Buying my first Jacket

[bluekat]

Hi everyone,

This weekend I'm hoping to go shopping for a jacket and am looking for advice, suggestions, etc. It's my first jacket, and may be the only one for awhile. I'm thinking some kind of layered textile jacket will be the most versatile - keep me drier in the rain, warmer in the cold and cooler in the heat? We're hoping to do some light touring this summer, so that's something to consider too.

But I also have a hankerin' for leather. So for those of you who wear leather, what do you do in the rain? Slip on rain gear over everything? I live in rainy Oregon, so wet weather riding is a given.

I'm assuming that motorcyle jackets are much more durable than casual leather jackets. I have a couple of those, but haven't considered them to be much use for riding. Right now I'm using layers to keep warm under a denim jacket.

I'm just sort of thinking out loud here...but anyways I welcome any insights, suggestions, what have you, in what to look for this weekend when I start haunting the shops
thanks
kari

[B-Rex]

Many of the folks here can provide you with various places to check out and shop for good gear. One place you might want to look for excellent bargains, lots of pictures and good descriptions is:

Motorcycle Closeouts - Gearing up in 2008

Textile jackets tend to be more versatile, cooler and more flexible than leather....but IMHO, leather looks better. My GF bought a very nice Joe Rocket armored leather jacket from the above-noted seller at a great price. I have several pieces of "FieldSheer" brand outerwear and have gotten them at unbelievably cheap prices from the above seller.

Some leathers are treated for water resistance and can do double duty in rain. Many textile jackets are designed with intrinsic waterproof layers....some removable.

For me, carrying a cheap fold-up rainsuit works great. I hate riding in rain so rarely ever have to use it. But when I do, I pull it over whatever I'm wearing. The beauty of the cheap rainsuit is that you can wear whatever you are most comfy in without worrying about water-proofing.

Whatever you decide on, I think it's very important to get a jacket with armor. Most have armor pockets so you can remove it if you just want to wear it as a regular jacket. This goes for both leather and textile.

Good luck!

B-Rex

[frostbitevinnie]

I wear leather, Icon pursuit. The rain dosen't bother me. I really don't get wet unless I am at a stop.

[tricker]

Originally Posted by frostbitevinnie

I wear leather, Icon pursuit. The rain dosen't bother me. I really don't get wet unless I am at a stop.

I was thinking of getting another jacket for when its 95 out.. But decided against it for now.. Just have a regular leather jacket for now.

[Redd2ride]

For me Textile is the way to go. I've owned both cruisers & now the Bandit. It may depend on the type of bike you are riding. When I had my cruiser I had a nice pair of leather chaps, although they don't provide the ultimate protection, they are pretty cool in the summer.

I have Joe Rocket Textile pants & Jacket & absolutely love them. When it's smokin' hot out I use a netted jacket with the protective armour.

Red

[kstateskier]

I bought my first jacket online from newenough.com they shipped it almost immediately and their prices are really pretty good!

I bought one of the TourMaster Cordura jackets and its been fantastic!

[MacDev Militia]

Go with Fox Creek Leather - Motorcycle Jackets, Chaps, Vests, & Gear

Best branded leather with lifetime warranty.

[MikeHump]

Originally Posted by frostbitevinnie

I wear leather, Icon pursuit. The rain dosen't bother me. I really don't get wet unless I am at a stop.

I have the same exact jacket. I love it, and would highly recommend it. Extremely comfortable while riding, breathable, but still warm enough to ride if it's only 40 degrees or so.

[ORBrit]

Your best best is to try a nunch on and see what you like the fit and feel of.

You should pop down and see Steve and Annette at Discount Motorcycle - they have a great selection of leather and textile.

As far as Oregon climate goes, you either need two jackets, or a convertible.
I have a Tourmaster Flex that is a fully convertible mesh with armor, that has nylon panels, a waterproof liner and a winter liner for warmth.
In this weather (50-60 degrees) I still have both liners in when I ride.
I drop the liners around 75 degrees and switch to mesh around 85.

