One-piece or pants and jacket?

[superman]

Looking to get my first set of gear. I do plan to be riding a lot, and I've been tossing between getting a hard to take on and off one piece or a two piece.

I've been reading that the one pieces are safer and more comfortable just a bitch to get on and off? Anyone got any recommendations for rides of 40+ mins on which would be better?

[crazzed]

Looking to get my first set of gear. I do plan to be riding a lot, and I've been tossing between getting a hard to take on and off one piece or a two piece.

I've been reading that the one pieces are safer and more comfortable just a bitch to get on and off? Anyone got any recommendations for rides of 40+ mins on which would be better?

depends on the riding? road or track?
track one piece safety first
road two piece think of sitting down at that cafe having a coffee.
my two cents worth
cheers

[superman]

I think I'd always have a change of clothes with me. Would be doing road riding to university. So the practicality outweighs the safety benefits?

[ducatilover]

I'd say a zip together two piece. Will do everything, plus look good.

[Rincewind]

In my opinion a two piece textile wins every time,you can wear the jacket anyime,you can take out the lining in the summer and you can (mix an match)wear different pants at different times eg leather,Draggins etc

I have a two piece set of Technics gear and a two piece set of black Lewis leathers.
I paid about 2 Months salary 30 Years ago for my Lewis Leathers and they still look good today,I've looked after them and they have looked after me on two occasions.

A one piece is great for racing though,keeps all your bits in one place when you come off at high speed,they don't have to go searching the track for the rest of you,its all in the leather bag.

Buy the best you can afford and hopefuly all it will have to do is keep you comfy and dry,but if it all goes pear shaped then you will find it was a well spent money !!!

[Gremlin]

Zip together two piece. Ideally, a joining zip that goes all the way around. As you say, a 1-piece is the most protection, but more of a hassle, while a 2-piece is more convenient but a bit less protection.

You haven't asked whether textile or leather, but being your first gear, I would suggest textile, as it will also be relatively waterproof and warmer, for winter time.

[SPP]

Yeah, get a jacket and pant that zip together. Way more practical if you're scooting around.

IMO go for a jacket/pant rather than a two-piece suit if you plan on using just the jacket sometimes. The jackets from two piece suits are usually cut shorter (like a suit) so can leave a gap at the back when hunched over.

[superman]

Na I'd always be using full gear. Don't need to feed the hawks. Yeah I wasn't sure about textile vs. leather yet. Will have to do some more research.

[Okey Dokey]

I wear a 2piece leather suit that has a full zip around the waist (can be seen in my profile pic). I think it would be nearly as safe as a one piece suit (I guess it could burst at the zip but have never actually heard any facts of this occurring) I wear it for all my road riding, and have also used it at track based training. Comfort wise, it is fine, but I guess if you have a fat stomach the waistband could be constricting?

I never ride for less than an hour, and like being able to slip the jacket off easily when I stop for coffee, lunch, or the toilet. I used to commute to work in it, and carried my clothes in a small pack on the bike.

Good luck with your decision :)

[superman]

I guess I'll just go to the store and try everything on and make a decision from there.

[Gremlin]

I guess I'll just go to the store and try everything on and make a decision from there.
ah... what you need to do is make sure it fits you well. Once the gear is on, make sure the armour in elbows/knees etc cannot rotate right around your arm/leg. If it can, it means it won't protect you properly, as it will move when you hit the ground.

Make sure you also sit on the bike with the gear on, to make sure it fits right on the bike and nothing digs into you etc.

[Nat]

I have both. One piece is waaay better than 2 for riding (more comfy), but I do conceed that 2 piece is better for stopping to eat lunch, and going to the toilet and things like that. However, I find I wear my 1 piece far more often than my 2. Also, make sure you don't get a suit or jacket that's got a racing hump - they're rubbish!

[HenryDorsetCase]

Looking to get my first set of gear. I do plan to be riding a lot, and I've been tossing between getting a hard to take on and off one piece or a two piece.

