Barnacle Bill Leathers Product Review

CBRVFR · 01-21-2007, 11:30 AM

Recently I was with friends at the Barber Motorsports Museum, where the garrulous museum guide recited for us the Four Motorcycling Truths. I repeat them for you now:

If you ride a motorcycle long enough,
You’re going to get hot,
You’re going to get cold,
You’re going to get wet, and
You’re going to get hurt.

I have been riding for many years, and can tell you for damned sure that being hot, cold, and/or wet is a picnic compared with getting hurt. Every time I ride, I wear a full face helmet, boots, gloves, and back protector. For street rides, I zip my Aerostich over my street clothes, and ride away in relative comfort and safety. I even wore the ‘stich for my first several track days. But as I improved enough to graduate from the novice group, one of the requirements was that I wear a set of leathers.

At 5'0" and about 155 pounds, it was obvious that renting a set of leathers that fit properly wasn’t going to be an option. Nor would I be able to buy leathers 'off the rack.' I began to research the world of custom-made leathers, knowing any mistake I made was going to be a costly one.

I found that Helimot, Z Leathers, SYED, Vanson, Kushitani, and a few other well-regarded companies offered custom suits in the $2000-$2400 dollar range, with lead times of several months. Since I was beginning this search in mid-summer, it didn’t seem possible that I’d be able to ride in the intermediate group until next season.

I had often seen the ads in Road Racing World Magazine for Barnacle Bill Leathers, and it was obvious that the prices he charged for custom suits were at the low end of the industry. Prior to having seen his work, I wasn't sure that was necessarily a good thing. I had witnessed dramatic accidents at the track and I knew economy without value was not a virtue. Still, a custom suit for a grand was something I felt compelled to investigate.

I called Bill, told him my situation, and asked what the difference was between his suits and the others. He said “When you have a suit made here, I am the one that makes it. I cut the leather, I glue the seams, and I sew it. I make it just as if I was the one who was going to fall off that bike at 150 miles per hour.” I didn’t understand all the technical details but I was convinced this was not a guy who was taking the quick and cheap approach to building leathers. As he said, “I’ll make you a suit that your grandmother would make for you if she knew how.”

I told him that I would love to see his operation, but it would have to be on a weekend; would it be too much trouble for him to meet me at his office and take me for a tour? He laughed and said that I could come anytime, since his shop was 150 feet from his home.

I rode down with a friend a few weeks later, still undecided whether or not I would commission a suit from him.

The trip was typical of our riding experiences in Kentucky; spirited pace, great roads, lots of twisties, fantastic scenery, nice people, and what must be the smallest, least active police road patrol in the country. We found the path that led to Bill’s place, and he met us in the yard.

Sure enough, his laboratory-clean shop was on his property. He turned off the ‘security system,’ which involved caging the three Doberman Pincers who sleep in the shop, and we entered.

There were racks of leathers scheduled for repair from all over the world. We saw the names of well-known racers and prestigious leather brands. He explained the reasons for the failures of those leathers, and how his own products were designed to withstand the same impacts. He showed us various aspects of his trade:

·Hides –Leather hides vary in thickness and strength. Bill and his wife use the strongest, thickest pieces in the areas they have come to realize are most critically affected in crashes. The thinner pieces are used in the areas less likely to abrade. The thinner pieces are strengthened by gluing them to second pieces so that the average thickness of the leather in the suit is 1.75 mm.

·His suits are designed to breathe very well, with large perforations that are backed with laminating pieces of leather to resist tearing. He also uses a Kevlar-polypropylene stretch panel material in certain areas for comfort and because of its cooling properties.

·Bill’s suits, like the brands of better-made custom suits noted above, are triple-stitched in the critical impact areas – elbows, hips, back and shoulders. He also takes the unique step of gluing every seam and backs the critical seams with a laminating layer of leather inside so it cannot rip apart.

·He uses the strongest thread and sews the seams in a manner so that the thread cannot unravel in a crash.

