Motorcycle clothing: leather suits up to 750 euros

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Motorcycle clothing: leather suits up to 750 euros
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Station wagons, jackets & pants

Motorcycle clothing: leather suits up to 750 euros

Product test: leather suits up to 750 euros
Ten leather suits in the test

There is no discussion with MOTORRAD-It-Girl Scarlett, but tester Rainer F. only becomes a hero in the winding area with the right regalia. Which two-piece cut the best figure here? Ten leather suits in the test.

Jorg Lohse

07/19/2012

It can’t be killed, the good old leather suit. It had been pretty bad for her in the past few years. The textile driver’s suits were on the rise – and are now well equipped to deal the fatal blow to the natural product. Initially just fluffy, puffed-up plastic clothes, in the recent past they have turned into high-tech combinations that not only have great advantages in terms of weather protection, but also wanted to at least match leather with extremely reinforced synthetic fibers in terms of protective function. It is true that three out of four driver suits that are sold over the counter these days are synthetic. But the leather suits are asserting themselves, at least that’s how it penetrates from the sales front.

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Product test: leather suits up to 750 euros
Ten leather suits in the test

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When it comes to protection, it’s not that easy to pry out the dermis. Only the really extremely expensive textile suits with aramid-reinforced fabric surfaces come close to the abrasion values ​​that a simple leather suit that is barely a quarter as expensive offers. Second problem: The proper fixation of the protectors is and remains the problem of the textile suits, which are usually much wider. Even if they impress with brilliant values ​​on the test bench: In the event of a hard impact on the asphalt, the protectors can slip far too quickly and release the joint to be protected.


Motorcycle clothing: leather suits up to 750 euros


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The leather suit still arrives.

Now, however, the leather industry shouldn’t sit back and relax and celebrate this safety advantage with relish. Of course, she is also asked to keep her finger on the pulse with modern cuts and technical delicacies. At least it can be attested at this point that many well-known manufacturers continue to strive for the attractiveness of leather suits and not just continue to offer them as a nostalgic relic with antiquated technology.

Really bad knockers cannot be attributed to any provider in this test. The leather is consistently of good quality and of sufficient strength. Covered safety seams are just as much a part of the standard for this class as leather doubling on neuralgic grinding surfaces. The cuts are for the most part modern and do not force the wearer into rigid armor, but allow a wide range of movement. Smooth, skin-friendly lining materials also ensure a pleasant climate inside most station wagons, even on hot summer days. It is all the more astonishing, however, that even in the price range over 500 euros there are still embarrassing blunders that are actually unimaginable a good 50 years after the invention of the legendary Harro two-piece suit: for example, the integration of the circumferential connection zip in the lining of the jacket. Chains usually break at the weakest link, and the argument of the “better comfort” quickly destroy other suits that are as comfortable as they are securely connected in the leather. Fortunately, you only have to knock a few test participants vigorously on the fingers at this point and deduct points because of this faux pax.

However, there is a fundamental need to catch up for all providers when it comes to protector equipment. Unfortunately, no manufacturer fully exploits the advantage that protectors in leather suits can achieve a high level of efficiency thanks to their stable positioning. Most are limited to an economical package in which only the exposed joints (shoulder, elbow and knee) are protected by CE-standardized protectors. Only three of the test participants think about their backs and nobody thinks about their hips. As a rule, thin, hardly dampening foam scraps sit in the lining pockets.

If you really want effective protection, you have to dig into your wallet and retrofit the appropriate protectors yourself. Although one could expect that the back protector would have to be part of the standard equipment package of an exemplary motorcycle suit ten years after the relevant standard was passed. The fact that the hip protectors already listed in the 1997 standard have still not made it into the leather suit as standard equipment is a minor scandal anyway.


Motorcycle clothing: leather suits up to 750 euros


Lohse

MOTORCYCLE test drive in Provence in the south of France.

This is how MOTORRAD tests

Security (40 points)
Critical inventory of the accident protection in the leather suit. Which protectors are available, how are the damping properties (measured on the test bench)? The installation position (non-slip positioning) and size are assessed. Still in the field of vision: the general structure of the station wagon with double leather, safety seams, reinforced textile stretch and a connection zipper firmly sewn into the leather.

Fit (20 points)
Dry sample in different (men’s) sizes. If the arm and leg lengths are correct, it pinches the back or the calf?

Wearing comfort (20 points)
Off to a test lap with the Honda CBR 600 F on sunny mountain passes in Provence in the south of France.

Equipment / processing (20 points):
The price-performance ratio under the microscope. Is it true with the quality offered?