I've been reading that the one pieces are safer and more comfortable just a bitch to get on and off? Anyone got any recommendations for rides of 40+ mins on which would be better?

where are you riding? and what is your comfort zone with gear?

One pieces are a PITA round town or anywhere there is a possiblitly of having to get off and walk anywhere. two piece is much more practical (have pockets even!) and a good set will offer near the same protection (I am thinking full circumference zip).

[HenryDorsetCase]

ah... what you need to do is make sure it fits you well. Once the gear is on, make sure the armour in elbows/knees etc cannot rotate right around your arm/leg. If it can, it means it won't protect you properly, as it will move when you hit the ground.

Make sure you also sit on the bike with the gear on, to make sure it fits right on the bike and nothing digs into you etc.

and that your gentlemans area isn't getting all squashed up and uncomfortable.

[HenryDorsetCase]

I think I'd always have a change of clothes with me. Would be doing road riding to university. So the practicality outweighs the safety benefits?

if its for that, two piece textile.

[slofox]

If I'd been wearing a one piece this morning when I FINALLY found a dunny I could use, it would probably be at the cleaners right now...:Oops::puke:

[dogsnbikes]

I guess I'll just go to the store and try everything on and make a decision from there.

Good idea

consider the following

Budget,

commuting in traffic,

shitty weather,

Sweltering heat,

ease of removing and replacing liners(try it in the shop first)

full zip around(save gravel rash on the hips)

two piece is more practical,

cheak for pockets and how they zip together,make sure they fit you right,don't be afraid to mix and match brands depending on fit,.....a good salesman will sell you what is best for your needs......a salesman will just sell you anything

[dogsnbikes]

If I'd been wearing a one piece this morning when I FINALLY found a dunny I could use, it would probably be at the cleaners right now...:Oops::puke:

save on your dry cleaning :innocent:
http://www.fetware.com/?gclid=CIz28KDBpKUCFRRKgwodLg5RIg

[slofox]

save on your dry cleaning :innocent:
http://www.fetware.com/?gclid=CIz28KDBpKUCFRRKgwodLg5RIg

You'd be amazed at how far you can travel without seeing a single shit-house when ya need one...:angry:

[steve_t]

Looking to get my first set of gear. I do plan to be riding a lot, and I've been tossing between getting a hard to take on and off one piece or a two piece.

I've been reading that the one pieces are safer and more comfortable just a bitch to get on and off? Anyone got any recommendations for rides of 40+ mins on which would be better?

You live in a 100km/h area - get leather. Come see Quasi in Hamiltron, it'll be well worth it. Check out his gear on www.qmoto.co.nz

[p.dath]

I think I'd always have a change of clothes with me. Would be doing road riding to university. So the practicality outweighs the safety benefits?

Go two piece.

[superman]

You live in a 100km/h area - get leather. Come see Quasi in Hamiltron, it'll be well worth it. Check out his gear on www.qmoto.co.nz (http://www.qmoto.co.nz)

Read my mind, I saw the Caberg helmets and just thought that I must get one. Sexy 5 star rated reasonably priced GOLD! Didn't see much on body gear though? Seems to be more for custom made racing suits and expensive! Or is there quite a lot more apparel in their store than you see on the website?

[ckai]

If I'd been wearing a one piece this morning when I FINALLY found a dunny I could use, it would probably be at the cleaners right now...:Oops::puke:

Bloody old man bladder ah :) Shit, next thing you'll be asking how to get your Depends tucked neatly into your leathers!


Read my mind, I saw the Caberg helmets and just thought that I must get one. Sexy 5 star rated reasonably priced GOLD! Didn't see much on body gear though? Seems to be more for custom made racing suits and expensive! Or is there quite a lot more apparel in their store than you see on the website?

I'm a 2 piece person. It means I can mix and match with my textile stuff through winter. My Quasi stuff cost me around $800 which is far from expensive. In fact, stupidly reasonable.

