Practical test: leather suits around 500 euros

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Practical test: leather suits around 500 euros

Practical test: leather suits around 500 euros
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Is there a surefire tip when choosing a mid-range two-piece leather suit? MOTORRAD tested eight models for 500 euros for their chances of winning ?? so that the purchase does not turn into a lottery game.

Uli Holzwarth

04/24/2003

The abrasion resistance of human skin is not far off, as many bikers have involuntarily discovered. If you don’t want to get wise through damage, then when it comes to safety you are still best with a well-fitting leather protector suit. Especially in the price range around 500 euros, animal leather hides are generally superior to similarly expensive textile materials in terms of abrasion protection and tear resistance.
For some candidates in the MOTORRAD practical test of eight two-piece leather suits between 449 and 524 euros, however, this statement only applies to a certain extent, because they make a mistake when the jacket and pants are brought together. The connecting zippers of the two-piece by BF, Hein Gericke and hero are only attached to the thin lining of the jacket. If the worst comes to the worst, in view of such unstable connections, there is a risk that the lining will tear at the first contact with the asphalt and thus the protective effect of the leather suit will fizzle out. It’s logical that there are significant point deductions for this. The well-cut and well-made Tribal Evo suit from Hein Gericke thus gambled away with a top ranking.
The FLM race suit from Polo, the absolute high-flyer in this comparison, demonstrates how to do it better. Almost everything is right with him, starting with the convincing safety equipment with a stable connection zipper, the good workmanship, the practical equipment and the great wearing comfort. The latter is the result of an excellent fit that takes into account the typical driver’s posture thanks to a cut with heavily pre-curved sleeves and legs. In comparison, the other candidates fall more or less clearly. From an ergonomic point of view, the suits from BF, Cima and Vanucci drastically wrong. They were probably never tried on a bike (see box text).
Off-the-shelf leather suits should therefore always be tested with a seat test on your own machine. There must be no tension in the back or knees, nor excessive wrinkling in the chest area. In addition, make sure that the protectors are correctly placed in the driving position, the collar cut-out fits, there is no pressure on the larynx and the upper arms do not fall out too far. If the stretch inserts are used correctly from an ergonomic point of view, even a sporty, tightly cut leather skin hardly hinders freedom of movement on the motorcycle.
Such a seat sample is of course only useful with the underwear that is usually worn. In the case of heavily perforated suits, remember that on cooler days you can only ride them with appropriately windproof functional clothing so as not to cool down immediately. We also recommend wearing and therefore trying on a separate back protector that extends to the rump, as in this price range either only foam pads or relatively short CE back protectors are used. Finally, make sure that, in addition to a lockable inner pocket, there is also an outer pocket on the trousers, for example for the ignition key.

FLM Race

MOTORRAD verdict: very good

Provider: Polo, phone 0211/9796699; Internet: www.polo-motorrad.de Price: 499.90 Euro Sizes: 48 to 58 (green color variant only 50 to 56) Colors: blue / white / black; Silver / white / black; Green / White / Black Weight *: 4.4 kilograms ((* clothing size 50 (with protectors))) Features: two inside pockets, one outside pocket (trousers), each with a zip; Leather stretch inserts on shoulders, elbows, knees, calves, waistband and jacket waistband; Textile stretch in the crotch and on the inside of the elbows and knees; Velcro straps on the waistband; Mesh lining; Velcro surfaces for optional knee sliders; Plastic zippers Special features: carbon hard shells on shoulders, elbows and knees; Dorsal humps; extensive perforation on chest, arms and thighs; Sponsor patches; Jacket and trousers can be combined in different sizesSafety: stable connection zipper (plastic) attached directly to the leather of the jacket and trousers; CE protectors on shoulders, elbows, knees and back; Foam pads on the collarbone, chest and hips; Leather doubling on the buttocks Residual strength values ​​of the protectors: shoulder 28.2 kN, elbow 21.1 kN, knee 29.6 kN (CE limit value complied with) Practical test plus: sporty, narrow cut with a focus on a sporty sitting position; ideally placed protectors; best fit of all test candidates with good freedom of movement thanks to numerous stretch inserts and long sleeves Minus: sizes are a bit tight; Back protector too short; Quick cooling at lower temperatures due to large perforations Conclusion: a strikingly styled, sporty cut two-piece suit with good workmanship, decent safety equipment and great fit as well as numerous practical details, but which is only suitable for midsummer temperatures due to the large perforation

