|  | | | RACELEATHERS MOTORCYCLE CLOTHING | | | Maintained by: | | RaceLeathers Motorcycle Clothing are proud to be associated with brands such as SIDI, SHOEI, HALVARSSONS, DAYTONA, NOMAD LUGGAGE, RK SPORTS, DAYTONA, SCHUBERTH, RUKKA, TCX, SHARK HELMETS, EVOLUTION CLOTHING and lots more!
We supply budget lines to top branded items at the best possible prices. | |
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Halvarssons /
Jofama / STR / Lindstrands Technology Guide
Leather or textile?
These days your personality and
the feel of the material are decisive factors when it comes to
choosing between leather and textile.
Leather garments have long
been the safest and most popular choice. For a lot of people, it is
still the obvious choice.
However, if you want lightweight,
looser-fitting and weather-resistant clothing, then textile is the
way to go. Today’s modern materials can keep out the very worst
weather and let the body breathe. This is especially important in
physically demanding riding situations.
There have been
incredible advances in the past few years in the safety of textile
materials. Our own inhousedeveloped material HI-ART® (patent
pending) has played an important part in this. HI-ART® is a
specially developed textile which we use in our leather and textile
clothes. It reduces the risk of friction wearing holes in garments
and injuring the wearer. Our textile clothing with HI-ART® achieves
frictional values that are surprisingly good when compared with
normal leather items.
Leather is naturally a favourite material
of ours. It’s a part of our history. Leather working is a
traditional industry here in Malung and a part of our cultural
heritage. There’s certainly something special about leather. With
leather clothing, the more you wear it, the better it gets. It is
always right and always comfortable. A leather garment is a friend
you would like to grow old with. Functional materials have had an
impact here as well.
Both our leather and textile ranges feature
items of clothing using the wind and water-resistant functional
membranes Dryway®, Dryway+® and c_changeTM. These keep you warm and
dry even when the leather or fabric is soaked through, improving
comfort, which in turn increases passive safety. Improve comfort
even more by adding the temperature regulating material Outlast® and
our TFL Cool System®, which helps dark materials stay as cool as
light ones.
So which one do you prefer? Leather or textile? It’s
a personal choice. But deep down, we think you already
know. |
Every detail matters
Every material. Every seam in every item. Everything
is chosen with care and is included for a reason.
We use test
riders and we ride ourselves. This means we know what the right
feel, fit and look should be. A more scientific approach is taken
when it comes to the vital quality and safety tests, which are
performed by our suppliers and by independent accredited test
institutes.
Our efforts to produce safety-tested clothing and
equipment have taken us to the absolute forefront in terms of
motorcycle safety and CE marking. The fact that both the British
police and military and the Czech police have chosen to use our
range is clear proof that we are on the right track.
We have
also been involved in developing some of the materials and
manufacturing techniques used in our clothing. Quite simply, we were
dissatisfied with what was already available on the market. With
over one hundred years’ experience, our craftsmanship is beyond
compare and we are starting to be sure about what we want and what
is required.
Climate smart.
Using a thin
functional membrane that keeps the weather and wind at bay, while
allowing the body to breathe and shed excess heat and moisture is
nothing new. Today, there are countless materials to make life more
comfortable no matter what the conditions. You can find them in the
most likely and unlikely clothes, shoes and accessories. Development
never stops. New and improved materials featuring nanotechnology are
constantly being produced. Later, you can read more about the
latest and most innovative material in this field – c_change™, which
takes ‘breathable materials’ to a whole new level.
High-tech comfort.
Black clothes that are as cool
as light ones. Materials that store heat but still keep you cool.
Nowadays, clothes are more than simply weaving techniques and
stitching. Space age materials and nanotechnology now play an
integral part in any biker’s wardrobe. These produce clothes that
keep you warm when it’s cold and cool when it’s hot. Be a happier
and safer rider. Being comfortable can have a huge impact on safety.