The only drawback of my convertible is that it fits great with the liners in, but is HUGE and baggy with the liners out.

[Navy_p503]

I've got one of each, but have yet to ride in any really warm weather. The Joe Rocket leather fits great and has kept me warm down to about 50 F. There's no liner and the vents on the shoulders can't be closed so it got a little chilly after that. I also have a Cortech Tourmaster Textile. I rode in about 35F in the rain for about 30 miles and I was dry and warm when I got home. Lots of vents and pockets and a nice liner. Very adjustable as well. Haven't had any wrecks in either one so I can't say much about durability, but the leather has been through at least three people and has some roughed up areas but is still in very good condition. Good luck with your search. Oh and when you're looking ask to sit on one of their bikes in the shop if you don't have yours with you. Fitting might change a lot between standing and sitting on a bike.

[bluekat]

Thanks to everyone for all the great information and links, I'll be off to check them next!

I think probably textile is the way to go for now, and get a nice leather one later on. I know there's going to be times when we get caught out in the rain, and I really hate being cold, so textile will probably be the best bet.

Another question I have about leather jackets...I've seen some perforated leather jackets. Are they cooler in warm weather, and how do they compare to the mesh ones I've seen?

Every woman's delimma...so many jackets, so little money! I want a practical one for conditions, a leather one for stylin' and a mesh one for summer...Did I miss anything? Guess I'll try to be good and get the "practical" one first.

For the moderators here...Sorry about posting in the wrong forum...I had'n't even seen the other one, so thanks for getting me to the right spot.
kari

[bluekat]

Originally Posted by ORBrit

Your best best is to try a nunch on and see what you like the fit and feel of.

You should pop down and see Steve and Annette at Discount Motorcycle - they have a great selection of leather and textile.

As far as Oregon climate goes, you either need two jackets, or a convertible.
I have a Tourmaster Flex that is a fully convertible mesh with armor, that has nylon panels, a waterproof liner and a winter liner for warmth.
In this weather (50-60 degrees) I still have both liners in when I ride.
I drop the liners around 75 degrees and switch to mesh around 85.

The only drawback of my convertible is that it fits great with the liners in, but is HUGE and baggy with the liners out.

That's the place by the dmv? Yeah, that's where I'm hoping to go. We've been to a number of stores between Eugene and Salem, and they really have good prices and a great selection. I have trouble getting a good fit with jackets, so I want to be able to try it on.

kari

[bluekat]

Originally Posted by Navy_p503

Oh and when you're looking ask to sit on one of their bikes in the shop if you don't have yours with you. Fitting might change a lot between standing and sitting on a bike.

Good point. I'm short and many jackets especially 3/4 jackets bunch up when I'm sitting.

Well, I've slept on it, and I woke up still wanting leather, not for any good reasons, just cuz' I do. May just have to give in and go leather. I have a good rain jacket already, that might fit over a jacket.

Did I mention decisiveness is not one of my strong points!
Kari

[bigE]

I personally prefer textile jackets. They are warmer/cooler with the liners in/out; they are rainproof and they are WAY cheaper. The only down side is that they do not offer quite as much protection as a good leather riding jacket.
I own a Cortech (now Tourmaster I believe) and an Alpinestars textile jackets. The Cortech is way better than the Alpinestars for comfort and warmth but the Alpinestars has a little bit better armor. I would definitley buy the Cortech over the Alpinestar and its half the price!

[Burnt]

Well I decided to spend above my means and get a very well recommended jacket.

I just ordered the Fox Creek Vented Reflector Jacket and deluxe deerskin lined gauntlets.

I really tried to find something that fitted the style I liked, with safety and I kept coming back to them.

I'll let you know more after I get them and try them out. They will be warm so I am hoping to extend my riding season earlier and later. Then I can zip out the Lineing and open the vents for summer, I already have a good pair of summer gloves.

Any comments or reviews for Fox Creek stuff?

