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Custom suits FAQ

What Is a Custom Motorcycle Suit?

A custom motorcycle suit is a specialized piece of gear tailored to fit the unique body measurements, preferences, and riding needs of an individual rider. Unlike off-the-rack suits, which are mass-produced in standard sizes, custom suits are made to order, offering a perfect fit and personalized features.

Key features to consider include:

  • CE-Rated Armor: Ensure protection in critical impact zones (shoulders, elbows, knees, hips). Level 1 armor is great for general riding, while Level 2 armor provides superior protection for racing, extreme off-road, or stunt riding.
  • Back Protector: An integrated pocket for a dedicated back protector enhances spinal protection.
  • Abrasion-Resistant Materials: 1.2-1.3 mm thick, tear-resistant leather such as cowhide, kangaroo, or goat leather for robust durability.
  • Reinforced Padding: Extra padding on the rear exterior adds a layer of impact protection.
  • Comfort Lining: A soft, breathable mesh fabric lining improves comfort by wicking away moisture.
  • Stretch Panels: Incorporate Keprotec stretch Kevlar panels for flexibility and a better range of motion.
  • Sliders: Customizable knee and elbow sliders add both protection and style, with options for different colors.
  • Metal Plates: Reinforced metal plates on shoulders, elbows, and knees offer extra protection, with customization options for personalized imagery or national flags.
  • Reinforced Stitching: Double, triple, or even quadruple stitching in high-stress areas ensures maximum durability.
  • Tailored Fit: Choose between a slim, race-specific fit for a snug, aerodynamic profile (ideal for leather racing suits) or a regular, comfort-oriented fit (better suited for textile touring suits).
  • Fit Adjustments: Adjustable cuffs, waist, and collar enhance comfort and allow for a more precise fit.
  • Connecting Zipper: A full-circumference or shorter zipper connects the jacket to the pants, improving safety and preventing the suit from shifting during a slide.
  • Ventilation: Strategically placed perforations and air vents in the chest, back, and arms provide cooling and comfort in hot weather.
  • Waterproofing: Advanced membranes like GORE-TEX, Sympatex, or Drystar, combined with durable water-repellent (DWR) treatments, ensure effective protection in all weather conditions.
  • Speed Hump: An aerodynamic speed hump reduces airflow disruption over the helmet and back, enhancing stability at high speeds.
  • Pronounced Angles and Pre-Curved Design: These features improve mobility and reduce fatigue by optimizing the riding posture and reducing bunching during aggressive maneuvers.
  • Storage Pockets: Integrated pockets provide convenient storage for small items.
  • Customization Options: Personalize your suit with unique color schemes, logos, or patchwork to reflect your style.
  • Reflective Elements: These enhance visibility in low-light conditions, adding an extra layer of safety.

Remember, while you can include as many of these features as you desire in your custom suit, each addition will increase the overall cost.

The process of getting a custom motorcycle suit typically involves several steps:

  • Initial Consultation: Involves discussing your specific needs, riding style, and any design preferences with the manufacturer, often facilitated through an online form or custom suit configurator.
  • Measurement: Precise measurements are taken of your body to ensure an exact fit. This may include measurements for your chest, waist, hips, inseam, arm length, and more.
  • Design and Material Selection: You choose the materials (e.g., leather for racing, textile for touring suits), colors, and any special features (like ventilation or armor placement).
  • Pattern Creation: A custom pattern is created based on your measurements.
  • Construction: Skilled craftsmen assemble the suit, incorporating your chosen design elements and ensuring durability.
  • Fitting and Adjustments: The suit is tried on, and any necessary adjustments are made to perfect the fit.
  • Final Delivery: Once all adjustments are completed, the suit is delivered to you.

The process of getting a custom motorcycle suit typically involves several steps:

  • Initial Consultation: Involves discussing your specific needs, riding style, and any design preferences with the manufacturer, often facilitated through an online form or custom suit configurator.
  • Measurement: Precise measurements are taken of your body to ensure an exact fit. This may include measurements for your chest, waist, hips, inseam, arm length, and more.
  • Design and Material Selection: You choose the materials (e.g., leather for racing, textile for touring suits), colors, and any special features (like ventilation or armor placement).
  • Pattern Creation: A custom pattern is created based on your measurements.
  • Construction: Skilled craftsmen assemble the suit, incorporating your chosen design elements and ensuring durability.
  • Fitting and Adjustments: The suit is tried on, and any necessary adjustments are made to perfect the fit.
  • Final Delivery: Once all adjustments are completed, the suit is delivered to you.