Motorcycle clothing: leather suits up to 750 euros


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Alpinestars HG Sport.

Providers: Exclusive sales through Hein Gericke, Tel. 0180/5229522, www.hein-gericke.de
Price: 549.95 euros
Sizes: Men 50 to 58 (in black / white only up to 56)
To dye: Black, black and white
Weight: 5.1 kg (size 54)
Country of Manufacture: China
Material: Cowhide, stretch made of Kevlar, firmly sewn lining made of polyester
Leather thickness: 1.4 mm

security
When it comes to protective equipment, the red pencil rules. The CE-standardized protective pads with average cushioning values ​​only sit on the shoulders, elbows and knees. The hips are only thinly padded and there is no permanently integrated back protector. After all, the bone protectors are positioned precisely and secure against slipping. The all-round connection zipper is well covered and firmly sewn into the leather. The leather is doubled in the critical fall zones, and tear-resistant Kevlar is used in the (few) stretch zones.

Fit and comfort
Slip in and feel good. The tight fit convinced the testers straight away. Despite the comparatively high proportion of leather, the Alpinestars station wagon cuts a fine figure thanks to its clever cut and well-designed joints, even with dynamic riding postures and even hanging-offs, and is in its element on winding pass routes with quick changes of position. On warm days, however, there is no cooling air supply.

Equipment and processing
Well-made leather, neatly sewn lining, smooth running zippers. The Alpinestars station wagon pleases with its high-quality design. Only the reflectors are missing.

Conclusion
Small price, great practical value. The only at Hein Gericke The Alpinestars station wagon is particularly impressive on the road thanks to its firm and comfortable seat. The protector package, however, needs to be expanded.

MOTORRAD verdict
Very good (MOTORCYCLE purchase tip Sport)


Motorcycle clothing: leather suits up to 750 euros


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Buse Silverstone.

Providers: Heino Buse, Tel. 02471/12690, www.buese.com
Price: 579.95 euros
Sizes: Men 48 to 58 (black / white up to 62), women 36 to 40
To dye: Black / white, black / white / red, black / white / green, black / white / blue
Weight: 4.5 kg (size 54)
Country of Manufacture: Vietnam
Material: Cowhide, stretch made of polyamide, firmly sewn lining made of polyester
Leather thickness: 1.4 mm

security
The protector package on shoulders, elbows and knees impresses with plenty of cushioning reserves, but is sometimes only used in sizes that are too small (shoulder). Hips and back are provided with thin alibi padding, but real protectors can be retrofitted. After all, the fall insurance is decent and largely non-slip (exception: elbows a little too loose). Another good solution: the all-round connection zipper of the jacket and trousers, which is firmly sewn into the leather. There are double layers of leather in the relevant areas, but only simple polyamide is used as the stretch material.

Fit and comfort
The Buse two-piece suits with an extremely comfortable seat without appearing sluggish. Sporty drivers will appreciate the great freedom of movement that the station wagon offers. Particularly pleasing: the soft cuffs and the adjustable calf width with a double zip. The air supply is not outstanding, but still bearable on warm days.

Equipment and processing
The processing pleases, less the fiddly zippers and the sloppy Velcro fastener on the collar.

Conclusion
Solidly made station wagon that creates a successful balancing act between touring and sport. The price-performance ratio is still okay, even if knee sliders are missing. Mistakes in the protectors spoil the “very good”.

MOTORRAD verdict
Good


Motorcycle clothing: leather suits up to 750 euros


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Difi Imola EX3.

Providers: Motoport, Tel. 04451/915200, www.motoport.de
Prices: Jacket EUR 349.95, trousers EUR 249.95, complete EUR 599.90
Sizes: Men 48 to 60 colors: black / silver, white / black
Weight: 5.6 kg (size 54)
Country of Manufacture: Vietnam
Material: Cowhide, stretch made of Kevlar, firmly sewn lining made of polyester / polyamide
Leather thickness: 1.4 mm

security
Light and shadow during the protector check: Although the Difi-Kombi scores with the best damping values ​​on the test bench, it sometimes has protectors that are too small (shoulder) and too loosely fitting (elbows, knees). In addition, there are only thin pads in the hips and back, but these can optionally be exchanged for real protectors. Double layers of leather in fall zones, hard shells on the exposed joints and the use of high-quality Kevlar in the stretch zones make sense. A nasty foul, on the other hand, is the all-round connection zipper that is only sewn into the lining of the jacket.