We like to call it ‘passive safety’. After all, a rider who feels
comfortable and is wearing good quality clothes is much more likely
to be alert than one who is sweating or shivering. We are all aware
of the impact the force of the weather can have on us, particularly
up here in Scandinavia. A warm, sunny day can quickly turn chilly
with torrential rain. And vice versa. That’s the reality we live in
and the reason behind the clothes we develop. These are designed to
keep you feeling great, riding safely and having fun, no matter what
the weather throws at you. |
CE-marking
It is all about your safety. The CE marking is
included for your sake, so that you know exactly what you are
getting when you buy different types of goods. It is a guarantee
that the product complies with a specific established standard.
Motorcycle clothing and other protective equipment require extensive
independent testing in order to be able to carry a CE marking. We
are proud to be one of only a handful of manufacturers who comply
with several of the most rigorous requirements.
We applied for
and received CE marking very early on for our leather and textile
clothing, as well as our protectors, boots and gloves. And we are
constantly developing our collection and promoting the development
of safe motorcycle clothing in the future.
Fake CE
marking! Unfortunately, this is indeed true. Many manufacturers
use fake CE markings on their products. Here are some examples of
information that must be included as a means of proving that the CE
marking is genuine.
-
All approved products must be clearly labelled
with the CE symbol and written user information must be provided,
which must always be in the language of the country where the item
is being marketed. CE-MARKING.
-
The user information must also state the name and
ID number of the test institute that issued the CE
marking.
-
The name and trademark of the product
manufacturer, together with any other identifying information,
must also be included.
-
Every protector must be labelled with the approved
protection class.
-
The number of the current European standard must
also be included, for example, EN 1621-1.
If these requirements are not fulfilled, there is
every likelihood that the CE marking is a fake. Unfortunately,
although these points are a great help in determining whether a CE
marking is genuine or not, they are still not a definite guarantee.
Be sure to choose the right size
To ensure that
the protection built into our clothing functions as intended and to
be able to guarantee the durability and function of materials, the
clothes need to fit properly. If you are unsure, try the item on
again and ask store staff for assistance.
Ce marking at
work
Here is a short list, with examples, of what is
required if you want to achieve CE marking under the various
standards for motorcycles. The aim of CE marking and testing is to
ensure that clothes and accessories sold for the purpose of
providing protection actually comply with specific predetermined
requirements.
EN 1621-1
Motorcyclists’ protective
clothing against mechanical impact.
Separate or combined
protectors for shoulders, elbows, hips and knees – the parts of the
body most commonly injured during an accident. In addition to the
test criteria described below, there are also rules for the shape of
protectors and the size of the protected area.
Test
method: The test for protectors involves each one being hit with
a large metal object nine times in different places, using energy
equivalent to 50 J. The average impact force from the nine hits,
measured on the inside of the protector, must not exceed 35 kN. No
single impact should exceed 50 kN. Each individual protector must
comply with these requirements to receive CE marking. Extensive
studies of real accidents have led to the body being divided into
different zones according to how exposed they are. Protectors and
tests are developed based on these studies to ensure that the most
exposed areas of the body are properly protected.
EN
1621-2
Motorcyclists’ protective clothing against mechanical
impact.
Separate or combined protectors for shoulders,
elbows, hips and knees – the parts of the body most commonly injured
during an accident. In addition to the test criteria described
below, there are also rules for the shape of protectors and the size
of the protected area.
Test method: The test for
protectors involves each one being hit with a large metal object
nine times in different places, using energy equivalent to 50 J. The
average impact force from the nine hits, measured on the inside of
the protector, must not exceed 35 kN. No single impact should exceed
50 kN. Each individual protector must comply with these requirements
to receive CE marking. Extensive studies of real accidents have led
to the body being divided into different zones according to how
exposed they are. Protectors and tests are developed based on these
studies to ensure that the most exposed areas of the body are
properly protected.
EN 13634
Protective footwear for
professional motorcycle riders
In order for footwear to be
approved and to bear the CE marking, it must satisfy requirements
pertaining to the quality and torsional stiffness of the material as
well as its resistance to friction, penetration, tearing and wear.
This standard is also divided into two levels.
Test
method: Wear resistance is important and is tested in the same
manner as for EN 13595-2 by pressing the item against an abrasive
belt grinder. To achieve Level 1 approval, the outside of the
footwear must remain intact for 5 seconds. For Level 2 approval, it
must remain intact for a full 12 seconds. Resistance to cuts is also
tested. The material making up the soles must be resistant to
chemicals, oil and petrol. Certification is possible with or without
protection for ankles and shins.
