Leathers or Jackets with kelvar ?

**GNCharlie** · 21st September 2005, 22:22

I'm just a newbie just wondering what is better leather jackets and pants, or the jacket type clothing with kelvar in it ??

**SuperDave** · 21st September 2005, 22:27

My vote is for leather. Had two bins thus far and my leather jacket did a hell of a lot better job than my now sold Cordura jacket. My current leather jacket has no armour whatsover whereas the old cordura one had soft armour in the elbows and shoulders.

**cowpoos** · 21st September 2005, 22:32

racers only wear leathers....there is a reason for that...I use both...but always have leathers on...and put the condure jacket over top for cold or rainy days...

**madboy** · 21st September 2005, 22:45

Depends what type of riding your doing IMHO.

I wear cordura on the road, commuting etc. They've survived a minor bin. It's waterproof, has plenty of pockets for wallet, phone, etc and it's warm. Warm and dry are two factors I like. IMO just cos it's raining doesn't mean to say I have to get wet.

I've got leathers on their way for the track and quick weekend rides, since I figure if I put it down at track speeds my cordura will probably do the job, but it'll be written off.

I'm guessing with a GN125 you might be doing mainly road/commuting work? These are just my opinions.

**Big Dave** · 21st September 2005, 22:47

Originally Posted by GNCharlie

I'm just a newbie just wondering what is better leather jackets and pants, or the jacket type clothing with kelvar in it ??

Have a bit of a search through the archives - there has been much debate on this topic in the past.

There isn't a right answer. Both have advantages.

I recommend initially getting leather and a cheap waterproof 'spray suit' for over it, then get a good gore-tex number later on - for the winter.

Go to a reputable shop, compare the specifications and the price for what is in your budget.

**cowpoos** · 21st September 2005, 23:09

you know dave....your always giving the most logical...best thought out advice....sorta reminds me of the all wise trash heap off fraggle rock....Hmmm

**avgas** · 21st September 2005, 23:32

I was given a leather jacket when i was youngin by my old man......and it is basically the same age as me. Now my Girlfriend wears that.
How many years do you think my plastic fantastic weather proof job lasted.....3 years, 2 offs.
20+years for leather.....versus 3 years for an armoured weatherproof suit.
But then again, if anything lasts 2 months with me it must be bulletproof.
If your still growing, get any armoured jacket.....if not, leathers arent that expensive in comparison to top of the line armoured jackets.

**parsley** · 21st September 2005, 23:42

Leather smells nicer.

**cowpoos** · 21st September 2005, 23:56

Originally Posted by parsley

Leather smells nicer.

Hmmm....this is oddly true....thanks parsley

**texmo** · 22nd September 2005, 00:01

Your on a gn125 anything under 250 and you aint going at huge speeds so get a jacket with solid armour and kevlar, they are better for when it rains as you have to dry leather and water makes it weaker.

**Big Dave** · 22nd September 2005, 00:01

Originally Posted by cowpoos

you know dave....your always giving the most logical...best thought out advice....sorta reminds me of the all wise trash heap off fraggle rock....Hmmm

Experience is a good school, but the fees are high.
Bet I smell worse.

**cowpoos** · 22nd September 2005, 00:19

Originally Posted by Big Dave

Bet I smell worse.

that is debatable....what are your creadentials?
(excuse speeling)

**Gremlin** · 22nd September 2005, 00:48

yeah, the leather v cordura has been debated many times in the past. Do a search and you should get some excellent threads. One to get you started, and here's another.

as Dave has said, depends on what you are doing. Since you have a GN125, I'm guessing that you won't be doing track work, high speeds or quick country rides???

If commuting, then I reckon armoured cordura is the better bet. Dries reasonably easily, I have found mine to be very waterproof, and still has protection for shoulders, elbows and back.

Impact wise, leathers will definitely be better, after all, racers use them. You wouldn't see them using cordura on the track. Leathers can be used for multiple off depending on the damage and can be repaired. Cordura is usually written off after one good off.

**Sniper** · 22nd September 2005, 07:50

Originally Posted by texmo

Your on a gn125 anything under 250 and you aint going at huge speeds so get a jacket with solid armour and kevlar, they are better for when it rains as you have to dry leather and water makes it weaker.

Thats a bad judgement call, any motorcycle is capable of speed and you can just as easily damage yourself at 30kms than 100kms. Justified that the damage may not be so great but still. Leather and cordura have the same purpouse, to keep the skin attached to your body!

My opinion, just go with what suits you mate.