Textile suit or 2 piece leathers??
Discussion
Evening all, I have always used a one piece leather suit for both racing and for road riding but since stopping racing I want to do some more touring on my Speed Triple. I am keeping the 1 piece suit for days out and evening blasts but am wondering what would people recommend for week long touring during the summer months, 2 piece leathers or textile jacket and pants? Thanks in advance.
ThreadKiller said:
Wouldn’t have occurred to me to wear my leathers on a touring holiday. My textiles much more comfortable, weather versatile and practical.
That said, my leathers are less than a perfect fit and stiff / heavy so not so comfortable.
No I would not like to wear my one piece leathers on holiday either. Way too bulky etc. I think textile is the way forward.That said, my leathers are less than a perfect fit and stiff / heavy so not so comfortable.
ThreadKiller said:
Wouldn’t have occurred to me to wear my leathers on a touring holiday. My textiles much more comfortable, weather versatile and practical.
That said, my leathers are less than a perfect fit and stiff / heavy so not so comfortable.
If your leathers are not as good a fit then you have the wrong size of leathers. If they're heavier that your textiles then it's very likely because they offer significantly more crash protection. Textiles with near leather crash protection are just as heavy. That said, my leathers are less than a perfect fit and stiff / heavy so not so comfortable.
Yep - agreed.
Fit isn’t perfect but good enough I believe.
And the weight will be down to the material and protection.
They are fine for track days and days out.
But for holidays / touring when I am not going to be “making progress”, the textiles are a better option for me for the reasons I mention.
Fit isn’t perfect but good enough I believe.
And the weight will be down to the material and protection.
They are fine for track days and days out.
But for holidays / touring when I am not going to be “making progress”, the textiles are a better option for me for the reasons I mention.
I far prefer leathers as they do offer greater levels of protection but it does depend on where/what you're doing. If I was going to Norway then it would be textiles all the way. But for the Dolomites and Spain it was leathers - though I did end up with riding jeans in Spain because it was so hot.
In the end of it be comfortable and wear what works for you but if you're off having fun on mountain passes that you haven't ridden before I'd want as much protection as I could.
In the end of it be comfortable and wear what works for you but if you're off having fun on mountain passes that you haven't ridden before I'd want as much protection as I could.
Cheers for the input guys. To be honest with you, I have no idea where my touring will take me but it does seem that textiles will be the ones I go for. I have my one piece leathers for the more spirited rides at home but for UK and hopefully European jaunts, the textiles will tick the boxes.
Where your touring in Europe will take you is easy...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
2 places left!
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
2 places left!
black-k1 said:
Where your touring in Europe will take you is easy...
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
2 places left!
That is so tempting and looks like just the sort of thing I had in mind! https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
2 places left!
robinh73 said:
black-k1 said:
Drop me a PM!
For some reason I can't send you a PM, had this issue before. To be honest with you, I wouldn't be able to do a biggish trip next year as my other half is going through chemotherapy and will still be in need of care. 2024 however!SteelerSE said:
I far prefer leathers as they do offer greater levels of protection but it does depend on where/what you're doing.
Me, too. I find leathers comfortable as they don’t flap in the wind and eventually mould to my shape. They can also be easier to get tailored to fit, if required.Not all leathers are created equal. However, my kangaroo leather trousers are lighter and comfier than my riding jeans. The jeans have stayed untouched in the wardrobe for 2-3 years.
If it’s wet weather, several waterproof leather options exist (e.g., Halvarssons Racken jacket and Rinn pants, and BMW’s brilliant Furka leathers).
Edited by Salted_Peanut on Friday 9th December 21:13
When you say "textile suit", are you referring to one piece? IMO, one piece suits are less practical (try going for a s
t for example) but generally better at keeping the water out (to a degree).
99% of my riding is road based with maybe a couple of trackdays a year so I just have 2 piece sets at the moment.
Mesh textiles for when it's ridiculously hot.
Leathers for warm weather (anything from low-teens up to say 25-30 degrees).
Goretex for anything ~10 degrees or colder days.
I also have a heated vest and gloves, which can go under any of the above, which helps with extending their useful range.
I tend not to ride in extreme wet (unless caught out) or cold though as it's just a hobby / pastime for me and I just don't find riding in those conditions enjoyable.
For touring, if stopping and perhaps walking about (while wearing kit) for a while, then I find textiles are generally more comfortable.
Horses for courses really, depends on the weather and what I'm planning to do.
t for example) but generally better at keeping the water out (to a degree).99% of my riding is road based with maybe a couple of trackdays a year so I just have 2 piece sets at the moment.
Mesh textiles for when it's ridiculously hot.
Leathers for warm weather (anything from low-teens up to say 25-30 degrees).
Goretex for anything ~10 degrees or colder days.
I also have a heated vest and gloves, which can go under any of the above, which helps with extending their useful range.
I tend not to ride in extreme wet (unless caught out) or cold though as it's just a hobby / pastime for me and I just don't find riding in those conditions enjoyable.
For touring, if stopping and perhaps walking about (while wearing kit) for a while, then I find textiles are generally more comfortable.
Horses for courses really, depends on the weather and what I'm planning to do.
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