I'm about to take a motorcycle riding class for the first time next week, and I went to a dealer to pick up some great (jacket, gloves, helmet). But I think I picked the wrong jacket. It's this one and I realized on closer inspection while it is labeled a "riding jacket" I'm not sure it offers much protection. There are places to put in armor on shoulders and near elbows, but the jacket itself is made of 60% cotton, 36% polyester, 4% PU. Am I right in assuming this is not a good jacket as far as protection goes? what are some good brands of textile jackets that offer good protection without being overly heavy/hot? Thanks in advance!

 

I wear a VANSON Vent Max jacket with removable soft armor in the heat. Like wearing a long sleeve t shirt with serious protection and Made In USA.

 

Seem quite expensive...And protection...Well I think a good leather would be better..
Look online and you will find some good deals...
Welcome To The Forum!!!!

 

You're not giving yourself much time is you need to decide and buy before next week.

I suggest you get on the Revzilla website and do some research. A lot of video reviews, many textile jackets.

They ship for free and have a no hassel return policy.

Get busy.
And have fun with the class. A good move on your part.

.

 

I mostly only wear a T shirt!

To be honest, once you start riding you may find you need several jackets, heavy leather, lighter leather, rain gear, thinner mesh jacket ... It all depends on how much you ride, what your weather conditions are like, local slower roads or highway, winter rider, fair weather rider, hot sun.

In Florida most of us rarely wear any kind of jacket. It's just too hot so we take our chances on dressing for the ride not the slide. I have a couple different weight jackets for when it gets cooler or go north.

 

↑ That ↑
What you have is the jacket you started with,,
Personally for that kind of money I'd take it back and get my money back,, and shop elsewhere,, HD get's a premium price for foreign made goods.

 

That Jacket looks like you will roast during the course. As Orion-5 suggested do some research before laying out the $$$. Just because is says Harley doesn't mean it is what you need. For the summer months I have a mesh Joe Rocket jacket that i have had for several years. Winter I have a nice warm Textile Jacket and I also have a heavy Leather and Light leather Jackets to deal with anything in between. Good Luck on your course.

 

BTW you only need to wear long sleeves for the riding course. I don't know how cold it is by you but if a long sleeve T will work then wear that. If a little colder wear a hoodie. You will be standing around a lot, or sitting on the bikes at idle speed. If it's hot you will be boiling in ANY jacket even when riding. You are not likely to get out of second gear or go faster than 15mph.

If it looks like rain just bring a light rain jacket.

 

In the summer you want mesh with pads for elbows, shoulders. Mine is a Joe Rocket...like this.
http://joerocket.com/catalog/index.c...ge_Mesh_Jacket

 

I've been wearing my Schott Perfecto even into the 90s. It's brutal in stop-and-go traffic but once I get moving it becomes bearable.