BF Sporting

MOTORRAD judgment: sufficient

Provider: BF Motorcycle Hardwear, Telephone 04451/951035; Internet: www.bf-hardwear.de Price: 479.80 euros Sizes: 36 to 46 (women); 48 to 60 (men) colors: black / silver / gray; Black / red / gray; Black / Blue / Gray Weight *: 4.22 kilograms ((* clothing size 50 (with protectors))) Features: two inside pockets, one with zip, two outside pockets with zip on jacket and one on trousers; Leather stretch inserts on shoulders, knees, waistband and jacket; Textile stretch in the crotch and on the inside of the elbows, knees and calves; Velcro straps on the waistband; Mesh lining; Plastic zippersSpecial features: back humps; Collar with neoprene trim; long and short connection zipper; Jacket and trousers can be combined in different sizesSafety: Connection zipper (plastic) only attached to the lining of the jacket; CE protectors on shoulders, elbows and knees; lean safety equipment (foam padding on the back and hips; no doubling of leather) residual strength values ​​of the protectors: shoulder 37.2 kN (above CE limit); Elbows 33.0 kN, knees 32.2 kN (CE limit observed) PraxistestPlus: realistic size information; proper processing; many pocketsMinus: limited comfort in the driving position due to the not very practical cut; severe wrinkling in the upper body area, it also pinches under the armpits and the sleeves slide up; Cuffs cut much too wide; weak front zip; Aero cusp presses uncomfortably on the spine; Drafts in the stomach area Conclusion: properly processed two-piece with clear weaknesses in fit, practicality and safety equipment as well as inadequate connection of jacket and pants

Buse Drive

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfactory

Provider: Buse, phone 02471/12690; Internet: www.buese.de Price: 499.90 euros Sizes: 38 to 42 (women); 48 to 60 (men) colors: black / anthracite / silver; Blue / anthracite / silver / black; Red / Anthracite / Silver / Black Weight *: 4.24 kilograms ((* clothing size 50 (with protectors))) Features: two inside pockets with Velcro, one outside pocket with zip on trousers; Leather stretch inserts on shoulders, knees, waistband and jacket; Textile stretch on the inside of the knees and on the calves; Width adjustment on the waistband with Velcro fastener; Mesh lining; Plastic zippersSpecial features: knee slider included; Jacket and trousers can be combined in different sizesSafety: stable connection zipper (plastic) attached directly to the leather of the jacket and trousers; CE protectors on shoulders, elbows and knees; Foam padding on back; Protector pockets on hip; Double layer of leather on the buttocks Residual strength values ​​of the protectors: shoulder 38.82 kN (above CE limit); Elbows 23.7 kN, knees 28.9 kN (CE limit observed) Practical test plus: well-placed protectors; good wearing comfort due to the very wide cut; proper processing; Minus: fit with defects due to the very wide cut, especially on the buttocks, upper arms and thighs; Connection zipper too short, connection of jacket and pants in the abdominal area only with two weak Velcro fasteners; Drafts in the stomach area Conclusion: neatly finished, very wide cut two-piece suit with average safety features and a connection zipper that is much too short in the stomach area and an overall less than convincing fit in the typical driver’s posture

