Everything You Need To Know About Motorcycle Leathers
While considering which motorcycle leathers you are going to buy, you need to be educated on a few facts, before you finalize that purchase. Protection really needs to be your focus when selecting, which motorcycle leathers you are going to spend your hard earned cash on, style should be an afterthought when it comes to leathers. After all you depend on these leathers to protect you in a spill.
Motorcycle gear has been made from leathers for a very long time, because it is good for warmth, resistant to tearing, and a barrier between you and the road.
Leather can vary in quality though. We will explain why this is, through this article, to assist you in your choice of which to buy. We shall offer details on the different hide types and how you can tell which one is what type.
When you are buying motorcycle leathers you will find mainly 3 basic types of hide used: buffalo, pigskin, and cowhide. Once in awhile you may find some sheepskin, lamb skin, and some others. But beware because these hides are not the same quality and really are not be thought of as true riding leathers.
While the pigskin is soft and thick, it is also prone to ripping. But it will keep you nice and toasty warm through the cold winter months. With it being so easy to rip this is not as durable and long lasting as other types of hides are. This makes it not up to snuff to use for protective purposes in riding your motorcycle. It is recommended not to buy pigskin for the purposes of protection; you would be better to put out some extra cash to get a higher grade of protection.
One of the good quality leathers is that made for water buffalo hide from the regions of Pakistan and India. The buffalo that is found in the USA is not used. Numerous leather goods originate from Pakistan though. They are the leader in quality leather workmanship in world. Leathers manufactured from buffalo hide is the right grade for protective purposes for motorcycling.
The leather that most people think about though is from cowhide, which has a great durability and strength. It usually ranges from 1 to 1.3 mm in thickness, this is dependent upon the process used for tanning, it provides warmth, and protects you enough to even prevent injury. This gives you the most riding protection and is the first choice for bikers.
Ever notice the grain on leather? This is really only the top layer of skin from whichever animal it is taken from. Imperfections can show up in the grain from time to time as in scratches, scars and cuts, but the natural grain I when the hide has the most strength and is the most durable. Due to the fact that leather breaths it is very comfortable for the motorcyclist to wear.
You need to look and see if your leathers were made in the countries of India or Pakistan. Many of them are. You need to know that the ones made here in the US wind up costing you more and aren’t necessarily more worth the money. But did you know that some of the leathers made in Pakistan are actually designed in the US? As we have already mentioned, Pakistan is the world authority on making leather clothing, and you can trust when you see this label.
