Motorcycle Jacket Safety

The motorcycle has become an icon of American culture. According to the Motorcycle Safety Foundation, in 2005, there were more than 9 million motorcycles in the United States. With this many motorcycles on the road, there is a need for safety gear, and the motorcycle jacket is essential to a rider's safety.

Motorcycles

Cruiser-style motorcycles parked in line.

There are a few different motorcycles commonly found on and off the road. There is the cruiser, the street bike, track bikes, touring motorcycles and the off-road or dirt bike. One thing all these motorcycles have in common is the need for proper safety gear, and the motorcycle jacket is a vital piece of external equipment.

Body Armor

One major safety element in a motorcycle jacket is known as body armor. Not all jackets contain this added protection, but if they do, some major injuries may be averted in the event of an accident. There is a piece of armor that covers the back, and rigid pieces that cover the shoulder and upper arm as well as the elbow.

Mesh Jacket

Protective jackets on racers.

The mesh motorcycle jacket is designed to allow maximum airflow on hot days. This jacket does typically posses body armor; however, there is not much in the way of abrasion protection in the event of an accident, since mesh can tear much more easily than solid leather.

Textile Motorcycle Jacket

Bikes allowed.

The textile jacket is known to be a jacket that holds up well during an accident. The elements, which may tire a rider, are blocked effectively through the textile jacket. The vast majority contain body armor and tend to be cheaper than a traditional leather jacket.

Leather Jacket

A Big Twin cruiser motorcycle.

The leather jacket is the most recognizable motorcycle jacket. It holds up exceptionally well in an accident, keeping the rider's torso and arms from suffering road abrasions. Some leather jackets contain body armor and some do not. The leather jacket can be expensive, but it typically provides the best all-around accident protection and protection from the elements.

Rain Gear Jacket

A sport-bike rider and his rain-repellent jacket.

The rain jacket is simply a jacket that fits over a rider's existing jacket to protect from all types of wet weather. Wet weather can impair the rider and lead to unsafe conditions. Rain, wind and snow compromise the temperature of the rider, so the rain jacket helps keep the rider more safe on the road than the rider would be without a rain jacket.

References

• Motorcycling Excellence, 2nd Edition; Unknown; 2005
• California Department of Motor Vehicles
• Dennis Kirk