Should I buy leathers??

MedTechRR · 03-06-2004, 9:38 PM

Ok, I've been thinking for a while now. Should I get a nice leather suit? I do most riding on the street, the occasional drag (at the strip) and want to do a few track days this year to get into the whole track thing.

Right now I have a Joe Rocket Meteor jacket, and a pair of joe rocket ballistic pants. I really like these because they are comfortable, they have removeable liners to accomodate the changing weather, they are waterproof, and they have nice vents for when it is hot.

I am looking at a Teknic violator suit and want to know if it's worth it to switch? Is the leather suit really that much more protective? Will I need a leather suit to do track days or is the JR gear adequate? The violator suit is a great deal so if I should get a leather suit then I better do it now!

Thanks for the advice!

Mark

Northy · 03-06-2004, 9:56 PM

Most tracks require leather after the initial track school or first session (NESBA for example).

HondaGalToo · 03-06-2004, 11:14 PM

What Northy said. Some will allow textile suits like an Aerostich in the Novice group, but if you're considering doing several track days, you'll be much better off with a leather suit...they do protect better. Make sure you get a good one with armor and get a back protector. If you get a 2-piece, ensure that it's a full-circumferance zipper, not just the kind that just zips across the back.

darkblade · 03-07-2004, 7:48 AM

I definately believe in ultimate protection on track and road. What price do you pay for safety. Well as much as you can afford. I may look like a wanker in my full leathers everyday at work but I feel confident on the road. Alpinestar, shoei, and sidi, protects me all the way from home to work.

darkblade.

l'timbré · 03-07-2004, 7:52 AM

I have both leather and textile, to go fast, the leather is

there is a lot more drag with textile.

For racing that is

Baketech · 03-07-2004, 7:57 AM

Yes....buy a decent set of leathers if you plan on doing more than just a couple of track days.

I started out with an Aerostich, but once I realized that I had the track day itch, I bought a set.....2pc at first because I thought I would use them on the street as well. This turned out to be false economy, and a year later I picked up a 1 pc....

My 2 cents....skip the 2pc step, and buy the best 1pc your budget allows....better protection, and better comfort.....

l'timbré · 03-07-2004, 7:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Baketech

Yes....buy a decent set of leathers if you plan on doing more than just a couple of track days.

I started out with an Aerostich, but once I realized that I had the track day itch, I bought a set.....2pc at first because I thought I would use them on the street as well. This turned out to be false economy, and a year later I picked up a 1 pc....

My 2 cents....skip the 2pc step, and buy the best 1pc your budget allows....better protection, and better comfort.....

Gblade · 03-07-2004, 6:22 PM

Leather=Yes

MedTechRR · 03-07-2004, 6:44 PM

ok, ok. I get the idea. I bought a Teknic Violator 1 piece suit. Silver/black. Can't wait to get it to find out how much weight I have to lose to get my fat ass in the suit!!

I hear this is a good suit and hopefully I will never have to find out if it is or not!!

Mark

cbr99xx · 03-07-2004, 7:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2k2954

ok, ok. I get the idea. I bought a Teknic Violator 1 piece suit. Silver/black. Can't wait to get it to find out how much weight I have to lose to get my fat ass in the suit!!

I hear this is a good suit and hopefully I will never have to find out if it is or not!!

Mark

Going with leather is a good choice IMHO.

I know what you mean about fitting into the leathers, its been one year and one month (and about 25 lbs.) since I quit smoking. Time to hit the bicycle!

Baketech · 03-07-2004, 8:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 2k2954

ok, ok. I get the idea. I bought a Teknic Violator 1 piece suit. Silver/black. Can't wait to get it to find out how much weight I have to lose to get my fat ass in the suit!!

I hear this is a good suit and hopefully I will never have to find out if it is or not!!

Mark

Rock on....

Speaking of fat asses, a 1pc is a good training motivator as it reminds you of your physical condition. I let myself slide a few pounds over the holidays....had to get back on the wagon this month to be ready for spring....

ratter · 03-07-2004, 8:46 PM

Buy leather 20 million cows can't be wrong

cbr99xx · 03-07-2004, 8:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratter

Buy leather 20 million cows can't be wrong

Better cowhide than my hide!

Besides, maybe someday a lady will walk up to you and tell you that her little girl just asked if you were a Power Ranger.... Happened to me.

ratter · 03-07-2004, 9:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cbr99xx

Besides, maybe someday a lady will walk up to you and tell you that her little girl just asked if you were a Power Ranger.... Happened to me.

If you had you back protectoir outside your leathers, she may have thought you were a ninja turtle

Red Rider · 03-07-2004, 9:09 PM

Now that you bought it, please remember to wear it!