Teknic Chicane Leathers- Opinions?

[tiltedworld]

I've been shopping around for my first set of full leathers (jacket only right now) and I came accross a deal for 2-Piece Teknic Chicane leathers for $319. I was wondering what type of experiences people had with these leathers if any?

Price definitely seems right, but I want to make sure its a quality product. Thanks.

 

[super_greg_#1]

Shit on a stick. With leathers you get what you pay for, cheap price == cheap suit.

 

[tgdstar]

Yeah, I would have to agree with super greg on that one. You get for what you pay for. If it's for day to day riding wear, go for it. For track, I wouldn't go skimpy on protection. IMO

 

[OaklandF4i]

You are going to get alot of advice saying that if you dont spend $$ its this or that. Granted a custome $2k can potentially offer more protection, a $300 suit is better than none at IMO.

Look for the thickness of leather, fit, armor (hard is preferable) and you can always add an aftermarket backprotector. If its a two piece, a full circumference zipper. If its got that, and thats what you can afford, get it.

 

[wannabe]

Since you ride an SV650, I'm assuming that you're probably going to use them to ride the twisties in the hills or normal day to day riding. For this, they'll do the job. They're definitely a step up from Jeans and a jacket.

But, like the others say, if you're gonna do any serious track stuff, you might want to kick down more for a better set.

 

[tiltedworld]

Thanks guys,

I am looking to use for every day riding, but the intent is also to get on the track next year. I was planning on getting a back protector first, then going to find leathers. I'd like to be able to afford something like the Zooni's, but I'll have to see if funds will permit this. Just thought this price was too good to be true and you've confirmed it thanks!

Also Wannabe, why would it matter about riding an SV? Don't want to have this turn into a thread. Besides, from what I hear its a very capable track bike.

 

[super_greg_#1]

Get a back protector after you get leathers. The vast majority of motorcycle accidents do not produce back related injuries, that could have been prevented had you been wearing a back protector.

 

[OaklandF4i]

Check out the 02 Joe Rocket Highside one piece. Its has hard protection (you'll still need to buy a decent back protector) and can be had for less than $500. Off the rack suits can be altered to fit pretty well too. I've gone down with one on, and it held up pretty well for the $$.

 

[tiltedworld]

Get a back protector after you get leathers. The vast majority of motorcycle accidents do not produce back related injuries, that could have been prevented had you been wearing a back protector.

I thought you wanted to get one before, so that the leathers fit properly

 

[weasel]

hey, i like my teknic gear my chicane jacket retails for 279 by it self, i love it for hot weather

(at least i think it's a chicane, i have my textile jacket today(also teknic))

 

[BrazenC5]

Since you ride an SV650, I'm assuming that you're probably going to use them to ride the twisties in the hills or normal day to day riding. For this, they'll do the job. They're definitely a step up from Jeans and a jacket.

But, like the others say, if you're gonna do any serious track stuff, you might want to kick down more for a better set.

Agreed with wannabe. Relative to going rate I would say $319 is a good price. Ive seen them go for $540 in the local stores and about $100 less on the web. There are a couple on this board with Chicanes. Eric in Davis wrote about his low side in his Chicanes. http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10105

 

[super_greg_#1]

I thought you wanted to get one before, so that the leathers fit properly

If you have the money and are prepared to, then go for it. If not, then just borrow one from a friend or go to a store that has them and try it on with the suit (Road Rider, for example). I made the assumption that you were on a budget and based on that, I made the recommendation that you get the leathers before the back protector (to save your skin and wallet).

 

[tiltedworld]

Thanks super gregg, thought I was missing something. I figure when it comes time to shell out the $$, I'll just get the back protector at the same time.

Think I'll wait till I see how my company treats me at review/bonus time in a few months and decide from there...

 

[My900ss]

I am happy with my Tecknic leathers. I find there quality to be just fine.

 

[jimbo_gixxer]

hey tltd-- i'm not crazy about the Teknics...
check'em out @ Road Rider in SJ they've got a huge selection
of Teks suits... i've also found that the cuts are always different. if it fits at road rider it might not fit the same if you buy it online. i found this out with a couple of suits...

 

[magyarbetyar]

If you ever find an off the rach suit that fits you, then buy THAT suit. Becase the sizes will vary even w/ the same manufacturer.

As far as I know and have read, Tecknic are supposed to be pretty good suits.

