Jackets and Leathers

To improve motorcycle safety many countries mandate the wearing of protective clothing by motorcyclists, especially a helmet. Other protective gear may include certain types of jackets, gloves, boots, and pants. Jackets meant for motorcyclists are typically made of nylon, leather, or Kevlar. more...

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These jackets typically include heavy padding on the elbow, spine, and shoulder regions. Gloves are generally made of leather or Kevlar and some include carbon fiber knuckle protection. Boots, especially those for sport riding, include reinforcement and plastic caps on the ankle and toe areas. A well-protected motorcyclist will wear boots with heels that fit on motorcycle foot rests (pegs) and provide good ankle support. Pants are usually leather, nylon, or Kevlar. Except for helmets, none of these items are required by law in any state in the U.S. but are recommended by many of those who ride.

"Off road" riders wear a range of plastic armour to protect against injury from falling off, hitting other riders and bikes, debris kicked up from the rear wheel of leading bikes, and from running into track barriers protecting the public. This armour protects the extremities from breakage and dislocation and the back and chest from strain and broken bones. Although fairly efficient, it is of course not always completely effective. Many riders wear "roost protectors" designed specifically to protect against painful debris from other bikes, but are of no use in a fall or collision.

Leathers

"Leathers" are 1-piece suits, or 2-piece jackets and trousers worn by motorcyclists mainly for protection in a crash. The leather used is not fashion leather but protective leather which is stronger, moderately flexible and much tougher. Both leathers and joins (seams and zips) should be officially tested for ergonomics and impact abrasion, cut, tear and burst resistance. They do not have to be too heavy and there is no such thing as competition leather - just safe and unsafe leather and joins. The most common leather used for motorcycle wear is from cattle such as beef. An inexpensive 1.1–1.2 mm South American beef leather is both attractive and flexible and was considered entirely adequate in the 1990's for good road and racing suits. Kangaroo leather is becoming popular for its suppleness, light weight and strength compared with cowhide. The one-piece racing leather suit, usually referred to as 'racing leathers' was first used by legendary, ex-world champion motorcycle racer Geoff Duke. His suits, like the majority of those used in the 1950s, were made from horse hide. Horse leather today still provides very good protection

Originally, motorcycle leathers were adapted from tank corps gear immediately following World War I. Duster coats, which tended to catch in the wheels, were switched for short coats. Wide-pegged breeches were worn by some motorcycle police (and are still worn in Belgium) and by dispatch riders in World War II, but were largely abandoned in the post-war years because of their association with certain Nazi uniforms.

Read more at Wikipedia.org