Motorcycle leathers: Race fans around the world are witnessing quality Australian cow and roo hides in action this year.
Brisbane-based motorcycle apparel designer Andrew Smart has added some top names of motorsport to his “Ricondi” clients for 2013.
Wearing Ricondi brand leathers with the “Ricondi Ric” koala emblem in 2013 are Mitchell Carr in World Supersport, Sebastian Ferrario in AMA Superbikes and Ben Henry in the Australian Superbike championship.
Last year, Ricondi leathers saved the hides of Ben Henry in the ASBK (pictured) and Moto 3 champion Linc Gilding who also raced as a wild-card entry in the Australian MotoGP at Phillip Island.
Ricondi stands for “riding conditions” and was started in Smart’s home a couple of years ago. He’s mainly concentrated on road racing gear distinguished by their high-specification large stretch panels for comfort and to provide flexible suits. A key to safety is the stitching which is multi row and reinforced on the inside so the seams are flat. All single and two-piece leathers are made of full-grain cow or roo hide.
Prices start at $990 and go up to $1750 for customised leathers. He also has race gloves ($160-$220) with extra long protection, Dupont/Kevlar inside and scaphoid protection. Ricondi is now branching out into textile jackets and wet weather gear.
Web: ricondi.com.au or call 1300 100 009.