Kidney belt?
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Road Captain
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 716
Likes: 154
From: Canada
Kidney belt?
I'm looking at a new textile riding jacket (Scorpion) and noticed one of them comes with an optional kidney belt. I remember these from decades ago. I'm wondering what benefit they provide.
I'm 66, ride an Eglide and do a lot of touring. Some days can be long and I'll ride for up to 3 hours before stopping.
I'm 66, ride an Eglide and do a lot of touring. Some days can be long and I'll ride for up to 3 hours before stopping.
Road Master
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 1,080
Likes: 103
From: Lake County, CA
I think back in the day they didn't have rider back rests, so it was to help with the lower back pain. You could use it also to keep the cold air from coming up your back side. Back in the 80's I bought a leather jacket for racing Go Karts. It had one but I never used it. The jacket was a Bomber Style Jacket. Still have it, can't zip it up anymore. No not the zipper's fault 
Big Kahuna HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 322,622
Likes: 3,077
From: .....
I always thought kidney belts were mainly for when bikes had rigid frames and that horrible seat suspension in the down tube in the center of the frame. Other than that...don't know.
1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2017
Posts: 5
Likes: 1
From: Clt area
My FXRG jacket had the Textile n Velcro from factory. Over the years I have learned to like it Not to be confused with a big ol honkin ol timely heavy duty dead cow product. That be Overkill for modern riding for sure
I have a bad back and yes on a long trip I do wear a kidney belt.. The belt offers a lot of support and keeps me from slouching in my seat ..
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,673
Likes: 606
From:
i made a couple for myself. like the capt. said, it keeps me from slouching and it's warmer when cold. the reddish colored one has about 2000 hammer strikes for the basket weave pattern. the brown one has an HD oak leaf style leather patch in the middle that i did along with a basket weave border.
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Road Master
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 797
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From: MA
I remember wearing a kidney belt when racing enduro....many, many years ago. I am wondering for the use that you guys intend wouldn't a back rest accomplish the same? I have a bad back and it is fabulous for allowing for longer rides.......
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 9,193
Likes: 494
From: Richmond, VA
Oh hell yeah! I wear a kidney belt all the time on long rides.
It's little more than a converted weight lifting belt with some studs added, but on long trips, it's a nice piece to have.
It's little more than a converted weight lifting belt with some studs added, but on long trips, it's a nice piece to have.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,673
Likes: 606
From:
there's no way of putting a back rest for me on my 85 unless i make my own custom set up. i've thought about it lots of times but couldn't figure it out. the 85 has no hole in the seat for a pilot back rest.