Cima mega

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfactory

Provider: Schlier, phone 08234/902363; Internet: www.cima-motorradbekleidung.de Price: 449 euros Sizes: 36 to 60 Colors: black / silver / white; Black / red / white; Black / blue / white; Black / Green / White Weight *: 4.36 kilograms ((* clothing size 50 (with protectors))) Features: one inside pocket; Leather stretch inserts on shoulders, knees and waistband; Kevlar stretch in the crotch as well as on the inside of the elbows and under the armpits; Textile stretch on the inside of the knees and calves; Velcro straps on the waistband of the jacket and trousers; Mesh lining; Velcro surfaces for knee sliders; Plastic zippersSpecial features: perforation in the chest areaSecurity: stable connection zipper (plastic) attached directly to the leather of the jacket and trousers; CE protectors on shoulders, elbows and knees; Foam pads on the back, chest, rump and hips; No doubling of leather Residual strength values ​​of the protectors: shoulder 27.9 kN, elbow 25.5 kN, knee 24.9 kN (CE limit adhered to) PraxistestPlus: realistic size information; proper processing; smooth zippers; stable connection between jacket and pants; good ventilation Minus: limited wearing comfort due to poor fit in driving position; The back falls out short, so the collar sticks out very far; severe wrinkling in the upper body area; extremely tight forearms with arm cuffs that are too tight; slight pressure and bulging on knees; Quick cooling at lower temperatures Conclusion: properly processed two-piece suit with good ventilation and stable connection zipper, which, however, reveals significant weaknesses in terms of fit and comfort in the driver’s position and its safety equipment is a bit poor

Hero Scape / Le Mans

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfactory

Provider: Held, phone 08321/66460; Internet: www.held-biker-fashion.de Price: 299 euros (Scape jacket); 225 euros (Le Mans trousers) Sizes: jacket 38 to 44 (women) and 48 to 60 (men); Trousers 38 to 46 (women) and 46 to 64 and 98 to 110 (men) Colors: black; Black red; Black / blue; Black / silver (jacket); Pants only black Weight **: 4.96 kilograms ((** clothing sizes 50 (jacket) and 102 (pants), each with protectors)) Features: one inside pocket with zip, two outside pockets on jacket and pants with zip; Leather stretch inserts on the back, knees, jacket and trouser waistband; Kevlar stretch in the crotch, on the insides of the elbows and knees and on the calves; Velcro straps on the waistband of the jacket and trousers; Mesh lining (jacket); Plastic zippers Special features: two ventilation openings each on the jacket; Front zip of the trousers made of metal; Protectors can be individually fixed with Velcro strips; Jacket and trousers can be combined in different sizesSafety: Connection zipper (plastic) only attached to the inner lining of the jacket; CE protectors on shoulders, elbows and knees; Foam padding on the back and hips Residual strength values ​​of the protectors: shoulder 27.2 kN elbow 29.5 kN, knee 28.8 kN (CE limit complied with) PraxistestPlus: Pants available in intermediate sizes; very good workmanship; smooth zippers; very good fit of the pants with high waistbandMinus: jacket with strong creases in the chest area in driver position Upper arms and cuffs as well as neckline too wide Conclusion: very well made touring combination with a good fit of the trousers, but unstable connection of the garments and an unsatisfactory cut of the jacket

Hein Gericke Tribal Evo

MOTORRAD verdict: good

Provider: Hein Gericke, phone 0180/5229522; Internet: www.hein-gericke.com Price: 499.90 euros Sizes: 36 to 42 (women); 48 to 58 (men) colors: black / white / silver; Black White Red; Black / White / BlueWeight *: 4.58 kilograms ((* clothing size 50 (with protectors))) Features: one inside pocket with zip; Leather stretch inserts on shoulders, elbows, knees, waistband and on the sides of the jacket; Textile stretch in the crotch and on the inside of the elbows and knees; continuous inner lining; Velcro surfaces for optional knee sliders; Plastic zippersSpecial features: sewn-in protectors; Jacket and trousers can be combined in different sizes; also available as a one-piece in black / white / silver and black / white / blue (499.95 euros) Security: all-round connection zipper (plastic) only attached to the inner lining of the jacket; CE protectors on shoulders, elbows and knees; Foam padding on back; Protector pockets for optional CE protectors on the hips; Double layers of leather on shoulders, elbows, knees and buttocks; Residual strength values ​​of the protectors: shoulder 32.5 kN, elbow 32.5 kN, knee 34 kN (CE limit value complied with) Practical test plus: sporty, narrow cut with a focus on typical driver posture; ideally placed, barely noticeable protectors; great fit thanks to preformed arms and numerous stretch inserts Minus: clothing sizes are tight; no CE back protector; Collar a bit wide; Unstable connection between jacket and pants Conclusion: great-fitting, comfortable two-piece suit with a sporty design and good workmanship, which, however, does not meet the safety requirements of a sports suit due to its unstable connection between jacket and pants

Richa Francorchamps

MOTORRAD verdict: limited until completed.

