Alain Bouched Leather Motorcycle Jackets

Buffalo Leather Motorcycle

Choosing the Right Motorcycle Leathers: a Buyer's Guide to Leather Motorcycle Apparel

When pondering the purchase of motorcycle leathers, there are several issues that one must consider. While one would think that style would be first and foremost, in actuality, it is the protection that a good set of motorcycle leathers affords the skin that is of the utmost priority for any serious biker. Leather has over the years been proven to be the best material for motorcycle clothing, due to its resistance to tear, its natural warmth, and its acting as a first layer of defense by coming between the biker and the rough asphalt road. Leather has often literally saved the skin of many bikers.

However, all leather is not the same. In this article, I will attempt to address the choices that a biker faces when purchasing motorcycle leathers. We will explore the different types of hides available, the different tanning processes, and how to tell the differences.

There are basically three hides that you will run across when looking for motorcycle leathers: Pigskin, Buffalo, and Cowhide. You may at times find such hides as Lamb skin, sheepskin etc. Just make a note that these hides are inferior and should not be considered riding grade leather.

Pigskin
Sometimes called "Soft Leather", pigskin is very thick and soft to the touch. It will keep you warm in the winter and looks very nice. There is nothing wrong with soft leather (pigskin or lambs skin) except that it has a tendency to tear, is not very durable, and is not considered riding grade leather. If you are looking for the "Biker Look" but do not ride, Pigskin is the way to go! Also, for garments that are not necessarily worn for protection, (such as leather vests) pigskin and lambs skin are excellent choices due to their suppleness and pliability. There are many fine styles available in soft leather and it is the least expensive leather out there. If you ride, stay away from Pigskin for protection; spend the extra money to protect yourself with some true riding grade motorcycle leathers.

Buffalo Hide
Another high quality leather, Buffalo Hide is not from the North American Buffalo, but the Water Buffalo, a native of India and Pakistan. Many leather products come from this part of the world, and the Pakistanis are world renown for their expertise in the manufacturing of leather garments. Buffalo hide is also very thick (ca 1.2mm) and can be tanned in both top grain and naked leather processes. Durable and not easily torn, Buffalo Hide, though not as common as cowhide, is considered to be riding grade leather.

Cowhide
The most common material used for motorcycle leathers is Cowhide, chosen for its strength and durability. It is anywhere from 1-1.3mm thick, depending on the tanning process, is naturally warm, and will afford the utmost protection against road rash. The ultimate in riding grade leather, Cowhide is the choice of Bikers everywhere.

Whichever type of hide you choose, you need to also understand the tanning process, and how it adds or detracts from the quality of the leather. Leather was once the skin of an animal, and therefore must go through a tanning process to strengthen it, and to keep it from decomposing. Tanning makes the skin stable and rot proof without sacrificing its structure and strength. The tanning process involves several stages, including the removal of the hair and the outer layer of skin, as well as the fatty part of the flesh. The hide is then stabilized by one of several methods using animal oils, alum, chrome salts or vegetable tanning. How it is actually finished determines the quality, or riding grade, for our purposes.

To fully understand choices available, one must first understand the term "grain". The grain is the epidermis, or outer layer of the animal's skin. While imperfections such as cuts, scars, and scratches will exist, the grain in its natural state has the best fiber strength, and therefore the best durability. The grain also has natural breathability, resulting in greater comfort to the wearer.

Finished Split Leather
The middle or lower section of a hide that has been split into two or more thicknesses. A polymer coating is applied and embossed to mimic grain leather. Finished splits should only be used in low stress applications because they basically have no grain. If the polymer coating is left out it is often used to make suede. Not considered to be riding grade, but can look good nevertheless.

Top Grain Leather
Top grain leather has been sanded to remove scars and imperfections, then sprayed or pasted for a uniform look. The smooth side is where the hair and the natural grain used to be. Top grain is probably the most common material found in motorcycle leathers. It is not the best leather available, but with a medium price range, and thicknesses of 1 to1.2mm, top grain leather is considered to be a strong and durable riding grade material.