Choosing the right material depends on your riding style, environment, and personal preferences:

  • Leather: Full-grain cowhide is the most common material for custom suits due to its excellent abrasion resistance, flexibility, and durability. Kangaroo leather is another option, offering a lighter weight and higher abrasion resistance.
  • Textile: For touring riders who prefer a lighter, more breathable custom suit, textiles like Cordura or Kevlar are used, often combined with waterproof membranes for all-weather riding. Not recommended for racing suits.
  • Hybrid: Some custom suits use a combination of leather and textile, with leather in high-abrasion areas and textile for flexibility and breathability.

The specific measurements required will vary by manufacturer but generally include:

  • Height and Weight
  • Chest, Waist, and Hip Circumference
  • Arm Length (shoulder to wrist)
  • Inseam (crotch to ankle)
  • Torso Length (neck to waist)
  • Thigh, Knee, and Calf Circumference
  • Shoulder Width
  • Neck Circumference
  • Glove Size (if integrated into the suit)

Some manufacturers may also require measurements in various riding positions for optimal comfort and mobility. Level 2 and 3 custom suits necessitate these in-depth measurements, while Level 1 suits follow standard U.S. sizing charts.

  • Level 1: Offers your choice of name, lettering, patchwork, and colors from existing designs, with cowhide leather used for all suits.
  • Level 2: Includes all Level 1 features plus custom tailoring and the option to choose between cowhide or kangaroo leather.
  • Level 3: Provides full custom design capabilities and the choice between cowhide or kangaroo leather.

The time frame for creating a custom motorcycle suit can range from 4 to 12 weeks, depending on the complexity of the design, the manufacturer’s workload, and any custom features requested. Rush orders may be possible but often come with additional costs.

Yes, a custom motorcycle suit can often be adjusted or altered after it’s made, but this depends on the specific changes required. Simple adjustments, like altering the length of sleeves or legs, are usually straightforward. More complex alterations, such as changing the fit around the torso or adding new features, may be more challenging and could compromise the integrity of the suit.

It’s always best to consult with the original manufacturer for alterations.

  • Custom Motorcycle Suits: These are made entirely from scratch based on the rider’s exact measurements, preferences, and design specifications. They offer the highest level of personalization, fit, and performance.
  • Semi-Custom Motorcycle Suits: These suits start with a standard pattern or size but allow for certain modifications, such as altering the sleeve length, adding custom colors, or changing the type of armor used. While not as tailored as fully custom suits, semi-custom options offer a good balance between personalization and cost.

 

Custom motorcycle suits are worth the investment for riders who prioritize fit, comfort, and safety. A well-fitted suit provides better protection in the event of a crash because it won’t shift or bunch up, exposing skin to the road.

Additionally, custom suits allow for greater freedom of movement and reduce fatigue on long rides. For racers and frequent riders, the benefits often outweigh the higher cost compared to off-the-rack options.

Finding a reputable maker involves:

  • Research: Look for companies with a strong reputation in the motorcycle community. Check reviews, testimonials, and forums for feedback from other riders.
  • Experience: Choose manufacturers with experience in making custom suits, particularly for your type of riding (e.g., racing, touring).
  • Quality of Materials: Ensure they use high-quality materials like full-grain leather, Kevlar, or other protective textiles.
  • Customization Options: Look for manufacturers that offer a wide range of customization options to meet your specific needs.
  • Customer Service: Good communication and willingness to make adjustments are crucial for a satisfactory custom experience.

Yes, custom motorcycle suits can be made with specific armor or safety features tailored to your needs. Common options include:

  • CE-rated Armor: Protective padding for the shoulders, elbows, knees, and hips.
  • Back Protectors: Integrated or removable back protection for spinal safety.
  • Chest Protectors: Additional padding for the chest area.
  • Airbag Technology: Some manufacturers offer custom suits with integrated airbag systems for added protection.
  • Double, Triple, or Quadruple Stitching: Reinforced stitching in high-stress areas for increased durability.

The cost of a custom motorcycle suit can vary widely based on the materials, design complexity, and features:

  • Basic Custom Suit: $1,000 to $2,000 – Standard leather suits with minimal customization.
  • Mid-Range Custom Suit: $2,000 to $4,000 – High-quality leather, custom design elements, and advanced armor options.
  • Premium Custom Suit: $4,000 and above – Top-tier materials like kangaroo leather, full customization, and advanced safety features like integrated airbags.