Fit and comfort
Not meat, not fish: Overall, the combination is close to the body, but it doesn’t really fit in any size: waistband too wide, knees too tight, thighs tight. No driver felt really comfortable in one of the test combinations. Many pressure points on the sleeves, calves and hips also restrict the sporty, active driving posture. On the other hand, a big plus for the sufficient air supply on hot days.

Equipment and processing
The equipment package is extensive, but is diminished by small defects such as shredded leather straps on the zippers.

Conclusion
Great leather, extensive equipment, plenty of cushioning protectors. The Difi-Kombi has real potential, but this is greatly diminished by gross mistakes (too small protectors, connection zipper, comfort).

MOTORRAD verdict
Satisfying


Motorcycle clothing: leather suits up to 750 euros


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FLM Shooter Evo.

Providers: Polo express delivery, Tel. 02165/8440300, www.polo-motorrad.de
Prices: Jacket 329.95 euros, pants 249.95 euros (from size 60 surcharge 10 euros), complete with 579.90 euros
Sizes: Jacket men 48 to 58, trousers men 48 to 64 plus long and short sizes
Colour: Black-and-white
Weight: 4.9 kg (size 54)
Country of Manufacture: China / Indonesia
Material: Cowhide, stretch made of polyester / aramid, firmly sewn lining made of polyester
Leather thickness: 1.3 mm

security
On the test bench, the protectors with the second worst damping values ​​in the test could not convince. To do this, they completely cover the joints and are positioned tightly and securely in the station wagon. The CE-compliant protection only sits in the shoulders, elbows and knees; The hips and back are only thinly padded, but can be provided with real protectors for an additional charge. Doubled leather and aramid-reinforced stretch zones are pleasing, but there is no pardon for the connection zipper sewn into the jacket lining.

Fit and comfort
On the road, the sporty ride with the FLM station wagon is fun. Pants and jacket fit the test crew like a glove in all cases – which of course has a lot to do with the large stretch zones. Another positive side effect: the effective ventilation on hot summer days. The extremely supple suit cuts a fine figure on winding roads.

Equipment and processing
No compromises in the quality of workmanship, small ones have to be made in the equipment (e.g. no knee sliders).

Conclusion
Those who expect the crisp comfort of a leotard from their leather suit are in good hands with the FLM suit. In terms of accident protection, however, the sporty two-piece can make significant gains.

MOTORRAD verdict
Good


Motorcycle clothing: leather suits up to 750 euros


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Hein Gericke New PSX Trophy

Providers: Hein Gericke, Tel. 0180/5229522, www.hein-gericke.de
Prices: Jacket EUR 309.95, trousers EUR 239.95, complete EUR 549.90
Sizes: Men 50 to 58; Color: Black Weight: 5.6 kg (size 54)
Country of Manufacture: China
Material: Cowhide, stretch made of polyamide, removable lining made of polyester
Leather thickness: 1.2 mm

security
Small price, great protection. The Gericke station wagon is one of the few station wagons in this test not only equipped with the usual protectors on the joints (shoulder, elbow and knee), but also has a fully-fledged, neatly integrated back protector. There is only a thin alibi pad on the hip, which can be exchanged for CE-compliant protection. For this purpose, the protectors are used in the right sizes and provide above-average damping values. The safety package is rounded off by extensive double-layered leather and hard plastic caps on the shoulders and elbows, but could be increased by a connection zipper sewn even closer to the leather and kevlar-reinforced stretch zones.

Fit and comfort
Comfort meets curve. The pairing works with the Gericke station wagon. The seat is just as comfortable as it is supple, the fit will please leather-loving touring riders as well as the sporty, stooped heater group. The extremely good contact feeling with the motorcycle is exemplary, the air supply is highly effective on hot days.

Equipment and processing
Neatly processed, but little things like the sometimes hooked, hard-to-grip zippers are annoying.

Conclusion
The leotard for sporty recreational pilots scores not only with its great comfort and low price, but also with its extensive range of protection including a neatly integrated back protector.

MOTORRAD verdict
Very good (MOTORBIKE buyer’s tip tour)


Motorcycle clothing: leather suits up to 750 euros


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Hero Road / Champ.

Providers: Held, Tel. 08321/66460, www.held.de
Prices: Jacket 349 euros, pants 339 euros, complete 688 euros
Sizes: Men 48 to 60, trousers available in long and short sizes
To dye: Black, black / white, black / white / red
Weight: 5.5 kg (size 54)
Country of Manufacture: Vietnam Material: cowhide, stretch made of Kevlar, firmly sewn lining made of polyester
Leather thickness: 1.4 mm

security
From a purely technical point of view, the Held-Kombi does not even offer the usual standard for its class: The protectors on the shoulders, elbows and knees sometimes lack the correct type designation, plus only average damping values. The hips are thin, the back is not even padded, but both can be equipped with CE-compliant protection for an additional charge. From a practical point of view, however, you reach out to your full potential: The protectors are tight and secure against slipping, there is sufficient double layer of leather and the stretch zones are made of tear-resistant Kevlar.

