So, I decided I wanted to really see what my bike could do, you know? And the street just ain’t the place for that. Too many idiots, too many surprises. A buddy of mine was hitting the track and convinced me to give it a shot. First thing I realized, my trusty leather jacket and riding jeans weren’t gonna cut it. Nope. Needed something serious.
Figuring Out What to Get
Man, diving into the world of motorcycle track suits was something else. I started looking online, and holy cow, the prices on some of these things! You could buy a decent used bike for what some suits cost. I just wanted something to keep my skin on if I messed up, not a fashion statement.
I spent a good few weeks just trying to understand the basics. Here’s what I was wrestling with:
- One-piece or two-piece? The track day folks mostly said one-piece for safety. Seemed like a good idea, less stuff to come apart if you’re sliding down the tarmac.
- Material? Leather, leather, leather. That was pretty clear. But then there’s cowhide, kangaroo… kangaroo is lighter and stronger, they say, but also pricier. I stuck with good old cowhide for my first one.
- Armor. All these suits have pads in the shoulders, elbows, knees. Some have back protectors built in, or pockets for them. Important stuff.
- Brand. So many brands! Some super famous, some I’d never heard of. Read a ton of reviews, but you know how that goes, everyone’s got an opinion.
I wasn’t looking for the fanciest thing, just something solid. My main goal was to not end up looking like a peeled grape if I had an off.
The Big Try-On
Found a couple of local shops that stocked suits. This is key, folks: try them on. Seriously. Sizing charts online are a good start, but these things fit weird. What I learned pretty quick is that a track suit is NOT supposed to be comfy when you’re standing around. It’s cut for riding position, all hunched over.
The first one I tried, I felt like a stuffed sausage. Could barely bend my arms. The shop guy said, “That’s kinda how it’s supposed to feel at first, it’ll break in.” But I dunno, it felt too restrictive. Tried another one, a different brand. Better, but still tight in the shoulders. You gotta be able to move, right?
Finally, after trying maybe four or five, I found one. It was snug, real snug, especially when I zipped it all the way up. But when I got into a bit of a crouch, like I was on the bike, it made sense. The pre-curved arms and legs felt right. It wasn’t cheap, but it felt like proper protection.
First Day Out: Suited and Booted
Getting into the suit for the first track day was an event in itself. Took me a good 10 minutes, sweating before I even got on the bike. Felt like I was gearing up for a spacewalk. Walking around in it? Awkward as hell. I waddled like a penguin.
But then, I got on the bike. And wow. It just felt… right. Secure. You feel more connected to the bike, somehow. And yeah, it gave me a bit more confidence knowing I had all that leather and padding around me.
It was a hot day. And yes, inside that leather suit, it was like a personal sauna. Drank a ton of water. But honestly, once I was out there riding, focused on my lines and trying not to look like a total newbie, I didn’t notice the heat quite as much. The adrenaline helps, I guess.
And yeah, it did its job. Had a little low-side in a slow corner later in the season. Nothing dramatic, just lost the front. Slid for a bit. The suit got scuffed up, a bit of road rash on the leather, but I walked away without a scratch. That right there? Worth every penny. My old street jacket would have been shredded, and probably me along with it.
What I Reckon Now
Looking back, getting that suit was a good move. A really good move. It’s not just about crash protection, though that’s a massive part of it. It changes how you feel on the bike at speed. More stable, more part of the machine.
If you’re thinking about track days, don’t skimp on the suit. You don’t need the absolute most expensive, tricked-out model that the pros wear, especially when you’re starting. But get a good quality one that fits you properly. That fit is everything.
And be prepared for the break-in period. It’ll feel stiff and weird at first. But ride in it. Sweat in it. It’ll loosen up and mold to you. Now, mine feels like a second skin. A very thick, cow-flavored second skin, but still.
Oh, and learn how to clean and take care of it. Leather cleaner, conditioner. You want that investment to last. It’s a bit of a pain, but necessary.
So yeah, that’s my journey with getting a motorcycle track suit. Bit of an ordeal, but totally worth it in the end. Made a huge difference to my riding and my peace of mind.
