Leather motorcycle jackets are more than just a fashion statement for us here at MotoCentral. They make up an important part of protective gear for our riders and should be as carefully selected as helmets and gloves. Whether you are racing or just cruising along the road, good motorcycle leather jackets are a valuable investment that will cater to your protection, comfort, and style. With the many different styles of jackets to choose from, we consider it important to nail down a few factors that should help in guiding you to the right choice.
How Motorcycle Jackets Differ
Motorbike leather jackets come in a variety of designs. Here are some of the important ways they differ and a brief on what you need to know.
Leather vs. Textiles – Cowhide leather has been the most popular anti-abrasion choice, with kangaroo also gaining prominence thanks to its better flexibility, greater strength, and lightweight nature. While leather is water repellent, it is not waterproof. Synthetic textile options like Cordura nylon can be better for such weather conditions. Full-grain leather is however great for keeping riders comfortable in high winds.
Armour – unlike standard jackets, motorcycle leather jackets come with protective padding around the elbows and shoulders. CE approved armour is standard for top brands like Alpinestars and Dainese. Back protectors tend to be optional but can be offered as removable armour, allowing riders flexibility of choosing when to wear it. Additional hard armour can also be added to the outside of high impact areas. Often made of hard plastic, this armour helps to reduce the force of impact and tumbling.
Style – there are four main styles of motorcycle jackets. Cruisers that are the classic leather design without much armour and have a looser fit for greater comfort. Racing jackets are often made using high abrasion-resistant materials like cowhide and kangaroo leather, with a snug fit for less wind resistance. They are well armoured to protect against high-speed impacts. Sport jackets are similar to racing jackets but have a more relaxed fit and offer more options in textile fabrics. Adventure Dual jackets are mostly made of textiles, tend to be waterproof, have more pockets and are longer in design. They mostly cater to riders taking extended trips.
Temperature Control – Besides the choice of material, there are two main ways by which you can control the temperature when wearing a motorcycle jacket. Venting refers to strategically placed perforations in the front and back of a jacket that helps circulate air. They help to reduce sweating and becoming overheated when riding in warmer conditions. Liners, on the other hand, are a removable feature you can use to make a jacket warmer in cold weather and cooler in hotter weather. They can be fully sleeved or just vest sized.
Visibility – being more easily visible on the road can be what saves your life. Many motorists collide with motorbikes saying they never saw them coming. Choosing a jacket in high-resolution colours or made of reflective material can help. If shining on the road is not quite to your taste, you may want to consider a jacket with reflective piping on the most exposed areas. These designs are particularly noticeable when under the glare of headlights.
Biker jackets tend to vary widely based on budget, level of protection needed, and style desired. The type of ride you are going out for, how long it will last, weather conditions, and the destination will likely influence what you pick out for the day. Do not be surprised by an inclination to accumulate a variety of choices so you can tailor each ride accordingly.
Also, keep in mind that these jackets are primarily meant to act as protective gear. The best way to exploit this quality is to get a correctly fitting jacket. It should be snug enough to ensure proper protection should a crash occur, but still flexible enough for you to comfortably control your bike. If you intend to wear it as part of a two-piece suit, then it should have a suitable zip around the bottom edge that will match up to the riding pants.
Discover The Widest Selection of Motorcycle Jackets Here
At MotoCentral, we consider motorcycle jackets to be the most helpful safety barrier between you and the road. To help get you wearing this protection we offer choices to suit all preferences. Visit our website to explore the many interesting leather and textile options we stock and take advantage of our great deals today.