Kids' Motorcycle Race Suits: A Parent's Buying Guide

Published 9 November 2026

Minimoto, pit bike and mini GP racing is where a lot of riders start, some of them at six or seven years old. A proper leather race suit is the most important piece of kit you'll buy them after the helmet, and it's also the one parents most often get wrong, usually by buying too big.

We make kids' race suits to order alongside our adult suits. Here's what we tell parents who ask us what to look for.

1. Buy for now, not for next year

It's tempting to buy a size up so the suit lasts longer. Don't. Leather doesn't protect much on its own if it's loose: in a slide the suit twists, and the armour moves off the shoulders, elbows and knees. A kids' race suit should fit snugly, with just enough room to move freely on the bike.

Children grow fast, so made to measure makes more sense for kids than for most adults. You get a suit that fits properly this season, and when they outgrow it you order the next one with new measurements. We make kids' suits to measure at the same price as a standard size.

2. How it should fit on the bike

Check the fit with your child sitting on the bike in a riding position, not standing in the kitchen:

Knee armour sits on the kneecap with the legs bent.
Elbow and shoulder armour stay in place with the arms stretched to the bars.
Sleeves and legs reach the wrists and ankles, with no gap between suit, gloves and boots.
The back doesn't pull up, and they can tuck in without the suit pinching.

Our guide to how a race suit should fit covers each check in more detail.

3. Armour: certified, and the right size

Look for CE armour certified to EN 1621-1 at the shoulders, elbows and knees, ideally Level 2, the higher of the two levels. Add a back protector, tested under EN 1621-2. Just as important, the armour has to be sized for a child. Adult pads in a small suit end up in the wrong place.

Every Leathers First suit, kids' sizes included, comes with CE Level 2 armour. The certificate numbers are on our armour certifications page.

4. Comfort keeps them riding

A child who's hot, stiff or pinched won't enjoy the day. Stretch panels behind the knees, at the crotch and across the back make a big difference, and perforated leather on the chest and back helps on hot track days. A pre-curved cut means they're not fighting the suit to get into a riding position.

5. Check your club's rules

Most minimoto, pit bike and mini GP clubs ask for a one-piece leather suit, a back protector, race boots, gloves and a helmet. Some championships have their own requirements, so check with your club before you order.

6. Make it theirs

Kids love having their own name and number on their suit, and it makes them easy to spot on track. Because every suit is made to order, you can choose the colours, add their name, number and any sponsors, and we'll send you a design to approve before we make it.

7. Price

Youth one-piece leather suits from the big brands usually cost between about $450 and $700. Leathers First kids' race suits cost $449, made to your child's measurements or in a standard size, with CE Level 2 armour and free DDP shipping on orders over $500.

Common questions

Should I buy a bigger suit so my child can grow into it?

No. A suit that's too big lets the armour slide off the shoulders, elbows and knees in a fall, which is exactly when it needs to stay put. Buy a suit that fits now. Made to measure is the easiest way to get that right.

What does my child need for minimoto or pit bike racing?

Most clubs ask for a one-piece leather suit, a back protector, race boots, gloves and a helmet. Rules differ between clubs and championships, so check yours before you order.

What armour should a kids' race suit have?

Look for CE-certified armour to EN 1621-1 at the shoulders, elbows and knees, ideally Level 2, plus a back protector. Every Leathers First suit, kids' sizes included, comes with CE Level 2 armour.

How much does a kids' leather race suit cost?

Youth one-piece suits from the big brands usually cost between about $450 and $700. Leathers First kids' race suits cost $449, made to your child's measurements or in a standard size.

Can you put my child's name and number on the suit?

Yes. Every suit is made to order, so you choose the colours, the name, the race number and any sponsor logos.

Order a kids' race suit

Browse our kids' race suits, read the minimoto and pit bike gear checklist, or message us on WhatsApp with your child's height, age and the design you have in mind. Our made-to-measure page explains how to take measurements.