For many motorcyclists picking the right motorcycle jacket is sometimes a tough endeavor. There are so many styles from a plethora of companies it can be quite difficult to narrow down the field to the single jacket that best suits your needs. With so many materials, great features and different prices to choose from, how does one choose the best motorcycle jacket for the job?
The first thing you need to determine is where you are riding and what type of riding you are doing. If you live in Southern California and ride year round you might choose a mesh jacket with a removable quilted lining so you can use it in a wide variety of climates. If you live in New England and only ride spring, summer and fall, chances are you are going to pick a different coat because you probably don’t need all that ventilation.
When you go to your motorcycle dealership, the first thing riders usually do is look at the price tag then try on a jacket. Joanne Donn of GearChic.com, says to reverse that order and take a look at the fit first, and then the price tag. Cheap jackets are usually inexpensively made, which means they may not offer the protection you are looking for. Or the longevity. Chances are that $79 closeout jacket is made of polyester, one of the least abrasion-resistant materials motorcycle jackets are made from.
So starting with fit, put that jacket on and throw a leg over a motorcycle in the shop or at least sit in a chair and imitate the riding position. Are the sleeves long enough? Does the jacket pinch at the arm pits or is it tight across the shoulder blades? Does it ride up in the back or bunch up around the neck? Does the armor stay in the right place?
Is the jacket super comfy? (It’s probably too big!) It should be snug yet comfortable and that’s the right fit. Your sales person should know in a general way what jackets offer what fit, so enlist them in fine-tuning your selections until you get something that really feels great.
Next take a look at the tags. What material is it made from? Is it guaranteed waterproof? (There’s a reason Gore-Tex costs more money and that’s because they warranty their products!) What kind of armor does the jacket have? SAS-Tech® and D3O® are good brands. Does the armor have a CE rating printed on it? (We don’t have that in the USA but if it does it meets the European standard it’s good stuff.)
Lastly, remember to take a look at the oft-overlooked small details. Is the jacket still comfortable when layering underneath it? Does the liner offer any wind or weather protection? Are the buttons and snaps easy to operate with gloved hands? Are there good zippers with usable zipper pulls? Is the collar rough and scratchy? Are there enough pockets? Are there enough vents?
They say that the devil is in the details, and it’s especially true with motorcycle apparel. Take a look at all the minute details that could drive you crazy later on and make sure that it’s a jacket worth spending your hard-earned money on. Chances are you’ve gone over your budget when you get educated about the gear you buy, so you don’t want to be selling it at a discount on Craig’s List as soon as the season is over.
The next thing to do is to suit up and ride.
