Is thicker leather actually any more protective?

[Boulderunner]

I started riding motorcycles only about 6 years ago and I’ve always had this belief that the thicker and heavier leather jacket the more protective. I’ve sort of kept my “riding” jackets separate from my “style” jackets with that separation being that I pretty much Only ride in my lost worlds leather. I just got my first Vanson, purchased the “Aloha Commando 6.0” used on tfl and it is surprisingly thick it feels almost as thick as the 4oz horsehide on the lost worlds. Anyhow i started thinking if thickness was of no concern which jacket would I most likely ride with and it is a Schott that is much thinner feeling Shinki horsehide. They are all horsehide mind you but the lost worlds is a thick almost spongy horsehide, the Vanson is super thick Horween teacore chromexel horsehide and the Schott is like 1.3mm veg tanned Shinki . The Schott feels less thick but I mean none of them are providing anything other than abrasion resistance right? And just because the Schott feels thinner it should still be just as abrasion resistant since they are all horse right? Maybe the LW is just like more abrasion resistant or you could slide longer before tearing the lost worlds? Or am I incorrect? I don’t have a huge amount of experience in this matter.

 

[Peacoat]

It is generally considered that 1.4 mm (3.5 oz) is the minimum thickness for protection while riding. I don't know that there is much difference in protection between horse and steer (cowhide). Some say that horse gives better protection, but I don't know that any objective testing has been done.

And don't focus on the jacket to the exclusion of protection for the lower extremities. Legs and feet usually take the beating in an involuntary dismount, especially if the motorcycle goes down on top of the rider. The legs are usually pinned underneath while sliding down the pavement. Plan accordingly.

 

[Boulderunner]

What are people’s thoughts on armored synthetic Vs a thick leather jackets and pants. Or unarmored synthetic vs leather. Those should offer similar protection right? I bought panda moto pants which are dyneema with armor in the hips and knees but for years I rode in horsehide Y2 leather horsehide pants. The leather feels more protective despite not being armored but people have told me The synthetic actually has better abrasion resistance but I was more thinking I’d rather have thick leather between me and a hot exhaust while sliding on blacktop but again i don’t really have any experience. Thankfully.

 

[Bfd70]

I’ve worked in fire rescue for 29 years. Biggest factors in walking away from a crash in order are:
1. What hits you
2. What you hit after the crash
3. Speed
4. Helmet

Gear is good to avoid rash. I’ve found synthetic better on long rides. Problem is you look like a ****. I ride in boots over the ankle, jeans, leather jacket. I promise if you have a real get off 3oz vs 4oz is the least of your worries.

 

[Guppy]

Of course thicker material will provide more protection, all else being equal. Leather is mainly going to provide protection against road rash. For impact protection, you want armor and padding. Or wearable air bags. Good fit is important, because if the protective elements shift during your spill due to poor fit, they're not going to be able to do their job. And construction is key, because if a seam fails and the whole thing comes apart, that's no good either. It's always best to avoid any accident if at all possible, so keeping aware at all times and riding defensively, practicing your maneuverability and emergency braking, and doing regular safety checks to make sure everything is functioning as it should are just as important as what you wear.

 

[AerGuitar]

I don’t think anything is going to hold up as well as leather in a slide. I could definitely be wrong, but I believe all the synthetic materials have a melting point, where leather does not. Fortnine did a fun video(I don’t have the link) on this topic several months ago. I’d have to assume that all other things being equal, that thicker hide will hold up better(or longer) in the slide. I prefer leather for riding, but I have no choice but to move on to vented synthetics during the summer months. Leather in temps much above 80 F is a tough one for me!

 

[AeroFan_07]

I don’t think anything is going to hold up as well as leather in a slide. I could definitely be wrong, but I believe all the synthetic materials have a melting point, where leather does not. Fortnine did a fun video(I don’t have the link) on this topic several months ago. I’d have to assume that all other things being equal, that thicker hide will hold up better(or longer) in the slide. I prefer leather for riding, but I have no choice but to move on to vented synthetics during the summer months.

Leather in temps much above 80 F is a tough one for That's the other factor. Even well-ventilated leather and perforated leather jackets still are hard to really "stay cool" in the warmer & more humid temps.

 

[Peter Mackin]

The majority of world class riders swear by kangaroo leathers,they don't seem to wear anything by lostworlds etc.i have loads of leather from many well know makers ,but only ever ride with gear made specifically for riding.no highwayman, halfbelts,no sheepskin etc.
There's plenty of crosszips that look terrific by most of the big makers,I love them but they wont hold up for everyday motorcycle riding.

 

[01flhr]

I may have a few answers for you.
Is thicker leather more protective? According to a top race leather manufacturer, no. Only the top finished layer offers abrasion resistance, then once youre through the top layer, you wear through everything else in a hurry, so that maker uses multiple thinner layers instead of one thick layer.
Textile vs leather?
No racers wear textile gear, it cant get certified for abrasion resistance for racing. That said, its fine for street use where you arent going 200mph. I personally dont ride much in leather anymore. I have a klim badlands pro jacket and an induction pro jacket that i wear for longer rides, leather just isnt as comfortable as textile. My klims have stretch panels, kevlar reinforcement, d30 armor that is flexible until its impacted, and plenty of well though out vents to keep me comfortable.
Ive been down in a langlitz padded columpia and the padding was right where it needed to be, but i dont really wear it for riding alot anymore, the klims just do everything better.

 

[TartuWolf]

 

[TartuWolf]

And if you want even more contraversial stuff:

Note: I don't ride and have no opinion on this. Just interesting videos to watch.

