Leather or Fabric

**mini_hooks_** · 2nd January 2005, 21:42

i like leather becaues it gives you more protection and generally lasts longer,
and is water proof...which always comes in handy when riding in the wet.
but on the other hand fabric is alot easier to move around in..its a tough decision... :unsure:

**Zapf** · 2nd January 2005, 21:46

I am wearing Fabric at the moment, but I am investing in leathers and mixing them. E.g wearing coolmax / thermals under leathers, and then goretex over them when it rains. that should give me the best of protection for the road and weather... just don't ask me how long its to put it all on ... / or off

**mini_hooks_** · 2nd January 2005, 21:58

Originally Posted by Zapf

I am wearing Fabric at the moment, but I am investing in leathers and mixing them. E.g wearing coolmax / thermals under leathers, and then goretex over them when it rains. that should give me the best of protection for the road and weather... just don't ask me how long its to put it all on ... / or off

been there done that...believe me you dont wanna do that it took me half an hour to get every thing off and it doesnt leave you much room to move around in!! but yes it does keep you well protected...

**inlinefour** · 17th January 2005, 03:51

Originally Posted by Jantar

So which do you prefer and why?

Had leather tear a couple of times on good gear that was in great nick

**PhilBilly** · 17th January 2005, 08:06

I wear me leathers regardless of weather, I've seen some mad people with shorts and a Tshirt riding through wellington city, i could never do that.

**bear** · 17th January 2005, 08:11

Originally Posted by Jim2

For sport riding, day trips and commuting I'll wear leather because the chance of an accident in those conditions seems to be higher for me.

For touring I prefer a modern Cordura/Kevlar fabric suit. I have yet to find any of the above waterproof. I have tried Orina, Spyke, and Spool, and of all those the Orina had the best weather protection. However it had foam rather than hard armour with a kevlar outer patch, so I'm not quite convinced that it would stand up to a highway speed accident very well.

On a recent ride I was on, the other fella had an Orina and got soaked, I was wearing RJays and was bone dry.

**James Deuce** · 17th January 2005, 08:24

Originally Posted by bear

On a recent ride I was on, the other fella had an Orina and got soaked, I was wearing RJays and was bone dry.

Probably comes down to manufacturing and care and maintenance.

**mikey** · 26th January 2005, 18:38

i like to ride naked

**Sparky Bills** · 26th January 2005, 18:43

LEATHER LEATHER LEATHER!!!!

**Krusti** · 26th January 2005, 18:50

We wear leather jacket with oilskin vest.

**loosebruce** · 26th January 2005, 18:54

next time i decide to bounce down the road at close to the 200kph mark, i'll make sure it's only leather i'm wearing, does the trick , cant trust that gortex/kevlar stuff enough, stick to what you know.

**avgas** · 26th January 2005, 19:08

Originally Posted by Sensei 509

Haven't seen any Leather with Armour in it as yet is there any out there being made ?? SENSEI

mine has armour in the shoulders, elbows and knees.
But i changed it all for soft leather as it was easier to use that way.
Mind due my leathers look about 10+years old, dunno how many owners

**Zapf** · 26th January 2005, 19:08

Originally Posted by mini_hooks_

been there done that...believe me you dont wanna do that it took me half an hour to get every thing off and it doesnt leave you much room to move around in!! but yes it does keep you well protected...

yea I am getting that...

e.g

put on coolmax underlay
put on back protector vest
put on coolmax trouser
put on socks over trouser
slide both foot into leather suit
pull them up and jump around
and then be like a monkey and wriggle shoulders...
zip up suit....

put on ear plugs
take off glasses
put on helmet
put on glasses

put on inner glove
put on glove.... woop found the bike key in the glove... put it in..
put on outer glove...

jump on bike.... woops and put the helmet strap thru the hoop.

But after seeing the aftermath of Rhy's condura pants after a slow lowside... I don't really want to be in my conduras if I had a faster bin....

So... next purchase.... BMW 90% water proof leather with goretex insert for winter.... (wish)

opps... and you got it... I forgot to put on my boots! :P