The only issue with 2 piece is when you're sliding the zips can pop. For this to happen you'll have to slide feet first really. I don't even bother using the full length zip and I feel plenty safe. I've only heard of one zip popping open during a crash and the jacket still stayed down mainly because of the large overlap between jacket and pants.

To don't see having a 2 piece as sacrificing safety for convenience. I see it as more convenient with just as much safety.

[steve_t]

Read my mind, I saw the Caberg helmets and just thought that I must get one. Sexy 5 star rated reasonably priced GOLD! Didn't see much on body gear though? Seems to be more for custom made racing suits and expensive! Or is there quite a lot more apparel in their store than you see on the website?

There's no store. It's a side business he and his wife run from their home. I'm not sure what stock they'll be carrying at the moment. They used to have assorted colours and styles but perhaps they weren't as popular. If you want a 2 piece in any particular colours or design, I'm sure he could custom make something for you. I may be doing just that for the coming summer of riding cos I'm too fat for my shortness :shutup:
While you're there, the SPS gloves are definitely worth a look and I'd say their quality is probably even just a little better than the Knox Handroids!
A good level 2 back protector is worth a look too. Quasi has Knox but Forcefield also makes a very good one.

[Quasievil]

Read my mind, I saw the Caberg helmets and just thought that I must get one. Sexy 5 star rated reasonably priced GOLD! Didn't see much on body gear though? Seems to be more for custom made racing suits and expensive! Or is there quite a lot more apparel in their store than you see on the website?

Try this Superman, I may need to change back to jacket, pants etc as opposed to Apparel by Qmoto ? what you think?


http://www.qmoto.co.nz/products/apparel-by-qmoto/

[KiwiNinja]

Read my mind, I saw the Caberg helmets and just thought that I must get one. Sexy 5 star rated reasonably priced GOLD! Didn't see much on body gear though? Seems to be more for custom made racing suits and expensive! Or is there quite a lot more apparel in their store than you see on the website?

Yes he does custom suits but they also have a range of two piece jacket and pant sets which also zip together.

Get in contact with Quasi mate. You wont be disappointed.

[superman]

Try this Superman, I may need to change back to jacket, pants etc as opposed to Apparel by Qmoto ? what you think?


http://www.qmoto.co.nz/products/apparel-by-qmoto/

Hmm yes, very stylish! Just a bit worried about wearing all black and not being very visible. Mind you I probably would get the red Caberg helmet and since my ninja is already a violent luminous green it might be ok. Could always pop a bright pink/yellow fluoro jacket over the top for peace of mind.

But yes probably will go with all the quasi stuff, looks top quality. Will just have to wait a while till I start riding then to save up the money. If only my unecessary items on trademe would sell already! As soon as that happens I'll be down in Hamilton.

[Quasievil]

Hmm yes, very stylish! Just a bit worried about wearing all black and not being very visible. Mind you I probably would get the red Caberg helmet and since my ninja is already a violent luminous green it might be ok. Could always pop a bright pink/yellow fluoro jacket over the top for peace of mind.

Hi go for the Viper, you present to the other motorists a bright white shoulder area, just as I designed it for , so perfect mate.
Red Caberg as well will be high viz enough

(dont say I got to do colours again reds n blues etc ????)

[superman]

Hi go for the Viper, you present to the other motorists a bright white shoulder area, just as I designed it for , so perfect mate.
Red Caberg as well will be high viz enough

(dont say I got to do colours again reds n blues etc ????)

Na don't worry about the colours! I actually think I might get the Vengeance one, because it comes with the armour. And it looks good, I know everyone says that should never effect your decision with motorcycle safety gear... BUT IT DOES!

[slofox]

Bloody old man bladder ah :) Shit, next thing you'll be asking how to get your Depends tucked neatly into your leathers!



If it had been just the bladder that need emptying I woulda stopped on the side of the road...IYKWIM

[ckai]

Hi go for the Viper, you present to the other motorists a bright white shoulder area, just as I designed it for , so perfect mate.
Red Caberg as well will be high viz enough

(dont say I got to do colours again reds n blues etc ????)

