Leather vs Cordura/Textile - Beginner Gear

[CookMySock]

And you will look the bizo in that too. Better get some polypropylene to go under it for winter tho. Brrr.

Steve

[Gone Burger]

Just be careful with the 1Tonne stuff. I have boots, Cordura pants and a cordura jacket from them - all of which state they are waterproof. Most definately NOT the case. Boots only take minutes to start leaking in through the joins of the sole, the pants soak through pretty quickly as does the jacket. Have even sprayed them with waterproofing stuff, didn't really help. But these were the cheapest items available at the time, only brought about 6 months ago. Just saying, not waterproof at all, as they are supposed to be.

Now got a leather jacket - seems to be much better.

[bluebird]

My leather jacket is waterproof, I treat it with a leather protector/conditioner, I wear draggin jeans that are oilskin, also waterproof. For winter riding get yourself some icebreaker thermals and layer what you wear, a silk scarf is good as it is warm without being uncomfortable and you will not sweat in it. Cycletreads has a good range at good prices. What about a helmet? do not buy a cheap one, 90% of head injuries are permanent.

[R-Soul]

If you want hi visibility- you can just slip a hi-vis vest over from the $2 shop, or a zip-up one from safety gear shops. Not an issue- dont let teh colours of the jacket be the decider...

And you will be surprised how quickly you will be going over 140 km - especially if you do a few track days, or advanced riding courses.

[R-Soul]

Now you have your kit - do yourself a favour and do the reading and a bit of theory, and the courses. They make the difference between enjoying the ride for the freedom, and enjoying the ride for the freedom and confidence. You learn so much faster if you actually know what you are trying to achieve.

PM me if you want a book or two for new riders.

First learn:
1) Countersteering
2) Emergency braking
3) Looking where you want to go ad through the corner
4) Low speed manouvering
5) The rest

[Scorp]

Now you have your kit - do yourself a favour and do the reading and a bit of theory

I'm about halfway through 'Proficient Motorcycling' by David Hough at the moment. Really enjoying it too, he's the kind of rider I'd aspire to become one day. Just itching to get on the road and put some of it into practice.

...and the courses.

Booked in for some further training next Saturday.

PM me if you want a book or two for new riders.

Thanks mate, will do.

[p.dath]

Just be careful with the 1Tonne stuff. I have boots, Cordura pants and a cordura jacket from them - all of which state they are waterproof. Most definately NOT the case. Boots only take minutes to start leaking in through the joins of the sole, the pants soak through pretty quickly as does the jacket. Have even sprayed them with waterproofing stuff, didn't really help. But these were the cheapest items available at the time, only brought about 6 months ago. Just saying, not waterproof at all, as they are supposed to be.

Now got a leather jacket - seems to be much better.

I have 1Tonne Cordura pants, and their two piece Blawk Hawk leather gear. I never treat them with anything (don't like to risk using chemicals on motorcycle gear), and haven't had problems with them leaking.

I'm a road rider, and ride all year around, every week.

Sounds like you got unlucky.

[Gone Burger]

I have 1Tonne Cordura pants, and their two piece Blawk Hawk leather gear. I never treat them with anything (don't like to risk using chemicals on motorcycle gear), and haven't had problems with them leaking.

I'm a road rider, and ride all year around, every week.

Sounds like you got unlucky.

It seems that I did. Mind you, my partner brought a different set of Corduras at the same time from them, even less waterproof than mine. Perhaps just an off batch at the time? Now need to spend some more money and invest in something that does hold the water out better.

Winter can be a bit miserable if you are soaked through and through. Don't mind riding in the wet, as long as my body can keep reasonable dry. Oh - and the feet. My boots are terrible. Soggy socks makes for a less pleasent ride

[Scorp]

Quick update: The 1Tonne gear arrived today. Fast delivery, everything fits like a glove, including the gloves. Very impressed with the quality and generally delighted with my purchase. Thanks 1Tonne, and thanks again KBers for the advice!

Also got a Shoei Raid II helmet and a pair of Gaerne boots on the weekend from Bayride Tauranga. All kitted out and ready to ride.

[quickbuck]

Quick update: The 1Tonne gear arrived today. Fast delivery, everything fits like a glove, including the gloves. Very impressed with the quality and generally delighted with my purchase. Thanks 1Tonne, and thanks again KBers for the advice!

Also got a Shoei Raid II helmet and a pair of Gaerne boots on the weekend from Bayride Tauranga. All kitted out and ready to ride.

That's the ticket mate.
What Model of Gearne's did you get?

I got some waterproof ones a few years ago, and I must say they are.... Except when you put holes in them while doing a Mopedathon! Yup, my fault.
Also, after a few years (and it has to be at least 3 now), and lots of walking around in them, i have worn through the soles... Not bagging the boots though, as the sole deeds to be a little soft to allow you to feel the pegs...

[p.dath]

Quick update: The 1Tonne gear arrived today. Fast delivery, everything fits like a glove, including the gloves. Very impressed with the quality and generally delighted with my purchase. Thanks 1Tonne, and thanks again KBers for the advice!

And you'll probably find you'll still have your gear in 10 or 20 years. Leather kit lasts very well.

[Quasievil]

And you'll probably find you'll still have your gear in 10 or 20 years. Leather kit lasts very well.

Not really it depends on the quality of the kit, but as long as people buy on price and expect lifelong endurance and high performance they will be constantly disappointed, as pointed out a few posts above for example.
And that goes to any brand btw
I dont think enough people consider spec at all at the moment frankly, buy cheap get cheap

[Scorp]

That's the ticket mate.
What Model of Gearne's did you get?

Got G-Duke waterproof ones.

[quickbuck]

Got G-Duke waterproof ones.

Sweet... Yes, those are the ones that replaced the model I wear.... I think. ... Mine are Aquatech's... Could still be a current model.
Mine have the toe sliders on them.

Great boot you will find.

[Mike Wilson]

Hi, my name is Mike Wilson and I own Jet Leathers in Hastings. Both Cordura and Leather have their place in the market but as I always say if there was a better product than Leather the Moto GP and Superbike guys would wear it. Leather hands down gives you better protection from sliding and the possibility of a burn from road rash or hot bike exhausts etc. Give me a call on 068787949 or jetleathers.com. We specialise in making gear to fit you!!! and have been in the industry since 1974..........Good luck, Mike