Noticing my blaze-orange helmet, he looked thoughtful for a minute, and said.. “I think I have a hide exactly that color.” At that point, the rest of the trip was just a formality…

Finally, I had to ask, “OK, what’s the catch?” I didn’t see a single area in which his suits were compromised in any aspect of safety. Why did they cost so little? Maybe they weren’t as stylish as some of the suits I had seen, but then, they had fewer seams to rip apart, too.

He shrugged and said “How much money do I need? I walk to work, it’s just the two of us here, I like what I do, there’s no overhead, and we’re comfortable.” My kinda guy.

Though I ordered the suit during his busiest season, I received it exactly four weeks later as promised. It arrived fully lined, with GP armor, my name on the chest, an American flag on the shoulder, sliders included and shipped for under $1000.

The suit is very sturdy and confidence inspiring. It was soft and flexible from the word go. I am very, very pleased with it, and would only offer two minor points of improvement.. First, Bill opined that I’d never need to replace the knee pucks. Oh, ye of little faith!

Also, when I got the suit there was a nice note that said “Have a nice fall.” Hmm. Not a phrase you want to hear from your leather suit maker! With the additional protection, I got to do a few more track days and street rides, though. It was a great autumn.

Postscript: My friend came back later and ordered a suit, too.

My custom leathers when finished:

At speed: comfort, flexibility, and optimal protection:

You can reach Barnacle Bill through his website Barnacle Bills Racing Leathers

HondaGalToo · 01-21-2007, 12:04 PM

Great review for a great guy with a wonderful product! If Vanson hadn't given me a good trade-in value on my suit when I needed a new one, I'd have definitely checked out Barnacle Bill.

NorthernRR · 01-21-2007, 12:10 PM

Nice write up.

Does he use any expansion pannels in the legs? It is kind of hard to tell in the picture. I have a "solid" suit currently and this is an issue. that and it doesn't fit right to begin with

.

Thanks for the write up though, I will be looking in to this soon.

SheepOfBlue · 01-21-2007, 12:14 PM

So what about alteration? I seem to remember a lot less CBRVFR last time I saw you vs the first.

gt702 · 01-21-2007, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NorthernRR

Nice write up.

Does he use any expansion pannels in the legs? It is kind of hard to tell in the picture. I have a "solid" suit currently and this is an issue. that and it doesn't fit right to begin with

.

Thanks for the write up though, I will be looking in to this soon.

BB takes this into account when fitting you up and making the suit. I've known several with his suits, of varying sizes, and it all seemed to work well for them.

Quote:

Originally Posted by SheepOfBlue

So what about alteration? I seem to remember a lot less CBRVFR last time I saw you vs the first.

BB builds custom to suit you, or will modify other suits. I had him do repairs on a suit (not his) a few times ... He'll even add a hump to your suit if you like, just tell him which shoulder

Hammer · 01-21-2007, 12:39 PM

He has done some patch work on mine in the past and crash tested well.

CBRVFR · 01-21-2007, 01:16 PM

Yes, he uses the kevar-polypro panels in the crotch, behind the knees, and under the arm.

Good zippers, too!

If I am actually able to keep the weight off, I may have it re-sized, but it's not a huge concern.

abtech · 01-21-2007, 04:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CBRVFR

Yes, he uses the kevar-polypro panels in the crotch, behind the knees, and under the arm.

Good zippers, too!

If I am actually able to keep the weight off, I may have it re-sized, but it's not a huge concern.

as long as Veronique can still wear it . . .

RAH-VFR · 01-22-2007, 08:38 PM

After CBRVFR had such good success obtaining a suit from BB I chose to get one from Bill as well. CBRVFR has posted an excellent report on what it's like to work with Bill, here are a few pics of the masters suit maker story teller at work.

SheepOfBlue · 01-22-2007, 09:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RAH-VFR

After CBRVFR had such good success obtaining a suit from BB I chose to get one from Bill as well. CBRVFR has posted an excellent report on what it's like to work with Bill, here are a few pics of the masters suit maker story teller at work.

nice blue design

bwhip · 01-22-2007, 10:48 PM

Great write-up. Thanks for sharing!

Leelover · 01-23-2007, 12:28 AM

Nice write up CBRVFR!
I will be checking out Barnacle Bill's when I am ready for race type leathers!

