Aerostich vs Cycleport/Motoport Kevlar riding gear.

[ride200mi]

Some of you may have seen this Kevlar riding gear. And doing a search here, found not much. I am thinking of getting a two piece suit as the weather here can get quite hot (100+F) during the summer. 2 piece will allow me to shed the jacket and/or paints during stops. The thing that has me wondering is why so many buy the "stich" instead of something as profound as Kevlar cloth. I remember seeing a couple of Aerostich suits and they looked like they had melted during a fall (not to the rider thank goodness) but the kevlar offers a better package. Is it that most don't know of this kind of riding stuff or ..??
The cost for me is around $700.00 (which includes armor). Aerostich around $1K.
I want a fitted set of riding gear now as it seems I am doing more and more riding in all weather and I am tired of the "off the shelf" fit from most offered. Saying that, I really like the Olympia stuff. Oly stuff is around $500.00 for both top and bottom. It doesn't have the armor the Motoport stuff has either(as much coverage).
Lets hear from you all....
http://motoport.com/index.asp

[jim williams]

Living where you do, it's no question. Get the Motoport. The only thing Aerostich has on Motoport is that they are waterproof. Motoport uses the inner liners, which I think suck, but, that's a personal thing. The stretch kevlar is so comfortable, you wouldn't believe it. Get the Motoport!

[turboderek]

I have been using my cycleport mesh Kevlar pant's and jacket for about a month (2100 miles and 30 rides).  The temp range has been from 35 degrees to 75 degrees.  Most of my rides are at least 1 hour.  I have been plenty warm and dry in cold and rain.  With all the liners out it flows air right thru keeping you cool.  I also looked at aerostich but the larger temperture range, testimonials and simply speaking to Wayne at Cycleport convinced me otherwise.  I feel I have the best street riding protection you can buy for jackets and pants.

[NVR2L8]

I have the Air Mesh kevlar jacket and pants, and in my opinion, they are the only non-leather mesh gear in which I feel safe.  Let me say that again...they are the only non-leather "mesh" gear in which I feel safe.

I bought the Motoport mesh pants/jacket because I needed everyday commuting gear that would allow me to wear my work clothes underneath, and while they aren't the most cool looking gear money can buy, on a hot SoCal day they certainly flow a ton of air.  It's deceiving when you look at the mesh kevlar material because at first glance it looks tightly woven, but when held up to the light you can see the mesh is porous and they definitely ventilate a lot more than the Joe Rocket mesh gear I used to wear.  Also, I think the stretch kevlar material is too hot for SoCal summers, so I suggest going with the kevlar mesh material.  My experience has found that the mesh gear can be worn on the hottest days as long as you keep moving, but just like any other gear you'll heat up quickly if not moving.  Also, the jacket flows so well that depending on what I'm wearing underneath, I'm typically using the jacket liner when the temp is 65 or less--at 65 degrees going 75-80 mph you'll feel like you're wearing nothing but a t-shirt, so you cool down quickly.

Lastly, the only downside to the gear are the pants liners.  They snap into the pants and are very functional, but they have their own zippers and velcro, plus the pants zippers and velcro, so the whole pants with liners can be an ordeal to get in and out of unless you intend on keeping them on for a while.

Anyway, I'm in South Orange County (Lake Forest), so let me know if you want to see this stuff in person.

Jeff

[bete]

I just got a pair of motoport stretch kevlar pants this week, They are extremely well made, compared to any of my other gear (first gear-hein gerick) theres no comparison. I hope there not to hot this summer, they are supposed to breath pretty good.  bete

[wesplains]

 Hi, I have had a set of the motorport Kevlar jacket and pants for two years. I use it everytime I ride, the longest trip being 1600 miles in four days thru rain, cold and heat. It works great, like what was said before, the liners are a pain in the a--, but they work well. I was on a two lane road, it was pouring rain and logging trucks were passing me every 5 minutes going the other way. I almost got blown off the road by them, but I was dry.

  Wayne, the owner is great to work with, the first jacket was to small to use with the liner, so he made me a complete new one at no charge. Plan ahead and expect to wait 10 to 12 weeks once you order. Good stuff, expensive, but good.

ps If you don't tell them not to put a strip down the pants leg, they will and it makes you look like a convict.

[ride200mi]

Thanks to everyone who replied. I have taked to Wayne and he too mentioned to get the vented jacket and paints. I was also wondering if anyone has seen a light gray or silver color. I think this will help with the heat during the summer. I have seen some of the Aerostich colors and I am not to sure about the gray's they have to offer. I do like the silver/gray of the Olympia suits. Or even a blue I guess.
I am surprised that no one with a Aerostich has responded yet... Hummmmmm....

