Track suits

[bigpoppa]

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How/where do all the track day guys/racers get their suits?

Im sitting here with my tailor measuring tape and looking online for track day suits, but either nothing is in my size, or anything even close to my size is sold out

big poppas built like a 6'2 beer keg

What are my options? Will dealerships floors have something I cant find in their online stock? Is there some place I dont know about?
Will I just have to lose a bunch of weight?(Also a solid option)

signing up for racer 5 and want to do track days after

 

[Brian P]

Go to either Riders Choice or Pro 6 Cycle (or both) and have a chat about what your options are.

Or, get in touch with Sebastian Hothaza (sp?) username "Sebi" or "KWSportRacing" here (Same guy) - he is organising a purchase of custom-fit suits.

My one piece leathers are the biggest off-the-shelf size that Dainese makes.

 

[Relax]

I was just in the middle of typing what Brian said above - Sebi has a group buy going for custom suits, and the feedback from his Facebook group over the past few years seems positive.

 

[Wingboy]

Riders choice. They race and know what where why and how. Be sure to try a suit on with what you are going to be wearing underneath it. ( Bap and under gear) not a bad idea to get a suit that is easily repaired. Dainese is awesome, but more expensive to repair because it sometimes has to be disassembled to do a minor repair. Ask John Bickle.
You ARE going to fall down ya know.

 

[Aens]

Do the group buy for KWSR. The suits are nice and absurdly cheap and their group buy has been running yearly for several years now. Made to measure.

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If I hadn't already bought my stuff piecemeal, I'd have gone this route instead. Cheaper, fit better too. Only reason not to go with this is if you wanted to use Alpinestars' Tech-Air Race. I have a buddy who's been working at the design of his suit for weeks now. If this is appealing to you, you better get started cause they have a ton of options on how you want to customize your suit (colors, logos).

If you aren't sure, just rent from Racer5 at first. $50/day isn't exactly breaking the bank and its good gear you are renting. They bring a whole semi full of gear so if you aren't sure on size, they probably have something that will fit. And yes, there were plenty of uncommon body shape suits. Including suits for people that shouldn't be allowed on a CBR125.

 

[Priller]

For off the rack, RST makes a 54/64 that's about as big as anything gets. Their 64 is a lot bigger than the Dainese or Alpinestars 64. It's decent quality, too. Oxford makes a bigger suit as well, but it's lower grade, I think. Joe Rocket used to be the fat boy choice, but no longer available.

I bought a custom suit in Vancouver just before I left, and it took forever to arrive. It ended up arriving literally a couple days before I moved here, and didn't fit in weird places (thighs and forearms). Because of the move, I couldn't get it altered in time. I can't find a leather tailor locally who I trust with track-quality seams, so might take it to Bickle, but they do repairs more than alterations, so it's a gamble. Moral of my story is make sure whoever is taking the measurements knows how to adjust for big boys. The Plus stuff from KSR looks a lot nicer than the one I got, so that's how I'd go...

 

[Ash]

Racer5 has suits for rent that will work for the bear-on-a-tricycle crowd:

https://flic.kr/p/WYYDqo

I think you can still order new ones through Racer5. They were very reasonable - something like $600 four or five years ago? There was some limited capability to do colour customization, but nothing as fancy as the KSR suits. For a budget full custom suit it would be hard to argue against the KSR suits.

If you think your weight may fluctuate up or down, consider monitoring Kijiji or ReGear for used stuff (remember to bring your back protector to the fitting). It's kind of barren this time of year, but in the riding season there are tons of suits for sale that have only been worn once or twice. Many of the Joe Rocket suits for big guys, especially, are often listed for $200 or $300. There are also lots of ads for new custom suits on Kijiji, but I personally wouldn't go for one of those without a bunch of people that I know vouching for the quality.

 

[BigEvilDoer]

If you don't want to go through the expense of a custom suit, I would suggest getting a "North American" sized suit... a Joe Rocket, Scorpion or Speed and Strength. They're built for the "heftier" NA sized people. I would think a 48(US)/58(Euro) would be a decent fit.
Sure, they're not the same high end quality, but for occasional track day riders they're decent.

 

[Priller]

If you don't want to go through the expense of a custom suit, I would suggest getting a "North American" sized suit... a Joe Rocket, Scorpion or Speed and Strength. They're built for the "heftier" NA sized people. I would think a 48(US)/58(Euro) would be a decent fit.
Sure, they're not the same high end quality, but for occasional track day riders they're decent.

None of the above make one-piece leather suits anymore, unfortunately. And knowing how sweaty folks get in a suit on a hot trackday, I'm not too excited to shop used, especially because the brands above were budget and rarely had removable liners...

 

[Priller]

One other note on this to add complication for my big boned friends: if you want an airbag (and I really do!), only RST has anything close to suitable off-the-rack for anything integrated. They show a Pro Series Airbag suit that goes up to a 62 (which would be about a 68 in Dainese sizing), though it seems brand new and there's not much info about it anywhere.

It uses the In&Motion system, which requires a monthly/annual subscription or one time fee of $400 USD. Klim sells a vest using the In&Motion system, and it goes pretty big, but they are cautious about recommending it in one-piece suits because the shoulder inflation is significant, which may result in a painful experience if your suit is too tight between crotch and shoulders.

