Great info: Why textile on motorbike?

Motorcycle protection apparel is always a must. This also includes motorcycle suits as well. Reason being suits offer protection in case of a fall; because they are substantially have armor protection to offer for knees, back, elbows, shins, shoulders, hips so, you can also put on your work clothes, put a riding suit over your work clothes in about 30 seconds, drive to work in pretty much any temperature whether rain or shine, and get there in decent shape. It would take about maximum 30 seconds to remove the riding suit.
Industry of motorcycle clothing has really gone advanced during the past few years with advances in manufacturing techniques, materials and product development and there are almost no more bikers being conventional buyers. Leather used to be the only material for motorcycling clothing in past but now a choice of materials including Cordura is very popular and high in demand. This material is lighter than leather making racing suits more comfortable whilst riding and are also far better for protection against the harsh cold or scorching hot weather conditions. D600 Cordura material has fantastic anti abrasion and wear and tear properties.  

Perhaps I'm getting confused by all the proprietary names, but isn't Cordura a mixture of mostly nylon and polyester? ...both of which are known to melt from road friction?

I wear textiles in the summer heat and when traveling, but I certainly don't expect them to provide the protection that horsehide does.

regards,
Joe  

Joe,
you're right.. as usual.
Cordura is in fact a synthetic blend, and it does melt.

The heat necessary to melt it is converting the resistance to your sliding along at whatever speed into heat.  At some point (usually 60-100mph) it melts.  And, even at lower speeds, it's one use.

BTW, Kevlar has been tried in jackets, and it doesn't work as well. It stretches to a point, then snaps. Cordura stretches, brakes loose, retracts, and does it again.

So, question is:
Do you want to slide quickly into the wall at 100mph with leathers (they'll look fine and not be harmed, but, they have less sliding resistance), or do you want to risk some 1st and 2nd degree burns, and not hit the wall in the 1st place?  

I just got a Fieldsheer Congo Mesh jacket that boasts it's made of Polytitanium mesh, whatever that is. But I've worn it in 100 degree temps and felt cooler with it than without and certainly cooler than if I'd been wearing leather (which I wouldn't wear in these temps...I'd melt in leather). With the armor my mesh jacket has, it's better than nothing, especially when we have to deal with cell-phone-talking, makeup-putting-on 4-wheel operators not paying sufficient attention to the road and, more importantly, us.  

Yeah, from what I've read I get the impression that Kevlar jackets are just a marketing ploy. It apparently has very poor abrasion resistance when woven, making it no better than denim. I wonder why nobody makes a Kevlar jacket that's knitted instead of woven? Maybe there is one and I just haven't seen it? Knitted Kevlar gloves have been shown to be surprisingly abrasion resistant. Apparently the knitted structure allows the kevlar fibers to move around enough to significantly reduce the way the abrasion tears the fibers apart.

regards,
Joe  

the military is using condura material in there combat uniforms to pro tect against burns.The 60/40 cotton-nylon fiber blend reduces the severity of burn injuries by charring instead of melting when exposed to heat. Known for its durability and abrasion-resistant characteristics, CORDURA® Baselayer fabric provides a comfortable, breathable, lightweight solution with exceptional moisture management properties. as you see it does not burn and melt. Desert Digital Tactical Response Combat Shirt, Body constructed from No Melt, No Drip CORDURA® Baselayer fabric, a 60/40 cotton nylon blend that not only reduces the severity of burn injuries and helps protect against flash fires, but also breathes, wicks away moisture and dries quickly.
Jim  

>No Melt, No Drip CORDURA® Baselayer fabric, a 60/40 cotton nylon blend...

Nylon that doesn't melt or drip?!? That tells me the testing temperature isn't very high.

regards,
Joe  

I see on the dragginjeans.com site, they are saying their kevlar is a knitted inner layer in their jackets and jeans. They also are now selling the knitted kevlar liner separately, so you can wear it under your normal riding pants. This is what I've been waiting for. It looks like it's time for me to spring for some kevlar.

regards,
Joe  

HEY Joe,
I went to the web site you gave above, didn't find the Knitted Kevlar gloves, where did you find them? These are to protect the old knuckles, not for warmth, correct?
I have only been down twice ......KNOCK ON WOOD. Both times my hands took a beating, and my lower back L4 & L5 had to be fused. Then 4 years ago had neck surgery from being rear ended while working as a( FL Road Ranger ). Dang Im about as lucky as you .......LOL.   ( referring to when you answered my other post. )
Take care
Jim  

I can't pin it down, but, I think the material in the military clothes is carbonex (why do images of Han Solo come to mind), which I'd guess doesn't melt, and probably doesn't burst into flames. Kind of a 21st century Nomex, just available in street clothes.
I remember seeing something about it months ago on the military channel.  

I haven't seen knitted kevlar gloves sold specifically as motorcycle riding gear. They are commonly available as industrial safety gloves, though. When I googled "knitted kevlar gloves" I got 63,800 websites. Harbor Freight even sells some :-)

Here's one... http://www.prosafetyequipment.com/s/kevlar-gloves.aspx

Knitted kevlar gloves are to prevent the pavement from abrading the flesh off your hands. They do not protect the knuckles from impacts. There are lined and coated versions available for cold and wet conditions, but keep in mind that coatings can reduce the kevlar's abrasion resistance by locking the fibers in place. If the knitted kevlar is not coated, but is an inner liner for another layer that is coated, it would probably preserve the abrasion resistant qualities while still keeping the wind and rain out.

regards,
Joe