Well, I've been getting some leathers through that are "on the edge", so to speak, of their useful lifespan. Here are some things to look for that are signs that your leathers ought to be replaced.
* Do your leathers have white marks (salt and minerals) built up near the wrists, elbows, knees and ankles? You are "curing" your leathers with your sweat, making them dry and brittle. Professional cleaning might help, but your leathers are not long for the track.
The opposite is rot, which can be micro organisms eating the leather. It will feel "mushy" or "spongy". Dangerous because they can tear in event of a crash.
* Check the seams carefully, especially in impact areas like the rear, elbow and the shoulder areas. Knees tend to take quite a beating. If everything looks tight; good, no problems. However, if wear is evident, have a repair specialist check it out. Most leathers only require repairs, but some must have a moment of silence before being put out of their misery.
* Aging is great for some things, but the older your gear is, the less it is able to perform to it's intended capacity. This includes gloves and boots as well. Two things to think about here: first, are the leathers sound? If they've had repeated crashes and numerous days of wear, they are reaching the end of their useful life.
Second, manufacturers are always evolving the technology. What you have for gear might be much less protective, even if it's in good shape. Put your current gear on reserve for rain days and back up, and upgrade to newer gear. This doesn't have to always mean the most expensive stuff, just look for good deals on quality merchandise.
* Hidden problems also exist. Check your armor for cracks and damage. Most manufactures sell replacements for armor. You change worn knee pucks; you ought to replace broken armor.
* Sometimes repairs aren't the best spent dollar. I will repeat what I tell my clients: "I'd love to take your money, but in some cases, that money is best spent on replacing worn or damaged gear". I will always try to be honest with you when I give you an opinion on the condition of your gear. I've told countless people to just replace their leathers. Having a whole, safe customer is more valuable to me than just making a buck. This is a high risk sport, keep yourself in the best gear possible, and keep it maintained.
Here's to a safe and kick a$$ season! ;) :D ;D
Thanks Alexa:
That was very informative.
Dawn :)
Ya Thanks Alexa!! By the way...Are you referring to my leathers :-[ I will double up on the jeans under the leathers if you think it is necessary :) How are they coming along any how?
Thanks, Stumpy
I believe this is a direct quote from Alexa reguarding my first suit of leathers.
"Dude, they're done. There's a dumpster right over there..."
Just to add something onto what Sypderchick was saying in the first bullet.
Had some old leathers repaired by a local boat canvas & upholstery place 2 seasons ago. He said the salt (your sweat) does some serious damage to the threads used in the seams as well. The seams on my suit were blowing apart real easy. :(
So if you sweat a lot (and who doesn't in their leathers) do yourself a favor and take a real hard look at them.
QuoteI believe this is a direct quote from Alexa reguarding my first suit of leathers.
"Dude, they're done. There's a dumpster right over there..."
I believe I also asked to say a few kind words for their trusty service. ;)
Stumpy, I'll be contacting you this week regarding your stuff. Don't worry, it's not as bad as you think. (now how much is that down payment on a new 350Z?) :o ;) :D ;D
she forgot to mention that when your butt starts to feel hot when sliding at 100 mph, its time to replace
Please forgive me if you take this as spam. I just wanted to let people know that there are GREAT leathers available on the market in the $500 range.
Bell industries closed out their fieldsheer line and Moto Liberty picked up a TON of it. I've raced on Fieldsheer for 3 years and have gone down more than Linda Lovelace with no leather failures.
http://www.cbr600rr.com/forum/index.php?board=7;action=display;threadid=2221;start=0
Just thought some of you might be interested...
Spyde-
can you put your address up I need a few repairs agian. I want to send 'em to you soon.
Thanks Tobias
Spyder
Get me your address, phone and some sample prices for repairs and if you can resurrect cut-off by emt leathers (as long as it's on the seam). I will give you some pitches out here in the SW region on the PA. We had a repair woman here for years but she has become somewhat scarce and I hear unreliable (heard she is busy with other things in life). Thanks for your services and the info!
www.spyderleatherworks.com
Thanks Kim. All of my contact info is on the website. Here's a quick link to my email. spyder@wi.rr.com
Kim, give me a call. I have something of yours. ;)
Just a note on leather care....
At Suzuka.... They wash the leathers between every stint for most of the Dianese supported riders (its a free service) Then they dry them. You will see lots of non Dianese rideres useign blowers to keep em dry, its hot and humid there!!!
Dainese uses a big tub with a soapy water solution to wash them in, then rinses the leathers about 6 times in clean water. Then they go into a household dryer to dry, then are treated with leather conditioner, and hung back up...
We have made this a post race ritual....
Wow, interesting. I never knew that. See? You learn something new all the time. I can't see that it would hurt, considering that most of the Dianese leathers have removable liners. I'm assuming they take out the liner, the armor and humps before they do this. If I were to do this with another brand, I'd make sure that the lining was removable.
Alexa,
I guess my leathers aren't done yet ;D They went from looking like swiss cheese to a new set of leathers! (Well maybe like colby cheese, they look tough though). Great job. The patches turned out sweet too.
Stumpy 8)
You are most welcome! ;) ;D