[bluekat]

Originally Posted by bigE

I personally prefer textile jackets. They are warmer/cooler with the liners in/out; they are rainproof and they are WAY cheaper. The only down side is that they do not offer quite as much protection as a good leather riding jacket.
I own a Cortech (now Tourmaster I believe) and an Alpinestars textile jackets. The Cortech is way better than the Alpinestars for comfort and warmth but the Alpinestars has a little bit better armor. I would definitley buy the Cortech over the Alpinestar and its half the price!

I did get to try a few MC jackets today, and they aren't very comfortable. Somewhat snug and binding on the arms. The leather jackets were the worst offenders. I'll be good and not rant about women's clothing design. The one jacket that wasn't too bad was an Alpinestar. It was a shorter style than the others, though not waterproof. Not sure if it's up to Oregon Showers. I don't think I've seen Cortech anywhere.

Two that I've been looking at online that sound intriguing are the Tourmaster Flex that someone mentioned ealier, and a JR alter-ego. The alter-ego is a little more than I was hoping to spend, but if it's a good fit, it'd be worth it. Both look like they are cut a little shorter, similar to the Alpinestar. My husband has a JR jacket that he likes real well.

Hoping to visit another store tomorrow.
kari

[bluekat]

Originally Posted by Burnt

Well I decided to spend above my means and get a very well recommended jacket.

I just ordered the Fox Creek Vented Reflector Jacket and deluxe deerskin lined gauntlets.

I really tried to find something that fitted the style I liked, with safety and I kept coming back to them.

I'll let you know more after I get them and try them out. They will be warm so I am hoping to extend my riding season earlier and later. Then I can zip out the Lineing and open the vents for summer, I already have a good pair of summer gloves.

Any comments or reviews for Fox Creek stuff?

Cool, would love to hear a review. I think a post mentioned them earlier, but I haven't checked it out yet. Sounds like they have pretty nice stuff
kari

[bluekat]

Thanks to everyone for all the great advice.
I went shopping today, and decided on a Tourmaster Flex. The shop didn't have the ladies version in, but I tried a similar jacket from tourmaster and liked the fit...not too long or bulky for me. I have one on order, and if it fits as well, I'll bring it home.

Found a nice leather jacket too, but hubby says just one jacket for now...darn it!
kari

[pinky44]

I have a textile jacket for winter use But i do prefer a leather jacket as has a bit more abrasion resistance.

If worried about water resistance of leather I use NIKWAX leather restorer.

Nikwax

[Burnt]

Fox Creek Vented Reflector Jacket
I love this Jacket, I decided not to compromise and I paid above my means, but I did not want to skimp out. I wanted a certain style, some reflection for safety, quality of build and thickness of leather. Once I saw this Jacket I was hooked and everything else just looked like cheaper made overseas knockoff. The reality of the jacket lived up to my own mental hype. No disappointment at all.

Very nice weight of leather, feels like it should, heavy, thick, soft, and the smell. Several people in my office commented on the great leather smell. I will probably need to buy a large wood hanger, as I think the heavy duty plastic one I have will break under the weight.

Lots of features which you can checkout at the Fox Creek site. One feature that was nice is the neck warmer that tucks away into the liner. I have used it twice already for the cold morning (4 deg C) ride to work, does the job of keeping the cold wind from hitting my neck just above the snap collar.

Actually I felt less wind resistance (I do not have windsheid) with this jacket. It is just thick and new that at 120 km/h the wind resistance I used to feel seams less now.

Definately there does not seam to be much in the way of cheapness in this jacket at all. Good materials and good assembly and fitup.


I also picked up a pair of gauntlet style fleece lined deerskin gloves. Not the style that I really liked when I started biking. But after riding in some cold mornings, I have seen the light of the gauntlet and I have put away my shorty sporty gloves for the summer.

If like me you are able to convince the loving wife that you need this type of jacket for safety, and that you do not have time to shop around all over the place just to find out that everything else is not as good and made over seas. Then Fox Creek is the place for you, you will not be disappointed.