See, I told you us younger generation doesn't like all black shit. It's you old buggers that think like that :)

Splitting up the black with say a light grey would probably keep us young 'uns happy. Then again it'll be a while before I need another jacket so you can think about a redesign when that time comes ;)

Originally I thought black leather was gonna be WAY to hot for summer but with the perforated leather it's easily twice as cool as my textile stuff.

[Owl]

While you're there, the SPS gloves are definitely worth a look and I'd say their quality is probably even just a little better than the Knox Handroids!

I'm really liking my SPS gloves............nice and cool for summer. My sausage fingers were far too short for the Handroids.

[ckai]

If it had been just the bladder that need emptying I woulda stopped on the side of the road...IYKWIM

haha I see. Maybe you need a sticker on your bike: "No ride until you go potty young man"

Bugger that though. I can't bring myself to use public toilets for that sort of sh... stuff. I make sure I'm well and truly empty before setting off. Gives me better power to weight :)

PS: IYKWIM???? Or do I not wanna know?

[slofox]

haha I see. Maybe you need a sticker on your bike: "No ride until you go potty young man"

Bugger that though. I can't bring myself to use public toilets for that sort of sh... stuff. I make sure I'm well and truly empty before setting off. Gives me better power to weight :)

PS: IYKWIM???? Or do I not wanna know?

It was either use the public dunny or use the leathers...

Trouble was, I went out extra early, eh?

(Actually the dunny was OK...clean and fresh...well...when I got there anyway...)

[Quasievil]

See, I told you us younger generation doesn't like all black shit. It's you old buggers that think like that :)

Splitting up the black with say a light grey would probably keep us young 'uns happy. Then again it'll be a while before I need another jacket so you can think about a redesign when that time comes ;)

Originally I thought black leather was gonna be WAY to hot for summer but with the perforated leather it's easily twice as cool as my textile stuff.

I hear you mate, really I do, I like the colours to, fact is they sell sloooooowly compared to black, but remember the viper its Black White silver n grey, awesome bit of kit.
Red blues etc concern riders as they are always thinking about their next bike........always, and they are never sure what colour it might be and NEVER want to clash, funny but true
Neutral colours are the way to go

[Gremlin]

Plain black gear matches everything :yes:

[ckai]

I hear you mate, really I do, I like the colours to, fact is they sell sloooooowly compared to black, but remember the viper its Black White silver n grey, awesome bit of kit.
Red blues etc concern riders as they are always thinking about their next bike........always, and they are never sure what colour it might be and NEVER want to clash, funny but true
Neutral colours are the way to go

Yeah I remember talking to you about how slow the colours move. That's why I can dig the grey, whites and black. Not all plain BORING (;)) black but can still mix it with everything.

I remember tossing up between the Viper and the one I got (can't even remember what it's called). The more racer one with blue won.

[slofox]

I was asked recently (by my daughter) whether I had specially bought the viper jacket to match the bike...(which has some black and grey on it). I pointed out that I got the jacket before the latest bike so No I did not.

I hadn't noticed, myself. I buy things to function, not to look good.

Besides, I am as "observant as a brick wall" according to lilfox, anyway...

223743

[ducatilover]

blah...

Calvin and Hobbes!!!! Grouse comic, I have a heap of them at home.

:rockon:

[Toaster]

Looking to get my first set of gear. I do plan to be riding a lot, and I've been tossing between getting a hard to take on and off one piece or a two piece.

I've been reading that the one pieces are safer and more comfortable just a bitch to get on and off? Anyone got any recommendations for rides of 40+ mins on which would be better?


Just out of interest, when it comes to trackdays and gear requirements, are two piece racing suit leathers that zip together acceptable or do you HAVE to wear one piece racing suits?

