New York Chapter "W"

Gold Wing Road Riders Association

Rochester, NY

Rider Education Information by Gary Mandak

Riding Educator, New York Chapter "W"

Your Wear Wares

Now that we have survived Christmas and are making / breaking our New Year's resolutions, we should consider resolving to get good outerwear to wear.

We all know that the typical motorcycle "look" is black leather and has been popular for many years. Simply put, that was all that was out there years ago. It is functional, warm, and abrasion resistant and lets face it, makes us look like we ride a motorcycle. Looks sometimes overrule function, especially to the fashion conscience motorcyclist. There are other options out there in recent years in the form of textile materials and can be just as effective as the animal parts, counterparts.

Leather advantages

Leather material of thicker size 1.3 mm or more is very warm, and resistant to those times when you leave you bike to meet the pavement at speed. It may have a zip out liner to make it a 3 - 4 season outfit. The dark color makes it resistant to showing dirt.

Leather disadvantages

Leather can be too hot, but some so have zippered ventilation to help keep you're cool. It can be stiff and sometimes uncomfortable. Black is not as visible at night. It is not waterproof and you will need to carry extra rain gear to stay dry, unless you like to shower when you ride. Special care must be taken to clean and condition leather.

Textile advantages

Textile is much lighter in weight and usually has venting to keep you cool in warm weather. The light colors of textile also helps to keep you cooler. Most have "armor" built in areas that are needed in a "get off." Most are water resistant or waterproof, which allows you to leave the extra rain gear home. Less special care is needed to keep clean.

Textile disadvantages

Textile tends to be a bit more expensive. Even with the armor, leather is usually more resistant to abrasion.

Leather and textile are your main choices of riding wear for your motorcycle, other than shorts and a T-shirt, which are highly discouraged. Mainstream traditional motorcyclists like the look and feel of leather because it has the "biker look". If you stay with leather, make sure it is made for motorcycle use and not for the poser look.

If textile is your choice, make sure it is water-resistant and get a highly visible color. Look for padding/armor built in for protection.

When you make your purchase, make sure the jacket sleeve and pant lengths are a bit longer to accommodate your rider position of arms outstretched and sitting. Make sure when you try on the jacket and pants they will be long enough for that protection. Sit in a chair and act like you are riding your bike to see if the apparel fits your riding needs. (vroom-vroom sounds are optional)

In either case, buy what fits your needs, has sufficient protection, within your budget and reflects your own personal "look".

Practice safe riding.

Gary Mandak

Chapter "W" Educator