There are many materials used to make motorcycle clothing, a far cry from just leather many decades before, following the development of different types of motorcycles for different purposes. Let us look at Cordura.
Real world evaluation
This author had the opportunity to evaluate the RS Taichi RSJ330 Cordura Hoodie during this recent trip to Guangzhou, China. It is already in the middle of the winter months, as Beijing and Shanghai are already covered in snow. Guangzhou is situated much further south, so the weather was much more pleasant: 20° Celsius during the day, and as low as 12º Celsius at night. As such, it was not exactly the feature for full-blown winter gear.
The jacket held up truly well, keeping him warm for most of the day. As Cordura is breathable, it can get blustery and cold at night but an extra shirt underneath was all that it took.
So, what is Cordura?
Cordura was developed and trademarked by E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DuPont) in 1929, Cordura is currently owned by Invista, a subsidiary of Koch Industries.
DuPont’s scientists were had tried to improve upon rayon, and came across Cordura as a “high-tenacity rayon, as strong as mild steel yet able to stand up under repeated flexing.” These two properties made Cordura suitable for a wide range of products including bags, shoes, clothing.
Cordura motorcycle gear refers to protective motorcycle clothing made from Cordura fabric, a high-quality nylon material known for its exceptional abrasion resistance, tear strength, and durability, making it a popular choice for motorcycle jackets, pants, and other riding gear, providing excellent protection against impacts and scrapes in case of a crash while offering a relatively lightweight and comfortable feel compared to traditional leather options.
Key points about Cordura motorcycle gear:
- Abrasion resistance: The primary benefit of Cordura is its high resistance to abrasion, meaning it can withstand significant rubbing against rough surfaces like asphalt during a slide, minimizing skin damage in a crash.
- Durability: Cordura is designed to last longer than many other fabrics, making it a good investment for riders who want long-lasting protective gear.
- Flexibility: While strong, Cordura can be woven into fabrics with good flexibility, allowing for a comfortable range of motion while riding.
- Weatherproofing: Cordura can be treated with waterproof coatings to protect against rain and wet weather, making it suitable for all riding conditions.
- Variety of options: Cordura is used in a wide range of motorcycle gear, from lightweight summer jackets with mesh panels to heavier duty touring jackets with additional protective features.
Important considerations when choosing Cordura gear:
- Denier rating: The “denier” number indicates the thickness of the Cordura fibers, with higher numbers signifying greater abrasion resistance. For example, 500D, 1000D and so forth.
- Armor placement: Ensure the gear has proper armor placement at key impact areas like elbows, knees, and shoulders for optimal protection.
- Ventilation: Check for mesh panels or other ventilation features for comfortable riding in hot weather.
