Making the safest motorcycle clothing | BKS Interview | British Industry

BKS has become one of the leading names in motorcycle safety, making some of the toughest made-to-measure leathers and textile riding kit. In this video, we speak to the owner and founder – Brian Sansom – to see how he transformed a punk-rock clothing hobby into a world-renowned motorbike tailoring company.
We look at the good and bad of EN17092 and EN13595 to find out how the safety standards have evolved, as well as what one of the leaders in protective equipment thinks those on a tight budget should look for when buying...

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Chapters
00:00 Intro
01:04 From punk to police; how BKS started
05:04 Only made-to-measure
07:27 The problem with safety standards: EN17092 vs EN13595
15:01 BS13595: Level AAAA and Level AAAAA
16:55 How important is a custom, bespoke fit?
19:41 Is leather still the most protective material?
21:03 Stop quoting ‘slide times’
22:47 Using the right armour
26:02 What does made-to-measure cost?
27:52 A lifetime investment
29:47 What should someone with less to spend choose?
32:56 The future of rider safety
#Celebrating Britain #BritishIndustry #BKS

[davidoram]

I bought my two piece suit from BKS in 1998, measured by Brian. 21 years later, in 2019, and the suit was still like new, but I was no longer the same shape! Another visit to BKS, and alterations made following yet more personal service from Brian. This is an outstanding company, producing garments which are second to non, and an example to the rest of the industry.

[dukie]

The motorcycle industry needs more people like this gentleman who truly care about the men and women who ride. I’m always reinforcing my own off-the-shelf motorcycle clothes with more armor. Bought a pair of Kevlar leggings and did an abrasion test against denim on a repeatable rig, the outcome was quite disappointed with both sanding through at roughly the same time.

[obikenobi]

Proper British manufacturing at its finest. Passionate and knowledgeable.
Quality and safety first.

[blackkUK]

I had a new BKS M2M leather suit in '96 and used it for over 20 years for commuting, European touring and Sunday afternoon rides. It must have shrunk a little around the waist (because I'm sure I didn't so had a new BKS M2M leather suit in 2018. Again, it's been used for all my riding, and I've never found it to be uncomfortable, even in some long days in extreme weather. BKS M2M is the ultimate motorcycle kit and every rider should consider buying their kit.

[Viffer]

I phoned BKS today and spoke to Brian about the textile suit as I am interested.

Very knowledgeable and no hard sell.

Sounds like a chap I could do business with.

Just got to work out if I can justify sliding the knife into the piggy bank to invest in one.

[SimonQuirk]

What a refreshingly honest response from someone who makes the very highest quality gear: match the risk to the gear - it's your choice.

[King_Harrold]

Cheers to John for recommending this video.

Brian is a very articulate, knowledgeable and snazzy dressed individual. Great to listen to.

Didn't realised BKS MtM and BKS LTD were different but totally makes sense.

[ColinCarFan]

I am 10 months late to this video and never thought I would watch it through at 38 minutes but it has been truly fascinating and absorbing. Thank you.

[jamest]

Great insight and good to see a company putting safety and quality at the fore. Well done BKS.

Great series 👍👏

[fuujinmugen]

Next time I’m in the UK, I’ll definitely visit BKS and get a 2 piece Leather Set made.
Thank you Bennetts for introducing me to this brilliant Company.

[gingerelvis]

Fascinating story, passion and quality craftsmanship. You will never beat hand made bespoke kit, my Altberg boots are a testament to that 10 years on. Sadly it does highlight just how important your brand is and arguably the most valuable asset you can have. For many people who don't know the background they might not realise that the suit they pick up from J&S has nothing to do with the far superior product they would get from made to measure yet they see the name and it could influence them either way based on their experience of either product.

[johnward]

Great informative interview. Excellent British manufacturing is still available 👍

[karlwilkins]

I bought a two-piece suit this year absolutely superb piece of equipment well done to Brian Alison and the team 👍🏍🇬🇧

[ragetobe]

I took biking backup 3 years ago, I’m 51. I’ve never heard of BKS but I’m glad I have now. When I bought my kit 3 years ago nobody mentioned what level of protection it had, the salesman seemed very disinterested and couldn’t have cared less. I’m no in the market for a serious textile suit because I ride my bike everyday in the UK and I’m sick of being wet and cold. I found this interview really informative and illuminating thank you.

[mooncat]

Fascinating interview 👍 I love how Alpinestars consulted with BKS for airbags advice.

[alistairmcdonald]

What a genuinely impressive company producing the best suits you can buy. Great video

[Geshmaal]

So refreshing to hear from someone who isn't interested in building to a price point or massively growing their brand and instead just wants to make the gear that's best for the job. I'm guessing this video will prompt a few orders at least though!

[andrewdawson]

I have had 3 suits made by Brian and his team. I still have my 15 year old two-piece road suit (unaltered because I look after myself). Sadly the other 2 one-piece suits have both been cut off me but that's racing for ya. No doubt my injuries would have been far worse without BKS quality. I have spent a lot of money but I have had the best protection. The bonus is wearing a suit that properly fits; they really do feel amazing, both on and off the bike.

[joek]

I just found your videos, sir, and these have been a breath of fresh air. Its so refreshing to see a motorcycle video without dubtrap cut scenes and assclowns doing wheelies. Motorcycle video essays for adults.

There isn't a SINGLE shot of someone mobbing on a shitty exhaust in this video. This is very uncommon and oh so refreshing.

[shawngreenwood]

I am a late bloomer to motorcycling and hear in Canada only ride an a beginner bike but love how I can learn about motorcycling through the internet. To be honest I was at first put-off by the stuffy British suit man but was turned by what he had to say. Thank you for expanding my knowledge.