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#1 (permalink) |
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Riding daily
BTK Expert
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Orem, Utah
Posts: 3,214
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I'm looking at buying a new jacket for this next season and I'm trying to decide if I want a leather, gortech or one of the other type of jackets. I have noticed that leather are a little more expensive and usually don't have armor. The gortech and other materials seem to have armor. What are the pros and cons of leather and gortech and the other materials. I ride a cruiser and I don't want to get anything to flashy.
Give me some ideas. |
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#2 (permalink) |
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Wants better weather!
BTK Expert
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: The flat MidWest
Posts: 751
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Buying a jacket was easy for me I don't care for black leather, a little vanity here I don't have the complexion for it and difficult to find brown motorcycle jackets with armor guess I could have one custom made but will have to wait till I win the Lotto. I went with a Joe Rocket 6.0. Not flashy just a couple little ovals on the shoulders with the JR logo but a good three season jacket. I like how it fits XLT extra long sleeves, plan to go with a JR mesh jacket for summer. The 6.0 was under 200. I've seen both motorcycle leather and nylon that have taken a slide both saved the riders hide and were still being worn. If you think leather fits the cruiser image go with it
if cost is a factor a quality nylon with armor will do the trick. ![]()
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ZeroPunch Carri Blue 900 Classic VROC 25581 |
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#3 (permalink) | |
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Can't find time to ride
BTK Expert
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Quote:
Anyway, I would go with leather with armor unless you are a) always riding in hot (85+ F) weather or b) need it to keep you warm in the cold. Most quality leather jackets have air vents for warm weather riding. What I like about my jacket is the entire side can be removed for nice air flow and I wear it up to 100 F, though it is a pain to put back on and the panels leak in air during cold weather riding. You didn't mention a price range, so it's hard to narrow down. New Enough has plenty to choose from. I wouldn't balk at spending close to $300 for a jacket that is versital and protective; others won't spend less than $500. |
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#4 (permalink) |
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Patriot Guard Rider
Forum Supporter
![]() Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: North Jersey
Posts: 12,656
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You'll get almost as many different opinions as you do posters, but here's my take.
I like leather. It has great abraision resistance, but that's not why I got it. I got my leather about 5 years or so before I had a bike. I got it because I liked the look. While looking, I tried on some armored jackets and thought that they were not that comfortable. I say that because if the jacket is "ride only" then get it armored. If you'll wear it out and around like me, the armor is annoying. Last edited by CycleDude : 01-02-2008 at 03:00 PM. |
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#5 (permalink) |
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Clark Grizwald Trainee
BTK Expert
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Concord, NC
Posts: 9,757
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I wear leather right now, but I think my next jacket probably won't be. My son got a nice one for Christmas that I tried on. it's a private label Ride-Now jacket, but made my one of the leading manufacturers. I like it because it has a zip-out liner and mesh on the outside. The liner is also waterproof, which I think is a plus. The only thing I didn't like about it was the back protection, which on my bike with the rider backrest, wouldn't work at all.
I'll say this though....it's hard to beat leather for wind protection.
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NCDave Don't Blame Me, I Voted For The Hot Chick http://www.bikepics.com/members/ncdave |
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#8 (permalink) |
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Clark Grizwald Trainee
BTK Expert
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Concord, NC
Posts: 9,757
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Good lord!!! I'd never pay 600 bucks for a jacket! (probably should never say never though!!!)
You can find really nice ones for 200, and off-brands for under 100. My son's Ride-Now jacket was 90 including the liner. I know one is leather and one isn't, but what on earth would make a jacket worth that much?
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NCDave Don't Blame Me, I Voted For The Hot Chick http://www.bikepics.com/members/ncdave |
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#9 (permalink) |
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Wannabe Poser
BTK Expert
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Western Ma.
Posts: 1,979
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Paid $99 for my leather jacket. Looked at a Wilson Leather bike jacket that was similar but was on sale for $300. This one was just as thick had liner and plenty of zippered vents front and back. Not stylized like Icon or the others but the money I saved I got me a great Nolan N102-NCon helmet.
M587 - Best Seller Men's Medium Weight Vented Motorcycle Jacket - Motorcycle Leather Jackets - Outfits - Hot Leathers - Detail |
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#10 (permalink) |
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Ready2Ride
Forum Supporter
![]() Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: Carlisle, PA
Posts: 1,297
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Go to some local bike shows this winter. They almost always have leather vendors there with a large selection of jackets, pants, chaps, gloves, etc. The advantage is that you can try on the jacket before you buy it to get a good fit. I'm planning on getting another jacket this winter at the Timonium bike show in MD.
Last edited by jdpenn : 01-02-2008 at 08:53 PM. |
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#11 (permalink) |
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Former foxhole digger
Forum Supporter
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I personally love leather. I have been wearing them most of my life (though shorter then some in here HEHE) and when I get my next one, it will be leather. Like Kevin, I wear it for more then riding.
If you want to look at leather, look at River Road Leathers. I was looking at them this weekend and was pretty happy with them. I have a pair of their leather gloves and have no issues or complaints. Plus, you can get into their jackets for around 150 AT a bike shop.
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Larry US Army 1989-2005 Desert Shield/Storm/Provide Comfort Vet PGR Member Rest in Peace Deron! |
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#12 (permalink) | |
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'07 ZZR600
Forum Supporter
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Quote:
this is my leather: ![]() it is armored so I don't just wear it around. I paid $500 w/ tax. it's very well constructed, I think and HEAVY.
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'07 ZZR600 Fire Red 11.957@117 Jardine RT1 Factory Pro +4 rotor Renthal +2 |
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#14 (permalink) | |
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Can't find time to ride
BTK Expert
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Quote:
I would pay $500 for a jacket, but for a Vanson or an A*, not a Joe Rocket. Last edited by Uthor : 01-03-2008 at 04:16 AM. |
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#15 (permalink) | |
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'07 ZZR600
Forum Supporter
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Quote:
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'07 ZZR600 Fire Red 11.957@117 Jardine RT1 Factory Pro +4 rotor Renthal +2 |
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#17 (permalink) |
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Clark Grizwald Trainee
BTK Expert
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Concord, NC
Posts: 9,757
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My only point is that unless you want a specific style or design to your jacket (or helmet for that matter), you don't have to pay that kind of money to get something decent. I know it's a personal choice, just pointing out the other options.
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NCDave Don't Blame Me, I Voted For The Hot Chick http://www.bikepics.com/members/ncdave |
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#18 (permalink) | |
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Forum Supporter
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![]() Join Date: Aug 2007
Posts: 1,443
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Quote:
I have collected some nice jackets over the years, but this winter I have been wearing an Arlen Ness leather , and a Harley Davidson leather, that are both out-standing and warm. Research shows that you get the best protection from road rash from leather. Mesh jackets are good, but make you tumble. Leather lets you slide. D |
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#19 (permalink) | |
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Forum Supporter
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Posts: 1,443
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Quote:
Joe Rocket is a good example of a real quality product, and the prices are not that rediculous. I always watch for close outs. These companies change their lines like the wind, and blow out the old to bring in the new. D |
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#20 (permalink) | |
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'07 ZZR600
Forum Supporter
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Quote:
I do think I need a non armored jacket just to wear around... neither of mine are particularly comfortable off the bike...
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'07 ZZR600 Fire Red 11.957@117 Jardine RT1 Factory Pro +4 rotor Renthal +2 |
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