Motorcycle Jackets Ride Safe
While leathers for motorcycle riders are the most popular jackets, there are other kinds of material from which they can be made. The strongest one is Kevlar, which is a woven fabric that policemen use as bulletproof vests. The other choice is nylon. These are not as heavy as leather or Kevlar, but offer protection like that used in the Ballistic nylon that the military uses for flak jackets. Protection in case of accident is key. Choose for safety, not just for looks or prestige.
When acquiring your motorcycle jackets, make sure it fits correctly. This includes leaving plenty of room inside for a sweatshirt for winter riding. Riding in winter needs a vented jacket so that the body can breathe. Summer riding calls for a jacket in a breathable fabric. Leathers need to be adjusted so that your sweat dries off through the mesh of the fabric.
Check that all the seams on your jacket are strong enough to bear hard usage. Most especially do these seams need to be strong around the elbows, shoulders, and the spine. Padding should be built in at these points. Check the length of the sleeves. Is there plenty of cover for your wrists? Can you tuck your gloves into the cuffs? Is there enough sleeve to cover your wrists when you have your hands on the handlebars?
There are also "rain jackets" that fit over your regular riding jacket. These are like raincoats, waterproof and made with a high collar to keep the rain from dripping down your neck. The rain jacket can be rolled up and put away when the rain stops. Again, make sure the rain jacket fits properly. You don't want to be distracted by a flapping raincoat, or by a too-tight fit. There should be room to tuck your gloves into the cuffs of the rain jacket. Riding the rain in your leather jacket only will cause problems with the material. Ask a leather smith how to protect your jacket from damp weather. There are oils and creams that can waterproof and soften your leather.
One more suggestion: Always ride like nobody else on the road knows how to drive. Be SAFE!
When acquiring your motorcycle jackets, make sure it fits correctly. This includes leaving plenty of room inside for a sweatshirt for winter riding. Riding in winter needs a vented jacket so that the body can breathe. Summer riding calls for a jacket in a breathable fabric. Leathers need to be adjusted so that your sweat dries off through the mesh of the fabric.
Check that all the seams on your jacket are strong enough to bear hard usage. Most especially do these seams need to be strong around the elbows, shoulders, and the spine. Padding should be built in at these points. Check the length of the sleeves. Is there plenty of cover for your wrists? Can you tuck your gloves into the cuffs? Is there enough sleeve to cover your wrists when you have your hands on the handlebars?
There are also "rain jackets" that fit over your regular riding jacket. These are like raincoats, waterproof and made with a high collar to keep the rain from dripping down your neck. The rain jacket can be rolled up and put away when the rain stops. Again, make sure the rain jacket fits properly. You don't want to be distracted by a flapping raincoat, or by a too-tight fit. There should be room to tuck your gloves into the cuffs of the rain jacket. Riding the rain in your leather jacket only will cause problems with the material. Ask a leather smith how to protect your jacket from damp weather. There are oils and creams that can waterproof and soften your leather.
One more suggestion: Always ride like nobody else on the road knows how to drive. Be SAFE!
