.

http://www.ridetriangles.com/

Dunno if it's helpful at all, but I'm running out to work now!

northwind
17-08-07, 10:56 AM
I like the Frank Thomas ones think they are around the same sort of price

The FT Strike leathers have a fair amount wrong with them... Vulnerable stitching, very poor armour provision and some of what seems like armour is just hard padding, unrated. The pockets are the wrong size for generic stuff too, that's annoying. They've started using better leather though, and they're reasonably solid for what they are. They're not great but they're cheap :) Hein Gericke's stuff is mainly fairly decent too.

Bear's link's good stuff.

ASM-Forever
17-08-07, 11:39 AM
I'm a big fan of Teknic...might be worth checking out.

Berlin
17-08-07, 12:44 PM
I've just picked up some 2007 RST Pro-series one piece leathers on ebay new for £185 and for that price they are an absolute bargain. There are still a lot on there if they have your size.

I'm not sure if I'm allowed to post a direct link but a quick search should find them.

Cheers,
Carl

neio79
17-08-07, 12:49 PM
I got a fill set including sliders from Hein Gericke for £300 their latest ones as well, top quality and reallt good service, highly recomended.

krhall
17-08-07, 12:59 PM
those RST ones on ebay look the business, I just don't know what size I need?

SV650Racer
17-08-07, 01:20 PM
I'm a big fan of Teknic...might be worth checking out.

Yup. I have sold lots of sets of these to club racers that are on a budget and they have all had a spill in them at some point with no issues.

£299 for a one peice with full Knox armour and proper stitching..can go wrong with that!

Durbs
17-08-07, 01:34 PM
When i kitted up i went for mostly Alpinestars stuff, not exactly cheap but fairly reasonable for the quality and i'm well chuffed with it.

One thing i'd say is having recently shelled out a load on an armoured leather jacket i had to try on loads before i found the perfect fit. Jackets i'd normally assume to be my size didnt feel right at all so i'd assume this is going to much worse with full leathers. Having tried a few I'd certainly steer clear of buying jackets/leathers without physically trying the things on first as they need to be a real good fit so you look the part. :cool:

SimJ
17-08-07, 04:02 PM
Remember to consider room for a back protector too. Can make quite a difference depending on which one you get.

northwind
17-08-07, 06:05 PM
£299 for a one peice with full Knox armour and proper stitching..can go wrong with that!

They do look decent, those... I crash tested my Tecnics textiles a while back on tarmac, obviously being textiles they show the scars but they did very well, quite impressed. I always like to see proper armour provision, they only came with knee armour (the more expensive 2-layer Knox stuff with the hard outer) but the hip armour pockets are designed to take Knox's hip stuff, instead of just being random gaps. They were never waterproof though, so marks off there for blatant lies on the stickers ;)

arc123
17-08-07, 06:28 PM
Maybe worth looking at some 2nd hand off ebay? I got a 2pc Alpine Stars for around £250, used but in very good nick. I went to try on Alpine Stars & Dianese stuff at the shop so knew my sizes - got an absolute perfect fit. The ones I got were the best part of £1000 in the shop.

Ruffy
17-08-07, 08:43 PM
Unless you are a racer, I'd look at 2 piece suits rather than 1 piece. Maybe cost a bit more but they're so much more practical for everyday riding e.g. when you get to a rideout destination, as you can take the jacket off. 2 piece full zip together suits are usually OK for track days as well.

And I echo the thought about getting a back protector.

John 675
18-08-07, 10:51 AM
Unless you are a racer, I'd look at 2 piece suits rather than 1 piece. Maybe cost a bit more but they're so much more practical for everyday riding e.g. when you get to a rideout destination, as you can take the jacket off. 2 piece full zip together suits are usually OK for track days as well.

And I echo the thought about getting a back protector.

agree with you dude, a two peice is a life saver when its boiling hot, i went for the RST forza race suit 2pc
i have had them since march and they are ****ing filthy
http://www.customlids.co.uk/leathers/rst/forza/FORZA%202P%20RED%20X1%20V3.jpg

fizzwheel
18-08-07, 10:58 AM
Liz has got some Frank Thomas "Titanium" Leathers, the stitching has come undone in various places and they've had to be sent back once for repair.

They've stretched alot and they dont fit her as well as they did do. Personally I wouldnt buy those.

I've got alpinestars stuff, which fits me now as well as it did when I bought then, I guess its the quality of the leather that you're after, rather than buying a top brand name thats its important though.

svrob
18-08-07, 11:03 AM
Unless you are a racer, I'd look at 2 piece suits rather than 1 piece. Maybe cost a bit more but they're so much more practical for everyday riding e.g. when you get to a rideout destination, as you can take the jacket off. 2 piece full zip together suits are usually OK for track days as well.

And I echo the thought about getting a back protector.