KF810 · 01-24-2007, 08:37 PM

Nice write-up Dave!

Might come in handy in the future. My JR suit fits decent, but from the knees down it is way too long, and overall too "generic", I guess.

LDH · 01-24-2007, 11:22 PM

Bill rocks!

I just had new BB suit delivered a few days ago his suits cost less than most off the rack leathers & way less than any other custom made set...

I've had the red/white/blue suit below for almost 10 years, when I am instructing it is not uncommon to have to ride in the pouring rain many weekends out of the season, I have sweated in it profusely & it has survived numerous crashes. I have not had one repair made to this suit nor does it so much as have a single stitch coming loose (except on some patches I ground down while sliding across the track & one barb wire fence

Me, my old BB leathers & Darth's RC
http://www.rogueracing.org/barber/ldhdarthrc.jpg

My new ones
http://www.919.org/host/bbleathers.jpg
http://www.919.org/host/bbleathers2.jpg
http://www.919.org/host/bbleathers3.jpg

clutchslip · 01-25-2007, 10:46 AM

Holy RC - batman! Is this a recommendation!
Your first post!

Hi, ya. LDH. Thanks for the post.

01-21-2007, 11:30 AM	#1
CBRVFR Godspeed, #20 Join Date: 12-13-2006 Age: 55 Bike(s): VFR750 SV650 TZ250 Posts: 5,033	Barnacle Bill Leathers Product Review Recently I was with friends at the Barber Motorsports Museum, where the garrulous museum guide recited for us the Four Motorcycling Truths. I repeat them for you now: If you ride a motorcycle long enough, You’re going to get hot, You’re going to get cold, You’re going to get wet, and You’re going to get hurt. I have been riding for many years, and can tell you for damned sure that being hot, cold, and/or wet is a picnic compared with getting hurt. Every time I ride, I wear a full face helmet, boots, gloves, and back protector. For street rides, I zip my Aerostich over my street clothes, and ride away in relative comfort and safety. I even wore the ‘stich for my first several track days. But as I improved enough to graduate from the novice group, one of the requirements was that I wear a set of leathers. At 5'0" and about 155 pounds, it was obvious that renting a set of leathers that fit properly wasn’t going to be an option. Nor would I be able to buy leathers 'off the rack.' I began to research the world of custom-made leathers, knowing any mistake I made was going to be a costly one. I found that Helimot, Z Leathers, SYED, Vanson, Kushitani, and a few other well-regarded companies offered custom suits in the $2000-$2400 dollar range, with lead times of several months. Since I was beginning this search in mid-summer, it didn’t seem possible that I’d be able to ride in the intermediate group until next season. I had often seen the ads in Road Racing World Magazine for Barnacle Bill Leathers, and it was obvious that the prices he charged for custom suits were at the low end of the industry. Prior to having seen his work, I wasn't sure that was necessarily a good thing. I had witnessed dramatic accidents at the track and I knew economy without value was not a virtue. Still, a custom suit for a grand was something I felt compelled to investigate. I called Bill, told him my situation, and asked what the difference was between his suits and the others. He said “When you have a suit made here, I am the one that makes it. I cut the leather, I glue the seams, and I sew it. I make it just as if I was the one who was going to fall off that bike at 150 miles per hour.” I didn’t understand all the technical details but I was convinced this was not a guy who was taking the quick and cheap approach to building leathers. As he said, “I’ll make you a suit that your grandmother would make for you if she knew how.” I told him that I would love to see his operation, but it would have to be on a weekend; would it be too much trouble for him to meet me at his office and take me for a tour? He laughed and said that I could come anytime, since his shop was 150 feet from his home. I rode down with a friend a few weeks later, still undecided whether or not I would commission a suit from him. The trip was typical of our riding experiences in Kentucky; spirited pace, great roads, lots of twisties, fantastic scenery, nice people, and what must be the smallest, least active police road patrol in the country. We found the path that led to Bill’s place, and he met us in the yard. Sure enough, his laboratory-clean shop was on his property. He turned off the ‘security system,’ which involved caging the three Doberman Pincers who sleep in the shop, and we entered. There were racks of leathers scheduled for repair from all over the world. We saw the names of well-known racers and prestigious leather brands. He explained the reasons for the failures of those leathers, and how his own products were designed to withstand the same impacts. He showed us various aspects of his trade: ·Hides –Leather hides vary in thickness and strength. Bill and his wife use the strongest, thickest pieces in the areas they have come to realize are most critically affected in crashes. The thinner pieces are used in the areas less likely to abrade. The thinner pieces are strengthened by gluing them to second pieces so that the average thickness of the leather in the suit is 1.75 mm. ·His suits are designed to breathe very well, with large perforations that are backed with laminating pieces of leather to resist tearing. He also uses a Kevlar-polypropylene stretch panel material in certain areas for comfort and because of its cooling properties. ·Bill’s suits, like the brands of better-made custom suits noted above, are triple-stitched in the critical impact areas – elbows, hips, back and shoulders. He also takes the unique step of gluing every seam and backs the critical seams with a laminating layer of leather inside so it cannot rip apart. ·He uses the strongest thread and sews the seams in a manner so that the thread cannot unravel in a crash. Noticing my blaze-orange helmet, he looked thoughtful for a minute, and said.. “I think I have a hide exactly that color.” At that point, the rest of the trip was just a formality… Finally, I had to ask, “OK, what’s the catch?” I didn’t see a single area in which his suits were compromised in any aspect of safety. Why did they cost so little? Maybe they weren’t as stylish as some of the suits I had seen, but then, they had fewer seams to rip apart, too. He shrugged and said “How much money do I need? I walk to work, it’s just the two of us here, I like what I do, there’s no overhead, and we’re comfortable.” My kinda guy. Though I ordered the suit during his busiest season, I received it exactly four weeks later as promised. It arrived fully lined, with GP armor, my name on the chest, an American flag on the shoulder, sliders included and shipped for under $1000. The suit is very sturdy and confidence inspiring. It was soft and flexible from the word go. I am very, very pleased with it, and would only offer two minor points of improvement.. First, Bill opined that I’d never need to replace the knee pucks. Oh, ye of little faith! Also, when I got the suit there was a nice note that said “Have a nice fall.” Hmm. Not a phrase you want to hear from your leather suit maker! With the additional protection, I got to do a few more track days and street rides, though. It was a great autumn. Postscript: My friend came back later and ordered a suit, too. My custom leathers when finished: At speed: comfort, flexibility, and optimal protection: You can reach Barnacle Bill through his website Barnacle Bills Racing Leathers __________________ "...the TV also never took away the screwdriver and shoved it up the repairman's ass." Our own Mr.2nd Amendment, explaining the difference. Perfectly. Rich Herald, the Gentle Giant Last edited by CBRVFR; 01-21-2007 at 11:42 AM.

