Full Set Bike Leathers Protect You From Motorbike Accidents
Full set bike leathers can, to some, feel like overkill for the roads but they couldn't be more wrong. There is more chance of being involved in an accident on the road than there is on a track-day, and that's why it's a good idea to invest in full set bike leathers as well as separates for those warmer days. Remember, bikes cost less than cars so you have the flexibility to spend a little more on protection and protective items for motorbikes so you can enjoy a longer time on your bike.
There is little point in buying full set bike leathers that look good yet don't perform well. The protection should be first on your priority list, then the aesthetic appeal. If you've already bought your motorbike then it's a good idea to keep a sizeable amount of your budget back for leathers. Without them, you shouldn't ride your bike. Your motorbike instructor would have warned you about the rate at which skin comes off from your body, even at slow speeds.
Don't take wearing full set bike leathers as an insult to your riding ability. In most cases, bikers are involved in accidents with other vehicles not on their own. This means you're not protecting yourself from yourself, but from other road users. If you have a brightly coloured motorbike or a dark-coloured one, studies have shown that 37% less crashes occur with bikers who wear dark leathers. So, if you can get a high-visibility full set bike leathers where possible.
Just as you would set aside as much money as possible for the best motorbike helmet you can afford, the rest of your body is just as important as your head. Motorcycling clothing is part of the whole motorbike experience. Don't scrimp on protection, just as you wouldn't scrimp on buying tyres. They are the only contact patches you have with the road and your body is the only contact you have if you have an accident. That's why buying and owning full set bike leathers is of paramount importance.
With kevlar, titanium and cordura being an alternative to leather, there are more types of full set bike leathers available these days. As long as it keeps you protected from a fall or crash and from the wind and rain, you should look at the pros and cons of full set bike leathers to see which ones suit your riding style. If you do track-days then you definitely need full leathers or if you simply waft around the country on a Harley Davidson, then separate leathers would be sufficient.
With extra protection panels being available, or slide-in inserts, you can add extra parts to the protection. One thing is almost certain when you own a motorbike, there is a huge chance of you falling off, sometimes at low speeds or if you catch a man-hole cover at the wrong angle or even some damp, greasy leaves on the road. Whatever weather you ride your bike in, don't forget to wear your full set bike leathers.