Alpinestars SP-1
Although the SP-1 looks clean and crisp in white, they felt awkward and clumsy to wear.
The forearm leather pinches when getting into a crouch and it’s difficult to get your arms into the jacket because the lining catches. The back and shoulders are also restrictive and difficult to get comfortable.
It’s not all bad though; all the zips are easy to use and a back protector is included in the jacket, which also has an aerodynamic hump on the back. For some riders this suit will fit perfectly, but it seems to have odd proportions.
Collar and cuffs have a soft edge for comfort.
Price: £599.95
Alpinestars Stella TX1 Ladies 2 piece suit
Alpinestars Stella TX1 Ladies 2 piece suit
Kevlar lined stretch panels on this suit give extra protection in possible weak areas with ventilation included for rider comfort.
The jacket includes a back protector, which is easily removed along with the rest of the armour. Alpinestars have gone to great lengths to make these a close a fit for women, with specially shaped armour.
The pockets in the jacket aren’t as large as on some other suits, which made it a struggle to fit much more than a mobile and wallet in them. Easy to get on, but is a little too baggy around the shoulders and back.
Price: £649.95
Arlen Ness 5912
Arlen Ness 5912
This suit feels very light, and looks good with the logos and graphics having sharp outlines. Chunky zips on all fastenings feel strong and make gloved use simple, even on the jacket-trousers connector.
There are two large pockets inside the jacket that also includes a back protector, but the finish around the cuffs looks a bit rough for leathers of this price. The trousers fit really well, and include hip protection.
Overall the 5912 2-piece is slightly difficult to get into due to the non-removable mesh lining, but once on this suit feels tight and snug, with no unwanted movement or restrictions.
Price: £599.99
Berik 7889
Berik 7889
This suit really stands out from the crowd with its in-your-face looks.
As well as appealing to flashier riders, it’s also practical with its perforations for cooling and stretch panels under the arms for a closer fit. A back protector is also included.
The stitching is excellent and the fit is good too as the shoulders are roomy, with snug fitting arms and legs. The back protector isn’t intrusive when the jacket is worn and the zips and pockets are easily accessible.
It’s a shame that the only letdown to the 7889 is that the cuffs and ankles look unfinished.
Price: £599.99
BKS Silverstone Combination
BKS Silverstone Combination
These BKS leathers are really vivid, with a classy colour scheme that sets it apart from the vulgar and gives a really good impression of quality.
Stitching is excellent, with sharp graphics all round. The leather feels thick all over and the lining is easily removable. The finish on the collar, cuffs and ankles is impressive.
The aerodynamic hump, whilst looking good, makes getting the suit on and off tough and feels somewhat restrictive with the suit on.
The shoulders are cramped and the knee armour feels intrusive, but can be adjusted. Zips are all easy to use with gloves on and are strong. The pockets will hold a phone and wallet no problem. If you’re into blue, get into this – it looks mega in the flesh.
Price: £599.99
Dainese Stripes
Dainese Stripes
The Stripes suit feels like a second skin when put on; familiar like a favourite set of clothes.
Cuffs and ankles feel quite baggy, which is awkward if gloves and boots are worn over the top, but not a real problem. There’s a classy look about this kit, with excellent stitching and detail; the white looks great as long as it stays clean.
The zips are easy to use with gloves on but the inside pockets are large and secured with Velcro so no need to mess about with zips there.
No back protector included, but there is space for one to be added and all armour is easily removed.
Price: £577.45
Dainese Yu Lady
Dainese Yu Lady
The detail and stitching on the Yu Lady suit is superb for mass-produced leathers, giving the outfit a sleek look to compliment its light weight.
The Yu Lady features easily removed armour and large chunky zips, though there is only one pocket on the suit, which is inside the jacket. Two zips on each calf allow a close fit, while the lining is not removable.
The overall fit is tight but snug at the same time, which makes it comfortable to wear for long periods.
The suit is easy to get on but a bit of a pain to take off due to how snug the fit is, with no overly baggy areas or any discomfort.
Price: £724.23
Frank Thomas Velocita
Frank Thomas Velocita
The Velocita initially feels quite heavy, which gives an impression of quality.
There are large perforated panels on the front of the jacket for cooling, but there’s also a removable thermal lining to hold warmth in on chillier days.
The suit zips can be tough to use with gloves on, and the waist closure on the trousers feels fragile. The kit feels good as soon as it’s on, with the back protector surprisingly comfortable.
It’s well-built kit for the price and there’s lots of space for shoulders, but the cuff zips rub painfully on the wrists tainting the otherwise good impression.
Price: £359.98
Gear Thruxton
Gear Thruxton
With the price of the Thruxton in mind, these leathers look really good, even alongside more expensive kit.
The white of the perforated leather front sets off against the black nicely. The jacket has a removable lining and the whole suit has a generous amount of pockets in a variety of sizes.
The collar and cuffs are adorned with a soft lining that prevent the jacket becoming uncomfortable. The armour is comfortable once on, but is difficult to get over arms as the fit is so close. Strangely, the chest seems tighter than the stomach area though.
Price: £299.98
Hein Gericke Competition
Hein Gericke Competition
These leathers are amazing quality for the price, feeling thick when first picked up; a quality, solid back protector accounts for some of this weight.
The jacket has two huge pockets and the decals are crisp and well-stitched. This suit is very comfortable and easy to put on and take off, even with the back protector in place.
The shoulder armour may need slight adjustment to sit properly, with the only minor issue the zip between the jacket and trousers being slightly awkward to use, but that doesn’t ruin what is an excellent bit of gear.
Price: £499.98
Hein Gericke GTX cool
Hein Gericke GTX cool
If you have just spat your braeakfast out looking at the price, scoop it back up and consider how much a Gore Tex two piece leather suit might cost from any of the other manufacterers.
HG have built what their customers wanted, a versatile leather product that can cope with any of the elements. This really is high end product, worthy of the price tag? Definitely.
The stitching and detail rank as highly as the quality of the hide and the Gore membrane concealed within. Take the plunge but stay dry.
Price: £1198
Richa Lucky jacket/Viper trousers
Richa Lucky jacket/Viper trousers
Richa aren’t as well known as some brands but they certainly know what they’re doing.
The stitching on this combo looks very neat, and the zips are easy to use even with gloved hands.
Pockets are large inside but the opening is much smaller, making getting things in or out a bit of a hassle.
The jacket has a great cut with a nice design that flows well into the style of the trousers, which feature stretch panels that fit nicely to the shape of the rider.
Both the jacket and trousers have a snug fit, and the sleeves are in proportion with the rest of the outfit.
Price: £469.98
RST Fusion
RST Fusion
RST’s Fusion two-piece stands out among similarly priced products by being well-styled with effective colourschemes.
Initially the light feel combined with the lack of a back protector appears to lower the quality.
But the stitching is excellent, there’s a multitude of pockets on the jacket and trousers and there are stretch panels on the inside of the arms and the back of the legs.
Zips are easy to use with a gloved hand and, as there’s no back protector, getting the jacket on and off is easy. The overall fit of the suit is good, but the knee armour requires adjustment to prevent it digging in.
Price: £379.98