Plus offers an airbag suit that they say is airbag compatible, but don't offer much info on what that means. If the Klim is the only vest that fits, you'd need to make sure the body length was cut with sufficient room to keep you from singing soprano after a crash...

 

[billng]

Got my suit from Riders Choice, had to tailor the arms a bit as they were too long ($80). If you have strange proportions I would recommend a 2 piece or a custom suit.

 

[Mad Mike]

How/where do all the track day guys/racers get their suits?

Im sitting here with my tailor measuring tape and looking online for track day suits, but either nothing is in my size, or anything even close to my size is sold out

big poppas built like a 6'2 beer keg

What are my options? Will dealerships floors have something I cant find in their online stock? Is there some place I dont know about?
Will I just have to lose a bunch of weight?(Also a solid option)

signing up for racer 5 and want to do track days after

Fawaz at Racer5 used to sell suits at really fair prices, ask him when you sign up.

 

[crankcall]

for anybody that considers the used route, bear in mind some track 'tech check' fellows have guidelines for how a 2 pc zips together (360deg zip as opposed to 10" zip) and some stuff a how a cuff should fit. I don't know if any of this is still applicable, but don't spend a wad of cash to find out you are not compliant.

 

[Brian P]

^ That is readily fixed by not using two-piece leathers on the track, though.

I have two sets of gear ... a one-piece for the track (don't need to access keys and wallet or take them off at rest stops), and two-piece for the street.

 

[Priller]

for anybody that considers the used route, bear in mind some track 'tech check' fellows have guidelines for how a 2 pc zips together (360deg zip as opposed to 10" zip) and some stuff a how a cuff should fit. I don't know if any of this is still applicable, but don't spend a wad of cash to find out you are not compliant.

This is true, though I've never had anyone actually check my gear despite it being in the guidelines. If it looks in good condition and is a brand name, common sense prevails.

That said, the 360 zip is worth adhering to just for safety's sake alone. I've never seen any guidelines for cuffs except that wrists need to be covered by gauntlet-style gloves (no shorties!) and boots need to be above the ankle (typically outside, but also inside a la Dainese). A CE Level II back protector is also usually mandatory, and should be accounted for when trying on gear (assuming you take out whatever piece of foam typically comes in most suits)...

 

[mbroyda]

for anybody that considers the used route, bear in mind some track 'tech check' fellows have guidelines for how a 2 pc zips together (360deg zip as opposed to 10" zip) and some stuff a how a cuff should fit. I don't know if any of this is still applicable, but don't spend a wad of cash to find out you are not compliant.

I have yet to have my suit checked or have seen anyone else get their suit checked at track days or race weekends, but its really in the riders best interest to make sure he/she/zer has good quality gear when he/she/zer gets on track because he/she/zer will be the ones paying the price.

 

[VFR.CBR]

I have yet to have my suit checked or have seen anyone else get their suit checked at track days or race weekends, but its really in the riders best interest to make sure he/she/zer has good quality gear when he/she/zer gets on track because he/she/zer will be the ones paying the price.

It's pretty common practice for Lindsay to check your gear first session of the day at Pro 6 Calabogie days.
He'll check it again if you've been off track. He catches a lot of infractions.

 

[Lightcycle]

It's pretty common practice for Lindsay to check your gear first session of the day at Pro 6 Calabogie days.
He'll check it again if you've been off track. He catches a lot of infractions.

Yes, they do check. And it's a good thing they do, too.

A few times I've seen the marshal have to remind a guy to do up his helmet straps at the gate.

 

[mbroyda]

It's pretty common practice for Lindsay to check your gear first session of the day at Pro 6 Calabogie days.
He'll check it again if you've been off track. He catches a lot of infractions.

Lindsay pats you on the back as you go out to see if your back protector is on, I have yet to see him check someones zipper on a 2pc suit or say anything to some of the VRRA and DOCC guys whos suits were made before cows were invented.

 

[800over]

Do the group buy for KWSR. The suits are nice and absurdly cheap and their group buy has been running yearly for several years now. Made to measure.

PLUS Racing Gear Orders

Please browse the items available below, on the second page, indicate your information and we'll be in touch to setup your order - Order will start mid November Last day for order placement: Jan 14 2025 Estimated arrival time of order: End of April 2025 I provide full customization and...

docs.google.com

If I hadn't already bought my stuff piecemeal, I'd have gone this route instead. Cheaper, fit better too. Only reason not to go with this is if you wanted to use Alpinestars' Tech-Air Race. I have a buddy who's been working at the design of his suit for weeks now. If this is appealing to you, you better get started cause they have a ton of options on how you want to customize your suit (colors, logos).

If you aren't sure, just rent from Racer5 at first. $50/day isn't exactly breaking the bank and its good gear you are renting. They bring a whole semi full of gear so if you aren't sure on size, they probably have something that will fit. And yes, there were plenty of uncommon body shape suits. Including suits for people that shouldn't be allowed on a CBR125.

Sebastian at KWSR is great to deal with....and they have all kinds of options including an airbag. I have no use for a track suit....but have half a mind to buy one just in case I do in the future.

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