Jacket questions

[stuco]

I just purchased a MC and I have a pretty thick leather jacket. This is not a motorcycle jacket persay but it is heavey duty leather leather. Will this work or will I have to buy a "motorcycle" jacket with armor and everything?

[oldrt]

Wow,
That is a answer only you can respond too!!!!

I am very happy with good quality protection.

:)

[stuco]

Wow,
That is a answer only you can respond too!!!!

I am very happy with good quality protection.

:)

Well, I was hoping to get some feedback from folks on whether or not a heavy leather jacket will provide some good protection in case of a crash. I realize it's not going to protect like the armored jackets but don't many still ride with a basic leather jacket? I could be wrong, that's why I started this thread.

[oldrt]

I am a huge fan of GOOD QUALITY Cordura Nylon Motorcycle riding jackets. I first purchased a very nice Vanson leather jacket when I first started riding; after several ran storms I can see why the high mileage BMW riders all use Cordura. The layer thing really works if you plan to use your bike in all climates. I would look for something that is waterproof with a liner and CE rated.
The true question is “Do you just want to look good or do you want to survive the weather elements".

Just my $.02 worth.

[stuco]

The true question is “Do you just want to look good or do you want to survive the weather elements".

Just my $.02 worth.

I'm more interested in surviving the concrete elements personally.

[oldrt]

That is a smart way to go. I would then purchase either a good quality leather or Cordura (nylon) jacket with good padding that is CE approved.

Have a great day -

[stuco]

That is a smart way to go. I would then purchase either a good quality leather or Cordura (nylon) jacket with good padding that is CE approved.

Have a great day -

Thanks oldrt,

I'll have to look into those when I have a little extra cash to spend.

[bob weeks]

armer leather is best, but i reccommend an advance rider course so don't think so much about a crash, and a good helment. I wear both. ride safe sane & and have fun. check out leatherup.com. They have good quality leather jackets with the padded shoulders and elbows and stuff.BWHD

[bob weeks]

armer leather is best ,but i recmond an advance rider course so dont think so much about a crash ,and a good helment ,i ware both,ride safe sane & and have fun .BWHD

[R6Ridin]

Hey man, I also wanted to throw out the idea of an Icon jacket. I just bought one not too long ago and i love it. I've got a 2003 yamaha R6 though so an Icon jacket might not be right for everyone they are kind of more for "crotch rockets" but it's extremely comfortable and it has a zip out liner you can take out when it gets warm, but they are nice

[anna1323]

I would like you to tell to purchase leather biker jacket which is comfortable for you while driving. As while driving the person should feel light weighted.You can find the biker jackets at leathericon at affordable price. Just visit leathericon and you can find the perfect jacket for you at affordable cost.

Anna

[domindart]

I am thinking about this one. As I am looking for a jacket too!

http://www.motoemporium.com/powertrip/powerglide_jkt.jpg

Im not worried aabout it being too dark to see at night. I plan on getting a silver helmet which should be visible. I also am considering other reflective stickers . Someone told me to keep looking cause at that price (275.00) there are better ones. I will check out leatherup.com. Havent gone there to look yet. I would prefer a full padded jacket but havent found one in black as I prefer yet. I found a padded leather "suzuki" jacket , but I figure I may own another kind of bike in the future. Though i DO own a suzuki now. And its a nice jacket. What do yall think? Hope you dont mind me hijacking your thread ..

[Urban Coyote]

When it comes to motorcycle jackets, I'm not your typical Harley owner with the big thick leather motocycle cop type jacket or jackets with Harley Davidson all over it, I like the sporty jackets with the armor.
When I got my bike this summer, I got a SHIFT mesh jacket with shoulder, elbow and back armor and it very comfortable and cool for the summer.

For this winter I was temporarily wearing a soft leather dress jacket I had for many years, which I wore basically to keep me warm and not expecting great protection, but now I just purchased an ICON Strongarm jacket. It is basically a heavy duty denim jacket with thick leather sleeves with armor in shoulders and elbows. It has that nice ICON sport cycle jacket quality and look to it, but the combo of denim and leather also gives it a cruiser rider look. Got it on sale for $150

[iamgumby]