 

[whatever]

not too bad. I actually like it. Though I only do daily commute and occasional weekend twisties. I'm sure the fit and finish can't be compared to a Dainese, but I found one that fit me pretty well. I would say go try it on. I had my for almost 4 month now. It still looks pretty good.

 

[Puma Cat]

Well.....

They are better than jeans and a jacket.

But IMHO, youse gets what youse pays for. Bear in mind that the leather on most all motorcycle specific leather suits holds up pretty comparably with respect tear strength of the leather or abrasion resistance. The difference is that the more expensive suits (gloves are the same in this respect) are constructed better, and, this is the key point, won't blow open when you crash. The Vance and Hines factory roadracing riders in '89 or '90 learned this when they went with Fieldsheer leathers as a team sponsor of leathers (ever see them around anymore...I don't think so...) and found they were blowing apart on them in a light crash. With a better suit you get better construction, better armor, fit, etc. Look for top-stitched seams everywhere, not just in places, well positioned and designed armor, double leather over the fanny, hip pads, etc. Talk to suit mfrs. (e.g. Helimot or Vanson), and ask them what makes a good suit. Learn to recognize a good suit when you see one from its construction.

A Dainese T-age, for example, has literally no seams on any exterior aspect of the suit, its all one piece of leather...all the seams are on the inside aspect of the suit, e.g. inside of the arm, thigh, etc., so there is no seam to blow open on the outside of the elbow, for example, if you were to crash and slide. Also, the quality of armor in that suit is unparalleled.

If I wanted to get a quality, one-piece suit for roughly $850 (which, like a mountain bike, is about the minimum you can spend and get something that is truly worth your investment), I would stay away from Frank Thomas, Joe Rocket, and Teknic, and look instead at Texport, SYED, Tiger Angel, or Spyke.
I have been impressed with the quality of those suits, and I look at suits very carefully at the vendors when I see them. I have also been impressed with the AGV suits made in Italy, which are also reasonably priced (not the AGV ones made in the Far East).

The best suits I have seen at the higher price points are Vanson, Dainese, Kushitani, Nankai, Spidi, Alpinestars, and RS Taichi.

As far as the development of armor, uses of different materials for protection, design, etc, etc, Dainese has consistently been the most innovative and aggressive with the development of safety equipment (for example, they invented the back protector). They have an incredible R&D investment and department (called D-TEC) that is constantly working on improving the safety of their suits and related safety equipment.

 

[Holeshot]

I don't think Puma Cat has every tested any of these suits.

That being said: he's correct that the cost of the suit is relative to protection, within reason.

Frank Thomas Suits are pretty ugly. But, they are well made suits with triple stitched and glued seams and premium thickness leather ( I checked this out B4 hand). They also have a big article on leather protection and design/build in one of the magazines ( Can't recall which) that describes what to look for in leathers. The conclusion, from the author, was that even with more cost comes no better protection. He concludes that some of the pricier suits protect no better than the mid level suits from a quality manufacturer. The rest is all hogwash brand identity.

However, Call Johnson leathers and ask there what they think of various brands. When S_G and were there a few weeks back getting mine fixed there were a few that were throwaway suits after 40mph falls or so..tecnics being one of them. VERY POOR QUALITY.

The Frank Thomas suit at Cycle Gear for $400 is a MUCH better deal. Certainly not a dainese, but I'm not sure that it protects much any less than a Dainese K suit. I've held off getting my custom Helimot as I'm very satisfied with the Frank Thomas.

Now of course, I need to do the Helimot to look cool!

 

[Puma Cat]

I don't think Puma Cat has every sic tested any of these suits.

.

Nope, haven't personally tested any of those except my first Dainese suit, the only set of race leathers I had for the last 13 years, and that held up great in my last crash, but that was in the grass, so go figure. The friend that I have that wears Teknic leathers that has crashed in them multiple times has places where the suit opened up in several places. Moreover, I have, however, seen suits post-crash first-hand, and from the following riders: Criville, Doohan, Oliver, Filice, and Gardner, and have watched them being repaired by Richard Lee (who later started Skyline Leathers), and from looking closely at the suits he repaired at the track, the Kushi, Dainese, and Nankai look to have held up exceptionally well.

The conclusion, from the author, was that even with more cost comes no better protection. He concludes that some of the pricier suits protect no better than the mid level suits from a quality manufacturer.

Agreed. Hence my recommendation for Texport, AGV, SYED, and Spyke.

Now of course, I need to do the Helimot to look cool!

Especially if you have Helmut make a Cap'n America replica suit for you!