Design options for custom motorcycle suits are nearly limitless and can include:

  • Color Choices: Virtually any color combination is possible, allowing you to match your bike or personal style.
  • Graphics and Logos: Custom graphics, logos, and even your name or racing number can be added.
  • Texture and Finish: Choose from matte, glossy, perforated, or embossed finishes.
  • Stitching and Piping: Customize the stitching color and style, or add piping for accent details.
  • Fit Style: Options for a race-fit (tighter, more aerodynamic) or a comfort-fit (slightly looser for touring rides).
  • Perforation and Ventilation: Design your suit with specific perforation patterns and vents for airflow and cooling.
  • Lining and Padding: Choose the type of lining and additional padding for comfort.

Proper care and maintenance are essential for extending the life of a custom motorcycle suit:

  • Cleaning: Use a leather or textile cleaner appropriate for the material. Avoid harsh chemicals that can damage the suit. For leather, consider using a conditioner to keep it supple.
  • Drying: If the suit gets wet, allow it to air dry away from direct heat sources. Never use a dryer.
  • Storage: Store the suit in a cool, dry place, ideally hanging on a wide hanger to maintain its shape. Avoid folding it, which can cause creases and weaken the material.
  • Armor Check: Regularly inspect the armor and padding for wear and tear. Replace any worn-out components as needed.
  • Zipper and Fastener Care: Lubricate zippers and fasteners occasionally to ensure smooth operation.

To achieve a worn-in look while preserving your leather gear, follow these three stages:

  1. Clean the Interior: Remove parts, air out the gear, and use de-salter for odor removal.
  2. Clean the Exterior: Apply leather cleaner to a soft cloth, clean the jacket gently, and let it dry.
  3. Condition the Gear: Use a damp sponge to apply leather conditioner, then let it dry. Condition only twice a year to prevent discoloration.

Yes, one of the advantages of a custom motorcycle suit is the ability to match it to your motorcycle’s color scheme. This includes not only the primary colors but also specific graphics, logos, and detailing. Manufacturers often use color matching technology to ensure precise color accuracy.

 

Custom suits are tailored to your exact measurements and riding style, offering a personalized fit and extensive customization options, but they tend to be more expensive. Off-the-rack suits, on the other hand, are made to standard sizes and designs, providing a more affordable option but with less precise fit and fewer customization choices.

Custom suits generally offer better protection than off-the-rack suits for several reasons:

  • Fit: A custom suit fits the rider’s body perfectly, reducing the risk of the suit shifting during a crash and exposing skin.
  • Material Quality: With a custom suit, you can choose your preferred materials and construction methods, such as double, triple or quadruple stitching, to enhance durability.
  • Armor Placement: Armor in a custom suit is precisely placed according to the rider’s measurements, ensuring optimal coverage and effectiveness.

 

Custom suits can offer better ventilation because the ventilation features (like perforation patterns and air vents) can be strategically placed according to your specific needs and riding conditions. For example, if you ride in hot climates, you can request more extensive perforation or mesh panels in areas that generate the most heat.

 

Yes, custom motorcycle suits can be tailored for specific weather conditions:

  • Hot Weather: Suits can include extensive perforation, mesh panels, and lightweight materials for breathability.
  • Cold Weather: Insulated linings, windproof materials, and reduced perforation can be incorporated to keep you warm.
  • Rainy Weather: Waterproof membranes like Gore-Tex can be added to protect against rain while maintaining breathability.

While custom suits offer numerous benefits, there are some potential disadvantages:

  • Cost: Custom suits are more expensive than off-the-rack options.
  • Time: The process of getting a custom suit made takes longer, which may not be ideal if you need gear quickly.
  • Limited Resale Value: Since the suit is tailored to your specific measurements, it may have limited resale value.
  • Alterations: If your body shape changes significantly, the suit may require costly alterations or even replacement.

Yes, custom suits can be designed to accommodate specific types of body armor and back protectors. The suit’s pattern will be adjusted to ensure the armor fits snugly without shifting while riding. The customization ensures that the protective gear is comfortable and doesn’t interfere with your range of motion.

 

The lifespan of a custom motorcycle suit depends on factors like frequency of use, material quality, and exposure to elements. Generally, a well-maintained suit can last up to 20 years, but it’s recommended to:

  • Replace the suit: After a significant crash, if it has sustained damage.
  • Monitor for wear and tear: Replace the suit when you notice significant degradation in material or stitching, especially in high-abrasion areas.
  • Regular Inspection: If the suit has integrated technology like airbag systems, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines for replacement.

