Consider this before buying your next motorcycle racing leather
Motorbike leather used on or off track must provide best possible safety and protection to its riders. Here is what you must consider before buying your next motorbike/racing leather:
Material
Generally motorbike leather clothing is either made of leather or textile fabric. Leather comes at a comparatively higher price tag but it is the choice option for most riders. Cowhide leather of 1.3mm - 1.4mm is the industry standard. Make sure you confirm with the vendor that they clothing is made of 100% leather as some people leather PU leather (artificial) under the disguise of leather. One of the downside of leather is it is heavier than textile. For example, a standard size leather jacket would weigh around 2.5KG while the textile would hardly weight over 1 to 1.5 KG.
Another important thing to be aware of is the waterproofing. Leather if have not been chemically treated would not provide same level of waterproofing as the textile or PU leather.
Stitches
Leather must have 11 - 14 stitches per 5cm.
Fabric must have 13 - 16 stitches per 5cm.
All seams must be double stitched.
Protection or Armour
Ensure the jacket and pants have Double Density Form of highest standard at back, shoulder, elbows and hips.
It is ideal if the protection is removable and replaceable.
External knee sliders may attached via velcro to a patch around knee area and removable.
For extra protection it must have Internal knee cap protection.
Zips
Only settle on highly quality YKK zips.
Front zip must have internal flap of leather to protect the rider from any potential injury.
Buttons
Check if the buttons are rust proof.
Internal Linning
Internal lining comes in mesh net, silk and linen fabric depending upon client’s requirement.
Some jackets would require removable thermal linning for extra warmth during winter.