I haven't bought any new leather in about 16 years. Though the material itself is still fine, time and UV exposure does take a toll on the threads which hold it all together. The other issue is the protective "armor" in the jackets and pants can lose its safety characteristics over time. Fast forward to a couple weeks ago, I spotted some cool leather on-line that complement my bike and have the latest D30 armor technology. Look that stuff up, it's pretty cool. Pliable and spongy...until something hits it with velocity. Then it's structure changes in an instant to hard shell. I needed something more current for an upcoming track day.
This wasn''t available from any US sources, I guess dealers here just won't stock it because most who need it buy Alpinestars, Dainese, Vanson or other brands with better margins. I ordered from a dealer in the UK, and there was one problem. While the jacket fit perfect, the pants in my size 32 (I have 2 other pairs of Triumph and First Gear brand leather pants in 32) were SO tight on the legs that I couldn't get them past mid-calf. It cost me a fortune to send back for the next size up, but still less than the bath I would take trying to sell them here. At least the dealer was nice enough to send the 34's with free shipping.
Tight, but they fit. If I can lose a few pounds/kilos they'll be a little easier to get on. They have a full circumference zipper to mate the jacket and pants, meeting the track day requirement. A little gaudy, but maybe the distracted cage drivers with notice me. I have plenty of other road-riding gear too, for various conditions of heat, rain, or cold.
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