A motorcycle jacket, like other equipment, must be carefully selected. Driving comfort depends on the quality of equipment. If the jacket, pants, helmet and gloves are not the right size, you will feel heavy when driving and will be unable to concentrate, especially in bad weather conditions. In this article we will reveal the secrets of how to choose a motorcycle jacket.
The main task of a motorcyclist is to choose the right equipment from the huge assortment currently presented on the seller’s website. The motorcycle jacket is selected according to the following criteria:
- Size
- Material
- Types of trips
Leather vs textiles?
To put it briefly and objectively, leather jackets are classics. They are quite wear-resistant, reliable, and very stylish. A motorcyclist in leather gear is a direct reference and tribute to the history of the motorcycle world. Icon has a whole atmospheric Icon 1000 Retrograde line that only gets better with wear. True labor. In leather, you can start the motorcycle season early, and it’s not scary to finish it later than others, because leather jackets are really distinguished by increased durability, wind and moisture protection. They keep you wonderfully warm in the off-season and in bad weather. However, when it's hot, a jacket like this will make you want to take your clothes off, because it doesn't breathe enough to make you feel at ease on a hot summer day.
Many users of leather motorcycle jackets notice that such products are heavier than textile ones, and of course require some care. Whatever one may say, leather is a specific material, especially when it comes to thick leather. But it can withstand more than one fall, which is why motorcyclists love it so much.
Thanks to modern developments, textile jackets are quite worthy competitors to leather. They are comfortable to ride on warm days, not so hot in the summer. Especially if you wisely bought a mesh, perforated model that is well ventilated. Textile jackets are distinguished by their versatility, unpretentiousness and all sorts of bright original colors. In addition to the stylish appearance that pleases ordinary people, textile jackets are lighter, have more pleasant bonuses, many external and internal pockets, and membrane linings in various combinations. Textiles are a haven for an engineer-designer of motorcycle equipment. Textile jackets are easier to wash and dry and do not become capricious like leather. However, there is an observation that textiles are not as resistant to falls as old leather.
Types of motorcycle jackets according to road conditions
The division of motorcycle jackets according to the road conditions of their use is extremely arbitrary, but not unreasonable. So, let’s figure out how the above types differ, and what are their features:
- sports – used for track riding, motocross or enduro (off-road riding).
The sports motorcycle jacket is designed for use in sports and independent riding on the track at high speeds. Most often it is a component of overalls. Almost always this equipment is made of thick leather and equipped with a developed protection system. The jacket is made specifically for riding a sports motorcycle and is not suitable as casual wear.
Enduro equipment should protect against impacts when falling or from getting soil and stones from under the wheels of opponents when moving. In addition, equipment for off-road driving must protect from wind and moisture, but at the same time ensure maximum mobility for the rider. You can read about the best enduro motorcycles here.
- urban – used for traveling around the city.
An urban motorcycle jacket can be either textile or leather. Due to the fact that it is intended for travel around the city, where the speed is limited, the degree of protection in it is significantly lower than in a sports car. Its main difference is that it fits perfectly into everyday life. This is especially convenient for those motorcyclists who prefer to come to work on a bike. A city motorcycle jacket does not shock others with its appearance and does not raise unnecessary questions, especially if there is no motorcycle nearby.
- travel jacket – used on long trips.
The basis of travel equipment is a city jacket. But there are also significant differences. First, it should be suitable for any weather: it should have a snap-on warm lining for cold weather, ventilation holes and breathable membranes for hot weather, and a wind and waterproof layer for rain. Secondly, it is more elongated, which protects the lower back from the wind. Thirdly, a travel jacket is characterized by a large number of pockets, both external and internal. Reflective inserts are required.
Motorcycle jacket or turtle?
Since one jacket is not enough for complete protection, most prudent motorcyclists wear tortoiseshells or simply backrests under their jackets. There is never too much protection, you realize this when you fall at 100%. In addition, you need to be able to use protection correctly. The turtle is worn under a jacket if your model does not have the necessary rigidity and protective inserts. When it’s thermonuclear heat outside, motorcyclists all take off their clothes, because even in a very good jacket it becomes unbearably stuffy. In this case, it is wise to use a turtle so as not to remain completely defenseless. Turtle is easy to combine with jersey or light mesh jackets. In any case, your body should be protected, even when you decide not to take a jacket with you, use a turtle.
The turtle, as an independent element, is used depending on the weather. It perfectly complements light jacket models that have no or weak protection. Wearing a tortoiseshell under a regular jacket, leaning on the "maybe" is not a good plan, because a motorcycle jacket implies the possibility of you falling. It was not for nothing that the designers developed a special cut and selected wear-resistant materials. Ordinary civilian jackets will not be able to provide you with minimal protection in case of a fall, but a motorcycle jacket is resistant to abrasion and is definitely much more tear-resistant.
If you are choosing between a turtle jacket and a motorcycle jacket, then a motorcycle jacket is definitely much more practical, logical and functional. If you are embarrassed by the weakness of the jacket’s protection, then you can always replace the inserted protective elements or buy a tighter back.
What to look for when buying a motorcycle jacket
You should approach the purchase of motorcycle equipment with the utmost care, because... It largely depends on how easily you can handle falling and sliding on the asphalt. When purchasing a motorcycle jacket as part of your equipment, you should pay attention to the following points:
- in what road conditions it will be used.
