Question for you racers and track riders…

I’m in need of new race leathers, the ones I’ve had since ‘96 have finally ‘shrunk’ !

Things appear to have moved on a tad in those 28 years and airbag technology is all the rage it seems.

It looks like really good tech to me (total layman).

What’s folk’s thoughts? Is it good stuff or just a gimmick / fad?

Fast Eddie said:

I’m in need of new leathers, ones I head since ‘96 have finally shrunk !

Things appear to have moved on a tad in those 28 years and airbag technology is all the rage it seems.

It looks like really good tech to me (total layman).

What’s folk’s thoughts? Is it good stuff or just a gimmick / fad?

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Shrunk? Really? ... are your sure something else hasn't happened?

Works on leathers as well.

But seriously, be sure to investigate ongoing airbag costs.

Thats like wetting you leather hat overnight , and pulling over the big fencepost to dry .
( thought it was a BALLON suit . Use a ballon suit . or sausage ballons , inside off it ?? .
Maybe youd soak em a few days , and leave blown up , a fortnite .
You might end up with bulges in the wrong places though .

Wotever ya got , Ya wannit to SLIDE , not grab . Like Boot Soles . Though you could look at them as brakes .
But if they grabbed youd tumble or get thrown . . So carry a parachute ! .



Early tests reveal it requires a cartrige opperated drouge chute , to open it .
Or allowance for the delay , beforehand .

Ejector seats , also . Have been tested . In relation to motorcycles . . Volenteers ? . form an orderly que , please .

( You see a lot of road riders wearing grip sole sneakerish boots , Which if your on your ass , are gunna tryn take your leg off , if the touch deck . As theyll STOP .
If your doing 100 k, and theyre attached to you , you may have a problem . Theres an art in ' dissmounting ' as much as in opperating , if you consider the proceedure,
To the point of standing , fists above head , and taking a bow , to the admireing onlookers . So do it with class .

Dunno if its ' on line ' Theres one of Holden dropping it on the ripple at the top off pit straight , at pukekohe , in the wet . Onna GS wotsit . On His FEET , Waving . or was that balance . At the TON.
As he proceeds down the track , over the grass , and is ' absorbed ' by the large hoarding awaiting , Written " H O L D E N " in letters six foot high . So he wouldnt miss it .

The POINT BEING , The coefficent of friction is a consideration . Velcro seat to seat . If you want real class , good old real thick heel & toe steel anit wear plates , and you can dazzle them with trails of sparks .
This'd be a better class the the ' Drift ' races . lONGEST SPARK TRAIL . AND AN IDEAL NIGHT EVENT .

This is how they used to do it .



Whereas , Nowadays :

Brilliant idea but you need to find out replacement airbag costs first. As you know I run with every bit of body armour in my leathers just in case! Although I really don't run hard enough anymore. Definitely in the stay on mode. At Donington next week there is a race leather manufacturer making made to measure at a fantastic price. I will try & find the add.

Chris said:

Brilliant idea but you need to find out replacement airbag costs first. As you know I run with every bit of body armour in my leathers just in case! Although I really don't run hard enough anymore. Definitely in the stay on mode. At Donington next week there is a race leather manufacturer making made to measure at a fantastic price. I will try & find the add.

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You don’t replace the airbag after it’s deployed Chris, you just suck out the air and the replace the canister.

It’s probably RST you’re referring too? They make excellent leathers by all accounts and at really good prices.

Meant canister brain fade

ARN £399

I bought an Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 airbag vest three years ago after a street bike accident, and I never ride without it. If I'd had something like it back when I was racing, I'd be a much healthier oldster now. I can't imagine anyone getting a set of racing leathers now without an airbag system. They are a bit expensive, and not so great in hot weather, but the pain of major broken bones is far worse.

Ken

lcrken said:

I bought an Alpinestars Tech-Air 5 airbag vest three years ago after a street bike accident, and I never ride without it. If I'd had something like it back when I was racing, I'd be a much healthier oldster now. I can't imagine anyone getting a set of racing leathers now without an airbag system. They are a bit expensive, and not so great in hot weather, but the pain of major broken bones is far worse.

Ken

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Thanks Ken.

Your summary is very much in line with my thinking. When I looked at the cost I managed lying in a hospital bed thinking that the cost would seem nothing at that moment !

Alpine Star, Dianese, In&Motion appear to be the top 3.

Matt Spencer is correct, you need to slide and not roll. If you lose the bike, just relax and assume a fetal position. You are much less likely to get hurt than if you stick your arms a legs out trying to save yourself. And always make sure you are not sliding before you stand-up - it can be deceiving. I do not believe air-bag leathers would do much unless you were flung-up into the air by a hi-side. They might give you a gentler landing, But a Commando which can hi-side might make you eligible for MotoGP.
Whatever you do - NEVER paint your fairing.