Capes on Motorcycle Suits: Why They're Removable and When to Wear Them

Short answer: take the cape off before you ride, every time. A cape can catch the wind, snag on the seat or reach moving parts, so on our caped suits it is removable and meant for events, photos and parked-bike scenes only. Treat it as a costume accessory, not part of the riding gear.

If you are shopping for a superhero motorcycle suit with a cape, here is how it works, when to use it and how to look after it. These designs are original and inspired by the characters. They are not licensed or official merchandise.

Why a cape does not belong on a bike

A cape is loose fabric or leather that hangs behind you. On a moving motorcycle, loose material can do several things you do not want:

• lift in the wind and pull at your neck and shoulders;
• drape over the seat or tail and shift your position;
• tangle with the rear wheel, chain or passenger;
• block your view in mirrors or distract you.

We make no promise about what would happen in any specific case, and the rule does not need one. Rider-safety organizations, such as the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, publish guidance on clothing and gear. Read it, and follow it over any product copy, including ours.

How the cape attaches

On all four caped suits the cape attaches with snaps (press studs), so it is removable. A removable cape has two advantages. First, you can ride in the suit exactly as it was built, without the extra material. Second, the cape is easy to clean or replace without touching the suit.

When you receive the suit, practice removing and re-fitting the cape once at home. Know how it detaches before you stand next to the bike. Check the snaps for wear every so often.

One more habit helps. Before every ride, look at the suit with the cape off and check that nothing from the cape is left hanging at the collar or shoulders. Loose material can flap at speed in the same way a cape does, so tuck it away or remove it.

When to wear the cape

• Conventions and meetups. Wear it indoors or while walking around.
• Photoshoots. Put the suit on, add the cape for the pictures, then remove it.
• Parked-bike scenes. A cape and a parked bike make a strong photo. Keep the engine off and the area clear.
• Display. On a mannequin, the cape gives the design its full silhouette.

For everything else, leave it at home.

Cape on or off: a quick checklist

Pack the cape in a separate bag when you travel. It keeps the suit free of creases from the cape and the cape free of marks from zips and armor.

Storing and caring for the cape

Hang the cape by its attachment points or fold it loosely with tissue between layers, so deep creases do not set. Keep it away from heat, sun and damp. For cleaning, follow the care instructions for the material it is made from. Our guide to caring for a leather cosplay or display suit covers the suit itself.

Which designs include a cape

According to the product pages, four designs have a cape: the Batman Classic suit, the Batman Dark Knight suit, the Superman Black suit and the Thor suit. The Batman and Superman pages say the cape is removable. The Thor page says to ask us how the cape will be handled before you order a riding build. Other designs, such as Black Adam and Doctor Strange, have no cape. See the Doctor Strange, Thor and Loki guide for the mystic and Asgardian designs, and browse the rest in superhero motorcycle gear.

Riding without a cape

A suit without its cape still looks like the character, because the colors, emblem and panels carry the design. Some owners find the suit looks cleaner this way. The Superman Black page says you can leave the cape off, but the order form has no cape choice, so ask customer service if you want a suit made without one.

What we do and do not claim

There are three builds. The riding suit (750 USD) has removable CE Level 1 armor at the shoulders, elbows, knees and hips, and a back pocket for an optional EN 1621-2 back protector (add-on); you choose the speed hump on the order form. The cosplay and display suit (650 USD) has no armor, back protector or hump. Jackets are 425 USD. We do not claim any build makes caped riding safe, because it does not. The cape is not part of the protection, and the cosplay build is not riding gear. Contact us with questions at how to order before you buy.

FAQs

Can I ride a motorcycle with a cape?

No. Remove it first. A cape can catch wind or snag on the bike.

How do you attach and remove the cape on a suit?

It attaches with snaps (press studs), so it snaps on and off. Practice at home before you need it.

Can I order a suit without a cape?

You can leave the cape off, but the order form has no cape choice. Ask customer service before ordering if you want a suit made without one.

How do I store the cape?

Hang it by the attachment points or fold it loosely, away from heat and sun.

Which suits come with a cape?

Batman Classic, Batman Dark Knight, Superman Black and Thor. Check each product page.

Ready to pick a design? Browse the caped designs in our superhero motorcycle suits.