What should be expected about the quality of known brands motorcycle leathers?

[Superlight_Sweden]

Just as the topic says I would like to discuss what should be expected about the quality when you buy an expensive leather suit of a well known brand, and what responsibility should be expected of the brand owner, if the leathers in a major way fail to protect the rider who because of this has serious injuries?

The reason I would like to know is because of the injuries I received when my brand new and undamaged BERIK Titanium 1-piece suit was ripped in half on my back when I crashed my bike on a straight line. I fell down on plain asphalt and at the same second I touched the ground the leather was ripped in half on my back. I did not know that then, so I tried to relax, crossing my arms and legs trying to begin sliding preventing to break anything. When I started to slide along the asphalt it felt like my back was on fire and I thought it was the friction against the leather…, but it was my own skin… When I got back on my legs I saw that my suit was hanging down to the ground on my back and when I took my hands on my back my gloves got all bloody and I understand what has happened.

After some time, when I had recovered some of my injuries I contacted the company who handles the import of this brand in my country. They wanted me to send them the leathers and back protector to have a look at it. After 36 weeks of mailing and phoning them I finally received a letter stating that they could not find any fault on the leathers… They told me that I had received my injuries because I had been using a bad back protector… I used a KNOX Ricochet CE-marked EN 1621-2, Level 2 back protector.

As they would not show any goodwill at all and replace my suit I sent them a mail that I wanted to have my suit and leathers back, because it was my property. After weeks of mailing and phoning (again) without answer, I sent them a mail telling them that I would file a lawsuit against them if I had not got my things back by the end of the week. Then they finally sent my things back to me.

I sent a mail to their managing director about them telling me that I had used a bad back protector.
I told him that they import and sell the same type back protector that I had used and that they also import and sell the same type of back protector that´s worse than the one that I had used. I asked him what they tell any customers who have bought their back protector and receive a skin injury… That they had been using a bad back protector? I don’t think so… And of course I did not receive any
Answer from him this time either…

I got in touch with one of their spokesmen and she told me that if they gave everyone that got injured a new suit, they would go out of business… I told her if they have so many problems with their suits then maybe it would be better if they go out of business… Then she got quiet for a while and told me that of course this is not a big problem with their suits! I answered her: Then why can’t you give me a new suit? Of course I got no answer…

Would like to add that I bought the suit in the beginning of winter the year before I used it riding my motorcycle. This was done to have a chance to wear it and oil it up so that it would fit perfect.

Hope to get some thoughts from you all regarding this, because I think this is a serious matter!

Hope that I have not made to many grammar or spelling faults as English is not my home langue.

[VTGPDUC]

Sorry to hear about your crash. But it has been my understanding that the only "Berik" leathers that are crashworthy are the Arlen Ness top of the line Kangaroo leathers. I bought RS Taichi after many personal testimonials. Vansons are good also. Knox protectors are supposedly good, but I don't know any riders who use them personally. My next set of leathers will be a custom Heroic set, they crash very well also. Don't expect manufactures to replace items that are intended for racing, unless it is/was a manufacturing defect. Sorry that's the way it is. BTW my son's Pilot one piece is up for sale, US 38, $450. I'm still scarred, screwed, and plated from some of my crashes. Good luck.

[surfguygrif]

How the hell fast were you going? I find it hard to believe that your skin hit the ground like that THROUGH your back protector. Are saying you not only burned through the leather, but also the plastic back protector? Im thinking 120+ mph?

The manufacturer has ZERO liability for how it performs in crash. Read all of the disclaimers that come with this type of gear, there are just too many variables.

I've hit the ground hard wearing both Dainese and Alpinestars leathers (100mph+ both times) and have never had a seam bust or have ever had skin touch the pavement.

Show us some pics of the leathers.


Sent from my Motorcycle iPad app

[DuckMan]

Oh hell! This thread should have one of those warnings about how disturbing it is!

Seriously, I'm so sorry. I hurt for you.

But think about the bright side. That's gonna be one awesome scab to pick at.