RST Moto have introduced an affordable racing suit range and we got to test the entry-level R14 suit at the legendary Catalunya circuit in Spain.
Flashback a decade and motorcycling enthusiasts would remember how arduous it was to find the right riding gear in India – something that would provide adequate protection, fit perfectly and not drill a hole in your pocket. That however is no longer the case – you can now find reasonable quality protective gear at affordable prices, right from your daily riding jackets to full race suits. Of the relatively newer brands to enter the Indian market, RST Moto’s foundation lies firmly in adequate protection at a value for money price.
Established in 1988, like all other companies, RST Moto started small, but has grown exponentially into a globally recognised brand for motorcycle clothing today. Our friends at Baycity Speed Shop in Mumbai recently gave us a chance to sample RST’s R14 one-piece race suit.
Although the RST R14 is an entry-level race suit, it is built with good quality full grain 1.1-1.3mm cowhide. The leather is soft enough for good comfort but at the same time it claims to provide excellent abrasion resistance. We weren’t bold enough to test that claim though. To improve durability, the suit has been stitched together using double and triple seams of super-strong bonded nylon. Providing protection are CE approved armours for the shoulders, elbows and knees. That aside, it also has additional pockets for hip and back protectors. One of most important aspects to consider when buying motorcycle clothing is the fit. I am 5-feet 8-inches and weigh about 67kg, and I found the UK size 42 of the R14 to fit me perfectly – with the armour in the right places and just enough give for comfortable movement on the motorcycle.
While design is absolutely subjective, I found the R14 to be rather vanilla. A little more graphic or sportier design would have been appreciated. That being said, for better aerodynamics, the R14 does come with a mid-sized race hump. My only grouse with the R14 racing suit was the fact that it isn’t ventilated. We didn’t quite find the need for it to be perforated when we tried it out at the Catalunya circuit in Spain, but here in India you might just feel the discomfort due to the heat.
Priced at Rs.43,999, the RST R14 is among the most affordable one-piece suits out there, and at that price it offers an impressive value for money proposition. You can source your RST motorcycle clothing from their official dealer Baycity Speed Shop in Marine Lines, Mumbai or
visit their website www.baycityspeedshop.com
