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Hello all :

I have recently returned to biking and bought Heine Gericke (non leather) gear. I now want a decent leather jacket and trousers. But who ARE the top quality manufactuers? I can find no obvious web sites.

Thanks

What sort of thing are you after John? There's a clear division between "old school" traditional leathers, and more 'racy' stuff that optionally zips to trousers to make a one-piece suit.

Hein Gericke do their own brand stuff, and stock things from others too. They are generally good value IMO, as are Infinity Motorcycles - go and have a browse in your closest branch. BMW rider kit is generally excellent, but highly priced, so the value judgement is yours. Alpinestars & Dainese always get good reviews - check the magazines like BIKE and Motorcycle Sport & Leisure, plus MCN etc. Frank Thomas is another good brand, and Triumph do some more traditional type leather jackets too. If money is no object, Lewis Leathers are having a revival with a new London store.

I've bought a lot of kit before finally settling on what works best, which can be an expensive habit - try eBay for the odd bargain, there is a lot of gear that's "shrunk in the wardrobe since last season" being sold off right now...

John

I bought a set of Furygan two-piece leathers last year and so far I've no regrets at all. I've worn them all winter, with thin skiing gear underneath and they've been great. Looking forward to taking out the liners now that the weather has improved.

Doing my research for these I came across BKS Leathers: http://www.bksleather.co.uk/
Even off-the-peg they were eye wateringly expensive (>£1000 per set) and made to measure were even more. But they're the best leathers I've seen bar none. Superb build quality, and great attention to detail. If you've got money to burn, or just value your hide sufficient to buy the best give them a look. I'm happy with my Furygans, but I'd be envious of a custom made set of BKS.

Cheers

I looked for a while and ended up buying this Spyke Winner leather jacket.. http://www.feridax.com/product/W-b4f477 ... +Grey.html

You can buy it Spyke in the UK but they're not available in the US...they are a top quality Italian brand.

I think you just have to keep looking till you find one that's a god fit for your body shape...they all seem a little different.

DJ

Trapper wrote: I bought a set of Furygan two-piece leathers last year and so far I've no regrets at all.

Hello Trapper; when you say Furygan; do you mean the Furygan range from hideout leather as in http://www.hideout-leather.co.uk/folder ... ack_white/
?

I took a look at BKS but they are hideously expensive and I can see no justification. The real question is; should I buy a one piece suite or a separate jacket and trousers? Buying two piece offers the chance to just wear the jacket (when it's warm) but then your legs are not properly protected are they?

John

Yup - that's the same Furygan - here is their official website: http://www.furygan.fr/pages/catalogue/gamme.php?id=129

My suit is a two piece, which zips together. It doesn't appear on the website, so I guess it's now out of date.

I wouldn't go for a one piece unless I was racing or doing loads of track days. (I may be wrong because I haven't tried it yet, but I think zip together suits are considered safe enough for track days.)

I can't see too many advantages of having a one piece suit, but I can see disadvantages compared to a two piece.
With a two piece you have the chance to wear either top or bottom with other gear.
Certain toilet stops will be easier - if you know what I mean.
Leaving your top half chained to the bike on a hot day is definitely better than dragging around a one piece.
There are probably others.

I wouldn't necessarily buy Furygan again, although I've no complaints thus far. Just shop around until you find a set that fits your body and your wallet.

Definitely get a suit with body armour built in though. I have an old set of Lewis Leathers - which were before armour was invented. And they feel superbly comfortable - twenty years wear - but I don't feel anywhere near as protected.

Good hunting


Cheers

I would not get a one piece (unless I was planing on lots of track work or racing)...and I'm not sure about a matching jacket and pants (unless they're black)..I would just get a good jacket that fits well..and pants that fit well..pants that you can wear with other jackets because you may buy more down the track...and keep it plain..you don't want to look like Regie racer..

It's just my thoughts...btw I've had many jackets and pants that zip together and never have zipped them together..ever..but maybe that's just me.

DJ

I've had a black leather Triumph Stealth jacket for around 18 months now.
Very warm when the removable lining is in place for cool weather . OK for UK summer use with it removed and the vents opened. Never used the additional fleecy collar chest warmer that is also supplied.

I wear Vanson Leathers and have never personally tested them but have heard nothing but good things. They are top quality, can be custom made or rack purchased and are widely race endorsed.

http://www.vansonleathers.com/

The BMW gear is top notch; leather or textile...

I have HG 2-piece, do not remember model name, conservative looking "all black" leather model with connecting zip (it is not the "Panther"), no knee slider Velcro's, just love it ... somewhere to the tune of £340 the lot (jacket + jeans).

I have not crash tested it, but looks and feels very solid and good quality.