Here you need to take into account, first of all, protection from shocks and falls. Depending on the place where the equipment is used, the level of protection is selected. Most often, protective inserts are located on the elbows, forearm, shoulders, back, and chest. So a city jacket has a minimal degree of protection compared to others, but it can have additional pockets for inserts, which makes it possible to make the protection stronger. Sports jackets have the highest degree of protection, because... They are used in motorcycle racing at high speeds or when performing dangerous maneuvers.
- In what weather conditions will it be used?
In this case, you need to take into account your personal preferences. If you want to start the motorcycle season earlier, then leather gear is perfect, as it keeps you warm well and reliably protects you from the wind. For trips in the warm season, textile jackets that are equipped with breathable membranes and ventilation pockets are more suitable. For trips in the autumn-spring period, it is important to use equipment that is resistant to wind and precipitation. To do this, manufacturers use a water-repellent coating or a moisture-proof membrane, or both. Travel jackets work best when traveling in heavy rain.
A very important point, because the aerodynamic properties and, accordingly, the safety of the motorcyclist depend on this. The correct placement of protective inserts also depends on the tightness of the equipment. Also, proper fit protects against wind blowing, which is especially important in cold weather. Therefore, it is important to carefully try on a motorcycle jacket before purchasing, ideally to sit on your bike and feel all the comfort or discomfort before purchasing. It is worth noting that travel jackets have a looser fit. At the same time, they are equipped with special ties that prevent air from being blown in.
- self-expression and individuality.
Security elements and D3O
When a turtle seems superfluous to you, it makes sense to pay attention to the protective elements of a motorcycle jacket. Every serious model will definitely have inserts on the elbows, shoulders and back. By and large, in motorcycle jackets the protection is located in the same places as on the turtle; protection of all joints (elbows, shoulders) and protection along the spine are required. Even the pockets for the inserts can be adjustable to comply with all the anatomical curves of the body, which is very important for the convenience and safety of your joints, and also simply prevents the insert from slipping from its rightful place during an impact or sliding.
Modern protective inserts are made from the D3O material, popular in the motorcycle world, the essence of which boils down to plasticity in conditions of slowly changing position and instantaneous fixation of shape when sudden force is applied to it. They have gained great fame for their convenience in wearing clothes, because the mobility of the material does not completely hamper the motorcyclist. However, the material instantly hardens when a sharp force is applied to it, such as during a fall or accident.
Motorcycle jackets always have a well-thought-out design and anatomical cut with reinforced seams; some models can be fastened to motorcycle trousers; there are sliders and waterproof zippers. Maximum attention to the comfort and ergonomics of the product.
The design features of motorcycle jackets also include elongated flaps to limit the wind blowing under the jacket; for the same purpose, you can find zippers on the sleeves. Most motorcycle jackets allow you to wear long gloves, so it's no surprise that the sleeves are tapered for greater comfort and the same wind protection. You won't find such smart, well-thought-out motorcycle clothing anywhere in civilian models.
Subtleties of choosing a motorcycle jacket
Regardless of the pricing policy, any motorcycle jacket should provide resistance to short-term precipitation and strong winds. It's another matter if it rains outside for 24 hours. Textile motorcycle jackets for travel enthusiasts can handle this test. During the production of such jackets, special technologies are used: a waterproof membrane and a water-repellent coating on the outside. It is worth noting that experienced bikers do not push their luck by using specialized motorcycle raincoats in the rain.
Particular attention should be paid when purchasing a jacket for traveling in the hot summer. For example, a leather jacket will be very hot on summer days. In this case, you should give preference to jackets with perforations that allow the body to breathe. You can identify such jackets in a store by the special “AIR” logo. Textile jackets are also produced in the “AIR” format, additionally equipped with mesh pockets with zippers. These are some of the best motorcycle jackets for hot summer riding. A textile jacket with perforation should only be used in warm weather. It is unsuitable for travel in the autumn-spring period. If you don't have the money for more insulated jackets, it makes sense to purchase a textile jacket with a warm lining with a zipper.
Men's leather motorcycle jackets with protection have high durability characteristics when dropped on asphalt. Statistics show that after an accident, leather jackets are only slightly damaged. Their further use is quite possible. Due to identical protective elements (inserts on the elbows, shoulders), textile and leather jackets are equally resistant to impacts, but not to abrasions on asphalt. For greater safety, experienced bikers equip their jacket with protective elements for the back and chest. Outerwear models for sports motorcycles have a higher degree of protection. This is achieved by a thick layer of leather, the use of sliders and other shock-absorbing elements.
The motorcycle jacket should fit snugly on the biker. First of all, this affects the aerodynamics and, accordingly, the safety of the motorcyclist. The correct placement of the protective elements is important. That is, the back protection should be located directly on the back, etc. Based on this, you need to draw the following conclusion: you need to buy a motorcycle jacket only after a detailed fitting. Making sure that the protective elements fit securely to the body parts. It would seem that slightly loose motorcycle jackets for tourism are equipped with special ties. This is done so that at speed the air does not get under the jacket.
To make it easier for a biker to take off/put on a motorcycle jacket, manufacturers sew zippers on the sleeves and waist. Also, zippers on the lower back allow you to connect the jacket with motorcycle pants, which have a counterpart. This “equipment” reliably protects the lower back from the cold, and if you fall, the jacket does not tighten and protects the skin from damage.
