I have a leather jacket not made for streetbike riding. Is it sufficient or do I need a motorcycle jacket made specifically for street use like Joe Rocket or something similar? I don't have any leather riding pants so I'd rather get them for now. I guess the big ? here is have any of you wrecked wearing a casual dress non-street leather jacket and how good did it protect? Can't afford both right now. Also, how long will street leather last before needing replaced if taken care of? If you were to put priority on gear, which is most important, jacket or pants? I also have an Aplinestar off road textile jacket. What do you think about just adding armor to this and spending the majority of $$ on the leather riding pants? What would you do. Thanks, Tim

 

Get the best leather outfit you can afford and don't crash without it! I'd get padded/armored pants and boots now since you don't have them and a real motorcycle jacket that zips to the pants ASAP. Also sign up for a track day as soon as you can so as to learn not to crash in the first place. Take my word for it, crashing is simply not an option, just ask me how I know.

 

Well... That depends on the quality and thickness of the leather... Thick, triple stitched leather will give the same abraison protection as a decent bike jacket... But it will not contain the pads protecting you from the hard hits to elbows, sholders and what not...

As for importance... Well... Do you prefer to be skin-less top or bottom? That's the resulting decision from your question... Me I prefer neither, making them equally important...

The leather will last as long as you take care of it... The only thing that really wears out a good riding suit is falling off the bike...

I'd start saving until I could buy a matching set... You benefit greatly from being able to connect them to each other making the jacket not ride up...

 

the thickness of the leather in the jacket would be key. chances are it's not as heavy as biker stuff. you might consider getting a used one. Sometimes you can find them at goodwill stores and places like that. However, having something leather on is better than jeans or stuff like that, so I'd say get the pants first and then the jacket.

only worth 2 cents!

 

Something is better than nothing.

Over the ankle boots.
Leather gloves.
Denim better than twill pants, leather better than denim etc.
Don't cheap out on a helmet. Full coverage, snell etc.

Forgive me for being a 'puter luddite but there are sites that specialize in used riding gear. Riders Wearhouse is a brand to look for if looking 'used'. (Aerostitch)

'Luck out there.

 

O.K. Found a great deal on a Joe Rocket jacket. Also found a great deal on AGV pants. Which way should I go? AGV all the way or Joe Rocket all the way? I doubt they'll zip up to each other. AGV is cheaper but I've already tried on the Joe Rocket jacket and it fits really good. Checked the Rocket pants and holy chit, those things a expensive. If anyone has had success in zipping AGV pants to Joe Rocket jacket, let me know. Thanks, Tim