If you're going to the NEC ...
Discussion
Is this the best jacket ever? Waterproof. Removable thermal lining. Cooler than leather in summer. And twice as tough as even the best race leathers!
If you're at the NEC, check out the new synthetic jackets from BKS and Scott Leathers that meet CE standards or protection for the whole jacket (i.e. the same standard that the likes of BKS and Crowtree meet for their leathers!).
The BKS jacket is only shower proof, whereas the Scott jacket is fully waterproof. Scott only had DVLA and Met police versions of the jacket at their stand. However, I asked if they could custom make one for me in a sharper looking style. After a brief discussion, they duly obliged. If you ask them nicely, they might make one for you too.
In any case, it's worth showing interest to BKS and Scott in these new jackets, as they will only go into full production if the companies feel there would be a market. If we show sufficient interest, this could be the start of a whole new level of year-round protection available for bikers. The CE-approved Scott Leathers jacket's abrasion resistance is twice as good as their race leathers!
If you're at the NEC, check out the new synthetic jackets from BKS and Scott Leathers that meet CE standards or protection for the whole jacket (i.e. the same standard that the likes of BKS and Crowtree meet for their leathers!).
The BKS jacket is only shower proof, whereas the Scott jacket is fully waterproof. Scott only had DVLA and Met police versions of the jacket at their stand. However, I asked if they could custom make one for me in a sharper looking style. After a brief discussion, they duly obliged. If you ask them nicely, they might make one for you too.
In any case, it's worth showing interest to BKS and Scott in these new jackets, as they will only go into full production if the companies feel there would be a market. If we show sufficient interest, this could be the start of a whole new level of year-round protection available for bikers. The CE-approved Scott Leathers jacket's abrasion resistance is twice as good as their race leathers!
Nice one Steve T!
If you stick with fairly neutral colours that are non bike specific you'll find you won't need new leathers for about 10 years! I've had 3 pairs of BKS & IMHO are the best you can buy (at a price I will admit). I saw their new jacket at the show but BKS are not in the business of making textiles & I think they will find it hard to enter that particular niche - although their jacket would look nice over a BKS Suit I'm not sure I'd buy one.
As an aside.... about this years NEC....
Same shite, different day, lots of fat people in inappropriate clothes - a right mixture of tyre kickers and their snotty children crawling all over bikes - we lasted 4 hours before we'd had enough - really don't think it was worth it.
If you stick with fairly neutral colours that are non bike specific you'll find you won't need new leathers for about 10 years! I've had 3 pairs of BKS & IMHO are the best you can buy (at a price I will admit). I saw their new jacket at the show but BKS are not in the business of making textiles & I think they will find it hard to enter that particular niche - although their jacket would look nice over a BKS Suit I'm not sure I'd buy one.
As an aside.... about this years NEC....
Same shite, different day, lots of fat people in inappropriate clothes - a right mixture of tyre kickers and their snotty children crawling all over bikes - we lasted 4 hours before we'd had enough - really don't think it was worth it.
Deals I would say are poor this year. You might get some discount, but make sure you buy from a reputable source. It's your a$$ on the line, so you decide if it's worth skimping.
As an example, I was having a chat to the fellas at Bike Torque Racing (I've used 'em for this and that in the past - excellent service) and one of them told me they recently (year or so) bought a lid at such a show, to find it didn't comply with racing regs, because it was made in '97! Don't forget that a show with lots of gullable punters is a good way to ditch old stock ...
Steve.
As an example, I was having a chat to the fellas at Bike Torque Racing (I've used 'em for this and that in the past - excellent service) and one of them told me they recently (year or so) bought a lid at such a show, to find it didn't comply with racing regs, because it was made in '97! Don't forget that a show with lots of gullable punters is a good way to ditch old stock ...
Steve.
S2rr Kitty said:
As an aside.... about this years NEC....
Same shite, different day, lots of fat people in inappropriate clothes - a right mixture of tyre kickers and their snotty children crawling all over bikes - we lasted 4 hours before we'd had enough - really don't think it was worth it.
That's my opinion of most shows now. I only said I'd go because a friend has recently passed his test and is still very enthusiastic.
I went on the trade day, having scrounged a ticket.
I was that fat bastard in ill fitting clothing!!!
So the Multistrada is up for sale and I'm torn between the R1200GS (head) and the V-rod (heart).
As someone else said, same shit-different year.
Quite fancied the leathers with luminous skeleton design and the skull patterend helmets though.
I don't like crowds so really enjoyed a chance to view and talk to people before the madness started.
I was that fat bastard in ill fitting clothing!!!
So the Multistrada is up for sale and I'm torn between the R1200GS (head) and the V-rod (heart).
As someone else said, same shit-different year.
Quite fancied the leathers with luminous skeleton design and the skull patterend helmets though.
I don't like crowds so really enjoyed a chance to view and talk to people before the madness started.
Yea but doesn't seem to get much praise from the press
In all honesty think both bikes are pretty ugly, but the BMW has rave reviews everywhere.
Loads of other very nice bikes there and of course the spotlights show them all off at their best. The FJR has good reviews too but like bikes and cars that are 'different' for some silly reason.
>> Edited by Davel on Tuesday 9th November 13:07
In all honesty think both bikes are pretty ugly, but the BMW has rave reviews everywhere.
Loads of other very nice bikes there and of course the spotlights show them all off at their best. The FJR has good reviews too but like bikes and cars that are 'different' for some silly reason.