Good thread Stuco! My quick answer is to have the best protection that you can afford. ATGATT. That said, I started with a leather jacket that I still have and still use when the temps get cold on short trips. My jacket of preference is a Joe Rocket Phoenix (armored/mesh). It has a zip in/out liner; but I can't tell that the liner does all that much to stop wind or keep you warm (its like a windbreaker). I chose this jacket as living in W. Texas it is usually warm/hot temps. [And it was 23F Saturday night!] This jacket has armored forearm, elbow, shoulder and back. It's tolerable even over 100F as long as I'm moving. I carry rain gear that I got from Academy; made by Magellan. It packs into itself to make a 5" x 5" x 2" bundle and its big enough to go over the jacket. For just plain cold and nasty weather I have a one-piece riding suit (think of snowmobile suit/insulated coveralls made for motorcycling) that is made by First Gear. Whenever I go farther than 2 couties from home I have this suit packed somewhere! People have brought up a lot of good brands in this thread and I'll throw out Darien and Aerostitch as other examples. Make a Google search and check out places like Dennis Kirk, Twisted Throttle or your local m/c shops. Check the classified of this and other m/c forums or "Craingslist". Sometimes the sizes are a goofy when they have megasales. It will help you to know a good deal on used gear if you are familiar with pricing for new items; generally used is about 50% of new, but very good condition, who has it and who wants it how badly can change that! Anyway, shop, reasearch and get the best gear you can afford. ;)

[Uesque]

I wear a mil-spec A-2 goatskin in brown. I really like it because it looks different than all the others out there.

[billz]

I am a huge fan of GOOD QUALITY Cordura Nylon Motorcycle riding jackets. I first purchased a very nice Vanson leather jacket when I first started riding; after several ran storms I can see why the high mileage BMW riders all use Cordura. The layer thing really works if you plan to use your bike in all climates. I would look for something that is waterproof with a liner and CE rated.
The true question is “Do you just want to look good or do you want to survive the weather elements".

Just my $.02 worth.

Thanks for the info, I've also heard a lot about Cordura jackets. But their prices are a little on the high side. Any ideas where I can find affordable stuff?

[markk53]

I just purchased a MC and I have a pretty thick leather jacket. This is not a motorcycle jacket persay but it is heavey duty leather leather. Will this work or will I have to buy a "motorcycle" jacket with armor and everything?

Thick leather is what makes a bike jacket for the most part.

From there it goet to sleeves that are able to be cinched down at the wrist so they won't ride up if you fall and slide. Then they have rotated sleeves so the arms are more comfortable in the forward reach in the riding position. Then the sleeves are curved for the same reason.

So it is up to you. If the leather is thick it will be good for skid resistance. My old 1960s Bates flat track jacket was pretty much cut like a standard coat, but with some pleats in the back to allow a forward reach. Sleeves were straight cut with zippered cuffs and weren't rotated in any way. It did it's job a few times for me for sure. I spent a few times sliding on the track.

I personally do wear textile jackets, especially since they're now made for bikes. The main reasons are they can be washed in a washer, with a garden hose on the ground, or in a bath tub. They don't require any special attention with any oils or such as leather does. And they are frequently waterproof or have a liner that is waterproof.

If you want a good buy in a jacket the three best places to make sure they fit and to buy are:

At the stores of on-line sources (I live near Iron Pony and go there to check out their close outs, bought both my lined mesh longer jacket, a First Gear Kilmanjaro Air at the stores of on-line sources I live near Iron Pony and go there to check out their close outs, bought both my lined mesh longer jacket, a First Gear Kilmanjaro Air - $49 - and my low buck First Racing short waist jacket with full armor - 25 - by stopping in there.

Going to a big race like any AMA National roadrace. Vendors have close outs there too.

At motorcycle shows like the Cycle World and Easyrider shows where vendors are selling close outs too.

You get to try them on to make sure they are what you want. I mean $75 and I have two great jackets. I will say if I'm looking at buying current stuff I will go to a dealer I like and tell them what I want to spend, usually getting real darn close to what I want to spend if not a match or better.

[Lil' Red Rocket]

Most cheap dead cow is rated for Chinese roads, not here. (thats a joke son)
You want the thickest cow you can get.
I was thrown off an cover pass by a drunk in a pick up. I still have the bomber jacket I was wearing. It saved my skin from a 80 foot downward tumble though sticker bushes.

Get a removable liner. Or sweat to the oldies.
Remember, soccer mom does not take the summer off, neither should yer jacket.

[billz]

Most cheap dead cow is rated for Chinese roads, not here.


HAHAHA the chinese stuff sure is low quality :thumbsdown:

[mark22]

You all guys should visit this store and hope you like it or may be you make a deal also.

Mens:

http://www.motorcyclehouse.com/Motorcycle-Jackets-For-Men.htm

Womens:

http://www.motorcyclehouse.com/Motorcycle-Jackets-For-Women.htm

[jones]

I just purchased a MC and I have a pretty thick leather jacket. This is not a motorcycle jacket persay but it is heavey duty leather leather. Will this work or will I have to buy a "motorcycle" jacket with armor and everything?

That is what I use, keeps me nice & warm too