Getting correct fitting leathers??

Hi all,

I am new here and I am just investing in a set of leathers. I decided to take a punt at some RST 2 piece leathers from Sportsbikeshop, and they arrived today, however I was wondering what peoples thoughts are on making sure they are the correct fit.

The jacket is snug, I can still move relatively freely, but i do feel somewhat rigid, is that right? I am assuming that the leathers should, with time soften up slightly, but how much? Also should I be looking at a tighter fit as opposed to having something thats a bit baggy? I can easily wear a T-shirt under the jacket, but probably nothing much more (I am only intending on fair weather riding so waterproof/thermals isnt that much of an issue)

The trousers actually fit quite nicely and I am quite impressed with them. They attach well to the jacket.

If anyone can offer some advice or help or even point me in the right direction of sites that may have guides etc.

I know that the best option would be to go to a shop an try different ones on but I thought I would try these out as they can easily be returned and there are no local stockists of RST.

[SoulKiss]

Originally Posted by shorn

Hi all,

I am new here and I am just investing in a set of leathers. I decided to take a punt at some RST 2 piece leathers from Sportsbikeshop, and they arrived today, however I was wondering what peoples thoughts are on making sure they are the correct fit.

The jacket is snug, I can still move relatively freely, but i do feel somewhat rigid, is that right? I am assuming that the leathers should, with time soften up slightly, but how much? Also should I be looking at a tighter fit as opposed to having something thats a bit baggy? I can easily wear a T-shirt under the jacket, but probably nothing much more (I am only intending on fair weather riding so waterproof/thermals isnt that much of an issue)

The trousers actually fit quite nicely and I am quite impressed with them. They attach well to the jacket.

If anyone can offer some advice or help or even point me in the right direction of sites that may have guides etc.

I know that the best option would be to go to a shop an try different ones on but I thought I would try these out as they can easily be returned and there are no local stockists of RST.

You want them to be tight as new, almost but not quite to the point of being restrictive.

Leathers WILL stretch out quite a bit and if they are too loose now, the BAS* awaits.

David

*BAS = Baggy A*** Syndrome

You want them to be tight as new, almost but not quite to the point of being restrictive.

If that's the case then I think I might have just about the right size. "Almost but not quite restrictive" pretty much somes up how they feel!

Mine were really tight when i first got them particularly around the chest and shoulders but they have freed up nicely after a few hours on the bike so the feel much better now.

Incidentally they all feel much better when you are in the bike shape though with your knees bent and arms forward.

i also got some padded shorts for snowboarding earlier this year and find wearing them under the pants makes it more comfortable on the bike and helps avoid BAS, but it makes your bum look big...

Thanks for that, I think mine should be just the job then, I was 80% sure that they would be fine, but just wanted to make sure that there wasnt something that I should be aware of when it comes to the fit.

It does make me chuckle though with the big knee sliders, as I cannot see myself getting to put them to use any time soon!

[Stu]

Can you fit your back protector under your leathers?
Really should have one of those as well (almost never rely on the std one the leathers come with which is usually just a piece of foam)

Originally Posted by Addicted

Can you fit your back protector under your leathers?
Really should have one of those as well (almost never rely on the std one the leathers come with which is usually just a piece of foam)

I'm sure Im going to have room to fit one in, even with them being brand new.

Also, with regards to the pants..

I have been trying them on again, and the pants are matched to the jacket (42" Jacket, 36" Pants) but they are a bit looser in the fit then the jacket. For example when standing the knee protection sits just below the knee, but when in a riding position it pulls up to being just about right. Also am I correct in thinking that the sliders should sit just below the actual knee?

yeah the sliders sit below the knee, mine are pristine by the way too, i find my pants are kinda loose when im standing around in them but again it means they are more comfortable when im on the bike moving around more. gives more room for the padded shorts too! lol

[Stu]

Originally Posted by shorn

For example when standing the knee protection sits just below the knee, but when in a riding position it pulls up to being just about right.

sounds perfect

Also am I correct in thinking that the sliders should sit just below the actual knee?

Well below the knees & to the outsides.

Also if you get cold wear a hoodie over the top of the leather jackect, I do that alot if its a little cold out, it works well for me.

Oh my leathers bottoms are little bit big for me now, buts cause I have lost weight over the past year, so its a bit baggy around the butt.