It's worth trying both a 2 piece and 1 piece on. I'm in the minority as I find the 1 piece so much more comfortable as you don't end up with multiple layers around the waist and I could get one that fitted whereas the inside leg of the trousers were always too long for me on 2 piece suits. Suppose it depends on your personal shape and size

You really must try the stuff on though, then you'll know what's best for you

John 675
18-08-07, 11:06 AM
ive heard that the frank thomas stuff is like that... then again ive heard that the RST stuff is like that too, although id rather pay £300 for a pair of leathers that will prolly be no use in 3 years than paying £700-£900 for a pair of super leathers that will be ruined if i fall off, i know some insurers cover your leathers but im 22 and get rammned on my premium as it is lol,
would love a full ALPINESTARS kit either 1pc or 2pc :D

Berlin
18-08-07, 11:29 AM
those RST ones on ebay look the business, I just don't know what size I need?
What size are you? The size listed on the RST are Uk measurements and indicate Chest size. I'd be tempted to get the ines up from what you actually are.

I'm 19 stone (up from 16 stone from giving up the fags!) 6'1" and have a 42 inch waist and 48 inch chest and I just get into the 50 size. I could do with an extra inch in the back for my height but losing half a stone they'd fit perfectly.

A google search will also find a sizing chart for RST leathers.

Maybe that helps.

Cheers,
Carl

krhall
18-08-07, 12:21 PM
I actually emailed the guy and he advised me to go for the size up after getting my measurements....

having read a few of these posts though I'm not too sure that a one piece is the way to go?

ASM-Forever
18-08-07, 01:21 PM
The whole 1-piece/2-piece issue all depends on what you are going to use it for.

I have both but i tend to wear my 2 piece as its more practical when you stop. Just whip it off as opposed to carrying a cow wrapped around your waist.

That said on the bike itself the 1-piece makes sense and i wear it if i plan on going for a solo ride with no social stops.

If its for general use a 2-piece that zips completely together, is probably your best bet.

John 675
18-08-07, 01:28 PM
If its for general use a 2-piece that zips completely together, is probably your best bet.

seconded :D

G
18-08-07, 04:52 PM
seconded :D

thirded

Just got myself some nice 2 piece dainese leathers......1 piece would be a pain, and I cant see the benefit myself

ASM-Forever
18-08-07, 06:49 PM
thirded

Just got myself some nice 2 piece dainese leathers......1 piece would be a pain, and I cant see the benefit myself

IMHO when you're on the bike they really are more comfortable!

Pain in the ass off the bike though :smt110

Jdubya
18-08-07, 07:56 PM
IMHO when you're on the bike they really are more comfortable!

Pain in the ass off the bike though :smt110
+1

Moffatt666
18-08-07, 08:55 PM
Technik stuff is pretty good bur I'd always go for Hein Gericke now - their one piece 'Celtic' suit beatseveral others including2 Alpinstars suits.

John 675
19-08-07, 07:13 AM
Technik stuff is pretty good bur I'd always go for Hein Gericke now - their one piece 'Celtic' suit beatseveral others including2 Alpinstars suits.

id still go for the alpine stars if the choice was there though. :cool:

husky03
19-08-07, 07:56 AM
if your really short of cash and are into black-
http://www.busters-accessories.co.uk/products.asp?id=437

not for me but each to there own

plowsie
20-08-07, 08:44 AM
if your really short of cash and are into black-
http://www.busters-accessories.co.uk/products.asp?id=437

not for me but each to there own
Theyre pretty tempting until i can fit back into mine properly :lol: I use an Alpinestars 2pc suit saved me from 1 off!

lukemillar
21-08-07, 05:31 PM
Unless you are a racer, I'd look at 2 piece suits rather than 1 piece. Maybe cost a bit more but they're so much more practical for everyday riding e.g. when you get to a rideout destination, as you can take the jacket off. 2 piece full zip together suits are usually OK for track days as well.

And I echo the thought about getting a back protector.

Each to their own I guess.

I have always had one piece leathers - Just prefer the fit. Then again, I pretty much use mine just for trackdays and the odd weekend ride. You can always take your arms out and let them hang round your waist like a wetsuit. I bought a 'last year's colours' Spyke cyber 1 suit for half price recently (800 down to 400 pounds)- The fit is absolutely awesome and it feels safe - All the armour is held nicely in place and isn't obtrusive.

EDIT - One downside of a good fitting 1 piece, is going to the loo! :lol:

Caddy2000
21-08-07, 05:42 PM
I like the Frank Thomas ones think they are around the same sort of price

Just about to take a pair of Frank Thomas Titanium Leather trousers back as the leather has ripped along one the seams, and the overall quality is krankly c**p! Paid £169.99 for them - expected a damn sight more for my money! :reaper:

Caddy2000
21-08-07, 05:48 PM
Liz has got some Frank Thomas "Titanium" Leathers, the stitching has come undone in various places and they've had to be sent back once for repair.

They've stretched alot and they dont fit her as well as they did do. Personally I wouldnt buy those.

I've got alpinestars stuff, which fits me now as well as it did when I bought then, I guess its the quality of the leather that you're after, rather than buying a top brand name thats its important though.

See above post! I'm getting my money back on them and am off to Hideout!

Ratty46
22-08-07, 06:58 PM
i went down to the ilford hein griecke(soz spelling) store today, picked up a 2 piece set of ther own leathers thier best ones(and most expensive!), called something tricky, 200 for teh jacket 180 for the pants, fit well and are comfertable.
got em in black with a bit of silver.

good store,helpfull advice and all on 0% finance...

soz for mistyping keyboard is f**ked!