Buying a motorcycle suit that provides comfort and safety can be challenging with so many purpose-made suits on the market. Especially difficult is finding a suit that fits your needs from any of the number of sources, including online, motorcycle dealers and even large department stores.
The main things to consider when buying a suit are:
Safety
Comfort
Style
Known quality or owner reviews
Safety
When considering purchasing any item of clothing for motorcycle use, safety must be high on the list of things to consider.
Motorcycle suits offer protection to the entire body from the ankles to the neck. Therefore, buyers should consider the strength of the material used, as well as the inclusion of extra protection in vulnerable areas such as the knees, hips, back, shoulders and elbows. In general, the cheaper suits have little in the way of extra protection and are generally a thin, water resistant, over suit typically worn over leathers. There is a reason some suits cost more: the more expensive suits will generally have the extra protection and reinforcements in the appropriate areas.
Color
Prior to the 70s, most motorcycle riding gear was predominantly black or dark in color (leather or Barbour jackets). This began to change when famous racers started to wear leathers of multiple colors--generally to promote their sponsors. As race fans wanted to look like their favorite riders, it wasn’t long before manufacturers began to produce replica suits. The popularity of colorful riding attire was increased as riders noticed the added benefit that other road users (chiefly car drivers) could see them better.
From a safety standpoint, therefore, a brightly colored suit makes most sense.
Comfort
The last thing a rider wants is to be distracted when riding because of a badly fitting suit. The only way to be sure a suit is comfortable is to ride a motorcycle (your motorcycle) with the suit on, but, obviously, that is not always practical before buying one. Therefore, before buying a suit, the rider should base his or her buying decision on previous experience, having tried on a friend’s, or visited a dealer for a fitting. When trying on a suit, the rider should get into a position that is similar to that when riding his bike. For example, into a crouched position for a sports or racing bike; ideally he should sit on his bike with the suit on if at all possible.
If you must buy a suit online and are unable to try one on before you make the payment, be sure to buy from a retailer who will allow returns.
Areas of suits that can cause discomfort include (but are not limited to) the backs of the knees, the elbow joints, and the shoulders. This is why it is important to get into a riding position with the suit on to check these areas.
The size of the suit will also make a difference to the comfort. A suit that is too big will flap around in the wind during rides, whereas a tight suit will restrict movement and, in the worst case, restrict blood flow. Choosing the right size will also be dependent on what items are being worn under the suit, such as a back protector.
Style
There are many different styles of suits but primarily the main styles are: a two-piece or a one piece.
One piece suits are more suitable for riders in wet and/or cold climates as core body temperatures are maintained better with a full suit. Although two piece suits are not quite as good as a full suit for keeping the rider warm, they do have the advantage of separating the top from the bottom thereby giving the rider three options: pants only, jacket only or both worn.
Check the Reviews
Even if you are familiar with a particular suit, it pays to check out the online reviews; designs often change slightly, or a different material is introduced etc., all of which can change a suit for better or worse.
It is also well worth checking out reviews by the major magazines who often get samples from manufacturers to try out. The well-established magazines, or motorcycle newspapers, generally give an unbiased review but it must be born in mind the size of the tester and the type of riding he or she does.
The price of a quality motorcycle riding suit varies considerably, from less than $30 to more than $1000. Checking prices online will give the potential buyer an idea of the price range and type of suit he will consider. As with most things to do with classic motorcycles, or motorcycles in general, it pays to do research—especially if you are thinking of paying more than a thousand dollars for a suit!
Further reading:
Cold Weather Motorcycle Riding Gear
Hot Weather Motorcycle Riding Gear
Motorcycle Riding in Cold and Wet Weather