Naked Leather
Also known as Full-Grain Leather, this tanning process uses only the finest of hand picked hides. Full Grain leather has only the hair removed and is not sanded to remove imperfections, thus the epidermis remains in tact. Naked (without embellishment) Leather has nothing other than the dye added. Full grain naked leather requires no breaking in period and is soft to the touch from the very beginning. Hides are typically 1.3+mm thick, and must be hand picked for uniformity. The natural full-grain naked leather will wear better than other leather, and will actually improve over the years. This type of leather is the ultimate riding grade; the most sought after, and consequently, the most expensive.

How to Tell the Difference
Finished Split will be thin. Most riding grade leather is at least 1mm thick. Top Grain leather is the top of the skin and has small bumps all over where the hair follicles used to be. Top grain garments are somewhat stiff when new, and require a breaking in period. On the other hand, naked leather, or full grain leather is very smooth and does not exhibit the small bumps that are present in top grain. Nor is the garment stiff when new. Naked leather is soft to the touch from the beginning and requires no breaking in period.

Pigskin or Pig Napa most resembles naked leather, in that it is a soft and supple hide, and can also be very thick. Not to say that it happens often, but beware of unscrupulous retailers that try to pass pigskin for full grain cowhide. If it's cheap, it's probably pigskin. Lamb skin is also very soft and pliable, though not as thick as pigskin. Lambskin also has a smooth surface.

Things to keep in mind are that most leather garments are manufactured overseas in India, Pakistan, and China. The "Made in America" garments are going to be the most expensive on the market, and the quality of the hide and the workmanship is not going to be that much better. Many motorcycle leathers are designed in America and made in Pakistan. As mentioned previously, Pakistan is world renown for its leather expertise, and you should be able to trust their labeling. Pakistan exports both Buffalo hide and Cowhide garments. Leather garments manufactured in China are usually made from pigskin. This is not to say that it's always the case, but you should be able to tell by price.

Remember, if you ride Don't skimp on the Motorcycle Leathers, they could someday save your hide!

About the Author

Michael Talbert is an online retailer of leather and textile motorcycle apparel. For more information you can visit his websites at www.NakedLeatherBiker.com and www.ExtremeBikerGear.com .

Xelement Mens Naked Cowhide Leather Motorcycle Vest with Buffalo Snaps $59.95 Naked Cowhide Leather Motorcycle Vest with Buffalo Buttons. Exclusive design only found here leather is 1.4-1.5 Millimeter in thickness buttery soft naked thick cowhide leather. Zip up sides for an adjustable fit front zippered pockets polyester lining and two interior pockets..

Xelement Mens Bandit Buffalo Leather Cruiser Motorcycle Jacket with Level-3 Armor $149.95 Scorch the road in the Bandit Buffalo Leather Cruiser Motorcycle Jacket. This jacket is tough it's made of durable 100% buffalo leather featuring removable CE Approved Level-3 Armor on the shoulders and elbows . (New Level Of Protection by Level-3 Armor Lighter Weight Less Bulky Level-3 Armor provides Highest CE Approved Protection Ergonomic Design Higher Impact Absorption Free Movement) Two front chest dual zipper compartments for extra storage zippered vents to keep you cool a removable insulating inner liner and many more features all for a great amazing low price.

Diamond Plate Rock Design Genuine Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Jacket GFMOTXL $50.7 Diamond Plate Rock Design Genuine Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Jacket. Tough enough to take the action warm enough for any sports outing and fashionable enough to wear all winter long. Jacket has zip out liner silver hardware with matte buttons zippered back vents zippered wrist panels for covering gloves and adjustable side laces. 6 lbs each. 5100PT 86.95 Item #GFMOTXL. Measurements: 22 sleeve is 26 length 28

Diamond Plate Rock Design Genuine Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Chaps GFCHAPXL $41.85 Diamond Plate Rock Design Genuine Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Chaps. Picture yourself on the open road astride your favorite cycle on a late Autumn day with a chill in the air. These chaps will afford the protection your legs will crave. Cut for comfort and trimmed with silvertone hardware they are double stitched at stress points. Size Xlarge. 4 lbs each. 4400PT 70.95 Item #GFCHAPXL

Diamond Plate Rock Design Genuine Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Jacket GFMOTM $50.7 Diamond Plate Rock Design Genuine Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Jacket. Tough enough to take the action warm enough for any sports outing and fashionable enough to wear all winter long. Jacket has zip out liner silver hardware with matte buttons zippered back vents zippered wrist panels for covering gloves and adjustable side laces. 6 lbs each. 5100PT 86.95 Item #GFMOTM