We have chosen to certify our
approved models with this additional protection. These are then
tested for impacts and blows up to the Level 1 standard.
EN 13595-1 to EN 13595-4
Protective clothing for
professional motorcycle riders – jackets, trousers and one-piece
suits
The standard for protective clothing is aimed at those
people who spend most of their time in traffic – professional
riders. However, it is an appropriate standard for anyone wanting
the best possible protection. In addition to abrasion tests, there
are also stringent demands for fit and the design of clothing. One
important aspect is that the item must always fit as intended –
especially in an accident situation.
The standard is divided
into two levels: Level 1 is slightly more basic, ensuring that
clothes provide some degree of protection. Level 2, however, is
tougher and demands that a greater degree of protection be provided
by the clothing.
Test method: For approval, the
clothing must undergo a series of tests to measure its abrasion
resistance, tensile strength and durability, and its resistance to
penetration. The abrasion test involves pressing the clothing
against an abrasive belt grinder and measuring the time it takes
until the material fails. A normal piece of fabric will tear in less
than half a second. To be approved in accordance with Level 1, zones
1 and 2 (the most exposed parts of the body) must survive for four
seconds. To be approved in accordance with Level 2, zones 1 and 2
must survive for seven seconds. This roughly equates to the duration
of a slide if you crash at 110 km/h.
The penetration test
measures how deep the tip of a knife penetrates the clothing when a
specific pressure is applied. Tensile strength and durability are
measured by stretching the material, seams and zipper until these
fail. The clothing must be able to withstand a specific pressure
before this happens. |
Dryway® and Dryway+®
This technology has completely changed outdoor life,
especially motorcycle riding. Smart ‘breathable materials’ used in
everyday situations have helped make life that little bit easier.
These materials create a considerably nicer climate for your body.
We have chosen to use Dryway® and Dryway+® in many of the items in
our range. These are functional membranes developed with our help to
make sure that they can withstand the rigours associated with riding
a motorcycle. Speed and wind make particularly high demands of
clothing in terms of its ability to withstand wind and rain. Dryway®
and Dryway+® essentially share the same properties, but Dryway+® is
more flexible and therefore also functions better under extreme
loads. This is particularly important in areas such as the knees and
seat. The technology behind Dryway®, Dryway+® and the various other
types of functional membrane focuses on differences in temperature
and moisture on the inside and outside of the membrane. Heat on the
inside is released as moisture, but moisture on the outside is
prevented from penetrating the fabric. In some situations when it is
warmer on the outside, the opposite may happen and moisture will be
able to penetrate the membrane. This can happen, for instance, if
you use heated grips or have a bike with a heated seat.
The three layer principle.
Functional clothing and
fantastic materials are all very good but to achieve the best
results you have to be wearing the correct gear underneath as well.
This is where the well-known three layer principle comes in.
Layer 1 – next to the body. You should start with polyester or
wool underwear that wicks moisture away from the body. A layer that
can transport moisture will automatically help to keep you dry.
Cotton should definitely be avoided as it absorbs moisture, cooling
the body.
Layer 2 – an intermediate layer for insulation. You
can vary this layer to suit the outdoor temperature and activity.
The most common and best choices are fleece, polyester or wool or
else a garment with Outlast® that can even out the temperature. Of
course cotton should also be avoided. If the weather is warm enough,
you can leave out this layer altogether.
Layer 3 – the outer
layer. The primary function of this layer is to protect against wind
and rain but it should also work in conjunction with the other
layers to wick moisture away from the body. This is where our
clothes with Dryway®, Dryway+® and c_change™ come in.
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HI-ART®
What’s not supposed to happen, just did! You’ve come
off and hit the ground but know this is just the beginning.
If
you crash at 110 km/h, it will be another five to seven seconds
before you come to a stop. At this speed on asphalt, normal clothing
would only survive a fraction of a second!
HI-ART® is a material
that has been developed by us for use in exposed areas on many of
our garments. This allows us to increase frictional resistance by
over 500 per cent for textiles and over 200 per cent for leather –
without the clothing becoming overly expensive.
