Leather or alternatives?

**Oakie** · 29th April 2005, 11:39

I've decided that I've pushed my luck far enough and want to upgrade from my windbreaker type jacket to something that's going to keep my skin away from the tar-seal a bit better should something nasty happen.
Most of my travel is in the city but every couple of weeks we go for a bit of a blast in the country (well, more of a cruise than a blast I guess).

Leather jackets look cool but do they keep the cold out on a frosty day and how water resistant are they? I have decent wet weather gear under the seat so all I need is something to keep a light drizzle out.

Bike jackets made from modern synthetic materials are probably water-proof and give reasonable protection in a fall but might look a bit OTT when you're wearing them for a purpose not related to riding a bike.

Recommendations please.

**Jantar** · 29th April 2005, 11:48

Have a look at http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=7550

Personally I wouldn't go past leather. Its durable, gives great protection and water proof for up to 3 hours (depending on how well its looked after).

**Sniper** · 29th April 2005, 12:13

Leather
(10 yes 10)

**Oakie** · 29th April 2005, 12:17

Originally Posted by Jantar

Have a look at http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=7550

Personally I wouldn't go past leather. Its durable, gives great protection and water proof for up to 3 hours (depending on how well its looked after).

Thanks for the link. There seems to be a lot of what I want to know there.

Let's assume I go for a leather jacket. What makes a good jacket for biking ... and how do you look after them to keep them water resistant?

**Motu** · 29th April 2005, 12:19

If you want people to look and stare and say...''Wow,lookit that guy,full race leathers on the street! He's only on a CB400,but shit,I reckon he must be a fucking Orsome rider!!!'' - then go for leather.

If you want to look like a complete and utter nerd who spends more time playing with his trainset than riding,and who hangs around electonic shops look for resistor bargins - go for textile.

**Sutage** · 29th April 2005, 12:34

Originally Posted by Motu

If you want people to look and stare and say...''Wow,lookit that guy,full race leathers on the street! He's only on a CB400,but shit,I reckon he must be a fucking Orsome rider!!!'' - then go for leather.

If you want to look like a complete and utter nerd who spends more time playing with his trainset than riding,and who hangs around electonic shops look for resistor bargins - go for textile.

Paints quite a picture doesnt he?

**Zapf** · 29th April 2005, 12:36

crashed twice.... one 1 week ago... my leathers saved my ass big time..

and try not to elbow yourself in the chest with hard elbow armor... its not good.... take my word for it.

**Lou Girardin** · 29th April 2005, 12:40

If you're heterosexual go for textile. (and if you like being warm and dry)
Otherwise get leather, big boy.
Dry in leather for 3 hours? ho ho ho.
Only if it's not raining!

**Lou Girardin** · 29th April 2005, 12:40

Originally Posted by Zapf

crashed twice.... one 1 week ago... my leathers saved my ass big time..

In the interests of science, duplicate the crash wearing textile.

**Paul in NZ** · 29th April 2005, 12:41

Originally Posted by Motu

If you want to look like a complete and utter nerd who spends more time playing with his trainset than riding,and who hangs around electonic shops look for resistor bargins - go for textile.

Oh, so you have met me?

A while after I bought my Spidi NT Tour I dropped in on a mate and he told me.. (about when I used my cruddy old leather) "I used ti think you were fuckin' cool man, now you have turned into BMW man or something?"

Huh!

Mind you - I get better service at the cafe' and I'm warm...

Paul N

**Zapf** · 29th April 2005, 12:45

Originally Posted by Lou Girardin

If you're heterosexual go for textile. (and if you like being warm and dry)
Otherwise get leather, big boy.
Dry in leather for 3 hours? ho ho ho.
Only if it's not raining!

How about leather with Goretex liners

**TonyB** · 29th April 2005, 12:51

IF you want a laugh, buy Textile, then go to a HOG rally. You'll start to question their sexuality, as every one you talk to will look you down, then up, then they will sneer.
This has been done to death on the link above, but my 10 cents (no such thing as 2 or 5 now): if buying textile, go for the very best quality otherwise after a while it will start to leak (it may well leak straight away) and then you'll still look

look like a complete and utter nerd who spends more time playing with his trainset than riding,and who hangs around electonic shops look for resistor bargins

AND you'll be just as wet if not wetter than the guy's in leather. My Tecnics leaks like a sieve now- I'm going back to leather.
Another downside of textiles- you can't do track days.

**Eurodave** · 29th April 2005, 12:53

Leather for tough boy image & has great abrasion resistance for racers But in the real road world go for cordura for its everyday practicality,warmth/coolness with removable liner ,waterproofness & body armoured protection & generally, non 'hells angel bikie scum' look. Really the only downside is it may need replacing after an accident