What should I look for in a motorcycle jacket?
It isn’t hard to see the appeal of the motorcycle world. The freedom of the open road, the exhilarating pace, and the bonds forged in motorcycle groups all make the motorcycle lifestyle seem attractive.
And through safe driving practices, it’s entirely possible for a motorcyclist to go their entire lives without incident. But it’s still important to remember the increased risks involved when driving a motorcycle compared to other vehicles.
A vital piece of equipment, for both function and style, is your motorcycle jacket. The following are some of the most important points to consider when choosing your ideal jacket.
Material
Safety gear is imperative for any motorcyclist, with a properly fitted helmet naturally being the top priority. While you’re free, as far as the law is concerned, to wear whatever else you want when riding, it’s recommended that you invest in some more protective gear to guard against sliding and other injuries that can occur in motorcycle accidents.
There is a fair amount of debate as to whether a leather or textile jacket is the best bet. Generally, leather motorcycle jackets offer more abrasion resistance and are considered the best overall bet for protection. They tend to be the more expensive option, and riders should be careful to ensure they’re getting proper motorcycle leather and not a thinner jacket that offers less protection. Leather is significantly more durable than textile on average, and it tends to have a tighter fit.
Textile jackets have a couple of advantages. The first is that they’re lighter weight than leather. They’re also significantly cooler, making them ideal for summer rides. Many textile jackets are also waterproof and won’t get weighed down like leather jackets in the rain. Textile is also easier to clean than leather, though it shows dirt more easily.
Many riders recommend at least a couple of jackets, so you’ll have appropriate options for any kind of weather. Luckily, these days, there are so many options that you won’t have to sacrifice style in order to get the best protection.
Ventilation
It can be hard to strike a balance between a jacket that’s protective and one that’s comfortable. Regardless of material, the fact is that any jacket is going to heat up significantly on a summer afternoon.
Perforated leather or textile mesh options are common for ventilation. These allow air to flow through the jacket and keep the rider cool. Some leather jackets also come with zip close vents, so they’ll be appropriate for all seasons.
Visibility and safety features
Visibility is crucial for any motorcycle operator, especially considering how many accidents are caused simply because other drivers weren’t aware of a nearby motorcycle. It’s estimated that riders are roughly 37 percent less likely to be involved in an accident when wearing high-visibility gear. Bright colors are generally advisable, even fluorescent colors, which can provide great visibility for riders in fog and other low-visibility weather.
It’s also worth looking into a jacket with built in impact protectors. Common areas for these include the shoulders, elbows, and back, and they can greatly increase a jacket’s protection. Some jackets even include chest protection. While none of this is guaranteed to prevent injury, an extra layer of protection never hurts.
But remember, while a good jacket is important, it is also important to make sure you have a good insurance policy.
Liners and pockets
For additional functionality, you might look for a jacket with a zip-out liner. This can make an insulated and warm jacket appropriate for all seasons, and you can find long and short sleeve jackets with this option.
Additionally, pockets might seem like an afterthought, but having both internal and external pockets can really increase the versatility of your jacket. Even if you don’t use them regularly, you’ll be thankful for them when they’re needed.
