Leather Jacket Opinion??? | GTAMotorcycle.com

Leather Jacket Opinion???

M

Moishe1975

Member
Forum Sponsor
Hi,

I am new to riding, and in the process of narrowing down a jacket to purchase. I would like peoples opinions on what to specifically look for? Look isn't a big issue, but safety for me is. I like the Mens Icon 1000 Chapter jacket. The price is steep, but it has all the protective goodies. It's a bit on the heavy side. I am not sure what else compares to this that will offer the same protection!! Thanks!
 
When I was looking for my leather jacket, I wanted to make sure it had CE rated armor in the shoulders and Elbows, with the option for upgrading the back foam padding to CE rated armor as well. My jacket aslo has up-gradable PE foam chest inserts as well, so I can get CE rated armor there too. I also wanted to make sure the jacket was perforated, as our summers can get very hot and humid I wanted to make sure my jacket would flow as much air as possible while moving.
 
+1 For the above deal

Most bike jackets have interior foam padding for shoulder, elbow-forearm, and back. I'd look for CE approved foam in those areas as well as the option to add a hard back protector. The rest is a matter of comfort and quality and will depend on how much you're willing to spend. Things to consider are: leather grade/thickness, ventilation, removable liner, adjustability, quality of stitching, 360 zip (if you want it), reflective piping for visibility.

Most jackets cover all of these features so it's largely about proper fit and aesthetics.
 
A heavy jacket feels heavy when you hold it, its not bad when riding your bike. Insert armour and all that is important to me so CE minimums are what I look for. If you buy a fairly simple design it can look good for years if that matters to you, I like not looking like a refugee from the GP grid when I ride my bike to a park or mall.
You usually get what you pay for in quality, zippers and such and "most" main stream manufacturers will be buying good leather grades, properly tanned and dyed to make garments, all cows are not equal.
A good jacket is an investment and cared for will outlast many motorcycles.
 
AF4iK said:
If ventilation is a big concern go perforated leather. But on those hot, sticky days nothing beats a cool mesh jacket.
Click to expand...

+1 You'll probably pick up a cheap mesh jacket for the hot days and end up saving the leather for cooler weather
 
AF4iK said:
If ventilation is a big concern go perforated leather. But on those hot, sticky days nothing beats a cool mesh jacket.
Click to expand...

Oddly enough, my perforated leather jacket keeps me much cooler than my mesh jacket. Both are made by Icon, but the leather does something to reflect sunlight. Don't get me wrong, you still cook at a stoplight. But the mesh makes me sweat like hell along my arms.

Highly perforated thick leather is the key for both protection and comfort. Here's mine...

image_zps8cc3afd3.jpg
 
1304cc said:
Oddly enough, my perforated leather jacket keeps me much cooler than my mesh jacket. Both are made by Icon, but the leather does something to reflect sunlight. Don't get me wrong, you still cook at a stoplight. But the mesh makes me sweat like hell along my arms.
Click to expand...

Really eh? I never would've thought. I've held off on purchasing a leather jacket because I thought it wouldn't get enough use in the summer but now you've got me rethinking it.
 
Moishe1975 said:
1304.... nice jacket. Good to know you are happy with your Icon as well.
Click to expand...

Thank you. I love it. And it passes well for a cruiser jacket.

AF4iK said:
Really eh? I never would've thought. I've held off on purchasing a leather jacket because I thought it wouldn't get enough use in the summer but now you've got me rethinking it.
Click to expand...

The thing you can't see in those photos is all the perforation, across the chest, arms, everywhere. So if I open the zipper vents at the back, you can feel the air get sucked up through the sleeves. Makes for a wonderfully comfortable ride. Somehow, the nylon/polyester in the mesh jackets just feels like plastic against my skin.
 
I have an Icon Contra jacket for the warmer weather...it feels like I'm wearing a tshirt. Even on the hottest days i had no problems wearing that......once you start moving of course! It flows a ton of air.
 
I own a lot of wicking (polypropylene) T shirts, wear a wicking shirt, dozens of brands available now and be comfortable in a leather jacket.
No other way to say it, cotton sucks, its clammy, retains moisture and will chill you in the evening.
Nike coolmax for a golf shirt look, underarmor for classic T shirts, MEC has a great selection.

not that anyone cares but I also wear wicking underware when I ride in the desert, no more nut puddle in the leather pants.
 
crankcall said:
not that anyone cares but I also wear wicking underware when I ride in the desert, no more nut puddle in the leather pants.
Click to expand...

:lmao:

1304, how do you find the perf leather in cold weather? Is it enough to just close the vents and bundle up underneath or does the air still chill you?
 
crankcall said:
I own a lot of wicking (polypropylene) T shirts, wear a wicking shirt, dozens of brands available now

not that anyone cares but I also wear wicking underware when I ride in the desert, no more nut puddle in the leather pants.
Click to expand...

Good call about the polypropylene, I'm all about riding sans nut puddle. Will look into it.
 
crankcall said:
not that anyone cares but I also wear wicking underware when I ride in the desert, no more nut puddle in the leather pants.
Click to expand...

I go commando styles :cool:... kidding of course. +1 though on the moisture wicking under layers. Shirts, underwear, even socks. Don't want to have stinky, sweaty feet and shoes. I'm moving to a full length boot this season so I need to find longer length breathable athletic socks. Harder to find than the ones that are ankle length for jogging shoes.
 
MEC and Sail outdoor stores have some good wicking breathable socks, look into merino wool. I ride the Arizona desert in July and wear merino wool lightweight hikers socks.
I could literally pour my boots out after 5 hrs in 36c and you could kayak down my arse crack. Merino wool changed my life, for the better....
Forum Sponsor
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Back
Top Bottom