01-21-2007, 12:04 PM	#2
HondaGalToo ...into the 30s Join Date: 12-16-2006 Location: New Jersey Age: 48 Bike(s): '01 929, '07 gsxr 600 Posts: 1,732	Re: Barnacle Bill Leathers Product Review Great review for a great guy with a wonderful product! If Vanson hadn't given me a good trade-in value on my suit when I needed a new one, I'd have definitely checked out Barnacle Bill. __________________ “I want to stand as close to the edge as I can without going over. Out on the edge you see all the kinds of things you can't see from the center.” ~Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.

01-21-2007, 12:10 PM	#3
NorthernRR Join Date: 12-18-2006 Age: 28 Bike(s): 1KRR, VFR, CRF450R, EX500 Posts: 1,399	Re: Barnacle Bill Leathers Product Review Nice write up. Does he use any expansion pannels in the legs? It is kind of hard to tell in the picture. I have a "solid" suit currently and this is an issue. that and it doesn't fit right to begin with . Thanks for the write up though, I will be looking in to this soon. __________________ See you at Indy

01-21-2007, 12:14 PM	#4
SheepOfBlue SRA President Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Huntsville, AL Age: 46 Bike(s): CBR1000RR, RC51, VT500FT Posts: 6,400	Re: Barnacle Bill Leathers Product Review So what about alteration? I seem to remember a lot less CBRVFR last time I saw you vs the first. __________________ A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way

01-21-2007, 12:39 PM	#6
Hammer For Sale Join Date: 12-17-2006 Location: Indiana Age: 39 Bike(s): 05 Suzuki 600 Posts: 4,899 Images: 1	Re: Barnacle Bill Leathers Product Review He has done some patch work on mine in the past and crash tested well.

