USA 
Canada 
Brazil 
Germany 
France 
Italy 
Switzerland 
Sweden 
Spain 
Great Britain 
Russia 
South Africa 
Japan 
New Zealand 
Australia 
Michael van der Mark rode the Yamaha YZF-R1 in the 2017 World Superbike Championship with race number 60. The from Leather Collection is a replica inspired by the leathers he wore that season. It is hand-stitched and made to order, and Leather Collection has made motorcycle leathers since 2009.
Michael van der Mark in 2017
The Dutch rider switched from Honda to Yamaha for 2017 and rode the YZF-R1 in WorldSBK. He also won the 2017 Suzuka 8 Hours for Yamaha Factory Racing alongside Alex Lowes and Katsuyuki Nakasuga, which gave Yamaha a third consecutive win in the race, as reported by Yamaha Racing. In the same year he made two MotoGP appearances as a replacement rider for the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 team.
What a Race Suit Needs
Racing leathers are built for sliding at speed. The usual features are cowhide for abrasion resistance, double or triple stitching at stress points, pockets for impact armor at the shoulders, elbows and knees, and pre-curved arms and legs that follow the tuck position. Stretch panels add movement, and a breathable lining helps with heat.
Protection standards in plain terms
In Europe, motorcycle clothing is assessed under EN 17092, which defines classes from AAA to C. According to SATRA, the tests cover abrasion resistance, seam strength and tear strength, and classes AAA and AA require elbow, shoulder, knee and hip protectors. A suit is certified only if that specific product carries the approval, so riders should check the label of the exact garment, and armor fit matters as much as the armor itself.
Choosing a Replica Race Suit
Replica suits copy the graphics of a team kit, so riders should decide first whether the suit is for track days or for display and casual riding. Track riders usually start from the Yamaha design they like, then confirm armor, fit and class. The collection groups the Yamaha designs, and the full set of covers other teams and plain designs. For a plain alternative, the are a related design.
Final Thoughts
The Michael van der Mark Yamaha 2017 suit is a World Superbike replica inspired by a rider who also won at Suzuka that year. Check the protection class and armor fit of the exact suit before using it on track.
Written by the Leather Collection Editorial Team.
