At Moto Central, based in the heart of Leicestershire, we pride ourselves on offering premium motorcycle clothing, helmets, and accessories. One material that consistently stands out for its performance and quality in motorcycle gear is goatskin leather. Favoured by top brands for its unique properties, goatskin offers exceptional benefits for riders seeking comfort, durability, and safety.
Why Leading Brands Use Goatskin
Many renowned motorcycle brands, including Alpinestars, Dainese, Held, Rukka, and Spidi, incorporate goatskin into their gear. These brands value goatskin for its ability to combine flexibility with abrasion resistance, making it ideal for gloves, jackets, and other riding essentials. Here’s why these brands rely on this versatile leather:
- Durability: Goatskin is incredibly tough, resisting wear and tear while offering long-lasting performance even under extreme conditions.
- Lightweight Comfort: Compared to cowhide, goatskin is lighter, making it a preferred choice for gear that needs to balance protection and comfort.
- Water Resistance: Natural lanolin in goatskin repels water, ensuring the leather remains supple and functional in varied weather conditions.
- Flexibility: Its supple nature allows for freedom of movement, which is especially important for gloves and high-mobility zones in jackets and trousers.
- Style: Goatskin has a distinctive grain and texture, lending an elegant and premium look to motorcycle gear.
Benefits of Goatskin for Motorcycle Gear
Goatskin offers a unique combination of features that enhance its suitability for motorcyclists:
1. Abrasion Resistance
Goatskin can withstand significant wear, making it an excellent protective material for riders. Whether it’s gloves for enhanced grip or jackets for impact resistance, goatskin performs exceptionally well in safeguarding riders.
2. Tactile Sensitivity
For gloves, goatskin provides an unparalleled feel for the controls, ensuring precise handling of the throttle, clutch, and brakes. This is particularly valued by sport and touring riders who need superior responsiveness.
3. Lightweight and Breathable
Unlike heavier materials, goatskin strikes a perfect balance between protection and weight. It also allows for better airflow, keeping riders comfortable on warm rides.
Potential Drawbacks of Goatskin
While goatskin offers numerous advantages, it does have some limitations:
- Cost: Goatskin is often more expensive than synthetic materials or standard cowhide due to its premium qualities and processing requirements.
- Maintenance: Like all leathers, goatskin requires regular conditioning to maintain its softness and prevent cracking over time.
- Thickness: Goatskin is thinner than cowhide, which may not provide the same level of rigidity or impact resistance in certain applications.
How to Care for Goatskin Motorcycle Gear
To maximise the lifespan of your goatskin gear, follow these simple care tips:
- Clean your gear with a damp cloth to remove dirt and debris. Avoid soaking or using harsh cleaners.
- Apply a leather conditioner every few months to keep the leather supple and hydrated.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or extreme temperatures.
- For gloves, consider using glove liners to reduce sweat absorption and minimise wear.
Alternatives to Goatskin in Motorcycle Gear
While goatskin is highly regarded, several alternatives are also used in motorcycle gear, each with its unique benefits:
- Cowhide: A thicker and more rigid leather, cowhide offers excellent abrasion resistance and impact protection. It is a common choice for jackets and full leather suits.
- Kangaroo Leather: Known for its superior strength-to-weight ratio, kangaroo leather is a premium option for gloves and racing suits. It is lighter and more durable than goatskin but comes at a higher cost.
- Synthetic Materials: Advanced materials like Kevlar and Cordura provide excellent abrasion resistance and lightweight comfort. These are often used in conjunction with leather for reinforced panels.
- Textiles: Modern textiles like GORE-TEX are popular for adventure and touring gear, offering water resistance, breathability, and flexibility.
- Deerskin: Known for its softness and elasticity, deerskin is occasionally used in gloves and light-duty gear. However, it is less durable than goatskin or cowhide.
Discover Goatskin Gear at Moto Central
At Moto Central, we stock a wide range of goatskin gear from leading brands, including Alpinestars, Dainese, Rukka, and Spidi. Whether you’re looking for lightweight gloves, flexible jackets, or durable boots, our collection is designed to cater to every rider’s needs.
Visit our showroom in Leicestershire to explore our premium goatskin gear or browse our extensive range online. With free UK delivery on orders over £25 and a 365-day return policy, shopping with Moto Central guarantees quality and satisfaction.
