Riding Coat Question
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 9,282
Likes: 1,139
From: southeast PA
Besides the obvious advantage from road rash, the primary protection you get from leather is from blocking the wind. Wear warm layers underneath leather.
Like you, I've always worn leather, although I had a heavy textile FXRG riding jacket from Harley and it was very warm. I just didn't like how it didn't give me the freedom of movement I got from my leathers and I ended up selling it.
Like you, I've always worn leather, although I had a heavy textile FXRG riding jacket from Harley and it was very warm. I just didn't like how it didn't give me the freedom of movement I got from my leathers and I ended up selling it.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 68,021
Likes: 3,276
From:
Besides the obvious advantage from road rash, the primary protection you get from leather is from blocking the wind. Wear warm layers underneath leather.
Like you, I've always worn leather, although I had a heavy textile FXRG riding jacket from Harley and it was very warm. I just didn't like how it didn't give me the freedom of movement I got from my leathers and I ended up selling it.
Like you, I've always worn leather, although I had a heavy textile FXRG riding jacket from Harley and it was very warm. I just didn't like how it didn't give me the freedom of movement I got from my leathers and I ended up selling it.
I prefer my leather, there may be some materials that turn the wind as good but I doubt any do it better. If it rains it sheds water and its easy to clean. If taken care of it last a very long time, my current jacket was purchased in 2002. 14 years later it looks as good as ever with every zipper and snap working like the day I purchased it. It has a zip in liner that I use when needed, if its still to cold I just add another layer under it
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 21,732
Likes: 17,569
From: Driftless Area
The materials aren't warmer, but a lot of that Gerbing-type stuff is when it's hooked up to an electrical source. I prefer dead animals. Buffalo hang out in really cold weather 24-7, and they don't even know what batteries are.
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 46
Likes: 10
From: Colorado
Leather is heavier and thicker than textile fabrics and that will keep you warm.
Personally, I go with a textile touring jacket all year round with heated gear underneath in the winter. Come to think of it, leathers would probably have been cheaper
Personally, I go with a textile touring jacket all year round with heated gear underneath in the winter. Come to think of it, leathers would probably have been cheaper
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Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,486
Likes: 695
From: Huntington Beach, CA
When I first got into riding as a very young man I could not afford (or I stupidly thought that I could not afford) a good actual motorcycle riding jacket. I rode with either "bomber jackets" or my Army fatigue jacket. I was almost always cold up in Monterey and even down here in So Cal. This time around I have bought a pair of excellent riding jackets, and the difference is immense. I can be comfortable riding in pretty nippy weather. Learned my lesson that a good riding jacket is very important to the experience, and of course it also adds safety. A good jacket is an essential investment. (So are good riding boots.)
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From: Post Falls, ID