[rselin]

I have had a Motoport Ultra Trek (non-kevlar) jacket for about 5 years.  Construction is really heavy duty, easily the most durable textile jacket I have ever seen.  I have lowsided and hit a guard rail wearing this jacket and had no visible damage.

However, it is heavy, the shoulder armour is uncomfortable, it never did soften up with repeated washings (despite Motoport's claims it would become as soft as denim), and the liner is a major PITA (better be psychic with respect to impending rain).  On a faired sport bike I never did get much air flow through the jacket so the claim that putting the Goretex in the liner made it cooler never really rang true for me.  And, the liner never did fit the jacket very well, and it certainly didn't fit into the interior back pocket as Motoport claimed.

I think Motoport has the right idea with the heavy-duty construction, but need to work on some of the details.  Those details are the main reason I am getting a 'Stich for my next suit.

[Thor]

I have had a Motoport Ultra Trek (non-kevlar) jacket for about 5 years.  Construction is really heavy duty, easily the most durable textile jacket I have ever seen.  I have lowsided and hit a guard rail wearing this jacket and had no visible damage.

However, it is heavy, the shoulder armour is uncomfortable, it never did soften up with repeated washings (despite Motoport's claims it would become as soft as denim), and the liner is a major PITA (better be psychic with respect to impending rain).  On a faired sport bike I never did get much air flow through the jacket so the claim that putting the Goretex in the liner made it cooler never really rang true for me.  And, the liner never did fit the jacket very well, and it certainly didn't fit into the interior back pocket as Motoport claimed.

I think Motoport has the right idea with the heavy-duty construction, but need to work on some of the details.  Those details are the main reason I am getting a 'Stich for my next suit.

I have Motorport kevlar gear, for three years now, and the jacket fabric has become almost too soft.  If I just have a t-shirt on underneath, the flapping of the arms can hurt.

My liners fit just fine in the back pocket of the jacket.

It flows air as well as can be expected when you have armor and a faired bike.

The liners work great.  I rode for 3 hours in a major rain and didn't get wet, (but the hotel clerk looked at me funny as I filled out the paper work and water was streaming down my arm from the outer jacket.)

I don't like the armor, but not because it is uncomfortable.

I don't like 'stiches.  You don't get a true custom fit.  They will do some things within narrow guidelines.  It seems to matter who you talk to.  I had a friend who rode up there to replace a jacket he had purchased that year and destroyed in a crash.  They told him they couldn't do what they had done 4 months earlier.

The 'stich is MUCH warmer than the Motorport gear.  The armor fits better and it is easier to get in and out of.  I don't mind the extra two minutes it takes for me to put on the Motoport, but I do realize that a two minute delay will released the wrath of hell fire from some people.

I just feel that the 'stich is way too much money for what you get.  If I'm going to spend that kind of money, I'll take Motoport or leather first.

Although, in some circles, a 'stich is a status symbol.  Sort of like the sport touring riders version of a pin encrusted leather vest.

[fallzboater]

A one-piece 'Stich is unbeatable for what it was intended for:  a year-round commuter suit with good crash protection.  If you don't have to ride in near-freezing temps, or rain (although it's not fully waterproof), there are probably better options.  I also like the one-piece since you can drop the whole thing very quickly at stops.

Kevlar is strong, but not particularly known for abrasion resistance.  The protection of the 'Stich is at least comparable to any other textile suit.

What's surprising to me is that after 15+ years with very few changes, nobody has really topped the 'Stich for all-round versatility.

[Motocentaur]

Go to advrider.com and search for the very thorough side by side review of both suits posted by a guy who has both. I'd give a link if I wasn't such a Luddite.

[motospeed9058]

A one-piece 'Stich is unbeatable for what it was intended for:  a year-round commuter suit with good crash protection.  If you don't have to ride in near-freezing temps, or rain (although it's not fully waterproof), there are probably better options.  I also like the one-piece since you can drop the whole thing very quickly at stops.

Kevlar is strong, but not particularly known for abrasion resistance.  The protection of the 'Stich is at least comparable to any other textile suit.

What's surprising to me is that after 15+ years with very few changes, nobody has really topped the 'Stich for all-round versatility.

I also have a one piece stitch, and ride with it religiously in 100+ heat AND humidity.  Something So Cal doesn't have.  Believe it or not, with all the vents open on the stitch, the air flow is that of the mesh stuff.  You only notice it at a stop light, but your there for maybe a minute?  Also, there is a common rule in the stitch community of 10 seconds.  It takes 10 seconds to get this thing off because of how well it is made.  

Also, everybody will tell you that the stitch will leak in the rain right around the crotch area where water pools up.  I got one word, NIKWAX.  Can order from lots of vendors, and Aerostitch suggests you wash the suit in NIKWAX and all the waterproofing issues I had went away.

