The Benefits of One and Two-Piece Leather Motorcycle Suits
One or two-piece, wearing a leather motorcycle suit is the best way to protect the body in the event of a collision or slide. There are however, considerable differences between one and two-piece motorcycle leathers. Here we'll look at both in more detail.
One-Piece Leather Motorcycle Suit
As the name suggests, this type of motorcycle suit covers the rider from ankle to neck in one piece. Arms and legs are pre-curved and fitted with expansion panels. These help with fit when in the prone riding position. The main advantage of a one-piece suit is that the rider is more aerodynamic and so there's nothing to catch or snag in the event of an accident.
Two-Piece Leather Motorcycle Suit
A two-piece leather motorcycle suit may offer the same amount of protection as an all-in-one in terms of armour and leather thickness. Yet in comparison, a two-piece suit zips together. This design results in an overlap where the leather motorcycle jacket sits over the top of the trousers. From a safety aspect, in an accident, the overlap may catch on parts of the motorcycle as the rider slides down the road. On the plus side, the suit zips together and this is also one of its major benefits. Furthermore, with the jacket and trousers unattached, there is the ultimate flexibility of wearing the suit separately or matching it with other motorcycle riding apparel.
How Important is it to Get the Correct Size Right Leather Motorcycle Suit?
Wearing the correct size one or two-piece suit is essential. Too tight and the expansion panels or zip attachment will be stretched to the maximum before you even sit on your motorcycle. This scenario is not only uncomfortable but can also restrict movement.
Buy a suit that is too loose and although movement won't be as restricted, you will experience bunching as the excess leather folds. Worse still, essential body armour at the elbows and knees may not remain in the correct position if the suit is baggy and has excess movement.
As for sizing, always read the manufacturer's size charts for advice. Often different brands have variations in size range groupings. So a 'large' in one brand may differ slightly when compared to another.