One piece leathers or two?
Discussion
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I bought this bike not long ago and now need some gear to look the part. Don't want to spend loads and have no problem with second hand. The question is one piece leather suit or zip together 2 piece? Pros and cons of each. One piece looks the business but the massive humps on a lot them really aren't my taste. But there are lot more nearly new second hand suits on ebay then two piece and they are more colourful which i like. I ride places and then stop and look around. Perhaps that alone rules out one piece? Thoughts and opinions appreciated please.
The first time you're out somewhere and need to take a dump you'll either regret buying a 1 piece as you wrestle to get seated without your leathers laying in what's on the floor, or will be really glad you bought a 2 piece. 
A full zip means a 2 piece offers just about the same protection as a 1 piece.
A full zip means a 2 piece offers just about the same protection as a 1 piece.
On the bike I find one piece more comfortable but off the bike two piece is the way to go.
Not all suits are equal though and some one piece are more extreme than others.
For a first set of leathers I’d go two piece. Ideally you would have both if you only have one set two is the way to go unless you plan a lot of track time.
Not all suits are equal though and some one piece are more extreme than others.
For a first set of leathers I’d go two piece. Ideally you would have both if you only have one set two is the way to go unless you plan a lot of track time.
Id look for a used 2 piece set on ebay. all the big brands usually have a more plain touring orientated suit versus a race suit with hump and sliders. A touring suit is cut more comfortable, usually some pockets and maybe a jacket liner. Much more practical with more plain colours vs the full on power ranger options.
ollya said:
raining_sulphur said:
On a tangent, I do love those RSVs. Lovely bike, how is it?
I haven't actually ridden it yet. Took 3 years to find that exact version and colour scheme. Am currently fettling in the garage. Just found the source of a coolant dripAnyway, I’ve gone down the route of armoured jeans, leather jacket. Currently got some paddock boots/high top trainer types which I’ll be swapping out for proper boots soon.
Thanks for all the replies. I probably should have worded my original post better. I've got a ton of bike gear but none of it looks the part for a race bike like this. That includes armored aramid jeans and a textile (waxed cotton - but quite modern looking) jacket as well as two-piece plain black leathers and full adventure textile stuff too.
I don't really like the leathers I have, the shoulders are way too bulky and they are too dull for a sport bike hence I'm sort of trying to justify one of 2 options. Get a one-piece - look the part but roast at my destination plus the other downsides - or get a more racy two-piece and try and shift my old leathers for next to nothing - which will make me sad as the cost a decent whack at the time.
I also need race-style boots - that's proving a struggle as none are wide enough. Don't quite know what I'm going to do there!
Cheers
I don't really like the leathers I have, the shoulders are way too bulky and they are too dull for a sport bike hence I'm sort of trying to justify one of 2 options. Get a one-piece - look the part but roast at my destination plus the other downsides - or get a more racy two-piece and try and shift my old leathers for next to nothing - which will make me sad as the cost a decent whack at the time.
I also need race-style boots - that's proving a struggle as none are wide enough. Don't quite know what I'm going to do there!
Cheers
Maybe picking some suits from different manufacturers & having them sent to your local sportsbikeshop to try would be the best idea. At least you can see which brands fit you better & if they are comfy. If good then either treat yourself to new or keep an eye out for your preferred second hand.
They also have a huge range of boots if it’s a specific fit eg wide feet.
They also have a huge range of boots if it’s a specific fit eg wide feet.
black-k1 said:
The first time you're out somewhere and need to take a dump you'll either regret buying a 1 piece as you wrestle to get seated without your leathers laying in what's on the floor, or will be really glad you bought a 2 piece.
A full zip means a 2 piece offers just about the same protection as a 1 piece.
This is about the size of it for me, yep A full zip means a 2 piece offers just about the same protection as a 1 piece.
Cracking bike btw OP - keep us updated on that fettling and you getting the thing out on to the road!
vonhosen said:
Track one piece, road two piece.
Its not that easily defined for me. All depends what you're doing. Riding A to A on the road I'd rather wear a one-piece as it's more comfortable on the bike. Touring or stopping and getting off the bike here and there, I can see the merits of a two piece.As good as the jeans and textile jackets are, I'd rather be wearing a good 1 or 2 piece quality leather suit if the worst was to happen, preferably with an airbag system.
Certainly not the area to cheap out on anyway, some cracking deals out there though and quality used stuff.
Boots I'm a big fan of TCX stuff, crashed loads in them and never had an issue with my feet, ankles etc after.
Certainly not the area to cheap out on anyway, some cracking deals out there though and quality used stuff.
Boots I'm a big fan of TCX stuff, crashed loads in them and never had an issue with my feet, ankles etc after.
Edited by GYTRDave on Sunday 4th February 20:58
vonhosen said:
Track one piece, road two piece.
Exactly this. Just go to a bike meet in the summer months and just look at anyone wearing a one piece. They all look the same, most of them folding it awkwardly to their waist or zipped open begging for a breeze. All this while staring enviously at two piece and mesh wearers….Whichever you go for make sure you’re wearing base layers underneath. Wicking ones in the summer months and full length too. Once you’ve fought to get sweaty leathers off without them, you’ll understand
Watching a chap at a particularly hot trackday rely on two of his mates trying to pull one arm out was possibly more fun that the day itself.
Rene Souffle said:
Once you’ve fought to get sweaty leathers off without them, you’ll understand
Watching a chap at a particularly hot trackday rely on two of his mates trying to pull one arm out was possibly more fun that the day itself.
That would be horrific if you had just eaten a dodgy curry and needed an urgent number 2 exit from the suit ASAP. Watching a chap at a particularly hot trackday rely on two of his mates trying to pull one arm out was possibly more fun that the day itself.
It also depends on what youre going to be using the bike for. If youre more likely to be going for social runs with a bunch of friends/fellow bikers I'd agree 2 piece is the way, you'll be off the bike as often as youre on it for coffees/smoke breaks etc.
If youre just going out for solo blasts then it would be a one piece for me. Putting my suit on and jumping on the bike makes me feel like a racer And reading between the lines I think thats what youre looking for?
As for boots, is it wide feet you have or wide legs? Daytona are pretty good for wide-feet fitting boots, I have 'muscular' calves and had to get Dainese 'In' boots, none of the other types of boots would go over my calves and leathers. I have a Richa one piece and thoroughly recommend their stuff.
If youre just going out for solo blasts then it would be a one piece for me. Putting my suit on and jumping on the bike makes me feel like a racer
And reading between the lines I think thats what youre looking for? As for boots, is it wide feet you have or wide legs? Daytona are pretty good for wide-feet fitting boots, I have 'muscular' calves and had to get Dainese 'In' boots, none of the other types of boots would go over my calves and leathers. I have a Richa one piece and thoroughly recommend their stuff.
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