Jacket Question
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 145
Likes: 1
From: Palm Coast Florida
Jacket Question
Hey guys,
As i went through the colder months up here in palm coast fl, I realized I may need to get a little better jacket. Currently just using some old jacket I had laying around for the colder morning. Once Temps drop into the 40's, it just doesn't cut it.
I found a nce deal on an HD leather Jacket yesterday for about 200.00 but kind of felt a little tight and movement restricting in the shoulder area which may just need "breaking in". It wasn't a terrible tight fit but being as I have never bought a leather bike jacket before, I just wanted to make sure that it has a break in period or do leather jackets just stay kind of snug and you just have to get used to it?
Also, being in Florida, I would think there would be limited time to actually need the heavy leather jackets. Is a nylon or alternative material a better fit in Florida? Or is the leather pretty much the way to go?
I use my bike almost daily so whichever option I go with will be used as often as it gets cold.
Thanks in advance and sorry if it is a noobish question but only been riding since last october so still learning a good bit.
As i went through the colder months up here in palm coast fl, I realized I may need to get a little better jacket. Currently just using some old jacket I had laying around for the colder morning. Once Temps drop into the 40's, it just doesn't cut it.
I found a nce deal on an HD leather Jacket yesterday for about 200.00 but kind of felt a little tight and movement restricting in the shoulder area which may just need "breaking in". It wasn't a terrible tight fit but being as I have never bought a leather bike jacket before, I just wanted to make sure that it has a break in period or do leather jackets just stay kind of snug and you just have to get used to it?
Also, being in Florida, I would think there would be limited time to actually need the heavy leather jackets. Is a nylon or alternative material a better fit in Florida? Or is the leather pretty much the way to go?
I use my bike almost daily so whichever option I go with will be used as often as it gets cold.
Thanks in advance and sorry if it is a noobish question but only been riding since last october so still learning a good bit.
Road Warrior
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 1,294
Likes: 1
From: South FL
I am not sure a jacket alone will keep you warm when riding in the low temp. Leather most of the time is to use for blocking the wind and retain some heat, but a pair of thermal underwear (pants and shirt) will help much better in addition to a leather jacket. You can get them at Walmart.
Happy shopping!
Happy shopping!
I have bought my last three leather jackets off of Craiglist. There are some smoking deals on there. The last one I bought still had a price tag of $550.00 hanging on it and I gave the guy 50 bucks. That being said, My next riding jacket is going to be a Textile Jacket. Most cold days down here a wind breaker si sufficent to keep you warm and lots of times I just use my jacket from my rain suit. Its lightweight, non binding and cuts the wind. Welcome to the crew by the way if I have not hit you on an earlier post. I am here to help if you need anything feel free to PM me.
Some people will tell you that leather will shrink, especially if it gets wet. Some people will tell you that leather will stretch over time. While both statements are true, a leather garment will NEVER change in the direction that you might wish. If the jacket is snug in the shoulders, you will NOT be happy now, or in six months. Same goes for gloves, boots, helmets, chaps...
I almost never wear leather in South Florida. But if you are crossing the state line, leather jacket and chaps are worth the $$$. Down here I start with a long-sleeve t-shirt and some kind of vest (leather, denim, whatever). And like Dave said, top it off with a rain jacket if needed. Unlike leather, they pack well, and you'll wear it (and the rain-pants) more than anything else you own.
I almost never wear leather in South Florida. But if you are crossing the state line, leather jacket and chaps are worth the $$$. Down here I start with a long-sleeve t-shirt and some kind of vest (leather, denim, whatever). And like Dave said, top it off with a rain jacket if needed. Unlike leather, they pack well, and you'll wear it (and the rain-pants) more than anything else you own.
I have a leather jacket, it's got a thin lining, it's an HD one I found on sale last summer. I do use it but not that frequently, maybe a dozen or so times but I am further south than you. Wore it today and was glad of it with raingear on top. It's not warm enough for 45 or below but with a few layers it's ok for short rides.
Thread Starter
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 145
Likes: 1
From: Palm Coast Florida
Thanks for all the info guys. Great help. I am going to go back and re-try the jacket tomorrow and see how it feels. Other than that I am leaning more towards a textile jacket I think. While it gets colder up here than south florida, it still doesn't get all THAT cold compared to NC where I lived for about 12 years before moving back here. I like the look of the leather and the added safety factor, i also want to be comfortable.
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Road Master
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,058
Likes: 2
From: Gainesville, FL
I wear a textile mesh jacket when I ride. It has a hooded sweatshirt that zips in/out as needed for layering. I have a heavy leather jacket that's 2 years old and I still never wore it. When I rode 2 wheels I used to wear a lighter weight leather jacket that had zippered vents in the arms/back. I found that to be quite comfortable, even in the dead of summer here. After I got the trike, I switched to the textile.
I'm of the atgatt mindset so I always think of safety above comfort. I found a good textile jacket will protect you from roadrash, offer some protection from flying things, and buy you some time in rain from having to immediately pull over. Then again, leather will give you greater benefit of protection from those things, but at the sacrifice of some comfort.
In my opinion, it all comes down to the risks you want to take of comfort vs. safety.
I'm of the atgatt mindset so I always think of safety above comfort. I found a good textile jacket will protect you from roadrash, offer some protection from flying things, and buy you some time in rain from having to immediately pull over. Then again, leather will give you greater benefit of protection from those things, but at the sacrifice of some comfort.
In my opinion, it all comes down to the risks you want to take of comfort vs. safety.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,451
Likes: 1
From: South Florida
If the leather jacket is stiff and tight now......it will be stiff and tight for...years.
I have a good heavy HD leather jacket that I've had for nine years. Still looks and FEELS new. I don't wear it often, but I'm glad I have it when needed. Rode from Coral Springs to Gatlinburg the week of Thanksgiving. Temps down to mid 30's and lower in the higher elevations. Had a long sleeve t-shirt with underarmour shirt and leather jacket, gortex over pants with liner, jeans and underarmour pants. Was nice and comfy.
Point is....as Steevo said....if its tight now, don't expect it to get more comfortable after time. Unless you want to leave it to your grandson,lol.
A good, heavy comfortable leather jacket is good for temps of upper 60's to mid 50's. Then layers are added for warmth.
I have a good heavy HD leather jacket that I've had for nine years. Still looks and FEELS new. I don't wear it often, but I'm glad I have it when needed. Rode from Coral Springs to Gatlinburg the week of Thanksgiving. Temps down to mid 30's and lower in the higher elevations. Had a long sleeve t-shirt with underarmour shirt and leather jacket, gortex over pants with liner, jeans and underarmour pants. Was nice and comfy.
Point is....as Steevo said....if its tight now, don't expect it to get more comfortable after time. Unless you want to leave it to your grandson,lol.
A good, heavy comfortable leather jacket is good for temps of upper 60's to mid 50's. Then layers are added for warmth.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 3,791
Likes: 57
From: N Texas
If you even think it is a little tight, then it probably is. A good deal on a bad fitting anything is a waste of money. If you go for leather, look for a "summer" weight jacket. I sure like Fox Creek Leather jackets.