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Anyone here race/do trackdays with a kevlar suit?

P

patricks

New member
Joined
Sep 27, 2011
Location
Davis
Moto(s)
'86 RZ350
Howdy!
I've read as many threads as I can find about suits like Motoport's GP1 stretch kevlar suit, so please don't flame me for posting something that been on the boards a million times. I've read the reviews, opinions, etc. but can't seem to find any hard facts (Motoport's site has a lot on it but some of the physics talk is wonky and they don't post the results of EN impact tests) or any racers' opinions.

The main argument against these is that "if they were as good as they're made out to be, why aren't professional racers wearing them", so does anyone actually use them?. If so, what are your thoughts, how well do they really stand up to crashes, how does the fit and feel compare to leather, etc.?
 
They're exceedingly common with sidecar passengers in Europe because they're a lot more flexible and much lighter than leather.

That's all I've got.
 
The armor and the material is top notch, no questions asked. I have heard RUMORS that kevlar's higher friction resistance results in less slowing down when hitting the ground than leather, so without adequate runoff it may be marginally more unsafe than leather, but I haven't heard anything that proves it. I've been in the motoport facility and seen their gear that's gone down, it's amazing how much abuse it can really take.
 
patricks said:
Howdy!
I've read as many threads as I can find about suits like Motoport's GP1 stretch kevlar suit, so please don't flame me for posting something that been on the boards a million times. I've read the reviews, opinions, etc. but can't seem to find any hard facts (Motoport's site has a lot on it but some of the physics talk is wonky and they don't post the results of EN impact tests) or any racers' opinions.

The main argument against these is that "if they were as good as they're made out to be, why aren't professional racers wearing them", so does anyone actually use them?. If so, what are your thoughts, how well do they really stand up to crashes, how does the fit and feel compare to leather, etc.?
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Roadracers don't wear them because roadrace organizations require leather and also because they are often sponsored by leather-making companies.

My opinion is the armor is too weird to feel comfortable in and the fabric doesn't flow air like perforated leathers, yet doesn't block wind that well either. I have no doubt of the protective capability of the Kevlar. Talk to Wayne at motoport--he'll tell you all about it...
 
I don't know about that specific one, but one thing I hate about my Aerostich is that you don't get much grip vs leathers. With stompgrips or the like it works fine, but with normal paint you end up sliding around a LOT.
 
I'm sure Wayne could throw some grippy material on the inside of the knees, they have it on the palms of their gloves and it's some pretty cool material.

Gabe, I've remember being told that select orgs let people run with Kevlar(probably socal orgs), I'd be interested to know who would say no and what reasons they give.
 
Clem Kevin said:
I'm sure Wayne could throw some grippy material on the inside of the knees, they have it on the palms of their gloves and it's some pretty cool material.

Gabe, I've remember being told that select orgs let people run with Kevlar(probably socal orgs), I'd be interested to know who would say no and what reasons they give.
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Hmmm-looks like I spoke too soon about racing orgs not allowing Kevlar. AFM definitely says no and I don't know why-ask Holeshot, as he's the AFM pres-o-dent. CCS says okay to Kevlar, but I doubt a lot of CCS riders use it. And AMA Pro says ok for kevlar as well--but again, nobody wears it.

I think the reason nobody uses it is because nobody uses it. If it's really so great, more racers would adopt it. Maybe because it looks like you're wearing pajamas? Interesting, though.
 
Gabe said:
My opinion is the armor is too weird to feel comfortable in and the fabric doesn't flow air like perforated leathers, yet doesn't block wind that well either.
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They sell two kinds of kevlar; the stretch kevlar and the mesh kevlar. Both are very different.

I have the stretch kevlar (2pc suit). It breathes just as well as perf'd leather IMO, but not nearly as much as mesh. It's super stretchy, and plenty comfortable, but it is a fair bit bulkier than leather, and not designed to be worn tight like leathers.

On the track, I'd prefer a leather suit to the stretch kevlar. The stretch kevlar is too stretchy to keep armor perfectly in place. Consequently, the armor in the motorport suits wraps arms and legs around a lot more (contributing to the bulk). It's a great touring/commute suit, and I like it a lot, but I wouldn't favor it on the track over leathers. On the street, the stretch kevlar suit offers a lot of convenience that a leather suit lacks. But I find my 1pc perf'd leathers far more comfortable and compact, and probably a bit more protective because the armor is held tightly in place.
 
radvas said:
They sell two kinds of kevlar; the stretch kevlar and the mesh kevlar. Both are very different.

I have the stretch kevlar (2pc suit). It breathes just as well as perf'd leather IMO, but not nearly as much as mesh. It's super stretchy, and plenty comfortable, but it is a fair bit bulkier than leather, and not designed to be worn tight like leathers.

On the track, I'd prefer a leather suit to the stretch kevlar. The stretch kevlar is too stretchy to keep armor perfectly in place. Consequently, the armor in the motorport suits wraps arms and legs around a lot more (contributing to the bulk). It's a great touring/commute suit, and I like it a lot, but I wouldn't favor it on the track over leathers. On the street, the stretch kevlar suit offers a lot of convenience that a leather suit lacks. But I find my 1pc perf'd leathers far more comfortable and compact, and probably a bit more protective because the armor is held tightly in place.
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Good post. I have the mesh jacket and stretch pants, AWESOME combo for touring, WAY too bulky for aggressive riding. The best part about the jacket is if it's hot out and I'm just wearing a t-shirt under, the shirt flaps around there's so much air flowing through the jacket.
 
