Idea Could be big

[the Ferret]

well Henrik is probably wearing cowhide and not what the moto GP riders are wearing. I'm guessing they don't use Kevlar mesh for aerodynamics as air flows more smoothly over skin tight leather and probably because they get the leathers for free (at least the top guys), but I am only guessing. Maybe its just tradition?

[emptysea]

It's also required by the governing body...no one said that leather was worse; just that, for street use, a little more comfort with similar protection is perfectly acceptable (to me).

[Cormanus]

Understood, although I'm not sure I've made myself clear.

If DGShannon is right that Kevlar is 10 times stronger than leather, and it also holds that this extra strength gives extra protection in the event of an accident, one can be forgiven for wondering why the governing body doesn't mandate a change in the requirement for protective gear.

The only reasonable conclusion is that the real difference between the relative protective properties of kevlar and leather means the change isn't worth it.

[the Ferret]

Be a fun conversation to have with the governing body, but since most of these guys have been wearing full leathers (both cow and Kanga) since childhood, that mandating a change from that material might be difficult. Wish I could answer you for sure, but I am just not privy to the answers, only my suppositions.

[ClassicVW_imp]

Kevlar will protect you somewhat better than leather, but a Kevlar garment is able to breathe quite a bit. Air will pass through it, so I'd say that ferret's comment about not smooth airflow is right on the money. Kevlar is also very difficult to work with with regard to making it into a garment. It's easier to work some Kevlar fibers into pants or jackets, not easy to make them completely out of Kevlar.

From my research into, and 30 years experience with Kevlar body armor, we were also shown how water, heat, humidity, and sweat will shorten it's effective life as a bullet stopper. I don't know if those elements will degrade motorcycle gear enough to make a difference in that use though.

[Cormanus]

[url=http://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=231812]This is an interesting post on this topic. Leather appears still to be the go.

[Henrik_imp]

Cormanus, I think you have precisely understood my question here. Incidentally, although my leather two-piece suit is not kangaroo primarily for budget reasons, my gloves are.

However, one of my best friends is head of the technical commission of the FIM who I got to know while my wife worked there, so I will actually pass the question on to him. The FIM is a ten minute ride from my house. I can imagine they must have had some thought about all this.

[emptysea]

Good post, Cormanus. I still have to assume that even the most modest pair of Kevlar lined pants are better than retail blue jeans. Also, a person might feel that on a slow speed commute, there is enough abrasion resistance, coupled with comfort and convenience, to warrant going with something non-leather.

It will be interesting to see if others find more documentation on the relative effectiveness of various materials used in riding apparel.

[the Ferret]

Interesting article Cormanus.

Henrik, that would be awesome. Can't wait to hear the results.

[redbirds_imp]

Much as I like leather riding gear, it is simply too hot and humid for summer riding where I live. Even the best vented textile can be miserably hot when temps get into the upper 90's and humidity at 70% or more. More to the point, leather is probably superior to the alternatives or the racing governing bodies and riders would demand something else. New technology textiles might one day displace leather. Who knows?

Now if PETA were in charge......