Here is some other items to consider in your purchase decsion:
http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Roadcrafter-Darien-FAQs-sp-18.html

HMMM AEROSTITCH        

[Penforhire]

Since So Cal is more hot than cold (or wet) I prefer my unlined Motoport.  No way is a permanent urethane liner as cool.  Can't be.  And Motoport's Goretex liners are high quality bits of kit (get the uninsulated set as rain-only liners, insulated are too warm).  I am thinking they could use more "trick" pockets though.  My Ultra II Cordura suit (2-piece) does not have a waterproof pocket (without liner installed) nor a clear "map" pocket on arm or leg, that sort of thing.  The style is also dorkier, to me, than the 'Stitch Darien or other competitors.

I wouldn't have bought the Motoport, was thinking 'Stitch or a BMW suit, but I got a stunningly good deal at the IMS show years ago on a discontinued color (like $500 including liners).

I am STILL torn about one-piece versus two piece.  I'm thinking my next suit will be a one-piece, just to see the other side of the coin.

[ride200mi]

Hey thanks everyone for your input. And though some of you mentioned "how warm" a suit may be with linners etc, I am not too worried about how much warmth the suit will provide but will it be cool enough in my 100+'F weather here in the hottest part of California... Bakersfield. We do go to the coast all the time but I find that most of the jackets I have had in the past do a pretty good job in the cold here in CA. The other part is how well it will fit. I am tired of having a jacket choke me or having a hell of a draft down my back. So I want a jacket that will zip together and be able to shed the paints when we are stopped. Lots of good stuff and didn't want to have to take a second out on the house to buy a nice suit.
Now I want an opinion on colors. I am not looking to get another black suit... Again way to hot.
Want about a Royal blue and gray?
I have a silver Futura.

I am the one in the cap.

[Thor]

Black pants.  Otherwise they can look really grimy.

You should know that the Motorport touring suits don't zip together.  They use a wide adjustable belt - your pants won't fall down in a crash, but your jacket could ride up.

With Motoport I would get a short jacket with zipper attachment to the touring pants.  The pockets are nice in the pants, but too fussy to deal with in the touring jacket.  Plus, if you ride anything sporting the back protector in the touring jacket will ride up and cause the collar to destroy the lining in the back of your helmet.

I don't know if Aerostich still puts this disclaimer/recommendation in your owners manual, but you are not supposed to wear their suits without a full covering layer underneath.  Cordura can melt in a long slide and burn to your skin.  Most crashes are below 30 MPH, so I don't how big of a concern it is, but I know two people that won't wear theirs without a full undersuit on.

[RickC1957]

Ok maybe it just me....but was just looking at their website and one thought came to my mind.....everything looked.....ill fitting Maybe just to my eye....but all their stuff looked "clumsy" and loose. How is it going to give you protection if the stuff is doesn't fit well

[hovmaven]

You should know that the Motorport touring suits don't zip together.  They use a wide adjustable belt - your pants won't fall down in a crash, but your jacket could ride up.

I have a 'stich and the motoport black/hi-viz air mesh kevlar (which zips together).  I use the 'stich in the winter, motoport everytime else.  Echo the comments on the motoport air mesh liner system -- it's about the only knock I can think of, but really isn't when you balance that against the comfort in 85 degrees plus temps.  

[info]

I went down with a kevlar shirt with armor and a pair of corduroy jeans. The kevlar tore as
much as the cord jeans in a low speed off. I was not impressed. And I know, ATGATT.....

[ride200mi]

Ok maybe it just me....but was just looking at their website and one thought came to my mind.....everything looked.....ill fitting Maybe just to my eye....but all their stuff looked "clumsy" and loose. How is it going to give you protection if the stuff is doesn't fit well

I thought the same. I asked Wayne about the fit, he said all Motoports are custom fitted and won't look as loose as in the pics on the web site. He also mention that they do zip together (paints and jackets). The pics didn't have the armour on the models, so thats why they look a little loose. I HATE, HATE, HATE, did I mention HATE, my stuff flapping. All my riding friends have a point about black, it will look better down the road, say 2 or 3 years later. Not to mention not looking dirty... So maybe black it is...

[hovmaven]

FWIW, here's two pics:

[Effervescent]

You should know that the Motorport touring suits don't zip together.  

Actually, it's a low cost option.

To original poster, get the Kevlar Mesh.

-Eff

[beezil]

I love my Stitch Roadcrafter for what it was designed for; commuting and touring.  I use it everyday from 85-20degfah.  Riding to the office requires an oversuit that is quickly put on and taken off.... Which the RC excels at.   I also prefer it when touring for the same thing; all my riding buddies have there 2 piece gear and when it is time to get lunch or dinner.... Riding into your local Cracker Barrel parking lot and taking off the RC in 10 sec.... while my buddies look like the extras from Starship Troopers; and getting the strange glances as well.
Priceless!!!

