You don't have to spend over £1000 on a set of leathers, of course. But what would you get if you decided you wanted to?

THERE'S MORE to race leathers these days than a few square metres of cowhide. Today the cream of motorcycling apparel has as much precision and exotic materials as an aeroplane. BKS, arguably the best bespoke producers in the UK, if not world, also now do off-the-peg suits. The two are both CE-approved with high performance CE armour, vented upper body sections, back protector and knee sliders. There's more. The 500 has stretch Kevlar in chest/groin/arms plus additional memory foam pads in torso/thigh/spine. The 200 has a front/back stretch panel, stretch Kevlar in groin/arms and a removable race hump. Made to measure is £150 extra and quality is without reproach. Other bespoke makers like Crowtree push BKS hard. Hideout are among the best. Its new Resi suit is popular with women because of the twin zip front which enable a better fit and makes it easier to get on. Hideouts also have high perf. CE-marked double Kevlar on shoulders/elbows/knees etc rather than just leather. Add £50 for made-to-measure. American Vanson, meanwhile, new to the UK last year, also do made-to-measure and off-the-peg and is quality stuff. Of the off-the-peg guys, Dainese is among the most glamourous. Its T-Age, complete with twin zip front and Titanium protectors, is about as stylish as it gets and boasts a host of high tech features. But if it doesn't fit it doesn't fit - try Bikestop for the best range in the country. Meanwhile Italian rivals Spyke, Spidi and Alpinestars are starting to run Dainese close. All share an emphasis on style, lightness and comfort but with all off-the-peg suits, fit is all.

August 2001