The purpose of a good motorcycle jacket is not only even not so much to make you look cool (although this is certainly an important point), but to provide you with adequate protection and, of course, comfort. In this article, you will learn how to choose the right motorcycle gear jackets, depending on your preferences and riding style.
First, let’s take a look at the main types of motorcycle jackets that exist:
- A winter motorcycle jacket is an elongated version of a summer jacket (see item 4). This jacket has a removable lining, special weather protection, durable fasteners, and a high level of security. Motorcycle jackets of this type are the most expensive.
- A rainproof jacket, as the name suggests, is particularly moisture resistant. In general, this is where its protective properties usually end – the thickness of such a jacket is not much more than a thin layer of plastic covering it. The rain jacket and trousers are often combined in one set to make them more comfortable to use during bad weather.
- Leather motorcycle jacket (biker jacket) is perhaps the most popular type of motorcycle jacket. And they are popular not so much because they have excellent protective properties (with the appropriate quality), but because it is very cool. And this is even a separate topic – the choice of “biker jacket”.
- The summer motorcycle jacket is a short, lightweight jacket. But the degree of its protection can vary within very wide limits – from the presence of good solid armor in it to primitive additional linings. But despite the fact that such a jacket is intended only for riding in good weather, finding a quality motorcycle jacket is not so easy. It should not only have a good appearance and provide good protection but it should also be tailored in a special way so that it does not flap in the wind or inflate into a balloon while driving.
- The jacket with an air cushion is still “a curiosity”, and it looks very unusual. But this type of motorcycle jacket provides the rider with the best protection in the event of falls and other emergencies. It works as follows: a small air cylinder filled with compressed air is integrated into a motorcycle jacket. This compressed air is used to fill the air chamber that holds the rider’s head like a headrest in a passenger car.
A good motorcycle jacket should ideally reflect your personality while providing comfort and safety.
The tailoring of the motorcycle jacket
It is designed to provide maximum comfort on the move – i.e., in the position of the body when the motorcyclist sits in the saddle of his “iron horse”. This means that the sleeves of a motorcycle jacket should be longer, and even better – and with the ability to rotate. The rider’s shoulders also need more space. Considering the position of the rider (especially in the case of a sportbike), increased back coverage is also necessary. The clasps on the jacket should be moisture and wind-resistant.
The materials from which motorcycle jackets are made
It can be divided into two types: leather and non-leather. The material for non-leather motorcycle jackets is most often Cordura from Dupont, which is a special type of nylon and has a strength of up to 1000 den (this is a very high strength, ordinary clothes, for example, have a strength of ~ 500 dens).
Motorcycle trigger pockets
They are an important thing (in a motorcycle, unlike a car, there is no capacious glove compartment and a bunch of “compartments for small things”). The more pockets, the better (the main thing is not to get confused in them yourself). And, at least one, inner pocket is simply vital for a motorcyclist, and it is better if it is waterproof – then it will be possible to safely store documents and other valuable things outside.
Buckles
They are also an important part of a motorcycle jacket. They are designed to provide a better fit for the jacket – neck, cuffs on the arms, at the waist, and at the hips. This is useful in cold, rain, and to protect the jacket material from vibrational movements. If the selected motorcycle jacket does not have these sealing capabilities, then make sure that the material or leather of the jacket does not tend to swing when driving.
Tips when buying a motorcycle jacket
- Make sure the sleeves are long enough to fit the motorcycle.
- Check that there is enough room in the shoulders for free movement.
- Button up the jacket at the waist and hips – you should be comfortable.
- Make sure the jacket covers your wrists and neck.
- Make sure that the material of the jacket does not sag, creating folds that can sway in the wind.
- Check if the additional pads are conveniently and correctly positioned.
- Does the jacket have the features you need (pockets, ventilation, etc.)?
- Does this jacket look baggy on you?