>> Edited by Davel on Tuesday 9th November 13:07
Davel said:
Yea but doesn't seem to get much praise from the press
What do they know, it's not as if they're spending their own money is it and they don't like it becuase it doesn't ride like a sportsbike, but , duh, that's cos it isn't.
>> Edited by barry sheene on Tuesday 9th November 13:04
Yeah, I guess BKS are really leather experts, although companies develop expertise by evolving. I'd certainly trust a synthetic jacket stitched together by BKS a damn site more than a Dainese one for the same price.
The Scott Leathers CE-approved synthetic jacket was really impressive. I've had a Scott Leathers synthetic jacket before and it was top notch.
Does anyone know how tough those Kevlar lined jeans from Draggin' Jeans and Gialli are? They always look a neat idea for summer, but I do wonder how the stitching would hold up sliding down the road. The GTS Racing stand at the NEC had some impressive looking Kevlar clothing for racing, although it was pricier than Draggin' and Gialli.
Incidentally, I thought the new BMW K1200S looked better in the metal than I'd expected, although it'll have the new Blackbird to contend with.
The Scott Leathers CE-approved synthetic jacket was really impressive. I've had a Scott Leathers synthetic jacket before and it was top notch.
Does anyone know how tough those Kevlar lined jeans from Draggin' Jeans and Gialli are? They always look a neat idea for summer, but I do wonder how the stitching would hold up sliding down the road. The GTS Racing stand at the NEC had some impressive looking Kevlar clothing for racing, although it was pricier than Draggin' and Gialli.
Incidentally, I thought the new BMW K1200S looked better in the metal than I'd expected, although it'll have the new Blackbird to contend with.
Mark_SV said:
Does anyone know how tough those Kevlar lined jeans from Draggin' Jeans and Gialli are? They always look a neat idea for summer, but I do wonder how the stitching would hold up sliding down the road. The GTS Racing stand at the NEC had some impressive looking Kevlar clothing for racing, although it was pricier than Draggin' and Gialli.
Mark, I have a vague recollection of the Gialli & Draggin being in a test several years ago (so I may not be accurate) but from memory, the finding was that they were no better than wearing jeans & the 'padding' (because it is not armour and has no anti abraisive qualities) caused burns and heat friction as opposed to protection. Perhaps they have changed or improved but I wouldn't even contemplate buying them..... they also look like a heap of shite & make you look like you're either fat or have a very strange body shape.... The Kevlar suits however have a very good reputation based on their abraisive qualities - sidecar racers use them & I think speedway or something? - they don't offer the same impact protection as leather but as with all biking gear there is always a trade off between different materials.
P.S. There is a bloke that always goes to Boxhill on a triumph with a kevlar suit with a MASSIVE union Jack on his back - be warned!! unless you have a svelte figure you WILL look like a Womble!
Hi Kitty,
Great - many thanks for the info! You are the font of knowledge! I seem to remember that you need a lining for the clothing to be protective properly, which the Draggin’/Gialli jeans don’t have. You’ve probably put me off them.
That makes GTS race wear’s Kevlar clothing appear better (as it should, for the price difference). GTS certainly shows lots of photos of racers wearing their clothing in race conditions.
(Incidentally, I know you’re a BKS fan, but their gloves were disappointing at the NEC. Even their smallest size was baggy on me and I’m a big guy. Must be the shape of the gloves. BKS didn’t seem hungry for business; although I guess “NEC fatigue” could be to blame.)
Cheers,
Mark
Great - many thanks for the info! You are the font of knowledge! I seem to remember that you need a lining for the clothing to be protective properly, which the Draggin’/Gialli jeans don’t have. You’ve probably put me off them.
That makes GTS race wear’s Kevlar clothing appear better (as it should, for the price difference). GTS certainly shows lots of photos of racers wearing their clothing in race conditions.
(Incidentally, I know you’re a BKS fan, but their gloves were disappointing at the NEC. Even their smallest size was baggy on me and I’m a big guy. Must be the shape of the gloves. BKS didn’t seem hungry for business; although I guess “NEC fatigue” could be to blame.)
Cheers,
Mark
If anyone wants a cooler, non-sticky and more comfortable alternative to leathers ... here's a reply to this old thread ...
... I eventually ended up plumbing for a pair of Kevlar trousers, made-to-measure from GTS Race Gear ( www.gtsracegear.co.uk/ ).
I haven't tested its protective qualities, but GTS do sell their suits to speedway riders. The trousers I bought exude fine British tailor-made quality. Very reassuring. CE knee and hip armour doesn't seem like it would move a millimetre in the event of a crash, unlike any other non-leather clothing I've ever had or seen. Surprisingly able to deal with the odd light shower (but not heavy rain) too.
So far, very highly recommended.
S2rr Kitty said:
The Kevlar suits however have a very good reputation based on their abraisive qualities - sidecar racers use them & I think speedway or something?
... I eventually ended up plumbing for a pair of Kevlar trousers, made-to-measure from GTS Race Gear ( www.gtsracegear.co.uk/ ).
I haven't tested its protective qualities, but GTS do sell their suits to speedway riders. The trousers I bought exude fine British tailor-made quality. Very reassuring. CE knee and hip armour doesn't seem like it would move a millimetre in the event of a crash, unlike any other non-leather clothing I've ever had or seen. Surprisingly able to deal with the odd light shower (but not heavy rain) too.
So far, very highly recommended.
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