Motorcycle Leathers Blog

brands that provide decent protection would be perfect. How well will this equipment protect a rider in case of a crash or accident? So far I am considering boots, a helmet, pants and a jacket, but I don't know whether to go with or get something that is more like armor. Thank you very much for looking.

It depends on what style of bike you are going for.
Although the basic requirement is for excellent abrasion resistance together with approved armour for safety. You must also consider keeping warm, cool, dry, comfortable. (depending on prevailing conditions)
Too much good stuff out there to compare but here is my choices and reasons:-
For my Sport Bike I prefer two piece leather suits ( Frank Thomas and Proto ) with built in armour and removeable liners to compensate for our dodgy UK weather. I prefer two piece to accomodate :-
a) going for a pee without learning to be be a contortionist!
b) wandering around on foot on a warm day. You won't want to drag the attached top around with you.
Sport type boots with good overall armour. You might want to accomodate toe sliders! ( I got Gaerne which are excellent for protection but a little inflexible for gear changing and walking around)
I use same Riossi leather lightweight gloves for all my bikes in good weather, otherwise Frank Thomas Aqua for usual Scottish downpours! (Both are a little light on rigid protection)
For my Touring bike I go for Cordura type belted jackets with built in armour, lots of pockets, high neck , Reflective piping or panels, removeable armour and good ventilation. ( Frank Thomas , BMW.)
I wear either leather jeans ( Sportex) with armour or Cordura type Pants (Frank Thomas) to match the jackets. I prefer leather but they get very wet, so I have to carry an inexpensive waterproof oversuit ( Lidl £10) under the seat.
Cruising boots, I go more for comfort and weather resistance with adequate armour or padding. I like to be able to walk comfortably in my cruising boots. ( Frank Thomas, BMW )
In spite of the massive price difference, My Frank Thomas jacket performs just as well as the BMW jacket and has loads more pockets. The BMW jacket however wins out on style and comfort. You just can't feel the armour and the material is so soft and supple.
Other accessories you might want to consider.
Neck tube or balaclava.
Biker friendly underwear.
Ear Plugs
Bum Bag or backpack to keep it all in!

Buy on line; its cheaper- I got a made-to measure thigh length leather jacket from FoxCreekLeathers in the US for just over $360 and its absolutely fabulous; would have cost over £500 here. Many of these sites do cut prices on good helmets too, like Arai, Nolan etc. Its always worth a look.

leatherup.com

It would seem obvious that bright clothing would allow me to be seen better and therefore help avoid collisions. However, I've been told that people tend to drive towards objects that draw their attention, and it is therefore unwise to wear bright clothing. A freind who has been riding for over ten years told me that the bike's lights are enough to make people notice you without having them fixate on you and steer towards you. Is this true?

Have you ever noticed a cager or any other vehicle if it is brighter in color than black? Same would go with clothing worn riding a bike, I say. Especially true, if at dawn or dusk, really hard to see object that blend in with the surroundings. I have never been compelled to steer towards anything by seeing a lighter color. Ready2Ride

there so dear and people grow out of them or give up on bikes etc. Not helmets but jackets etc.

Most people I know tend to sell older stuff on ebay. I know I have sold heaps of my kids motocross gear that they have grown out of that way and the boots go really quickly. Like you say things are expensive to buy new. So look on ebay

Ok first off, to the other answerers, FUKUCACHME, is a real clothing company, so I don't think he is violating any rules, because it's the name of a company, and it's a play on words (of sorts)…

Secondly, it's spelled "FUKUCACHME".

Apart from a helmet, do I need (by law) to wear any other protective clothing when taking my full motorcycle test?

By law ! NO !

But if you took your test in shorts and a tee-shirt then i think the examiner would look at you in a very bad light even before you got on the bike !
They are human after all and if you look like you dont take your safety seriously then i doubt whether they would pass you even if you ride quite well ! (they know how many riders get killed after just passing the test)
Dress correctly and look the part and you will show that you are a sensible rider and even if you make a few nervous mistakes then it might tip the balance in your favour and you have a better chance of passing your test !