Looks as though Stitch has some competition from REVit.... they have a nice one piece available: the infinity.

Good luck.

[Canuck]

There have been a couple of suggestions in this thread that kevlar is not abrasion resistant. That's just not the case. If you go to the Motoport site at www.motoport.com and click on Save Your Hide on the upper right side you'll get a bunch of test data done by an independent company that also does testing for Dupont etc.

Technically speaking, it isn't just kevlar they use. It's a blend of kevlar, lycra and cordura called Keprotec made by a European company, Schoeller. The stuff they use is just as abrasion resistant as race-grade leather and when they use double layers of keprotec it is even more abrasion resistant than leather. It is also more tear resistant than leather.

[ianbh]

I purchased a pair of Cordura Street jeans from MotoPort and even though I sent in a pair of my regular jeans for sizing, the ones I received were much too large (4" too large in the thighs).  I know I could send them back but that's a PIA to correct a problem that should not have occurred!  I wouldn't buy anything from Motoport without an in person custom fitting.  Ian, Iowa

[TWI]

I don't know if Aerostich still puts this disclaimer/recommendation in your owners manual, but you are not supposed to wear their suits without a full covering layer underneath.  Cordura can melt in a long slide and burn to your skin.  Most crashes are below 30 MPH, so I don't how big of a concern it is, but I know two people that won't wear theirs without a full undersuit on.

BS Flag waves proudly!

Please provide us with the following data:

1) Melting temperature of Cordura
2) Thermal conductivity of Cordura and the material under it (lining, armor, etc.) in the suit
3) Coefficient of friction of Cordura and road materials (tarmac, concrete, etc.)
4) Range of conditions of accidents considered
5) Equations linking 1, 2, 3, 4


"That textile stuff will melt to your skin" sounds like "Loud pipes save lives" to me.  I could be wrong.  Prove it.

[ianbh]

I hit a deer in CO in 2000.  Totaled the ZX9 and the LEO said the deer slid 150 feet and I did 160.  Had on a two piece Roadcrafter.  The only damage I had was a fracture of my left shoulder blade which was right above my Bohn back protector, makes me think the Bohn saved me from much more serious injuries!  I had some scrapes on the suit but it only wore through in the area of my right rear jean pocket where my billfold was-mayb the lump caused the wear.  The pocket was intact, just starting to wear.  I was  impressed with the protection I received.  Of course, I had to replace the suit.  I stepped of a few years later with the replacement Roadcrafter.  It was raining and the decreased friction of the wet road caused NO damage to the suit.  Ian, Iowa

[HIGHLANDER]

Here's my friend suit after concrete surfing at 50mph.....




Note the rash on the front pocket...the only road damage..the paramedics had a hell of a time cutting the kevlar suit off !!

[Thor]

BS Flag waves proudly!

Please provide us with the following data:

1) Melting temperature of Cordura
2) Thermal conductivity of Cordura and the material under it (lining, armor, etc.) in the suit
3) Coefficient of friction of Cordura and road materials (tarmac, concrete, etc.)
4) Range of conditions of accidents considered
5) Equations linking 1, 2, 3, 4


"That textile stuff will melt to your skin" sounds like "Loud pipes save lives" to me.  I could be wrong.  Prove it.

"The lightweight fabrics used in your Roadcrafter Suit are very strong but differ in performance from leather in several important ways. Because a great deal of heat can be generated by the friction of a long slide, you should always wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants under your suit to provide additional thermal insulation between the suit and your skin. If the suit’s fabrics do become hot enough from frictional heating during a slide, our research indicates there is a possibility that they may melt or cause burns. Although several hundred crash experiences have been reported by suit wearers, in actual use no burns have occured."

Yep, it's still in the manual.

http://tank.aerostich.com/pdf/RCManual.pdf

[hovmaven]

"The lightweight fabrics used in your Roadcrafter Suit are very strong but differ in performance from leather in several important ways. Because a great deal of heat can be generated by the friction of a long slide, you should always wear a long-sleeved shirt and pants under your suit to provide additional thermal insulation between the suit and your skin. If the suit’s fabrics do become hot enough from frictional heating during a slide, our research indicates there is a possibility that they may melt or cause burns. Although several hundred crash experiences have been reported by suit wearers, in actual use no burns have occured."

http://tank.aerostich.com/pdf/RCManual.pdf

Proof?    

[Thor]

Proof?    

Jesus fucking Christ!!!!  This is what I wrote, and all I wrote about it:

"I don't know if Aerostich still puts this disclaimer/recommendation in your owners manual, but you are not supposed to wear their suits without a full covering layer underneath.  Cordura can melt in a long slide and burn to your skin.  Most crashes are below 30 MPH, so I don't how big of a concern it is, but I know two people that won't wear theirs without a full undersuit on."

