MotoGP Race Suits: How to Choose a Rider-Design Leather Suit
Quick answers: A MotoGP race suit is a one-piece leather suit in the colours of a Grand Prix rider or team. A good one is a real track suit first and a design second. Check four things before you buy: full-grain leather, CE Level 2 armour, stitched (not printed) graphics, and a fit made to your measurements.
Key takeaways
- Judge a MotoGP suit by its leather, armour and stitching before its graphics.
- Leather patchwork graphics last the life of the suit. Printed graphics can crack and fade.
- A made-to-measure suit keeps the armour over your joints, which is what protects you in a crash.
- Pick the design by the bike you ride or the rider you follow. Both work.
- Matching gloves and boots finish the look and complete the protection.
What is a MotoGP race suit?
It is a one-piece leather racing suit built in the livery of a MotoGP rider or team: the colours, sponsor layout and number you see on the grid. Riders buy them for track days, for fast road riding, and because they want their kit to match their bike. You can browse every design in our MotoGP leather racing suits collection.
The four things to check
1. The leather
Look for full-grain cowhide at about 1.3 to 1.4 mm. It is the standard for track use because it slides without tearing. Kangaroo leather gives similar abrasion resistance at lower weight and costs more. Avoid split, bonded or PU-coated leather, whatever thickness is claimed. Our guide to kangaroo vs cowhide explains the difference.
2. The armour
A race suit should have certified armour at the shoulders, elbows, knees and back. CE Level 2 armour passes on less impact force than Level 1 in the standard test. Our suits include CE Level 2 armour at all four positions. See CE Level 1 vs Level 2 for what the ratings mean.
3. How the graphics are made
This is where MotoGP suits differ most. There are two methods:
- Leather patchwork: each colour is a separate piece of dyed leather, cut and stitched into the suit. The colour is the material, so it cannot peel.
- Printing: the design is printed onto the leather surface. It is cheaper, but it can crack along the creases at the elbows and knees and fade in sunlight.
Ask the seller which method they use before you order.
4. The fit
A race suit should be snug in the riding position, with the armour sitting on the joints and no loose leather at the arms or thighs. Stock sizes rarely manage this for every rider. A suit made to your own measurements does. Our measuring guide shows how to take them at home in about fifteen minutes.
How to pick a design
By the bike you ride
Most riders match the suit to the bike. Start with your manufacturer:
- Ducati suits
- Honda suits
- Yamaha suits
- Aprilia suits
- KTM suits
- BMW suits, Kawasaki suits and Suzuki suits
By rider
If you follow one rider, go straight to their designs: Marc Marquez, Valentino Rossi or Jorge Martin.
By season
Liveries change every year. The newest are in the 2026 MotoGP suits collection, with earlier seasons in 2025 and 2024.
One-piece or two-piece?
MotoGP riders wear one-piece suits, and most track day organisers prefer them. A two-piece suit that zips together all the way round is easier to live with on the road. Our comparison of 1 piece vs 2 piece suits covers the trade-offs.
Making it yours
Because each suit is made to order, you can change it. Common requests are your own name and number, perforated panels for hot weather, and a kangaroo leather upgrade. If you want something that is not a team design at all, you can design your own suit.
Finish the kit
Gloves and boots take as much abuse as the suit in a crash. Choose full-gauntlet racing gloves and racing boots in the same colours so the kit works as a set.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a MotoGP race suit on track days?
Yes, if it is real leather with certified armour. Check your organiser's rules. Many ask for a one-piece suit or a two-piece that zips together fully.
Are MotoGP suits comfortable on the road?
They are cut for a sportbike riding position, so they feel best on a sports or naked bike. Perforated panels help a lot in warm weather.
Can I have my own name and number?
Yes. Tell us what you want when you order and we will build it into the design.
How long does a made-to-order suit take?
Each suit is cut and stitched after you order. Our guide to ordering a custom race suit explains production, delivery and returns.
How do I look after the suit?
Wipe it down after riding, condition the leather a few times a year and let it dry naturally. See how to clean and condition a race suit.