Leather jacket for motorcycling?

Question

It's me again, with another motorcycle question. Can anyone recommend a really good make of leather motorcycle jacket that would suit a modern Bonneville? I've seen all sorts of gear on the net at all sorts of prices, but it's difficult to determine what's good and what aint.

Going for maximum cool, so no slides, staying vertical a priority!

Answer 1

Well,there are a few shops that spring to mind.

Hein Gericke do a very good selection of jackets,modern and retro....look around,they have stores all over the place.

Infinity Motorcycles stock many good brands....again,quite a few stores around.

Frank Thomas have very smart old style jackets,as well as good quality textile's etc.

Belstaff however are the ones that i think make the ideal kit for you..well made and looks good.

However i would advise you to travel to a store and physically try on a jacket,as the sizes vary greatly between manufacturer,and some jackets just feel better than others.

Good luck with your search.

Answer 2

I'm seeing a lot of good answers to your question. Comfort and fit are important. The jacket should fit snug enough in the arms and chest so that it doesn't "balloon" up when riding. (This happens when wind blows up loose sleeeves and gets trapped in the chest of the jacket - very distracting and potentially dangerous.)

It's also important that the jacket be appropriate to the climate and weather in which you will be riding. You don't want a jacket that's going to make you *roast* in hot weather, and you don't want one that's going to leave you freezing in early spring or late fall. My personal preference is a classic styled leather jacket with a zip-out thinsulate lining.

Some folks prefer a newer-styled jacket with built-in or removeable kevlar armor plates. I've never worn one, but I've read that they are outstanding in terms of protection. However, there are a few things to consider here, such as weight and ease of storage. (When you park the bike, can you get the jacket into saddlebags? Or do you have to choose between leaving it bungeed to the bike where it can be stolen vs wearing it around all day?)

If you go with a non-armored jacket, the most important factor is THICKNESS - the thicker the leather, the more time it will buy you before asphalt bites flesh. There are a number of ways that leather thickness is measured. Here is a good comparison chart:

http://www.brettunsvillage.com/leather/conversions.html

Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Have a read of Ride Magazine as they generally do the best product tests. Anything that has the "Ride Best Buy" or "Ride Recommended" stamp on it is worth a look. I think they did a test about 3 months ago?
I've got a Frank Thomas Classic £130 and has CE armour in the back, shoulder, elbow and wrist (took wrist ones out cos I couldnt get my gloves over them!). Its all black and has zipped vents in the chest and back. Its comfy, has a zip in fleece lining and is cool in summer and warm in autumn, though you'd need something more substantial in winter. Only niggle is that the pockets are a bit small but hey, thats what a tank bag's for!! I know they do a ladies version too!
Heine Gericke do a line in classic looking leathers that are pretty descent for the price and look the part, but they arent as good quality as the Frank Thomas, it didnt protect me too well when I got brought off 2 years ago!!
Have you checked Triumphs clothing line? Its a bit pricey, but the quality is top notch and is designed with the Bonnie in mind!!
Have a look at www.busters-accessories.co.uk, they often do quality lines like AST, Richa, Dainese and Spidi at good prices!! Its delivery only though, and you know how important it is for a good fit, but ive been using them for years and not had any problems.
I think last port of call would be a motorcycle show? Its summer so theres loads around and they often have stalls with kit at crazy cheap prices....I got a Caberg full-face opening helmet for £25!!
Hope that helps!

Answer 4

Trixie;
Take a look at Vanson Leathers of Fall River,MA. They make some of the finest leathers in the world. All labor and materials are American. They have a complete line of leathers shaped for the female form. If you're really serious they will make a jacket or suit in a design by you. Take a look at the web site. If you're cash strapped take a look at "Newenough.com". A gang of great folks retailing products that are first quality and very reasonable price point. A real company of motorcycling enthusiasts!

Answer 5

You in luck! Over the last three years, the market for high-quality riding gear specifically designed for women has increased dramatically. In order to find the jacket that is best for you, you need to consider these three things:

1) Quality & protection, 2) Fit and comfort, 3) what you're going to use it for.

As far as quality goes, you are going to get pretty good quality & protection from the main brands, Dainese, Vanson, Alpinestars, Spidi, Icon, BMW, and others, though fit and comfort will vary dramatically. For decent protection, make sure the jacket has either built-in, or pockets for CE armor in the elbows, shoulders and spine. You can get a really good spine protector seperately (around $125, the Alpinestars ). Price is usually a pretty good indicator of quality as well. A $200 jacket will probably protect you just fine... once. These sort of jackets tend to be quick give their lives to protect your skin. A jacket in the $400 and up category is usually designed with repairs in mind.. often capable of multiple beatings.

Fit and comfort are affected not only by the manufaturer, but by the quality of leather used. Dainese uses leather that is often thinner, but just as strong as that used by other brands, as a result, their gear tends to move better, is lighter weight and is buttery smooth. I am a HUGE fan of Dainese. You pay for it, though. The importance of a jacket that feels good when worn (and riden in) is vital. And never, ever buy a jacket without first trying it on. Sit, stand, raise your arms in front of you and to the sides. See how it feels.

And lastly, what you use the jacket for is as important as everything else. If this is going to be your one-and-only jacket, then you best plink down the extra cash and get a jacket with all the bells and whistles. Chances are it won't be the warmest during winter or the coolest during summer, but it will be reliable and comfortable enough to do everything. And the more often and more agressively you ride, the more protection/durability there should be built into the jacket. If you are riding only during the summer and in a hot climate, and you ride in a leisurly manner, you would probably be fine with one of the less expensive ($150ish) mesh jackets... just remember, these are only good for one crash. Also, modern fabric jackets/suits (such as the legendary Aerostich suit) provide tremendous features and protection and are good year-round for anything but serious track time.

One last thing to consider is whether or not you plan on getting leather pants to go with the jacket. If you do, then buying a jacket with a built-in zip for easy connection to a matching set of pants is a real boon.

Newenough.com is a good place to go to get name-brand jackets at bargin-bin prices. Though the jackets are older or discontinued, they will still give you all the protection you will need. The only trick is finding the jacket you want, in the color you want, for the price you want. The good stuff in common sizes tends to go quick.

So have some fun, and visit a few local motorcycle dealerships (Ducati for Dainese) and try stuff on.

Anyhow, if you don't look at anything else, the brands that I listed should give you plenty of choices with the quality and look you want. Good luck, and happy riding!

Answer 6

Triumph's own stuff is highly cool. Some of teh Lewis Leathers range are excellent. Crowtree are brilliant but cost a fortune. Akito are about the coolest Japanese.

Answer 7

hi trixie, i would reccomend anything thats a crossover front and most definitely BLACK, i personally think tassled sleeves look good on the girlies, if you can see the jacket count the stitches per inch, bet you think i am nuts now, but 8 per inch is optimum, less than that and the leather may teart in a spill and more than that will act like perforations if you spill, if you are in uk, try getting back street heroes theres plenty in there at reasonable prices. cheers steve

Answer 8

Triumph dealers sell some nice Triumph leathers. Otherwise Furygan are cool

Answer 9

Try riverroadgear.com, River Road is a good brand and has a nice selection of leather jackets, vests, boots, etc.

Also leatherup.com, and motoleather.com.

I've bought items from both these places.

Answer 10

bikers paradise have some really good stuff lots of designes
i am sure you will find something to suit,they are located near the n.e.c. in Birmingham but if you wish you can buy on the Internet and it will be next day delivery depending on the stock.