All I did was mention something that Aerostich mentions in the owners manual you get with their product.

How about I drag your asses down the highway behind my car and you let me know if it melts or not?

[hovmaven]

No reason to get your tighties in a bunch -- I use both a 'stich and a motoport, and I know the disclaimer in the manual, so when I do just wear shorts under the 'stich, I accept the risk of burning in a slide.  All I was pointing out, perhaps not so deftly, was that while the 'stich folks present the possibility of burning in a slide without an underlayer, they also say actual experience doesn't show the product melts/burns.  Sooo, I was sort of wondering what the proof of risk of burns is, hence the " ".

Now, back to our regular programming.  

[TWI]

Jesus fucking Christ!!!!  This is what I wrote, and all I wrote about it:
[snip]
 

OK, OK, I was feeling a little grumpy the other day.....

Part of my reaction is due to my disgust with misconceptions that keep bouncing around.  It was understandable for the first few years after textile gear came out that there would be mistrust of it.  I think there has been enough unplanned testing that we know the odds of having circumstances which will result in textile melting and THAT being the cause of injury is extremely small.  

A good source of info was (I'm not sure the site is still up) "Lugeless Pavement Racers" which was where riders could post crash descriptions.  There were several people who had burns when wearing mesh gear, but the burn was from road rash:  The seams where the mesh and an elbow armor pocket would tear so the arm was rubbed on the road.

At the Aerostich site they have results of tests done by other companies.  The right leather (not fashion crap) is best, but the textiles used by them and other companies works well enough.

[RickC1957]

Motoport Kevlar One of our members just had a minor getoff, wearing newly purchased Kevlar stuff, and got "roadrash" from the heat transmitted thru the stuff.....thank you very much....I'll stick with my bargain basement leathers that have protected me twice, while I went surfing.

Anyway, no real damage to me or the bike, except that my right saddle bag tore all around the inside seam. Used all the bungee cords I have to salvage it as a bag and managed to repackage everything else. Helmet and gloves never touched the ground, but later realized I had a 1/2 inch sqaure road rash under my elbow (first-aid kit bandages to the rescue). No scuff marks on the jacket, maybe just a burn from the friction. Wondering how. The pants have a couple of scuff marks. Damn, didn´t really want to crash test this new Motoport gear, but hey, it works as promised.

[HexHead]

 All I was pointing out, perhaps not so deftly, was that while the 'stich folks present the possibility of burning in a slide without an underlayer, they also say actual experience doesn't show the product melts/burns.  Sooo, I was sort of wondering what the proof of risk of burns is, hence the " ".

I'm sure their lawyers made them put the disclaimer in, depite the lack of anecdotal evidence.    

[jed]

Have there been any reports of degradation of Kevlar gear over time?  Kevlar and UV are anything but friends.  I know Keprotec means Kevlar Protection Technology, but how good is it?  Is the Kevlar immune to UV, and what about creasing?

When I sailed and Kevlar sails came along I witnessed spectacular blowouts due either to UV exposure or the crew repeatedly folding the sail the same way and creating a crease.  

There have also been reports of Kevlar protective vests going stale and breaking down without the department or officers realizing it.

Kevlar is strong and all, but I don't think it's a miracle fabric some make it out to be.

[Tar Snake]

I'm on my 2nd 1-pc 'stich roadcrafter and I wear it for commuting and touring. Yes it is hot, but less so than my black leathers. It's OK up to about 90F and I've worn it in 110F heat. After a certain point whatever you're wearing is going to be hot, even mesh.

However, since the original poster said he lives near Bakersfield, if I went with Aerostich I'd look at the Darien jacket and pants since the liners come out.

Like someone else said the roadcrafter excels at commuting. I go from "Astronaut" to "Dilbert" with a couple of zips

I also like that the Aerostich is a least one expensive thing that was made in the USA, unlike all my other stuff, but that's because I work in manufacturing and see it all going away.

I don't have any experience with Cycleport but I'm now going to check them out, sounds like impressive gear.

[hovmaven]

Two air mesh kevlar testimonials from the Cycleport site:

I've owned a Motoport Ultra II Air Mesh Kevlar Jacket for a few months now. I recently received a set of their Air Mesh Kevlar Pants. Both the pant and jacket are comfortable in an incredibly wide range of temps. I ride in temperatures that range from the high 30s (in the mornings,) to the high 90s and beyond - sometimes in the same day. I use a fleece liner to keep me warm in the cold, but I am comfortable through the full range of temps I experience. I ride an 06 Suzuki DL650 VStrom. I was recently in a low-speed collision, which resulted in my bike and I sliding down the highway slab together. The damage to my non-Motoport boots, gloves and pants will require replacing them. My Motoport Jacket not only prevented *any* road rash, I feel that I was lucky to have escaped with only bruised ribs. The jacket received some cosmetic damage, but Wayne said that it doesn't even require repair. The gear feels like it's the "real deal" and my limited practical experience with it indicates that it works as well as advertised. Though I really don't want to test it any further.  