Diamond Plate Rock Design Genuine Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Jacket GFMOTL $50.7 Diamond Plate Rock Design Genuine Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Jacket. Tough enough to take the action warm enough for any sports outing and fashionable enough to wear all winter long. Jacket has zip out liner silver hardware with matte buttons zippered back vents zippered wrist panels for covering gloves and adjustable side laces. 6 lbs each. 5100PT 86.95 Item #GFMOTL

Diamond Plate Rock Design Genuine Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Chaps GFCHAPM $41.85 Diamond Plate Rock Design Genuine Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Chaps. Picture yourself on the open road astride your favorite cycle on a late Autumn day with a chill in the air. These fully lined chaps will afford the protection your legs would crave. Cut for comfort and trimmed with silver colored hardware they are double stitched at stress points. Size medium. 4 lbs each. 4300PT 70.95 Item #GFCHAPM

Diamond Plate Rock Design Genuine Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Jacket GFMOT2X $50.7 Diamond Plate Rock Design Genuine Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Jacket. Tough enough to take the action warm enough for any sports outing and fashionable enough to wear all winter long. Jacket has zip out liner silver hardware with matte buttons zippered back vents zippered wrist panels for covering gloves and adjustable side laces. 6 lbs each. 5100PT 86.95 Item #GFMOT2X

Diamond Plate Rock Design Genuine Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Jacket GFMOT3X $50.7 Diamond Plate Rock Design Genuine Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Jacket. Tough enough to take the action warm enough for any sports outing and fashionable enough to wear all winter long. Jacket has zip out liner silver hardware with matte buttons zippered back vents zippered wrist panels for covering gloves and adjustable side laces. 6 lbs each. 5100PT 86.95 Item #GFMOT3X

Diamond Plate Rock Design Genuine Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Chaps GFCHAPS $41.85 Diamond Plate Rock Design Genuine Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Chaps. Picture yourself on the open road astride your favorite cycle on a late Autumn day with a chill in the air. These chaps will afford the protection your legs would crave. Cut for comfort and trimmed with silver colored hardware they are double stitched at stress points. Size small. 4 lbs each. 4300PT 70.95 Item #GFCHAPS

Diamond Plate Rock Design 3pc Genuine Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Bag Set LUMCBP $48.29 Diamond plate 3pc rock design genuine buffalo leather motorcycle bag set. Includes: Tool bag barrel bag and an 14" x 18" x 7-1/4" sissy bar backpack.

Wyoming Nickel Leather Vest $125.99 River Road Men's Wyoming Nickel Leather Vest Genuine buffalo nickel snaps and premium leather construction Twill lining 2 front, outside lined pockets 1 large, inside pocket Adjustable laced sides Includes a 2-year manufacturer's warranty

Diamond Plate Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Jacket GFCRLTRXL $46.25 Features patches on front and back zippered front nylon lining Nehru collar and zippered closure wrists. Embroidered patches are included and already sewn in place. Size: Extra large.

Diamond Plate Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Jacket GFCRLTRM $46.25 Features patches on front and back zippered front nylon lining Nehru collar and zippered closure wrists. Embroidered patches are included and already sewn in place. Size: Medium.

Diamond Plate Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Jacket GFCRLTR2X $46.25 Features patches on front and back zippered front nylon lining Nehru collar and zippered closure wrists. Embroidered patches are included and already sewn in place. Size: 2x.

Diamond Plate Rock Design Genuine Buffalo Leather 7pc Motorcycle Luggage Set LUMSET $60.92 Diamond Plate Rock Design Genuine Buffalo Leather 7pc Motorcycle Luggage Set. Includes a pair of saddlebags windshield bag tool bag sissy bar bag barrel bag and backpack. This set is excellent for those last minute trips. Easy on & off means you can turn your sleek boulevard cruiser into a touring bike in a matter of minutes. Universal fit. 15 lbs each. 10200PT 188.95 Item #LUMSET

Diamond Plate Rock Design Genuine Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Barrel Bag LUMBB16 $16.33 Diamond Plate Rock Design Genuine Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Barrel Bag. This 16" bag is for the luggage rack and has one outside snap pocket 101/2" in diameter 2 hidden pockets on each end additional straps for strapping on extra stuff like bedrolls jackets etc. and has a reinforced carry strap. 3 lbs each. 2600PT 33.95 Item #LUMBB16

