Have you spent any time looking at all the different motorcycle apparel? It can be difficult to find what is right for you. Other companies make it even more confusing by using sub-standard materials, poor design and construction methods.  Here are some of the main priorities when selecting proper motorcycle apparel:

1. Tear and abrasion strength similar to competition grade road racing leather.   When attending any road race in the country it is always easy to find someone that repairs leather.  The best leather in the world gets abrasion damage and tears in a tumble.  Wearing gear that has less tear and abrasion strength than leather is a risk.
2.  Stay away from any materials that have a Polyurethane coating that restricts breathing and can melt into the skin when sliding on asphalt.  Polyurethane coatings make the material hold water longer and reduce the tear and abrasion strength by making the material stiff and bulky. When other companies use words like Ballistic, Hypertex, and Rocktex they are hiding the actual material name. Using Polyester or standard nylon for riding apparel is not safe.  If you have a jacket or pant made in a foreign country material content must be shown.  What is your gear made of?
3.  Impact protection is the most important.  Injuries can occur from abrasion, but the most serious is impact. Cycleport is the only company that covers 64% of the body with Tri-Armor, the world’s best impact absorbing protection. (Tri-Armor exceeds CE Spec.)
4. Waterproof/Windproof/Breathable materials for cold or wet weather.  If your skin can’t breathe it is impossible to ride in comfort.  Your body retains 23 times more heat in cold weather with Waterproof/Windproof/Breathable apparel.  If you ride in temperatures over 75F, Waterproof/Windproof/Breathable suits are too hot to wear.  The best apparel has Waterproof/Windproof/Breathable liners that can be removed.  The best apparel also has the outside shell of the jacket or pant made with material that breathes.
5. Weak material seams will make strong material useless. Avoid any single needle stitching. Ask, “How strong is the thread?” Cycleport uses nylon thread with over 100 lbs tear strength. All construction seams are Safety-Lock Stitched (Five threads woven on the inside, double stitched on the outside) to provide over 2000 lbs. seam strength.
6. Using quality insulation like Thermolite or Thermoloft will make heated apparel unnecessary.

Spend a few minutes on our web site. Read the Dictionary to learn more about different materials and construction methods. Click on “Save Your Hide”, in the upper right corner of the Home Page or scroll down and read “How to ChooseYour Gear”.  Our Kevlar suits cost more but will be the best buy. You will have the ultimate suit that will last for many years (7 year Warranty!) Average lifespan is ten years with riders averaging 30,000 miles per year or more. Expect to replace Polyester or standard nylon suits every two or three years.

Wearing proper apparel will allow you to enjoy motorcycling even in the worst weather. Cycleport is the only company making motorcycle apparel that will take you from –20F to 120F in comfort.  Cycleport is the only company with synthetic apparel that provides better protection than leather; in fact we provide the most versatile motorcycle apparel with the best protection on the planet! 

Wayne Boyer

President, Cycleport USA