01-21-2007, 01:16 PM	#7
CBRVFR Godspeed, #20 Join Date: 12-13-2006 Age: 55 Bike(s): VFR750 SV650 TZ250 Posts: 5,033	Re: Barnacle Bill Leathers Product Review Yes, he uses the kevar-polypro panels in the crotch, behind the knees, and under the arm. Good zippers, too! If I am actually able to keep the weight off, I may have it re-sized, but it's not a huge concern. __________________ "...the TV also never took away the screwdriver and shoved it up the repairman's ass." Our own Mr.2nd Amendment, explaining the difference. Perfectly. Rich Herald, the Gentle Giant

01-22-2007, 08:38 PM	#9
RAH-VFR Don't hate me because I'm beautiful. Join Date: 12-19-2006 Location: Centerville, Indiana Age: 55 Bike(s): 98 VFR800, 1999CBR600 Posts: 314	Re: Barnacle Bill Leathers Product Review After CBRVFR had such good success obtaining a suit from BB I chose to get one from Bill as well. CBRVFR has posted an excellent report on what it's like to work with Bill, here are a few pics of the masters suit maker story teller at work. Attached Thumbnails __________________ Muskrat may taste like pumpkin pie, but I'll never know.

01-22-2007, 10:48 PM	#11
bwhip Every ride a gift... Join Date: 12-13-2006 Location: Idaho, USA Bike(s): 1098S-SXV550-849-Ruckus Posts: 3,899	Re: Barnacle Bill Leathers Product Review Great write-up. Thanks for sharing! __________________ My Gallery

01-23-2007, 12:28 AM	#12
Leelover Remembering RAH-VFR...RIP #20 Join Date: 12-18-2006 Location: Fort Myers, FL Bike(s): 06 FJR1300 & 01 GSXR 750 Posts: 1,473	Re: Barnacle Bill Leathers Product Review Nice write up CBRVFR! I will be checking out Barnacle Bill's when I am ready for race type leathers! __________________ "The Father wove the skein of your life a long time ago. Go and hide in a hole if you wish, but you won't live one instant longer. Your fate is fixed. Fear profits a man nothing." Herger the Joyous

01-24-2007, 08:37 PM	#13
KF810 D.I.L.L.I.G.A.F. Join Date: 01-08-2007 Location: Michigan Age: 30 Bike(s): 600rr track, 954 Posts: 528	Re: Barnacle Bill Leathers Product Review Nice write-up Dave! Might come in handy in the future. My JR suit fits decent, but from the knees down it is way too long, and overall too "generic", I guess.

01-24-2007, 11:22 PM	#14
LDH Join Date: 01-24-2007 Bike(s): everything Posts: 1	Re: Barnacle Bill Leathers Product Review Bill rocks! I just had new BB suit delivered a few days ago his suits cost less than most off the rack leathers & way less than any other custom made set... I've had the red/white/blue suit below for almost 10 years, when I am instructing it is not uncommon to have to ride in the pouring rain many weekends out of the season, I have sweated in it profusely & it has survived numerous crashes. I have not had one repair made to this suit nor does it so much as have a single stitch coming loose (except on some patches I ground down while sliding across the track & one barb wire fence Me, my old BB leathers & Darth's RC http://www.rogueracing.org/barber/ldhdarthrc.jpg My new ones http://www.919.org/host/bbleathers.jpg http://www.919.org/host/bbleathers2.jpg http://www.919.org/host/bbleathers3.jpg

01-25-2007, 10:46 AM	#15
clutchslip What hump? Join Date: 12-19-2006 Location: Central California Bike(s): Hondus and ponies. Posts: 317	Re: Barnacle Bill Leathers Product Review Holy RC - batman! Is this a recommendation! Your first post! Hi, ya. LDH. Thanks for the post. __________________ You take the blonde.

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