Riding Apparel - Motorcycle-Journal Forums

cyclesinct · 11-05-2007, 04:12 PM

I searched the forums and was a little surpised to not find any threads really discussing riding apparel. I started riding a couple of years ago and just had a 3/4 helmet with a leather jacket not really made for riding. I've been slow to convert to better equipment (mainly due to money) but I am finally realizing that my life and my body parts are worth a few dollars in clothing. For me, it was a co-worker/friend that made me change my mind. She was leaving work a few weeks ago and was traveling behind a tractor trailer. An SUV in the oncoming lane wanted to make a left turn. As the semi passed the SUV the driver started their left turn, not realizing my co-worker was on a motorcycle behind the semi. They plowed right into the side of her. Destroyed the bike, broke some of her ribs, cut and bruised her head-to-toe. Thankfully after about 2 days in the hospital she was out and is now back home recovering. So, I am now in the market for at least a jacket. I already have riding gloves (made for a motorcycle), jeans, boots, and a helmet but I need a good jacket. I'm a big guy so I need a brand that has some larger sizes. I'd like not to bust the bank and would like to get a mesh 3 season jacket. If anyone has any experience with the air bag jackets (yes, sounds funny, but look them up!) I'd love to hear about that. Feel free to use this thread to discuss any/all riding apparel that will help with safety. Thanks!