Diamond Plate Rock Design Genuine Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Chaps GFCHAPL 2XL $41.85 Diamond Plate Rock Design Genuine Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Chaps. Picture yourself on the open road astride your favorite cycle on a late Autumn day with a chill in the air. These fully lined chaps will afford the protection your legs would crave. Cut for comfort and trimmed with silver colored hardware they are double stitched at stress points. Size large. 4 lbs each. 4400PT 70.95

Diamond Plate 3pc Rock Design Genuine Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Bag Set $67.13 Diamond Plate 3pc Rock Design Genuine Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Bag Set. Includes 11 x 41/2 x 37/8 tool bag 14 x 57/8 x 57/8 barrel bag and 161/2 x 17 x 9 Tbag/backpack. Each set has a total of 5 patches on it. 7 lbs each.

Big Buffalo Saddlebag Bars $174.95 Drag Specialties Big Buffalo Saddlebag Bars Big Buffalo Saddlebag Bars are 1-1/4" in diameter which gives that beefier look and match the 1-1/2” Big Buffalo Engine Bars. Rear bars are made from 1.25" diameter steel tubing Available with a brilliant show-chrome or black powdercoat finish Made in the U.S.A.

Mossi Men's Buffalo Nickel Leather Vest $132.07 This motorcycle vest from Mossi is a classic, featuring a durable leather construction. This vest also spotlights an inner concealment pocket, two front pockets, and a replica Buffalo Nickel snap-button closure. Color options: BlackTwo (2) front pockets and one inner concealment pocketReplica Buffalo Nickel Snap-button closureSingle back panel Measurement Guide Men's Sizing Guide Leather Professional leather clean Model: 20-108BN-

Allstate Leather Men's Motorcycle Biker Driving Gloves - Brown - Size M $38.25 Premium motorcycle driving gloves come with knuckle holes and Velcro tab closure. Gloves are made of fine quality buffalo hide in size medium.

Allstate Leather Men's Motorcycle Biker Driving Gloves - Brown - Size S $38.25 Premium motorcycle driving gloves come with knuckle holes and Velcro tab closure. Gloves are made of fine quality buffalo hide in size small.

Allstate Leather Men's Motorcycle Biker Driving Gloves - Brown - Size XL $38.25 Premium motorcycle driving gloves come with knuckle holes and Velcro tab closure. Gloves are made of fine quality buffalo hide in size X-large.

Allstate Leather Men's Motorcycle Biker Driving Gloves - Brown - Size XS $38.25 Premium motorcycle driving gloves come with knuckle holes and Velcro tab closure. Gloves are made of fine quality buffalo hide in size extra small.

Allstate Leather Men's Motorcycle Biker Driving Gloves - Brown - Size 2XL $38.25 Premium motorcycle driving gloves come with knuckle holes and Velcro tab closure. Gloves are made of fine quality buffalo hide in size 2X-large.

Allstate Leather Men's Motorcycle Biker Driving Gloves - Brown - Size 3XL $38.25 Premium motorcycle driving gloves come with knuckle holes and Velcro tab closure. Gloves are made of fine quality buffalo hide in size 3X-large.

BNF GFCRLTR3X Diamond Plate 3X Rock Design Genuine Buffalo Leather Motorcycle $46.25 Rock Pattern Genuine Leather Motorcycle Jacket with zippered front nylon lining Nehru collar and zippered closure wrists. Embroidered patches are included and already sewn in place. Color: Black. Size: 3X.

BNF GFLADLTR2X Diamond Plate Ladies Black Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Style Jacket Size 2X $45.5 This jacket consists of hundreds of individual pieces of hand selected buffalo leather that are stitched together to create a contouring fit. This stitching process takes several hours of additional production time but the end result is a jacket that is well worth it Features multiple patches zippered front Nehru collar and leather laces on sleeves and waste for an adjustable fit.

BNF GFLADLTRM Medium Ladiesapos; Rock Design Genuine Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Jacket Black $45.5 This jacket consists of hundreds of individual pieces of hand selected buffalo leather that are stitched together to create a contouring fit. This stitching process takes several hours of additional production time but the end result is a jacket that is well worth it Features multiple patches zippered front Nehru collar and leather laces on sleeves and waste for an adjustable fit.