HI-ART® is a
material very similar to terry cloth. The thread is guided towards
the outside in small loops, meaning friction is taken up by the
short ends of the fibres. It’s like cutting a piece of wood – it is
much more difficult to cut in the direction of the grain than across
the grain.
Make sure your clothes have HI-ART® in case the worst
should happen. |
Outlast® - Cold gets warm gets cool.
Outlast® is a high-tech material that evens out
differences in temperature. Cold gets warm and warm gets cool.
This material was originally developed to protect astronauts
from extreme variations in temperature. Today, it features in
numerous applications that make our everyday lives more comfortable.
Outlast® has the ability to regulate the temperature of the air
next to the body for a comfortable ride whatever the weather
conditions. It sounds like magic but there is a scientific
explanation. In simple terms, the material is made up of millions of
microscopic paraffin capsules that absorb, store and distribute heat
to cooler areas. When the clothes are warm and the temperature drops
and gets cool, the stored heat ensures that the fabric stays warm,
and vice versa. Differences in temperature are evened out and you
stay comfortable for a more enjoyable ride.
|
TFL Cool System®
Black leather and black textile garments are
synonymous with motorcycle clothing. But there’s a problem – and it
has to do with the colour. Black fabric gets incredibly warm in the
sun. Or rather, it used to.
TFL Cool System® is a revolutionary
innovation which means black leather or textiles treated with the
method absorb no more heat than any light-coloured material!
This is ultra-modern technology of the highest level. In
layman’s terms, light is electromagnetic radiation of various
wavelengths. Humans can see only a fraction of this spectrum, which
we interpret as colour. High-energy light, which produces the most
heat, has a specific frequency range that we humans cannot see.
TFL Cool System® is a treatment performed during tanning and
dyeing that prevents the material from absorbing this warmer light.
Light-coloured clothes do this naturally. This can produce a
temperature reduction in the surface material of up to 20 °C.
Textile materials treated with TFL Cool System® reflect up to 80 per
cent of this heat radiation. A cool solution combining technology
and magic. |
Triple StichNo matter how good and tough the
materials we use, no item of clothing is stronger than its seams. If
the seams rip, these fantastic materials instantly lose all the
amazing properties developed through thousands of hours of research
and experience. That is why we take stitching so seriously.
We
have worked long and hard to develop and test various stitching
methods that ensure the very best results. The dilemma is that if
there are too few stitches, the thread can easily snap under
pressure, while too many stitches weakens the leather. After
extensive testing, we hit upon a technique that guarantees maximum
durability. This requires a carefully calculated number of stitches,
three seams suitably spaced, and sturdy and durable thread for
stitching it all together. One or two of the seams can be concealed
for a more aesthetically-pleasing end product.
We call this
technique Triple Stitch. |
C_Change™A fir cone reacts swiftly to changes
in the weather. It opens when it’s warm and closes when the
temperature drops or it starts to rain. That’s precisely what our
new functional membrane c_change™, developed by Schoeller®, does.
When the weather is warm and moisture levels inside the clothing
rise, the polymers in the membrane open, allowing moisture and heat
to escape. From the outside, the clothing is still windproof and
waterproof. When your level of activity drops, reducing the amount
of heat and moisture produced, the membrane closes again. Heat is
thus retained next to the body.
The technology used in this
material has only recently been developed, and offers perfect
breathabilty in combination with adaptability. It also works
brilliantly with stretch materials. We are proud to be able to
introduce c_change™ for our jackets and pants.
|
NanoSphere®The leaves of most plants always
remain clean – particles of dirt simply cannot adhere or are easily
washed off – thanks to the leaves’ surface structure. This provided
some of the inspiration when developing NanoSphere®. With the aid of
innovative nanotechnology, nature’s own technology has now been
transferred to the surfaces of textiles.
Nanotechnology involves
studying and changing various surfaces at atomic level in order to
produce specific properties and functions – a nanometre (nm) is a
millionth of a millimetre. Here, the surface of the textile has been
treated so that it mimics the irregular surface of the plant’s
leaves. This means that drops of water and dirt particles, which are
significantly larger by comparison to the surface structure, are
unable to make sufficient contact with the material and so ‘run
off’. This keeps clothes much cleaner and drier.
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