[Guest]

I know one can't REALLY recommend leathers without crashing hard in them, so take this for what it's worth, because I'm not about to crash test these if I can help it.

I'm way to short and 'stocky' fro off the shelf leathers to fit. I've been riding track days in my 2-piece custom Aerostich Roadcrafters, but I've been looking out for a 1 piece suit for a while.

Finally, I decided to have a suit made. Checked Helimot after a Reg CLASS, and got a quote for about $2000.  Ouch.

Followed a link in RoadracingWorld.com to Barnacle Bill Leathers in Kentucky.

I rode down there a month ago and got measured and ordered a suit that would fit me with my back protector ( and maybe a sweatshirt) on, would be highly visible for traffic, and had the latest GP armor and some thick sliders to compensate for my short legs

He did a beautiful job. all the seams are glued and stiched,
the leather is thick but not stiff.

So, bottom line, In a month I got a custom-fitted and designed suit for my short, stocky, non-european, 50 year old body. Which cost LESS than an off-the-shelf Dainese, Kushitani, Vanson, or First-Gear/ Gericke,, and HALF the cost of some other custom American-made top quality suits I researched.

So far, I'm thrilled.

 

[Guest]

How much was it?

 

[Guest]

$970 including shipping.

 

[Guest]

(I'd guess $1K)

...and who's Dave?

They look good... at least when I put my sunglasses on and can stand to look at them

 

[Guest]

Are the seams double stitched, triple stitched?, extra padding in the rear? how about some close ups? btw cool suit!!!

 

[Guest]

2OHOH2954 : ...and who's Dave?

They look good... at least when I put my sunglasses on and can stand to look at them

When you've been punted off your bike by some old bastard with cataracts, you tend to start believing in the High Viz theory of motorcycle survival... Note the helmet in the avatar.

I intend to be seen by the legally blind.


And he puts your name on for free.....

 

[Red Rider]

They look good and not a bad price either. My Vanson Volante suit ran about $1500 and I love it, especially the double zipper in the front which makes it real easy to take on and off. And oh yeah...they have been crash tested and they passed with flying colors (or was it me that was flying in a crash...oh whatever&#33

 

[Guest]

CBRVFR : Quote (2OHOH2954 @ Aug. 22 2003, 3:46pm)...and who's Dave?

They look good... at least when I put my sunglasses on and can stand to look at them

When you've been punted off your bike by some old bastard with cataracts, you tend to start believing in the High Viz theory of motorcycle survival... Note the helmet in the avatar.

I intend to be seen by the legally blind.


And he puts your name on for free.....
I'm with ya there - my Roadcrafter jacket is exactly that, High Viz Yellow I was just

 

[ccwilli3]

custom vanson for me too, my volante was $1600 though, I think they went up...

I have heard nothing but good things about BB though...

 

[Guest]

moregripmoretip : Are the seams double stitched, triple stitched?, extra padding in the rear? how about some close ups? btw cool suit!!!

MG/MT ---

It seems to me that the 'lesser' seams are double stiched and glued on the outside, and the 'really critical' ones are double or triple stiched and glued on the inside. Like an internal seam, if you know what I mean... I'll try to get some closeup pictures up later in the weekend or early next week.

He explains it much more coherently on his website www.racingleather.com

barnacle Bill


He includes racing as well as street (thinner) hip pads. All the extra padding is supplied by my wife's cooking....

 

[Guest]

I've heard he does great alteration and repair work, too.

 

[Guest]

As a result of this thread I sent my Jacket and pants out to BB's today for some alterations. I'll post some pics when complete. btw, thanks.