 

[dinhnguyen57]

it would be interesting to hear from those who have been in "accidents" and what their leather looks like. I had a crash once at 75 mph but went over a road ramp and rolled in the grass. The leather jacket looked "new" still but my denim pants had a lot of holes after washing it

 

[Bfd70]

I think comparing pro rider attire to sunday warrior weekday commuter attire is disingenuous. Moto gp guys wear full leathers, know how to low slide because they’ve done it in practice, and don’t have f-150s running a red and hitting them or have phone poles to slide into.

 

[Zoltan]

Had my first made to measure bike jacket made by BKS Made to Measure, full Roo leather (half the weight of cow leather) he makes all the leathers for the UK Police & MP https://www.bksleather.co.uk/information/police-emergency-services
The design was a one off based on the Police Jacket with a central venting system. Also to be used as a casual jacket. The jacket is snug so the armor doesn't shift, now he incorporated the Alpinestar air bag. The main issue between casual and a bike jacket is the stitching and the type of thread and leather.
Today the textiles are as good as leather especially the single layer gear, I am a fan of stuff made by ROKKER, I have few chino and cargo trousers with. DuPont™ Kevlar® can withstand temperatures up to 450C. The material is also 4 ways stretch.

Rukka Merlin was a UV treated waterproof Goretex laminated perforated leather jacket, cost a fortune. But the cut for me was to slim. Great idea. Also RUKKA offers the largest armor in the business. D3O.

However my Half Belt Deluxe CXSH is 1.7mm thick and with the Dainese Smart Air Bag over the top is as good as any bike specific jacket. When I arrive to destination the airbag goes in the pannier.
I use Held Titan gloves and Daytona trans open gtx boots. I have a ton of other gear from Klim, Belstaff North Circular and BMW, depending on the weather or if I go touring. However the airbag now is a constant.

Above contributors already mentioned what is good or bad. Ultimately is down to you, nothing is 100% safe.
If you ride like a **** no gear will save you. Advance ride course is a better investment than a £2000 race suit.

Few examples of accidents:
My mate went down the motorway(slide and roll) in a IXS race suit at 100mph. Leathers were scuffed. Only the collar bone was broken and he walked away. Helmet (Arai), gloves(SPIDI), boots(Alpinestar) were ruined. He was fortunate he didn't hit any street furniture and no car hit him.

My other friend went down in a BMW Tourshell jacket at low speed in town and hit a lamp post. Walked away, the back plate in the jacket covers the entire back, shoulder and elbow are huge in thickness and length. Got holed in the elbow. Not even a bruise.
RIDE SAFE!

Few jackets from the past

 

[Zoltan]

Few more from the past. The Vanson is the only one I kick myself for selling.

 

[cbez]

I don’t think anything is going to hold up as well as leather in a slide. I could definitely be wrong, but I believe all the synthetic materials have a melting point, where leather does not. Fortnine did a fun video(I don’t have the link) on this topic several months ago. I’d have to assume that all other things being equal, that thicker hide will hold up better(or longer) in the slide. I prefer leather for riding, but I have no choice but to move on to vented synthetics during the summer months. Leather in temps much above 80 F is a tough one for me!

It's not melting it's abrading.

But yes obviously thicker is somewhat more protective.

 

[Robson]

Racing gear is often made of kangaroo leather it is thinner and more abraisive resistant than regular horse or steer.

 

[red devil]

@Boulderunner , it really depends on how, where and maybe what you ride.

Chrome tanned leather has the best abrasion resistance. Among the leathers, Kangaroo is known for the best amrasion resistance at a given thickness, that's why it is used by pro-racers.

Fabric is also very good and has beem improving steadily, it should be enough for most street rides.

If you want vintage looking jacket with good protection, I'd look at Johnson leathers, Langlitz or Vanson (in alphabetical order). Just make sure to specify for armour - I have yet to see that video from fortnine regarding armour, but to my knowledge, you never want to ride without armour, gloves, boots or of course a helmet.

 

[Boulderunner]

@Boulderunner , it really depends on how, where and maybe what you ride.

Chrome tanned leather has the best abrasion resistance. Among the leathers, Kangaroo is known for the best amrasion resistance at a given thickness, that's why it is used by pro-racers.

Fabric is also very good and has beem improving steadily, it should be enough for most street rides.

If you want vintage looking jacket with good protection, I'd look at Johnson leathers, Langlitz or Vanson (in alphabetical order). Just make sure to specify for armour - I have yet to see that video from fortnine regarding armour, but to my knowledge, you never want to ride without armour, gloves, boots or of course a helmet.

Am I overthinking this? Is a Vanson comp weight horsehide going to provide meaningfully more abrasion resistance for a guy riding around town or mild highway riding than my Schott Shinki or like a flat head delraiser? I shy away from my fancy jackets but maybe they are 95% as protective as my funky fitting too long Vanson?

 

[jacketjunkie]

Am I overthinking this? Is a Vanson comp weight horsehide going to provide meaningfully more abrasion resistance for a guy riding around town or mild highway riding than my Schott Shinki or like a flat head delraiser? I shy away from my fancy jackets but maybe they are 95% as protective as my funky fitting too long Vanson?

I have no empirical data on this, but I have seen Vansons of professional riders who took a fall and slide and the Vansons held up good; both leather and seams. I have yet to see a Shinki, either American or Japanese made, that has taken this test. Would they hold up as well? Maybe, but I would rather ride in the battle tested leather and construction.