Motorcycle leathers

[TurboCat]

Just found out that my roadracing leathers do not meet the letter of the law because of perforations and some stretch panels in the crotch area. Looking at some high dollar Vanson DR1 and DR2 suits, even they do not meet the rules...makes no sense that a suit used by NHRA Pro Stock riders is not legal/suitable for the Salt. What have you guys/gals been using?

[Seldom Seen Slim]

The basic idea of the SCTA leathers rule is "all cow".  You're welcome to have opinions about why those that are accepted at other venues and sanctioning organisations aren't legal here -- but they aren't.  Before you buy new, though -- how 'bout having leather panels sewn onto your existing leather suit - to cover the fabric and perforations?  It's a very common "fix" - and will prevent in intrusion of fluids - - and that's the major point of the "all cow" rule.

[TurboCat]

All cow would not even cover it...with the perforations taken into account I would be sewing a new suit. When was the last time someone burned up on a bike anyway? What I see developing here is riders are buying inferior suits with zero armour nowhere near equal to the one I already own just to comply with said rule. If fire was a major concern on a bike, where are the flame retardent clothing rules? Leather is not even close. I work for a electric utility and wear fire-rated clothing every day....I know what is involved. Also never seen a fire extinguisher mounted on a motorcycle.

[Stan Back]

During your times on the salt have you noticed the differences between the conditions there and the pavement races?  The surface differences?  The safety crew distances?

[Glen]

Going to a event on the salt with attitude will not fair well with the inspectors. There have been MC fires with injuries. The reason for the rule change. Ask John Minono who had burns on his upper legs due to perforations.

[BIGHORN]

Vanson makes leathers that comform to SCTA rules. Aint cheap though

[TurboCat]

My bet is there would have been burns, perforations or not with leather as the only line of defense...it aint fireproof. I also would not go to any event with an attitude...I simply would not go if I disagreed that strongly about any current regulation.

If this had been thought out a better alternative would have been Nomex or similar undergarments if fire is the real fear here. Using leather as a fire barrier makes no sense in any scenario. Maybe someone should consider amending the rules for fire resistant clothing instead of astromical priced leathers.

[Glen]

There are riders that wear Nomax underwear

[ol38y]

Everybody else has spent the money for legal leathers. Now you want us to all buy nomex as well, or change the rule so the new people don't have to spend the money for new leathers? The rule is the rule is the rule is the rule. Deal with it. Bitching here won't change it. 

[debgeo]

AMEN

[edinlr]

I think Stan's comment is the most applicable to this issue.  When you are roadracing there is usually a crew just feet away from the likely places you will spill.  At Bonneville help could be minutes away.  With that in mind you want things as safe as possible.  I agree with you on the armor issue too, but the fire issue is probably the biggest concern at Bonneville, especially with the heavily modified bikes.  I was doing a similar inquiry about boots because so many of the quality race boots have perforations and non-leather parts.  I don't want to make an assumption with a $300 item, especially hundreds of miles from a supplier. Z-Custom and a few others offer suits starting around $900.  There are also some drag race suppliers that have all leather suits that are cheaper.  There is a lady here in Arkansas who does repairs on leathers and she can sew panels in to cover the fabric and perforated areas. Let me know if you need her name.  Good luck.  I don't know that we will ever get rules changed that could decrease safety.

Ed

[saltwheels262]

the rules are the rules.
or you can go to the bub with perforations and stretch panels.

[saltwheels262]

the rules are the rules.
or you can go to the bub with perforations and stretch panels.

( fabric ) panels.

[wobblywalrus]

Cow leathers are for sissies.  Bull hide.  That is the way to go.

[Buzz Lightbeer]

Checkout Dainese leathers. I have one of their 2 piece leather suits as allowed by the SCTA they are all leather. They have a small amount of perforations in the areas allowed by the SCTA.
As for NHRA leathers etc. I have been drag racing in the UK for 22 years & I have seen several bike fires & each time the rider has suffered burns even though the fire crews are close & response was quick.
The rules are there for everyone's safety, they have come to be there I expect from the experience of what has happened in the past to riders & drivers who have been injured.