Custom suits are often more durable than standard suits because they are made with higher-quality materials and more precise construction techniques. The fit is better, which reduces stress on the seams and materials, and they are often reinforced in areas that experience the most wear.

Additionally, custom suits are less likely to develop weak points due to poor fit or suboptimal armor placement.

Yes, many manufacturers offer the option to integrate airbag technology into custom motorcycle suits. These airbags deploy in milliseconds during a crash to protect vital areas like the neck, spine, and chest.

The integration process ensures that the airbag system works seamlessly with the suit’s design, providing maximum protection without compromising comfort or mobility.

 

Textile custom motorcycle suits can be excellent for long-distance touring, especially when tailored to your specific needs:

Textile custom motorcycle suits are excellent for long-distance touring due to:

  • Lightweight and Breathable: Provides comfort over extended periods.
  • Comfort: A perfect fit (relaxed fit/comfort fit) reduces pressure points and discomfort during long rides.
  • Advanced Waterproof Membranes: Includes GORE-TEX or Sympatex for all-weather protection and insulation for varying weather conditions.
  • Multiple Ventilation Points: Enhances airflow and comfort in varying temperatures.
  • Adjustable Fit Options: Allows for a personalized, comfortable fit.
  • Ample Storage: Can include additional pockets for carrying essentials, which is useful for touring.
  • Safety Features: Can include armor and padding for added protection.

One-piece suits provide superior aerodynamics and protection for track racing, while two-piece suits offer versatility and convenience for street riding or touring.

For optimal comfort and safety, choose between a one-piece or two-piece custom-made suit.

Repairing a damaged custom motorcycle suit typically involves:

  • Assessment: The suit is assessed by the manufacturer or a skilled leatherworker to determine the extent of the damage.
  • Material Matching: Matching materials are sourced to ensure the repair blends seamlessly with the original suit.
  • Reconstruction: Damaged sections are carefully replaced or reinforced, with particular attention to maintaining the suit’s structural integrity.
  • Final Inspection: After repairs, the suit is inspected to ensure it meets safety and aesthetic standards.

Yes, custom motorcycle suits offer the best of both worlds—style and functionality. You can work with the manufacturer to create a suit that reflects your personal style while ensuring that all necessary safety features and performance elements are included. This might include sleek design lines, custom graphics, and a tailored fit, combined with high-quality armor, abrasion resistance, and ventilation.

 

A custom suit significantly enhances riding comfort compared to standard suits:

  • Fit: A custom suit fits like a second skin, eliminating the discomfort of loose or tight areas common in off-the-rack suits.
  • Range of Motion: The suit is designed to accommodate your riding position, ensuring you have full mobility without any restrictions.
  • Reduced Fatigue: With a suit that fits perfectly, there’s less strain on your body, reducing fatigue during long rides.
  • Ventilation: Custom-placed vents and perforations improve airflow, keeping you cooler and more comfortable.

Yes, eco-friendly custom motorcycle suits are becoming more available as the demand for sustainable products grows. Some options include:

  • Vegetable-tanned Leather: Leather that is tanned using natural substances rather than harmful chemicals.
  • Recycled Textiles: Some manufacturers offer suits made from recycled materials or sustainably sourced fabrics.
  • Non-leather Options: For those avoiding animal products, there are high-performance synthetic materials that offer similar protection and durability.

A custom motorcycle suit should fit like a second skin, snug but not restrictive. Key areas to focus on include:

  • Torso: The suit should follow the contours of your body without excess fabric bunching up.
  • Arms and Legs: Should fit closely to reduce drag but allow full range of motion, especially in the riding position.
  • Armor: Should be positioned precisely over the joints, ensuring it stays in place during a crash.
  • Comfort: There should be no tight spots or pressure points, and the suit should allow for natural movement both on and off the bike.
  • Length: Sleeves and legs should reach your wrists and ankles when in the riding position, without riding up.

Many custom motorcycle suits come with a warranty, but the terms can vary by manufacturer. Warranties often cover defects in materials and workmanship but may not cover wear and tear, damage from accidents, or unauthorized alterations.

It’s important to review the warranty terms before purchasing and consider the manufacturer’s reputation for honoring their warranty.

When you order a custom suit from us, it will be tailored with the same meticulous detail and quality as those for our top-tier sponsored racers. With our exceptional workmanship, you can be assured of satisfaction and confidence in the AGV Sports Group custom line.