How to Buy a Motorcycle Jacket

Strong leather jackets are a must for motorcyclists - and not just because you'll look extremely cool. In addition to keeping you warm and ventilated, they'll protect your skin better than any other material if you hit the ground.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Leather Jackets
• Motorcycle Clothing
• Motorcycle Gloves
• Motorcycle Jacket
• Motorcycle Magazines

1. Scan the yellow pages, motorcycle magazines or motorcycle sites on the Web for leather accessory stores in your vicinity. Keep in mind that department stores, motorcycle dealerships and motorcycle parts shops tend to charge more for quality leather apparel.

2. Get price quotes and visit the establishment that offers the most reasonable rates. Decent jackets start at around $90, while fringed, vented and stylized coats can cost up to $600. Keep in mind that a custom jacket may not be ready for months if it's from a popular shop.

3. Select a coat that will keep you warm in cold winds and protect your skin from "road rash" in the event of an accident. Vented coats allow the wind to swish in and cool you off on hot days.

4. Avoid coats manufactured from poor-quality leather or "waxie" cowhide, which is smoothed with wax. Jackets made from cowhide or water buffalo are best.

on 3/23/2006 Making sure your jacket fits is just as important as buying quality leather. If your jacket is too tight, then that long Sunday ride will turn into an eternity of pain. If it's too big, air will get trapped in your jacket while riding making you feel like you're wearing a big balloon on the highway. Having a fitted jacket will make a world of difference, especially for sport bike riders. There's a couple of ways confirm your size. If it's your first jacket, then I would suggest you hit up a motorcycle accessory brick-and-mortar store and let them size you. You don't have to buy their product, but just play along so you get the red carpet treatment. If you're a seasoned veteran then you know all you have to do is measure your arms from your neck down to your wrist, waist, chest, and maybe neck depending on the jacket manufacturer and type of jacket. I hope this helps someone a little before you make a big investment and next thing you know you're uploading your new jacket pics to eBay. And remember, each jacket manufacturer has different sizing options and just about all manufacture sites will break that down to you. Just Google it!

on 11/22/2005 An additional consideration is whether to buy a jacket (and pants) with armor. Made with various combinations of close cell foam and impact absorbing polymers, these pads are typically placed in the shoulder, elbow and spine regions of the jacket. You may not feel like you need this if most of your riding is casual weekend cruising, but if you are a sport rider or daily commuter, the additional protection may well be worth paying for.

on 11/22/2005 Leather is a protector from cold/wet weather but leather needs protecting too!Use a old rag to monthly wipe a thin coat of "Neatsfoot-oil" over your entire leather outfit.Let dry overnight wipe off excess.Keeps leather from cracking and waterproofs it.

on 11/22/2005 There are many motorcycle accessories that are made of materials other than leather.