Shift Jackets

I am biased I guess, however, I kinda like the fit and finish of Alpinestars. I have the Aplinestars Stage jacket.

http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Cha...kets&mscssid=417D8529128947B78DF43A7E18A6D563

and these pants...

http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Cha...ants&mscssid=417D8529128947B78DF43A7E18A6D563

 

The jacket and the pants zip together for these two models. I actually had some luck with my local dealer matching the online price of Chaparral just because Chaparral is located in SoCal as well. The pants, hell, I got way lucky and bought then for only $200 bucks brand new from some rich stoner kids on Craigslist who didn't like the way they fit.

Whatever jacket you buy, just make sure that it has quality reinforcements in impact areas like elbows, forearm, shoulder, and spine and tailbone. Some jackets (like mine) offer the option to supplement the foam spine protection with aftermarket options. I make sure to get a snug fit, but realize that you many want to at least fit some added clothing for warmth underneath it, or a spine protector. When you try the jacket on (go to a dealer and do this if possible, because it is a BIG risk to buy a jacket without trying the fit of it) see how likely it will be to "riding up" on you in a slide. It is nice to have the back of the jacket a little longer with added support in case of "run up." Also, IMO, I believe it is important to have a glove that is secure from coming off. I only wear gloves with a longer wrist sheathing which goes over the jacket cuff. The model I have has "dual" wrist closures.

http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Cha...oves&mscssid=066B9471ED144C33B450135532F6E6AA

 

From reading up on it (no experience), it looks like a decent jacket. However, are you going to wear leather pants with it? I ask this because it only has an 8 inch zipper in the back, as opposed to a perimeter zipper. I guess it depends what you are going to use this for, I mean, what you need the jacket to it. Like for summer, for fall, for all the time. It is perforated, so that is nice for summer.

http://www.chaparral-racing.com/Cha...kets&mscssid=066B9471ED144C33B450135532F6E6AA

 

Former Michigander here George. When I lived around Detroit, I used to live in Royal Oak, Berkley, Troy, and Novi. I grew up waaaay north in the fly speck of a town called Cheboygan. One good thing I can say, is that we have some of the best roads in the LP of Michigan. M119 from Mackinaw to Harbor Springs baby...you been on it? If not, I suggest you make a trip in the Spring/Summer. Beautiful area and roads. Then keep going from Petoskey to Charleviox, and onto to TC. Great riding for Mich. My brother lives in St Claire shores, and owns a 2000 R1, and a beautiful beast of a KTM 950 Super Enduro.

I am actually considering some heated grips myself....well, actually I will do as my brother did, and buy the element, and install it on the handlebars so I can use whatever grips I want, and replace the grips. He just bought an electric vest and loves it.

Soooo, are you still trying to get your hands on a VFR? I guess I was confused, I thought you had one already. 4k more is a lot more to make a decision on based on color, although, you are gonna have to look and love the ole girl, so get what makes ya happy.

 

I have a Joe Rocket Atomic and it is a decent jacket, but not great. I'd say if all their jackets are like it then they are priced at about what they are worth, The fit wasn't great on mine, but that was my fault because I bought from fleabay instead of my dealer. I am much more pleased with my Icon leather jacket but we are talking about a BIG difference in price and I tried on several before I found the right jacket for me...