custom leather suit

[vfrpuppy]

Folks, I have an opportunity to have a custom leather suit made. All I know about leather suits is I want armor. I’m thinking of a two piece red and white (to match my helmet and ride) w a wrap around zipper. I expect to use it on weekend rides and occasional advanced riding school days.

Can you share your experience/thoughts on a few questions:
1. Given a choice, what features would you get in a leather suit and, if it's not obvious, why?
2. What's the best armor to use and where should I place it? - I have to supply it. Where can I get said armor?

Thanks in advance.
Lou

[vfrpuppy]

One last question - Any tips on what I should tell the tailor on how it should fit? Thanks again.

[Mortifer]

I'm having Zooni make one for me right now. I've heard only great thing about his suits, Zooni and Helimot are the only local suit makers I know of.
Zooni offers his at a package proce, $1200, this includes all the armor and padding, and $75 extra to make it a 2 piece. I believe there is a 1 1/2 to 2 month wait to have them made.click here for the Zooni site. (http://www.jlindoleatherwear.com/)

Helimot is the other suit maker, but they are a bit more expensive, but I'm sure they are worth it, since he has so many racers in there getting them. I believe his are like $1800-$2k.
http://www.helimot.com/catalog/index.shtml

check out this thread (http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=24033&highlight=zooni) for my suit designs, I ws asking for suggestions on htem a couple weeks ago. good luck...

[vfrpuppy]

Mort, - I remembered your thread, but couldn't find it.
Nice final pick on the design. Thanks for the feedback.

[V4]

As Mortifer said, Helimot and Zooni's custom suits comes with armor so you don't have to look for armor on your own.....

In choice of features for a suit, I'd look around other designs and get an idea of their features to incorporate onto the suit Im having made...

Example, such as a zippered vent in the chest area, arms, and back for those real hot days but able to keep it closed for those cold days so the suit would be functional year round and some reflective strips across the back, shoulders and ankles for night riding or if caught on the road when the sun goes down....

And pockets....lots of pockets....for wallets, keys, change, caps, etc.....for me they come in handy when I don't bring a tank bag or have saddle bags.....

[ambitiousone]

Tpro armor from Johnson's leather in SF. Many debates I've heard/read in the past which armor is better. I'm not sure if Helimot's or Zooni's armor is CE certified. Tpro @ Johnson's surpass the CE mark, something around 92% impact absorption. Standard places are knee, elbow, shoulder. But I'd go as far as hip armor also. Don't forget a back protector too (preferrably a separate item from suit).

V4 covered other "features" which I think you're asking for.

[ironliver]

just make sure its tight, not strangling tight, but fairly tight.

[vfrpuppy]

Folks, thanks for your inputs. I'm actually going to have the suit made next month if everything pans out. :banana I need to buy the armor because the tailor doesn't have any and I'd like to get good stuff. Between now and then, I'll be looking at patterns and making a list of features, and buying the armor (once having it made is a sure thing) teeth

thanks, Lou
P.S. Great day for riding - hope everyone had fun:cool

[Corb]

Cycle Gear sells separate Frank Thomas CE aproved armour for shoulders&elbows or knees . Quality stuff
Call them and ask
SJ Cycle Gear 408- 288-5051

[vfrpuppy]

Great! I'll just ride down, talk to them about it, and slum in the store a bit. I haven't looked at new stuff for a few weeks now. Thanks for the tip.

[reynolds_brad]

I had Zooni re fit a yoshimura pilot suit for me a while back. its so worth it. Trust him when he tells you that is how it is supose to fit. he knows what he is talking about.

[Baptistro]

bump