Fit and comfort
Anyone who expects the tight fit of a racing suit with a leather suit and at the same time does not want to miss the comfort of a two-piece suit will immediately feel at home in the Held suit. Those who value touring more than sport will not get used to the extremely body-hugging, crisp seat. The large stretch zones ensure high mobility and a large air supply.

Equipment and processing
Great workmanship, a bit playful in details (e.g. attached air scoops). With knee sliders, but without reflectors.

Conclusion
More of a racing one-piece with a connecting zip than the classic leather two-piece. hero puts together an extremely sporty package with a snappy fit, but unnecessarily sloppy when it comes to safety equipment.

MOTORRAD verdict
Good


Motorcycle clothing: leather suits up to 750 euros


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IXS Charger.

Providers: IXS Germany, Tel. 07631/18040, www.ixs.de
Price: 649.90 euros
Sizes: Men 48 to 64 plus long and short sizes, women 34 to 48
To dye: Black, black / red, black / blue, black / green, black / gray
Weight: 4.8 kg (size 54)
Country of Manufacture: China
Material: Cowhide, stretch made of polyamide, firmly sewn lining made of polyester
Leather thickness: 1.3 mm

security
Shoulders, elbows and knees are enclosed by CE protectors in appropriate sizes, but only show average damping behavior on the test bench. The back and hips are only protected by thin pads, but can be exchanged for CE-standardized protectors. Overall, however, the protector package impresses with its firm, well-encompassing fit. There are double layers of leather in the areas relevant to the fall, and the all-round connection zipper is firmly sewn into the leather of the jacket and trousers.

Fit and comfort
Overall, the IXS station wagon pleases with a successful mix of comfort and sport and thus covers a wide range of uses. However, the comparatively narrow calves and bulging leg ends can cause small pressure points and slight loss of comfort in some sizes. The ventilation is a bit too weak for hot summer days.

Equipment and processing
The workmanship is handsome, on the plus side, clearly visible reflective pads on the sleeves and back, outer and inner pockets and the knee sliders included in the price still shine.

Conclusion
Solid touring sport combination with a high-quality design and a wide range of sizes that should really be used when trying on them. No longer up to date in protector technology.

MOTORRAD verdict
Good


Motorcycle clothing: leather suits up to 750 euros


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Rev’it! Warrior.

Providers: Revit Sport, Tel. 0031/412/696740, www.revit.eu
Price: 749.99 euros
Sizes: Men 46 to 58
To dye: Black, black / white, white / black, white / red
Weight: 4.9 kg (size 54)
Country of Manufacture: China
Material: Cowhide, stretch made of polyamide, firmly sewn lining made of polyester
Leather thickness: 1.1 mm

security
Shoulders, elbows and knees are protected by CE protectors, which only show average damping values ​​on the test bench. Only thin foam is used in the hips and back, real protectors have to be retrofitted yourself. In practice, however, the protection package pleases with a firm and well-enclosing seat. The all-round connection zipper that is firmly sewn into the leather and the doubled leather on the fall zones go well with this. Despite the high price, the stretch zones are made from conventional polyamide and not from tear-resistant Kevlar.

Fit and comfort
The Revit-Kombi has a decidedly sporty cut, but in direct comparison with the similarly designed Held-Kombi it dispenses with the extreme pre-curvature. The bottom line is that it offers a somewhat broader range of uses, but could still improve the fit in terms of a snug fit. If the pace is too sporty, comfort is reduced due to rubbing pressure points in the crooks of the arm and the hollow of the knees. With large perforations, the station wagon is perfect for hot summer days.

Equipment and processing
Offers a lot: knee sliders, reflex pads, outer and inner pockets, hydration bladder device

Conclusion
An emphatically sporty two-piece suit that can still fit in with a firm seat: With the Revit combi, you somehow sit between the (fire) chairs. Extensively equipped, deficit in the protectors.

MOTORRAD verdict
Good


Motorcycle clothing: leather suits up to 750 euros


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Richa Spear / Viper.

