Leather race suit fitment?

[Air_Cooled_Nut]

Since a good number of you race & do track days I figure this would be a good question to ask here in the Sport Classic forum.

I would love to do a track day but I need a leather race suit, obviously. My sweetie sent me a classified from her work where someone is selling their leather race suit (with armor) in my size. Naturally I will need to test fit it but having never worn a suit, much less raced a motorcycle, what do I need to know?

How should it fit? Tight? Snug? Loose? Any 'exercises' I should do for range of motion testing? What should I check for when inspecting a used suit aside from obvious road-rash, holes, and broken stitching? For those of you in cooler climes (Britain, Canada, Pacific Northwest ) is there anything particular I should check (perforated or not, for example)? Any other advice appreciated. TIA!

[lambrettaStarr]

Originally Posted by Air_Cooled_Nut

Since a good number of you race & do track days I figure this would be a good question to ask here in the Sport Classic forum.

I would love to do a track day but I need a leather race suit, obviously. My sweetie sent me a classified from her work where someone is selling their leather race suit (with armor) in my size. Naturally I will need to test fit it but having never worn a suit, much less raced a motorcycle, what do I need to know?

How should it fit? Tight? Snug? Loose? Any 'exercises' I should do for range of motion testing? What should I check for when inspecting a used suit aside from obvious road-rash, holes, and broken stitching? For those of you in cooler climes (Britain, Canada, Pacific Northwest ) is there anything particular I should check (perforated or not, for example)? Any other advice appreciated. TIA!

From my experience it should not be loose - it should be flexible and comfortable and allow for full range of motion. That's about it. I bought mine used with a little bit of rash but the stitching and leather were in otherwise good condition. I have the Dainese "Stripes" and my buddy has the Dainese "Laguna Seca" versions. both are good - his is a bit nicer with a removable liner, etc.

I am a firm believer that you get what you pay for here. I would lean away from off brands from cycle gear, etc.

[erikesp]

Having raced for 12 years I can tell you that there is almost nothing more important than the fitment of your leathers and helmet if you want to be safe on the track. They should fit snugly enough to not allow any flapping of the suit at speed but not so tight that it "severely" limits range of motion. I say severely because inherently there will be some loss of range of motion. This is normal for proper fit. You should look for the obvious signs of road rash, busted seams etc... Of course but also look at the condition of the leather itself. Is it hard or brittle? (Like it has been very wet then dried) Does it have a sour odor, another sign of it possibly being wet or water logged. Check to see if all of the CE armor is there at the right places, forearms, shoulders, knees etc… Look at who the manufacturer is and check them out. Most good one will have websites. I will be glad to answer any other questions you may have nut. Let me know.

[papawheelie]

it should fit proper. if you stand up straight it should hurt your mangina. make sure the zipper is in good shape.

[barfer]

A couple of sets of leathers have given their life for me. So my advice is "only cry once."

In other words, don't cheap out and buy a set that aren't "right" because they are a "good deal."

Also, since you don't do loads of track days and races I'd probably go with a two-piece since they are way more manageable to deal with (think bathroom, lunchtime, breaks, etc.). I use a one piece for racing since it is required and will "work" better but I usually use a two-piece for trackdays and just cruising around twistys.

[moto]

If you are interested in new leathers, contact nick@motowheels.com.
We have an unadvertised sale on high quality leathers in the store going on right now. There is still a great selection of sizes and great deals and free shipping.

[aeolian]

Agreed with everyone above.

It should feel very snug but not to where it hurts. You'll feel a hunched over when fully zipped up. Robotic almost. Two-piece is great for a first timer since its easier to get on and off. It's going to feel tighter than any jacket you're used to because you want that suit and its armor NOT to slide around your body in the event you go down. (Imagine the elbow/knee armor rotating off your elbow/knee at impact because it was too loose. Very bad.)

It's going to be tighter than what you're used to but it will protect you. That's why the MotoGP riders walk a bit funny with their suits on.

Think of it as your chain tension. Too tight and it will damage your bike. Too loose and it will fall off.

You want it really snug.

[aeolian]

Let me toss in that the helmet should feel really snug, too. If it is loose or 'comfy', it will start to rotate on your head as you feel G-forces around turns - eventually rotating and block your vision.

[achung123]

I have been on one piece leather for almost 2 years. I upgraded from 2 piece leather, and the only regret that I had was I should do it a lot sooner!!! It feels so good to have something act like a second skin - being said that, the leather fitness is the key. I tried on a few in Dainese line, and I settled with Laguna Seca Pro (before I totaled my bike) and Avro (replacement suit). Both fits almost perfectly to my body except the sleeves on Avro is about 1/4" longer than I want. I tried Redline and Mission - less impressive. But again, everyone has slightly different body proportion. I highly recommend you to go to D-store (if there is one near you), or any store that allow you to try it on. Good luck!

[Muddy]

The riding position on our sport classics is very "special". You need a lot of leather on the back and only a little on the chest. It's not possible to walk around with a suit that fits. Best solution is a tailor made one.