[specter]

i have 2 sets of alpine stars. both 2 piece one goretex one leather..

best thing is you can chop and change to suit the conditions, i mostly ride around with the goretex pants and leather jacket.

if you have the coin i seriously suggest this

[ckai]

I was asked recently (by my daughter) whether I had specially bought the viper jacket to match the bike...(which has some black and grey on it). I pointed out that I got the jacket before the latest bike so No I did not.


I didn't know you had a viper. Did you replace you other jacket? 'Cause I thought you had all black gear.


Just out of interest, when it comes to trackdays and gear requirements, are two piece racing suit leathers that zip together acceptable or do you HAVE to wear one piece racing suits?

Accepted. Well that's from reading the kit standards from several organizers last year and doing the Superbike School. The standards for that are the same as their ride days.

[slofox]

I didn't know you had a viper. Did you replace you other jacket? 'Cause I thought you had all black gear.


I have two jackets. The all black one is a 44 (for winter when I have a gazillion layers on underneath) and the viper is a 42 (for summer when under layers are not so pronounced).

[ckai]

I have two jackets. The all black one is a 44 (for winter when I have a gazillion layers on underneath) and the viper is a 42 (for summer when under layers are not so pronounced).

ah I see. Good idea that.

[slofox]

ah I see. Good idea that.

Some jackets have two zips - one to do it up tighter and one to do it up looser. Also a good idea. And cheaper too...

[Rych]

I got myself the Teknic Mercury two piece zip together one piece leather race suit. I love it, very comfy and breaths well in the hot sun. In the winter it would be chilli but I drive a car when I don't want to get cold... :)

For commuting all year round I would get textile, but get both if ya can!

Got from Red Baron, pants $400 (RRP $449) jacket $500 (RRP $549). Got pants free with bike purchase..

Jacket: http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/39/20106/ITEM/Teknic-Mercury-Jacket.aspx
Pants: http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/40/20183/ITEM/Teknic-Mercury-Leather-Pants.aspx

[baptist]

Hmm yes, very stylish! Just a bit worried about wearing all black and not being very visible. Mind you I probably would get the red Caberg helmet and since my ninja is already a violent luminous green it might be ok. Could always pop a bright pink/yellow fluoro jacket over the top for peace of mind.

But yes probably will go with all the quasi stuff, looks top quality. Will just have to wait a while till I start riding then to save up the money. If only my unecessary items on trademe would sell already! As soon as that happens I'll be down in Hamilton.

Pink and Yellow....:confused: I thought you had a kawasaki not a Honda:laugh::laugh:

Oh and defo a two piece, I go to college, get rid of the jacket and just wear the pants during the day (mind you riding boots are not the best for all day walking and stuff so pack some trainers!!!!)

[superman]

Pink and Yellow....:confused: I thought you had a kawasaki not a Honda:laugh::laugh:

Oh and defo a two piece, I go to college, get rid of the jacket and just wear the pants during the day (mind you riding boots are not the best for all day walking and stuff so pack some trainers!!!!)

Well I've bought the viper jacket and estremo pants from quasi now with a green and black helmet to match my ninja. Viper has white shoulders so I'll see how visible I think I am, might find a fluorescent backpack to take my stuff around and that can be some extra visibility points. :scratch:

I'll probably be packing trainers and jeans each day, don't want to walk around looking like a meat slicer. Guess I'll just get me a locker and that will ease the burden

[baptist]

Well I've bought the viper jacket and estremo pants from quasi now with a green and black helmet to match my ninja. Viper has white shoulders so I'll see how visible I think I am, might find a fluorescent backpack to take my stuff around and that can be some extra visibility points. :scratch:

I'll probably be packing trainers and jeans each day, don't want to walk around looking like a meat slicer. Guess I'll just get me a locker and that will ease the burden

Sounds good, I have white and red in my jacket, with a white helmet I must look like a big spot about to burst:sick::laugh:

I bought a dayglo patch (with reflective tape) on velcro elastics from a guy in the top of the South Island it goes either on my back pack or my Ventura bag.