I just wanted to pass on a good word about the Cycleport Kevlar Mesh gear and the Tri-Armor. I recently took a bad fall, trying to avoid a car that was reversing up a hill. I and 3 other riders crested a hill with a blind crest at about 60mph to find a car in our lane!! According to my fellow riders, I probably scrubbed off speed to about 30mph, but lost control of the bike and fell backwards off of it. I hit the ground hard enough to suffer a concussion - my helmet even cracked at the back. I also slid and rolled some distance. But I had no other injuries other than the concussion - no bruises, nothing. Apart from some scuffs on the back of the jacket, the Cycleport Kevlar Mesh gear was fine. The pants had almost no marks on them, the jacket had marks and scuffs mostly on the back and some on the sleeves but was still structurally sound and useable. I have little doubt that the Kevlar Mesh gear and Tri-Armor helped limit my inuuries to just a concussion. Thanks  

And one comment on suit construction:

[M]otoport/cycleport KEVLAR I'm not going to turn this into a rant, (i hope) and my intention is not to claim that kevlar is better than leather. But I did a lot of my own research, and talked to a couple of gear manufacturers, and I too learned about abrasion resistance, impact protection, and also a lesser known but still very important factor of seam-strength. Most track/race leather suits only provide seam strength for the the amount of pressure it takes for an average rider to fall from ride-height to the ground. Why? because on a track, there is a lot less concern for hitting things. most racers slide off the track, maybe into an air fence or whatever, but their main concern is abrasion resistance. So if you get hit by a car going 30 or 40, and *then* hit the road, maybe bounce off a sign on your way down (don't ask me how I know this, it was very painful), you'd better hope your gear has good seams, and that it hasn't busted before you hit the ground, in addition to the good abrasion-resistance and good impact protection. Most gear manufacturers have very poor seam strength ratings. (but because they compare to race leathers, where seams aren't as much of an issue....it is just a different environment than road riding, with different concerns and areas of focus) Another thing: beware of hard armor. It has poorer absorbtion, and tends to distribute force instead. That means more of the initial impact force will eventually wind up being transferred to your body. Dual, or better yet tri-layered soft "armor" is actually better at absorbing force. motoport.com -- kevlar suits direct from the manufacturer, so low markup rates. Custom fit is available, althought lead time is high for that. I got a tour from the owner, and he did educate me about alot of this stuff. (hence my bias, which I am not trying to hide) Their seams are rated the highest in the industry, if i remember right it is a 5-way (five separated threads) lock-stitched on all seams. i got the ultra air mesh, jacket and pants, (overgear, zips together to make a VERY comfortable suit) and I have worn it every day for the past year (commute 4-5x/week, occassional weekend rides too) and it is Fantastic. I wore it to laughlin a month ago -- it was over 100 degrees going across the desert, and it has a coarse enough weave that when you're moving, you don't feel like you're wearing a jacket at all. But you still feel like you're wearing a suit of armor. And I had shorts on underneath. And btw, they don't use *any* coatings of any kind, so the melting issue is virtually a non-issue. (you'd have to be going track-straightaway speeds to get this stuff to break down due to heat, and even then...) Speaking of track speeds, they do make a GP-certified suit as well. I got mine with all the liners (2 in the jacket, one for the pants) for just over $1k. If you think that cost is high, then disregard this entire post. For me, I don't care what gear costs. I can't believe I rode in jeans for over 15 years -- what, did i just not care about my legs? Nowadays I just want the best protection I can get. if you can't tell by now, I highly recommend it. their web site is completely hideous, but don't let that fool you. It does contain good info if you feel like reading small italic text. (yuck) Anyway, YMMV -- there is no evidence to say that kevlar is "better" at protecting you than leather. I am just trying to point out that there are other issues that are equally important, and you could have the best leather, but the poorest construction, and then where would you be?  

