Introduction:
Riding suits are an essential piece of gear for any serious motorcyclist, providing comprehensive protection and comfort. Designed to withstand the elements and potential impacts, motorcycle riding suits enhance safety while adding convenience and style. This guide explores the different types of riding suits, their key features, top brands, user experiences, and maintenance practices to help you choose the best option for your riding needs.
Motorcycle Riding Suits:
What Are the Best Options Available?
Understanding the Importance of Motorcycle Riding Suits
Riding suits offer a combination of protection, comfort, and convenience that is difficult to match with separate pieces of gear.
Comprehensive Protection: Motorcycle riding suits are designed to provide full-body protection. They typically include reinforced areas on the shoulders, elbows, knees, and back, with CE-certified armor for impact resistance.
Weather Resistance: High-quality riding suits are made from materials that offer excellent resistance to wind, rain, and cold weather, keeping you warm and dry during long rides. Advanced suits also ensure breathability for comfort in warmer conditions.
Convenience and Versatility: A one-piece or two-piece riding suit offers the convenience of unified protection and easy wearability. Many suits come with additional features such as ventilation systems, waterproof pockets, and adjustable fit options, enhancing overall usability.
Types of Motorcycle Riding Suits
There are various types of riding suits to suit different riding styles and environmental conditions.
One-Piece Suits: One-piece suits provide the most complete protection, ideal for track use and high-speed riding. They offer seamless coverage, reducing the risk of gaps in protection. These suits are generally favored by sport riders and professionals.
Two-Piece Suits: Two-piece suits consist of a jacket and pants that can be zipped together or worn separately. They offer more versatility for different riding conditions and off-bike activities. Two-piece suits are popular among touring riders and commuters.
Textile Suits: Textile suits are made from materials like Cordura, Kevlar, or Gore-Tex, offering a good balance of protection and weather resistance. They are typically lighter and more breathable than leather suits, making them suitable for long-distance touring and adventure riding.
Leather Suits: Leather suits are renowned for their abrasion resistance and durability, preferred for their classic style and high protection level. They are commonly used by sport riders and track enthusiasts. Modern leather suits often incorporate perforated panels for better ventilation.
Key Features to Look for in Motorcycle Riding Suits
Selecting the right riding suit involves understanding the various features that enhance protection, comfort, and functionality.
CE-Certified Armor: Ensure the riding suit includes CE-certified armor in critical areas like the shoulders, elbows, knees, and back. Some high-end suits also offer chest protectors and hip padding for added safety.
Abrasion Resistance: Look for suits with high abrasion resistance, using materials like Kevlar, Cordura, or reinforced leather. These materials protect against injuries during slides and impacts.
Waterproofing and Breathability: A good riding suit offers waterproofing features like sealed seams, waterproof zippers, and breathable liners. Gore-Tex and similar materials provide a balance of water resistance and ventilation.
Fit and Adjustability: The fit of a riding suit is crucial for both protection and comfort. Adjustable straps, stretch panels, and ergonomic designs help achieve a better fit. Ensure the suit allows for easy movement and maintains the armor in the correct position.
Ventilation Systems: Effective ventilation is essential for comfort during hot weather. Look for suits with zippered vents, mesh panels, and breathable liners to regulate temperature and prevent overheating.
Reflective Elements: Visibility is a critical safety aspect, especially for night riding. Reflective strips and logos enhance visibility to other road users, reducing the risk of accidents.
Top Brands and Models in Motorcycle Riding Suits
Several brands are known for producing high-quality motorcycle riding suits, each offering unique features and benefits.
Alpinestars Suits: Alpinestars is renowned for their high-performance riding suits. Models like the Alpinestars GP Pro V2 feature premium leather construction, CE-certified armor, and advanced ventilation systems, ideal for track and sport riding.
Dainese Suits: Dainese combines innovation with style, offering suits that provide superior protection and comfort. The Dainese Misano D-Air suit includes integrated airbag technology, providing unparalleled impact protection, and is a top choice for professional riders.
Rev’It! Suits: Rev’It! offers a range of suits suitable for various riding styles. The Rev’It! Dominator GTX is a versatile textile suit with Gore-Tex waterproofing, thermal liners, and ample ventilation, perfect for adventure touring.
Klim Suits: Klim is known for their rugged and durable suits designed for adventure and off-road riding. The Klim Badlands Pro suit features advanced materials, extensive armor, and a breathable yet waterproof design, catering to extreme conditions.
Held Suits: Held’s suits are praised for their quality and attention to detail. The Held Monza suit features premium leather with Kevlar reinforcement, ergonomic design, and excellent ventilation, providing a balance of protection and comfort.
User Insights and Experiences
Rider reviews and experiences offer practical insights into the performance and comfort of different riding suits.
Positive Feedback on Protection: Many users commend the protection offered by high-quality suits, particularly appreciating CE-certified armor and reinforced materials. Riders feel more confident and secure during high-speed or off-road riding.
Comfort and Fit: Users value the ergonomic designs and adjustability that ensure a comfortable fit. Well-ventilated suits like those from Rev’It! and Klim receive high praise for keeping riders cool in hot weather conditions.
Weather Resistance: Riders highlight the effectiveness of waterproof suits, especially those with Gore-Tex layers. The versatility to handle both rain and sweat makes these suits indispensable for long-distance touring.
Challenges and Adaptation: Some riders mention initial stiffness in leather suits, which requires a break-in period. Textile suits, while comfortable, may lack the same abrasion resistance as leather, necessitating a balance based on riding style.
Comparing One-Piece and Two-Piece Suits
Choosing between one-piece and two-piece suits depends on individual preferences, riding style, and specific needs.
One-Piece Suits: Pros:
- Maximum protection with seamless coverage.
- Preferred for track and performance riding.
- Reduced risk of gear shifting during a slide.
Cons:
- Less versatile for off-bike activities.
- Can be more challenging to put on and take off.
Two-Piece Suits: Pros:
- Greater versatility for different riding conditions.
- Easier to wear separately for casual use.
- Convenient for touring and commuting.
Cons:
- Slightly lower level of protection, with potential gaps around the zipper.
Maintaining and Caring for Motorcycle Riding Suits
Proper care extends the life of your riding suit and ensures it maintains its protective qualities.
Cleaning and Washing: Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your suit. Leather suits may require specific leather cleaners and conditioners to maintain flexibility and prevent cracking. Textile suits can often be machine washed, but make sure to remove armor and follow recommended settings.
Waterproofing Treatments: For textile suits, reapply waterproof treatments periodically to maintain water resistance. Ensure the suit is clean before applying treatments for best results.
Damage Inspection and Repairs: Regularly inspect your suit for signs of wear, tear, or damage. Abrasions, torn seams, and degraded materials should be repaired promptly by professionals to retain protective capabilities.
Storage: Store your riding suit in a cool, dry place, hanging it to avoid creasing and damage. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight, which can fade colors and degrade materials.
Conclusion
Motorcycle riding suits offer comprehensive protection, comfort, and convenience for riders across various disciplines. Understanding the types, key features, top brands, user experiences, and maintenance practices allows you to select the best riding suit for your needs. Comparing one-piece and two-piece options, considering professional recommendations, and evaluating the suits’ performance relative to other gear provide a thorough perspective. By investing in a high-quality riding suit, you ensure enhanced safety, comfort, and an enjoyable riding experience, making it an essential part of your motorcycle gear arsenal.