Operator: Grand Canyon, phone 05931/886163; Internet: www.grandcanyonbike.de Price: 499 euros Sizes: 48 to 58 Colors: black / silver / gray; Black / silver / red; Black / Silver / BlueWeight *: 4.34 kilograms ((* clothing size 50 (with protectors))) Features: one inside pocket with zip; Leather stretch inserts on shoulders, knees, waistband and jacket waistband; Kevlar stretch in the crotch, on the insides of the elbows and knees and on the calves; Inner lining (jacket with mesh lining); Velcro straps on the waistband of the jacket and trousers; Velcro surfaces for optional knee sliders; Plastic zippersSpecial features: reflective material on the kneesSafety: stable connection zipper (plastic) attached directly to the leather of the jacket and trousers; CE protectors on shoulders, elbows and knees; Foam pads on the back and hips; Double layer of leather on the buttocks Residual strength values ​​of the protectors: shoulder 37.1 kN, elbow 40.0 kN, knee 37.4 kN (above CE limit) Practical test plus: stable connection between jacket and trousers; realistic size specification; relatively comfortable fit of the jacket thanks to numerous stretch inserts; sufficiently long sleeves Minus: knee protectors are too low; severe bulging and feeling of pressure on knees; no CE back protector; Collar too wide; Inside pocket placed almost under the armpit; The push button on the cuffs sticks out and presses on the wrist. Conclusion: neatly finished, simply equipped two-piece suit with sturdy connection zip, the ergonomics of which does not correspond to the driver’s position, but is still sufficiently comfortable to wear; the residual force values ​​of the protectors are above the CE limit

Vanucci Art VII

MOTORRAD verdict: satisfactory

Provider: Louis, phone 040/73419360; Internet: www.louis.de Price: 499.90 euros (women’s sizes); 509.90 euros (men’s sizes); 519.90 euros (sizes 60 and 62) sizes: 38 to 42 (women); 48 to 62 (men) colors: black / gray metallic / silver; Blue / Black / Silver Weight *: 4.42 kilograms ((* clothing size 50 (with protectors))) Features: two inside pockets, one of which has a zip; an outside pocket (jacket); Leather stretch inserts on knees and waistband; Textile stretch on the shoulders, in the crotch, on the insides of the elbows and knees and on the calves; Mesh lining, Velcro straps on the waistband; Velcro surfaces for optional knee sliders; Plastic zippers Special features: reflective material on shoulders, back, thighs and knees; Ventilation openings with zip on the chest and backSafety: stable connection zip (plastic) attached directly to the leather of the jacket and trousers; CE protectors on shoulders, elbows and knees; Foam pads on the back and hips; Double layer of leather on the knees and buttocks Residual strength values ​​of the protectors: shoulder 31.0 kN, elbow 30.5 kN, knee 30.8 kN (CE limit complied with) Practical test plus: stable connection between jacket and pants; realistic size specification; Smooth-running zippers Minus: Significantly reduced wearing comfort due to poor ergonomics in the driver’s position; Pressure under armpits; Bulging and feeling of pressure on knees; Wrinkling in the chest area; Upper arms too wide; Collar too tight, presses on larynx; No CE back protector Conclusion: an average two-piece suit with a sturdy connection zipper and acceptable workmanship, but its fit in the typical driver’s posture is not convincing and noticeably affects the wearing comfort

Protector test

MOTORRAD determined the shock absorption properties of the joint protectors based on the currently valid CE standard EN 1621-1 on a protector test bench from Viscotec. For this purpose, the protectors on the left side of the shoulder, elbow and knee were removed from all test suits. In order to create comparable measurement conditions, MOTORRAD unceremoniously removed the joint protectors, which were firmly sewn to the leather, from the station wagon at Hein Gericke. The same procedure was followed for the sewn-in elbow and knee protectors of the Buse suit. placed on a hemispherical anvil with a force measuring device ?? defy the precisely defined, rectangular stamp with a weight of five kilograms, which falls from a height of one meter onto three points on each protector that are at least five centimeters apart. According to the CE standard, the permissible residual force on the average of the three blows must be below 35 kilo-Newtons (kN), whereby none of the individual blows may exceed 50 kN.

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