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So I have 2 leather jackets, One is probably not the best for riding, but its comfortable, straight sleeves and waist, no elastic or anything to keep the wind out. At low speeds its great, but anything over 60 it turns into a parachute. I seriously feel like I'm being ripped off the bike, its all I can do to hang on at 70.
Jacket number 2 is gathered at the bottom and wrists, I like it, but even fitting snuggly all around, it still looks like a balloon when I ride.
I wore a knit sweatshirt out the other day, MUCH better ride, I could cruise at 70, even ran up to 90, held on just fine, no parachute feeling, I felt safe and comfortable at 80, whereas with the leather jacket, you couldn't pay me to try to hit 80.
I've noticed in most pictures of riders, they're jackets appear flat against their backs, where as I look like the Michelin man. Is it just because mine aren't vented? (note, they aren't "motorcycle jackets"
Could be several things.
The weight of the jacket. Fit around the waist. Loose fit mean more ballooning. Could also be a mess jacket. A lot of those or mixed mesh and leather. Those types will not balloon.
I wear a mesh jacket with removable liner. No ballooning.
If it isn't a real motorcycle jacket, it is probably much thinner, and will shred easily on impact. I have a heavy Leather, but only use it about 20% of the time. 60% of the time I use this: http://m.hillsideusa.com/item/383631
It comes in a Short or Tall for $40 more, and is well made in USA.
I need a light mesh jacket for over 80° days.
Thanks for the help, I just can't believe hour much of a difference it makes....and when the jacket balloons, it buffets, and I'm wobbling all over the road.....no sense in wearing a jacket if that's what's going to MAKE me crash, lol.
Happens to me too and I have a riding jacket. I think it has more to do with how it fits you. I only wear mine fall through spring. When temps first get cooler I wear just the jacket, no liner, vents open. Its like a freakin parachute. Even cooler temps I put the liner in, not quite as bad. Even cooler I start layering up. When its the coldest and I got many layers underneath the jacket is pretty snug. Thats when it has the least amount of parachute effect.
i have 4 jackets, 5 if we count the schott 641HH i buy and sell every year like clockwork.
i look for:
1. gussets on arms
2. zippered cuffs
3. adjustable waists
4. storage
5. lining
6. heavy leather
7. long arms
all my jackets are cafe style, but all do not conform to the list above. some meet the list (schott 641 cafe and HD perforated) cafe just on styling others are just for style ([favorite]vintage Guess cafe and Polo Suede moto cafe)
schott's stuff hits the nail on the head. they basically wrote the book on motorcycle jackets [peter fonda's 671/ramones 613] before the armored stuff started showing up. you are hard pressed to find something as versatile, well made, and overall quality as the perfecto 641/141 from schott. the 141 is nice, the 641 is a trimmer cut, the 641HH is a thing of beauty, must be seen to be believed. ebay is slathered in them all:
I wear a Harley Switchback jacket & love it. It's like 3 jackets in 1. It doesn't balloon or parachute on me. The sleeves have snaps to take up slack if needed. It has a rain liner, has vents & converts to a mesh jacket for warmer weather. I also have my Joe Rocket Blaster leather jacket from when I rode a Kawi. It's a heavy tough leather jacket with armor that will take a beating if you go down. It's snug & stiff & has no chance to balloon or parachute at any speed.
A good motorcycle jacket has adjustments at the waist and minimum at the wrists. Some have at elbows and on the sides.
I dont like leather. They are heavy. Most of them are for style first and then function.
I have two motorcycle jackets that covers all of my riding ( I sometimes ride with just a hoody or a t-shirt, cant resist). Both are Alpinestars city collection. One is the Verona Air and the other is Verona waterproof. The latter has a removable liner. Both have adjustments at waist and wrists. Both are light and have no big logos on front and back which is what I like.
Don't know if you're set on leather. I have leather, textile, and mesh.
This is a full 3-season jacket. It wouldn't be quite enough for the dead of winter, but I have the previous version, and it's the best jacket I've ever owned in a "moderate" price range. (Just noticed you're in Texas. Should be good for all year.)
Took a quick look at the specs; it appears that the new one has a quilted vest along with the wind/rain liner, but mine has a full sleeve quilted liner.
Last edited by IdahoHacker; Nov 26, 2015 at 06:41 PM.
I kinda of like that Tour Master jacket, my problem is that to me those are crotch rocket jackets, Harley riders are supposed to wear leather, but maybe thats just good marketing rubbing off on me...we will see, yall have provided a lot of good info for me to sift through
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Riding Jacket help
