Tailored to your needs: Best high-end textile motorcycle suits

Nothing protects like leather, but by using the very latest materials such as Gore-Tex, sophisticated waterproof yet breathable membranes, removable thermal linings, CE-rated protectors and armour and slick design features there are textile suits these days that do it all.

We all like the idea of a traditional leather biker jacket for riding round town on a summer’s day or some one-piece, slim-fitting race leathers if we ride a sports bike.

However, the most practical, effective and comfortable motorcycle clothing for year-round, all-weather use is a ‘high-end’ textile suit.

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Some also have ventilation systems, waterproof pockets and a variety of adjusters to get the perfect fit for the ultimate in comfort and practicality.

Of course, that sophistication, clever design, quality materials and useful features doesn’t come cheap – some jacket and trouser combos can end up costing well over £1000. But if you want the best, and a suit that will last years, you have to pay for it.

But what’s currently available at the top end of the market? What do they cost and what do you get for your money? We’re focussing on the jackets here, but all come with matching trousers. Here’s our pick of some of our favourites…

The top-of-the-range Kallavesi Gore-Tex jacket has matching trousers and has a massive six-year warranty. The outer is in wind- and waterproof Gore-Tex Pro and is three-layer laminated with abrasion and tear-resistant Cordura with Armacor strengthening on elbows and shoulders along with Kevlar.

There’s a soft neoprene collar, Rukka D3OA Air XTR shoulder and elbow protectors which are rated to CE Level-1, a detachable thermal lining with 60g insulation and much, much more – even a crotch strap and a long connecting zipper for the trousers.

About the author: After qualifying as a mechanical engineer, Jim Blackstock began working on magazines in the early 1990s. He remains passionate about product testing to ensure readers know what products offer good value and why. He relishes torrential rain to see if riding kit keeps water out and an hour or two to tinker on a project bike in his workshop.

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