I've been riding for a good bit now. Started on a cbr900 went to a cbr929rr then ironically due to money constraints I now ride an 82 cb450 nighthawk

I used to ride in no gear but helmet but I am starting to buy gear because I'd much rather be safe than sorry

My question is, I don't have alot of money so I am buying textile stuff instead of leather. If I was to go skidding across pavement at 80mph would textile be suffucient to prevent major road rash? Should I save up and buy leather?

Probable next buys- HJC CLSP helmet, Joe rocket textile jacket, Joe rocket gloves

After that- Pants, ride boots to replace the combat boots

 

Glad to see you've made the change.

some textile stuff is getting alot better in terms of protection. leather's still better, but textile is better than nothing.

Granted, you could probably find a decent leather jacket for pretty cheap--keep an eye out on ebay. I bought my jacket for $86 and it's leather, and it's not poorly made at all.

Also, i hear the CL/CS line of hjc lids is sketchy. i'd rather have the AC-11 or 12 if you're gonna go with HJC. you should be able to find the 11 for around 110 bucks.

 

I actually bought the clsp today. One of my friends has a cl15 that I liked so I went ahead with this one. I paid $100 for it brand new off ebay plus $15 shipping.

 

Check out http://www.newenough.com. Their Closeouts section has lots of good gear for deeply discounted prices. Plus, they have good customer service.

Textile, if well-made, can be as protective as leather. However, once crashed, textile cannot be repaired and is usually completely destroyed (in return for saving your skin, of course).

Leather (again if well-made) can hold up for several crashes and can be repaired. It runs a bit hotter compared to textile (if both have equal amounts of ventilation). If you live in an area with varying amounts of climate, then textile may be a better choice.

 

Do you have a cycle gear in your area? You could always pick up a frank thomas jacket on the cheap. Some euro magazine did crash tests of alot of gear and the FT strike 1 had some of the best abrasion resistence, but their seems have a tendency to bust open.

 

No cycle gear store around me unless I am missing it.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Gary the no trash cougar &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">No cycle gear store around me unless I am missing it.</TD></TR></TABLE>

http://www.cyclegear.com/

Check the store locator. r you can always order online. thumbup:

 

I love my ballistic fabric jacket... but herb is right once down it has to be thrown away

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MSchu &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I love my ballistic fabric jacket... but herb is right once down it has to be thrown away</TD></TR></TABLE>

Why? It's not like a helmet. If you can see that it's been compromised, don't wear it. But if it survives with a scuff or two, why not re-use it?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Ross &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Why? It's not like a helmet. If you can see that it's been compromised, don't wear it. But if it survives with a scuff or two, why not re-use it?</TD></TR></TABLE> im pretty sure it would get more than a scuff or two "skidding across pavement at 80mph"

 

well yes, we're all adults here... or at least I am hoping so assessing the situation is apprapoe. A scuff results from falling over, going down will result in more than scuffs.