Providers: Grand Canyon, Tel. 05931/886163, www. grandcanyonbike.eu
Prices: Jacket 369 euros, pants 275 euros, complete 644 euros
Sizes: Jacket men 48 to 66, trousers 46 to 64 plus long and short sizes, women 34 to 46
To dye: Black / white, white / black, white / black / red
Weight: 4.9 kg (size 54)
Country of Manufacture: Vietnam
Material: Cowhide, stretch made of polyamide, firmly sewn lining made of polyester / polyamide
Leather thickness: 1.4 mm

security
In addition to the usual joint protectors in shoulders, elbows and knees, Richa relies on the protection of a full-fledged back protector. Only the hips are thinly padded, but can be upgraded with real, CE-standardized protection. But it is all the more annoying that some of the protectors are insufficiently labeled and have comparatively poor shock absorption properties. In any case, the joint protectors could be a bit crisper. The all-round connection zipper, which is only sewn into the jacket lining, leaves an equally shallow impression.

Fit and comfort
The high textile content is at the expense of the supple seat. The chest area in particular is wrinkled. Even the trousers sit uncomfortably on the hips of all testers. This is accompanied by a slightly sweaty feel at higher temperatures.

Equipment and processing
Badly glued Velcro fasteners cloud the otherwise acceptable overall picture.

Conclusion
On the equipment side, the Richa-Kombi scores with great features like back protector, extra ventilation function and many pockets. However, the fit, protector seat and comfort are not convincing.

MOTORRAD verdict
Satisfying


Motorcycle clothing: leather suits up to 750 euros


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Vanucci Art. XIV.

Providers: Detlev Louis, Tel. 0 40/73 41 93 60, www.louis.de
Prices: Jacket 399.95 euros, pants 299.95 euros, complete 699.90 euros
Sizes: Men 48 to 58
To dye: Black / white, white / black
Weight: 5.2 kg (size 54)
Country of Manufacture: Vietnam
Material: Cowhide, stretch made of Kevlar, removable lining made of polyester
Leather thickness: 1.3 mm

security
There is little to complain about here. On the equipment list, the Vanucci station wagon not only scores with an almost complete package of protectors. Except for the hip (thinly padded but upgradeable), all essential parts of the body (shoulders, elbows, knees and back) are protected by protectors that achieve good shock absorption results on the test bench. A special highlight: the asymmetrical shape of the protectors, adapted to the right and left, ensures a clean, non-slip and comfortable fit Fall prone areas.

Fit and comfort
The leather, which is blessed with a noticeably firm grip, wants to be worn in properly, but pleases with its flawless cut, which ensures plenty of comfort without annoying pressure points. The style, however, is more in the direction of touring than sport – especially if you take Held or Alpinestars as a comparison.

Equipment and processing
With the exception of knee sliders, it has a wide range of features and is well-made.

Conclusion
Well-made, all-round very well-equipped feel-good combination with a wide range of uses from tours to sports. Scores with an extensive safety package, great comfort even on warm days and many practical features.

MOTORRAD verdict
Very good (MOTORRAD test winner)


Motorcycle clothing: leather suits up to 750 euros


mps photo studio

The majority of the leather suits are successful.

Conclusion
Our final balance shows that there are many providers who have learned their trade in the over 500 euro price range. The tailoring services are successful, jackets or pants that really fit poorly are the exception. However, there is still a significant need for expansion in the security chapter for quite a few providers. The protectors hidden deep in the lining are usually neglected. Right at the front are two all-rounders from Louis and Gericke, with a narrow gap between them, and sports drivers should go for the Alpinestars station wagon.


Motorcycle clothing: leather suits up to 750 euros


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Both protectors easily adhere to the permissible limit value, but with the steeply increasing residual force of the Gericke protector, a bone can break quickly.

Protectors on the test bench – there is still a lot to be done

The specifications for the product developers of motorcycle clothing will be even more extensive in the future if they want to incorporate the various new versions and extensions of the protector standard EN 1621 into the design of their clothing lines. Joint protectors should then meet stricter limits – ideally less than 20 kilonewtons (kN) residual force with an impact energy of 50 joules – and still work reliably even when simulating high humidity. In the future, there will also be a protector standard for the chest – just like for the new airbag systems in motorcycle clothing. 

It is all the more astonishing that the standard for joint protectors, which has been in use for over 15 years, has in some cases been handled very loosely by clothing manufacturers. A residual force of 35 kN is permitted, and quite a few use this framework almost to the limit. At the same time, values ​​well below 20 kN would now be very easy to handle with modern foams. But not only the absolute value can be decisive. Equally important is a gently increasing force curve, in which the energy effect (from the impact on an obstacle) is distributed over a long period of time like in a crumple zone, because if the load is too jerky, a bone fracture threatens even with low residual force values.

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