[Drain Fade]

Some of you may have seen this Kevlar riding gear. And doing a search here, found not much. I am thinking of getting a two piece suit as the weather here can get quite hot (100+F) during the summer. 2 piece will allow me to shed the jacket and/or paints during stops. The thing that has me wondering is why so many buy the "stich" instead of something as profound as Kevlar cloth. I remember seeing a couple of Aerostich suits and they looked like they had melted during a fall (not to the rider thank goodness) but the kevlar offers a better package. Is it that most don't know of this kind of riding stuff or ..??
The cost for me is around $700.00 (which includes armor). Aerostich around $1K.
I want a fitted set of riding gear now as it seems I am doing more and more riding in all weather and I am tired of the "off the shelf" fit from most offered. Saying that, I really like the Olympia stuff. Oly stuff is around $500.00 for both top and bottom. It doesn't have the armor the Motoport stuff has either(as much coverage).
Lets hear from you all....
http://motoport.com/index.asp

 I better chirp in. I've owned an Aerostitch for 8 years (same suit) and LOVE it. I wear it everyday...not every other day, twice a week, etc...EVERYDAY. When it's cold I wear an electric vest under it. When it's hot (over 80) I wear UnderArmour underneath. I have worn it in ambient 110 and the teens...no issues. I have worn it in squalls and snow  ...no issues. I have had it repaired a few times in it's 8 years, mostly velcro issues otherwise it's been perfect. I have gone down in my stitch on the track at around 80 and it's fine. It looks a little scraped up but that was it...otherwise it never went in for crash repair. I have a two piece suit and have only split it when I send a part in for repairs (velcro and other little things). I'm going to get a one piece next spring because my stitch is finally falling apart and I want a larger size suit. Hands down...buy a stitch. There's a reason why the grizzliest, LD, hardcore, and oldest riders wear stitch suits. You get what you pay for...

P.S. The customer service @Stitch is exceptional.

[number9]

I have had the Cycleport Ultra II Kevlar jacket and pants for about 4 years and love it. I didn't get the rain liners, but then again, I have only been caught in the rain a handful of times. I have a packable rain jacket & pants that I got at Walmart that takes up about the size of two water bottles. It gets HOT & HUMID here in the summer so I wanted something that flows air - especially behind the wind protection of the ST. The way I see it is this..........why ride around in a suit that is 100% water proof on the chance that you might run into rain and be roasting inside all the time? Is that not along the same logic as riding around in a suit that is 100% windproof and insulated on the chance you might run into a cold spell somewhere? Probably 99% of my riding is in dry weather and heat, so that's where I want my suit to work best and I can deal with pulling over for a few minutes and putting on a rain jacket.

Having said this, if I had it to do over, I would have got the Kevlar *mesh* jacket instead but kept the same pants - and I wouldn't have got black, at least not a black jacket. The ST has a little too much wind protection for the REALLY hot days but running a cut-down screen helps a lot. In fact, I am going to order a Kevlar mesh jacket in a waist length cut to use on the FZ and prob send my pants back in to have a zipper sewn in them to connect the jacket.

[turboderek]

I posted early in this thread after owning the Cycleport/Motoport mesh pants and jacket about 1 month 2100 miles.  I've now owned them about a year and 25k miles.  The jacket and pants have worked great in all types of so. california weather.  During the 35 degree  5:30 am mornings I'm warm with the liners and I cool during 100+ degree days.  I ride about 2 hours a day five days a week commuting.  The only issue I've had is the zipper on one of the sleeves broke from me squeezing it over my gloves every morning.

[ngarider]

1) I've worn the air mesh kevlar now for several months, commuting and long tours (1000+ miles, 3+ days). LOVE this gear. No liners and some UA heatgear it does 100+ degrees no problem. I mean, you're going to be warm, but it's as tolerable as any other mesh gear. Cold weather, down to the 30's so far with their liner and UA coldgear under it.

2) Riding buddy went down on a very spirited ride just a while ago. Right hand sweeper, lowside at about 70mph and tumbled off the road into dirt. Bike is trashed, he walked away with some bruises and that's it. Same gear as me. It did scrape up the gear pretty well, but nothing wore through. Gear is back to Wayne for repairs now, and buddy is looking for a replacement bike. Armor did it's job, kevlar weave did its job. After picking him up out of a ditch, and seeing him walk away from that, it's motoport gear all the way. I was ATGATT before, now it's my religion.

[photomd]

Anybody compared these suits to the Olympia Phantom?

FWIW, I've surfed in a one piece Roadcrafter for about 90 feet and walked away with a bruise on my right hip. Otherwise I was fine after highsiding my VFR. I like the Aerostich for it's convienance and it keeps me dry enough that I haven't used my rain suit in 8+ years.

I would be interested if this new suit is everything it claims. It would be nice to have another option. I don't pay much attention to Motoport after talking to their owner at Daytona. He spewed the same old same old...like he was reading their catalog and seemed like I was wasting his time. So for the price, I'll stick with Aerostich. I know it's proven, great customer survice, to me it's comfortable.

