Proper race-spec protection, genuine trackday credentials and enough change left over for fuel

Nearly 40 years ago, I bought my first leather suit – a secondhand black and yellow Kenny Roberts replica Dainese two-piece set – for $250. At the time that was more than a week’s pay and it was pretty basic – double layers of leather at the shoulders, elbows and knees.

I was going road racing and a suit was required, but even then you didn’t get much for under $1000… so it comes as a shock to see a brand-new Berik Sicily suit hanging in my garage now with an RRP of just $899.

Italy-founded and still designed there, Berik has been around for a long time, developing leathers used by many famous racers including Troy Bayliss, Loris Capirossi and Chris Vermeulen. The features list is a mile long – Tense Tex stretch panels, CE-approved armour, fire retardant mesh lining and even an aerodynamic hump. And most importantly, they fit; I’m tall and broad and many brands simply don’t make or import leathers big enough, but the size 62 is good – and if you’re even bigger they have some styles in a 64.

The Sicily is one of those products that makes immediate sense the moment you pull it on. It’s designed for riders who want genuine racetrack-ready protection without spending superbike money on exotic materials, integrated airbags and MotoGP-level branding. And honestly? For a lot of riders, that’s exactly the sweet spot.

 

Proper trackday credentials

The Sicily is built from 1.1-1.2mm cowhide and backed up with CE armour in the shoulders, elbows and knees. There’s external knee slider provision, leather stretch panels through the major movement zones, and enough internal room to fit both a back protector and chest protector.

The new suit gets a big thumbs-up from our Nige as he returns from his first track session

That last part matters. A lot of entry-level suits get the basics right but become restrictive once you start adding proper protective gear underneath. The Berik manages to avoid that trap.

Fit is always subjective with off-the-rack race suits, but the Sicily strikes a sensible balance between snug and usable. It’s clearly intended to be tight in the riding position rather than while standing around pretending to be a factory rider.

That’s important, because overly tight suits can actually work against you on track. You need to move around the bike. You need to shift your weight, hang off the seat and get a knee out without feeling like you’re fighting your own gear. The Sicily gets pretty close to that balance.

 

Surprisingly comfortable

No one buys a one-piece leather suit expecting lounge-room comfort, but the Berik is more wearable than expected. The stretch textile panels genuinely help with mobility, and there’s enough airflow to stop it becoming unbearable during warm track sessions. In really brutal Australian summer conditions you’ll still cook – every leather suit does – but the ventilation is respectable for the price point.

Nigel found the budget-priced suit delivered when it came to fit and comfort in racetrack conditions

More importantly, it feels very reassuring once you’re moving. That’s why race suits still matter.

Even riders who rarely wear leathers on the road will acknowledge the level of protection they offer.

If you’re riding aggressively enough that a major crash becomes a real possibility, leather remains the benchmark. And for track riding, there’s really no substitute.

 

Value that’s hard to ignore

The most impressive thing about the Sicily is how complete the package feels for under $900. You can absolutely spend two, three or even four times that on a premium suit with kangaroo leather, integrated airbag systems and higher-end finishes. But for riders getting started with track days, advanced rider training or even club-level racing, the Sicily makes a compelling case.

It doesn’t feel like compromised gear. It feels like a proper race suit built to a budget that normal riders can still justify. And that’s probably why it works so well.

There is plenty of built-in protection and ability to fit knee-sliders

 

Verdict

The Berik Sicily isn’t trying to be a MotoGP-spec superbike suit. It’s trying to give everyday riders access to genuine track-ready protection without financial pain, and it succeeds.

For first-time trackday riders, occasional racers or road riders wanting serious protection at a sensible price, this is a very solid entry point into proper race leathers. Go and check it out.

Berik Sicily 1pc Race Suit – $899.95

Moto National Accessories
1300 885 355
berik.com.au