Body Gear
No. I haven’t left yet. It’s not for a few more days. Be patient. My job has ended, and I have nothing better to do right now. 
This is the last installment on what you can wear when riding. Remember, wear what you want. It’s your decision. Take my advise and do as you please.
There are 2 extremes when it comes to full gear. Either you are wearing shorts and flip flops, or full racing leathers made of Kangaroo hyde. Let’s start with the most economical. No gear implies you wear nothing more than what you currently own as a non rider. It’s at best, jean jacket and jeans. Maybe just a cotton t-shirt. I strongly recommend you avoid any synthetic fibres. They melt rather than rub away. Cotton and denim will rip and fly apart, but it won’t melt into your skin such as a drifit shirt or that polyblend pair of pants.
A level up from jeans is textiles. Textiles is a fabric/nylon/kevlar material that is meant to be more protective than regular clothing. It’s made with the rider in mind. They generally have extra padding around the hips, knees, elbows, and back. They are marginally better than regular clothes, but offers excellent protection at slow speed impacts. It is the most economical and versatile protection you can purchase. There are many excellent, and cheap brands out there. From what I hear, Belstaff is highly recommended. From personal experience, Joe Rocket is not bad, impact wise. The thicker and heavier, the better. Many textile jackets come with a removable liner. This is great when summer comes and you can be a bit cooler. There are also “mesh” jackets. These are very similar to textiles, except they are extremely breathable. While they may be better now than when they first came out, I’d still be cautious. Hopefully, you never have to test anything.
The top level in gear is leather. No. Leather chaps do not count. Thick leather. Cow hyde or better is what you should get. Sheep skin is horrid. Do not buy it. When looking for leather, brands to trust are Vanson, Alpinestar, Dianese, Nankai. The more expensive, chances are, it’s better. A great tip to look at is the stitching. Quality is a nice supple leather that has as few pieces as possible. Take a Tecknik(sp?) jacket and compare it with a Dainese. One has more pieces to make up the jacket. Fewer pieces means there is less of a chance that it’d come apart in a crash. Stitching should be on the inside of the seams, and double ply. If the seams are on the outside, it will fall apart. Thread does not hold up to road rash, and it will burn off. There are 2 kinds of suits when it comes to leather. 1 or 2 piece. For the average city rider, 2 pieces are ideal. It has great flexibility. 1 is best for the track as it is safer. You must make the call. Lastly, if you find kangaroo skin and cheap, it’s the best stuff out there. Flexible and light. Yet more durable than cow skin.
Foot protection is also vital. Ankle high boots are a minimum. Doc Martins are okay. A little duct tape on the foot for the shiter helps too. Real motorcycle boots have protection for the shifter. You’ll want something that is stiff. It will move up and down, but not left and right. Many have carbon or plastic “vertebrae”. These are the best designs. Anything less and you may need screws in your foot.
Please keep in mind that there are various combinations of all types of gear. Leather with Textiles. Jeans with kevlar. The more protection, the higher the price. When buying, do your research. If you are commuting to work, textiles are excellent. They work very well in the city. If you plan to take the open road, leathers may be in for you. You don’t have to buy power ranger colours. You can always buy standard black. The final question is, how much is your life worth to you. A simple 30kph crash in leathers is a simple, “get up, dust yourself off, curse yourself for a silly mistake”. In shorts and flip flops, it’s a 1 week hospital stay, wire brush to get the dirt off your skin, and at least a month of recovery and pain. Even I like jeans now. It’s just more versatile, and people don’t look at me funny. Silly answer? Yes. But who said I’m not silly.
Next report on bikes should be on lane position. Maybe. 
Next report on me should be in Japan in about a week or so. My life, the Moto GP in Japan, and more.
