One piece leathers fitting

My Alpinestar MX1 one piece has two inside pockets and thats a track based suit, dont think its that unusual is it? pockets are in the removalable liner

 

I wrote this a couple of years ago, and whilst many of you may not agree, it is based on exprience, but I hope does provide an alternative train of thought

Over the years, during my time as a motorcycle policeman and then an accident investigator, I have taken a particular interest in how protective clothing performs in the event of a crash. Without doubt leather is still the best protective material to be wearing on a motorcycle. However, when it comes to buying a new set, it never ceases to amaze me how often dealers will try and talk you into buying the latest 1 piece race replica suit rather than listening to what your requirements really are.

Now my requirements are very simple, I want a 2 piece suit that is the correct fit, comfortable (once it is broken in) and well made from a good quality hide. Although a bit of colour is OK, I like my leathers to be subtle rather than in your face! Not too much to ask is it? Well from a number of dealers I have spoken to recently, perhaps it is.

I recently went in search of a new set of leathers since my current suit was starting to get tired, and although I could have gone down the tailor made route and had any colour my heart desired, I am usually quite fortunate and can get a good set of leathers off the peg to the specification I require. On this occasion all five dealers tried to push me into buying the latest race replica 1 piece. Firstly this would have done no favours for my slowly increasing waistline, and secondly I really have no desire to walk or ride around all day with a big lump sticking out from between my shoulder blades. These suits may be ideal for the track day guys, but I don’t do track days, I ride a Blackbird not a GSXR1000 and I often spend up to 10 hours or more in the saddle.

But there is a more serious side! 1 piece suits are designed for use on the track where everyone travels in the same direction, with nice large run off areas and, importantly, none of the road side furniture that you get on your average A class road. In the event of an accident, medical help is usually with the fallen rider before they have stopped sliding, and everything is contained within a tightly controlled environment. On the road however we are not afforded that luxury. In the event of a serious crash we could be waiting for a considerable time before medical help arrives.

This is where the main issue arises between wearing a 2 piece and 1 piece. A well fitting leather (and this can apply equally to jacket and trouser combination) will, in the event of serious injury, act as a splint for broken bones and, in some cases, reduce blood loss. With a 2 piece, if the rider is suffering from lower body injuries the trousers can be removed quite easily allowing medical personnel quick and easy access to the injury and minimizing the amount of discomfort suffered by the rider. If there is a combination of lower and upper body injuries and it is obvious that, for example, the rider has broken his collar bone, then the jacket can be left alone as it will be supportive leaving the paramedics to concentrate on the area most in need of attention.

Put the rider into the same scenario but this time wearing a 1 piece. The leathers will not be able to be easily removed without great discomfort or the risk of further injury to the rider. Although the paramedics may be able to eventually cut through the leather to gain access to the injured part of the body, this will be time consuming and, in the golden hour, could prove to be critical.

Then there is the issue of practicality. How many times have you been to an event on a hot or even just a warm day, and seen riders walking about with their 1 piece race suits tied in a knot by the arms around their waists, while those who choose to stay covered up tend to look like they are carrying a couple of kilos in their underpants? This is due to the different stress panels on a 1 piece compared to a 2 piece since the 1 piece is designed for the racing/sports bike crouch. 2 piece leathers actually keeps their shape better for longer, not to mention the fact that when you are off the bike you can remove your jacket and remain more comfortable.

The issue of 1 piece versus 2 piece leathers has kicked off many lengthy discussions during presentations I have made to motorcycling clubs up and down the country, and I could take up another two or three pages going into the pro’s and cons of the two styles, but suffice it to say, Mr Dealer, when someone comes into your shop asking for a 2 piece, please respect their decision, the chances are they have considered the options and are not as convinced about the virtues of a 1 piece as you are, some of us like to dress for safety and comfort!