[Zukati]

Some of my history with Motoport. I visited Motoport in January. A couple friends and I did a winter time ride from Oklahoma. Part of it in the truck of coarse. Wayne meet us at his shop on a Saturday evening.( Their not open on sat.)
Not only was it in the evening but three guys he had never met. He gave us a tour of the place and taught us more than we ever wanted to know. Wayne was absolutely outstanding. He is every passionate about motorcycle protective gear.
He took our measurements, and we said goodbye some three hours later.
When I got home I called Wayne and placed an order. I ordered Kevlar mesh jkt and pants. I got the jkt first, and the fit was great. But on the 3/4 jkt the back pad kept pushing into my helmet. So I called Wayne and he said send it back and he replaced it with a waist length jkt. Well this go around came the jkt and pants. The jkt fit OK but not as good as I thought it should for a measured suit, and the cost. But the pants were just awful as far as fit goes. They weren't even close. And the pant liners most have been for ho ho the clown. Any way this is getting long. After many talks with Wayne we both chose just to refund the suit. All of this to say Wayne was great to deal with. And I believe Motoport has the best protective gear out there. I'm in need of new gear and all my searches keep turning to Motoport.

[VFR_Serenity]

There is no question in my mind.

If you ride every day and are ATGATT there is nothing that even comes close to the 'Stich.  It was mentioned before:  TEN SECONDS!

If you are putting the gear on and taking it off every day, sometimes multiple times during the day at each stop as you run errands on the way home from work or shopping on the weekends with your bike and stopping at multiple stores nothing, and I mean NOTHING, is as simple/no-nonsence as the 1-piece Roadcrafter.  Forget the added hassle of a 2-piece.  If you ride ATGATT then you will be wearing the whole suit all the time.  Don't forget about TEN SECONDS!  The 2-piece is NOT 10 seconds, it is considerably longer. If you stop, then pull the suit off.  Unzipping and removing the top isn't any faster than taking off the one-piece.  If it is cool enough to need a jacket where you are going then you are  (like me) probably wearing a wool or ultra-fleece under-jacket.  If it is HOT out then you will probably be wearing shorts and a T under it (forget about the lawyer mumbo-jumbo about long sleeves and pants under the 'Stitch -years of riders going down at track days at higher speeds and the old-timers who put  100K/year on going down have shown that it is ninny-worry-BS)   Leave the Kevlar for bullet-proofness. I really don't need that on my VFR!

The Rev-it looks like an OK suit on the surface but if you look at the way it zips up it is NOT a 10-second job like the 'Stich.  It's more like a 45-60 ordeal to put on if you are not going to pull your boots off and even so, how long does it take to put on our boots?  Even my Sidi's require me to put something ELSE on once I pull them off and hop around.  I usually carry lightweight sandals and if it is cooler I just leave on my boots or wear nice socks birkenstock-style (who cares about fashion?  I'm Sport-touring -not trying to impress Paris Hilton!)

I'm not married to the 'Stich but as of yet NOBODY has come out with anything that even comes close to its versatility.  I really wish someone would beat it as anything that could beat it would be that much better.  But for now, I don't think I would replace my 2 suits with anything else on the market today even if they paid me.  

With just a little forethought into the correct under-layers, the 'Stich can go from 35-degrees to 110 (just keep moving) with only the stuff I carry in my tankbag.  And be comfortable on the other side when you get there with all my gear packed into my saddlebags, safe and secure.   If it is laundered correctly with Nikwax products a 1-piece is just about waterproof enough for the monsoon season and never forget:

TEN SECONDS!  -the battle cry of an everyday ATGATT rider.  Nothing else comes close.  Why would anyone want to hop around trying to put on or take off their PANTS every time they drop the kickstand?  Maybe the weekend warrior wants to -but not me!

 

[number9]

Just curious.......... how often do you ride in the heat and humidity of the southeast.

[hovmaven]

There is no question in my mind.

If you ride every day and are ATGATT there is nothing that even comes close to the 'Stich.  It was mentioned before:  TEN SECONDS!

If you are putting the gear on and taking it off every day, sometimes multiple times during the day at each stop as you run errands on the way home from work or shopping on the weekends with your bike and stopping at multiple stores nothing, and I mean NOTHING, is as simple/no-nonsence as the 1-piece Roadcrafter.  Forget the added hassle of a 2-piece.  If you ride ATGATT then you will be wearing the whole suit all the time.  

I love my 'stich and agree it is a near universal suit.  But, my motoport zips together, and donning it takes one more zip than my 'stich, so two zips instead of one, say, perhaps taking a total of 12 seconds instead of 10 (they are shorter zippers).    And, when I get to where I'm going, I can unzip the top and enter the restaurant/eatery/whatever with just the air mesh kevlar pants.  Suffice it to say that when it's above 75-80 degrees, I reach for the motoport.  

[photomd]

Just curious.......... how often do you ride in the heat and humidity of the southeast.

All summer long. We had heat indexes of 120+ here...I'm in the Florence, Darlington, SC area. It's hotter than KY. I graduated from KY in '99: Go Cats.