From the Motoport site: "Motoport's Kevlar suits are the only synthetic apparel approved by the F.I.M., the A.M.A., the W.E.R.A. and many other racing organizations."


I have their Marathon Jacket and Ultra 2 pants, both in stretch Kevlar. I did a track day with that setup - I made some zip-tie loops in the jacket to run the pants belt through in order to meet the trackday provider's regulation of having the pants and jacket of a two-piece attach to each other. It was my first track day ever, so I can't offer much beyond that other than the GP pants and/or suit should have more freedom of movement than the Ultra 2 - mine were kinda bulky (since they are overpants).

The Kevlar material is stretchy and form-fitting. I chose it for warm weather riding, and then I layer under it for cold weather. In warm weather, I still open the vents in the jacket, but in cold weather I can feel a chill coming through the pants, so it it letting some air through, but not like their mesh. I bought a mesh zip-in panel for the jacket for hot days. I have the quad armor, and yes it is bulky and I have to kind of adjust the arm pads and cinch up the jacket when I put it on to get them in the right position. I think in the pants I just have quad armor for the knee/shin guards and tri-armor for the rest of the pads in the pants.


Search Adv Rider for Motoport kevlar crash tests - they are out there.


I think you mostly see leather out there for the reasons Gabe mentioned, plus it is cheaper (for people who can fit off the shelf gear...I need custom gear because of my size). Then, there is also the 'everybody wears leather, so I will wear leather because it must be the best' thing as well....and leather is certainly good enough, but there are other options out there as you are researching.
 
radvas said:
They sell two kinds of kevlar; the stretch kevlar and the mesh kevlar. Both are very different.

I have the stretch kevlar (2pc suit). It breathes just as well as perf'd leather IMO, but not nearly as much as mesh. It's super stretchy, and plenty comfortable, but it is a fair bit bulkier than leather, and not designed to be worn tight like leathers.

On the track, I'd prefer a leather suit to the stretch kevlar. The stretch kevlar is too stretchy to keep armor perfectly in place. Consequently, the armor in the motorport suits wraps arms and legs around a lot more (contributing to the bulk). It's a great touring/commute suit, and I like it a lot, but I wouldn't favor it on the track over leathers. On the street, the stretch kevlar suit offers a lot of convenience that a leather suit lacks. But I find my 1pc perf'd leathers far more comfortable and compact, and probably a bit more protective because the armor is held tightly in place.
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Do you have the GP two-piece? Or the Marathon and Ultra 2?
 
CannonFodder said:
Do you have the GP two-piece? Or the Marathon and Ultra 2?
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Marathon Jacket and Ultra 2 pants. It's a good commute setup, and a great touring setup. I dig it a lot, but I also have a 1pc leather suit, which is what I'd wear on the track. In fact, if I'm going out just to ride for a few hours, I still prefer the leathers.

Edit: regarding your "form fitting" comment. The normal motoport sizing is freakin enormous. I could practically twirl inside mine without the suit moving when I received it. Wayne was cool, and worked with me on resizing, but on the resize I ended up with an XS jacket shell before it was otherwise altered. In most other gear I wear a mediumish size. My leathers are a 52/42. Wayne was convinced that there was no possible way for the resized jacket to fit me, but it does. And I aint exactly thin at 5'7 190. :oink

AdvRider in particular is littered with similar comments about the sizing. For anyone planning to buy motoport (and I do recommend the suit), take the trip down to Santee or wherever he is and size in person.
 
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Yep despite all the measuring, I had to send my jacket back for alterations. Same for the Ultra 2 Cordura jacket I had before that. For the pants, I asked them to make them a little slimmer than usual. I am pretty much a XXL is most jackets, but I think my Marathon jacket says S or M on the inside, and I am 6'4". My friend went to Motoport to get sized and his pants fit fine.

The sport touring gear is made loose enough for the rider to wear jeans and the liner underneith. I believe the GP suit is a tighter fit...can't remember if I read that or talked to Wayne about it...but OP if you are thinking about it then call Motoport and get their take on it.
 
Thanks guys, this is brilliant :thumbup

Interesting that the stretch kevlar is a little too stretchy to keep the armour tightly in place. I spose if it was as tight as as leathers it'd look like a leotard :laughing

I'd read about the sizing issues, so if I end up going for Motoport gear I'll pay them a visit and get it measured on the spot. The "nobody uses it cos nobody uses it" idea sounds about right (as far as racers go) - I guess if someone wanted to race in both AFM and AMA series then they don't really have the option of using kevlar anyway.

One day when I've saved enough pennies I'll have a set of each :teeth
 
patricks said:
Thanks guys, this is brilliant :thumbup

Interesting that the stretch kevlar is a little too stretchy to keep the armour tightly in place. I spose if it was as tight as as leathers it'd look like a leotard :laughing

I'd read about the sizing issues, so if I end up going for Motoport gear I'll pay them a visit and get it measured on the spot. The "nobody uses it cos nobody uses it" idea sounds about right (as far as racers go) - I guess if someone wanted to race in both AFM and AMA series then they don't really have the option of using kevlar anyway.

One day when I've saved enough pennies I'll have a set of each :teeth
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You could just send Wayne a pair of your favorite jeans and a jacket that he could base the measurements off of as well, that's what I did for my pants.
 
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