Leather Jacket Recommendations

I was looking for a leather jacket and was wondering what other people where wearing. Joe Rocket seems to be priced well but I don't no if the quality is there.
Alpinestars seems to have some nice units also.
Other than that what are you wearing?

 

I don't wear leather, but was considering the JR leather Alter Ego. I have the textile version and think it's pretty good quality. I zip and unzip the panels all the time, the zippers haven't broken or jammed, the stitching is holding up perfect, and it fits nice. I guess it depends on where and how you ride.

Off topic, but right now in AZ, I go to work in the morning with the jacket all done up with a turtle neck, winter riding gloves and nylon pullover pants; when I come home after work I have the cold gear stored away, switch to summer gloves and have to unzip the panels to get air flow. This is where the Alter Ego comes in handy.

 

I too wear a JR Alter Ego. Don't know how it would do in a crash (and hope I never find out!) but it is really versatile; textile light, water proof liner (that really works), zips to mesh. I find it gets a bit heavy when it gets really wet and acts like a swamp-cooler --- solved this with a rain jacket over it. I've had mine for three years and I really like it. Now if I could just find pants I really like ...

 

I have an older AGV sport leather jacket that has held up very well over the years and helped my shoulder and elbow survive a low-side. I just recently purchased a Dainese Monza leather jacket from Cycle Gear http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=3&L2=10&L3=&L4=&item=DAI_1533485-776-50_G and it seems very well made, looks awesome, has GP armor and accepts a decent size back protector (I have the Dainese Backspace G2).
I considered the Alpine Stars TZ-1, but it didnt seem to fit that well.
Overall, I would go with Alpine Stars, Vanson, AGV, Dainese, and would steer clear of Joe Rocket and Icon...they don't seem to be quite as well made IMHO. I would definitely get something with GP (hard) armor and a back protector pocket.
Just one guy's opinion

Mike

 

I have a 12 year old First Gear/Hein Gericke jacket that I love. It was expensive at about $450 but worth it.

Also http://www.foxcreekleather.com/ seems to make really nice stuff.

-Mark

 

I have a JR Speedmaster leather jacket & I'm very happy with it. Pics of me wearing it in my gallery. I ride year round & would recommend it for temps between 40f-85f. I paid $350 for it brand new.

I can also recommend any Icon leather. Icon is often associated with the stuntaz & squids but I believe it's an unfair association. They very clearly align themselves with that crowd but their products are undoubtably top shelf. The "Legion" dragon jacket is breathtaking up close. Internet pics simply do not do it justice. If I had $600 laying around & needed a new jacket, there is not a single one other than it I would consider.

http://www.metricbikes-superstore.c...=5767&osCsid=876f6325c3ea208ded6105a58a8e7371

Lastly, from what I've seen, nothing comes close to the quality of Vanson. The only reason I didn't get a Vanson jacket when I bought the JR is the Vanson's are way too plain. I like a little flash & style. After Vanson, I would say Dainese is #2.

KC-10 FE out...
lane:

 

I bought this one from Sandhills for $239.00 with free shipping, matches my VFR...

 

i have a leather"black" jacket made by "flying bikes"....i think the mfg is somwhwew in NY state....i have had this jacket for about 7 years and it is still in great shape...it also has a zipout liner....i didnt pay a lot for it either...maybe $120.00 on sale somewhere....

 

I've been wearing a Hein-Gericke for @ 6 years and I like it alot. I got it on close out, so it was fairly cheap. I also like vanson but they're a little pricey.

 

I am a clothes hog and have a few leather and textile jackets. Out of all the jackets I own, my favorite riding jacket is my Black Denim Cortech (with armour, full sleeve insulated lining) jacket. It is warm, comfortable with armour and great for street riding. For highway riding I only wear leather. I have a white M1 Shift racing leather jacket, a FirstGear Fire leather, a Sean John leather motorcycle jacket, a PowerTrip Black Diamond Leather mesh jacket to name a few of my leather jackets, and also have a Fieldsheer Moto textile jacket and Honda GoldWing mesh textile jacket. The real important thing with motorcycle jackets is the fit, comfort, quality of materials used and protective armour. Some of the top quality jackets in my opinion are Dianese, Vanson, Nexx Unlimited, AGV and Alpinestars. There are other jacket makers I like and respect. AGV (one of my favorites) makes factory jackets for Suzuki, Joe Rocket makes Honda factory jackets and also makes the Michael Jordan line of motorcycle jackets. The important things with jacket selection is your weight,torso\height, chest and waist measurements. Motorphoria makes some real quality jackets, but if you are a portly fellow then do not think about them. Fieldsheer makes some really nice (decent quality, loads of features) textile jackets but not for body types with a longer torso. AGV has a nice line of jackets that are for a broader range of body types and AlpineStars are good for people who have a longer torso. Dianese makes great jackets with armour that are really comfortable and excellent quality but again not for a portly body type. Vanson (I respect them and the quality is top notch, but I refuse to pay their price and while it is unimportant the styling is boring). Vanson not only make great jackets but they are a company who will replace a jacket. Finally, Icon - not great quality but ok, small chest\small waist body types and more about fashion than anything else and way overpriced. I refuse to pay the advertised full price for anything because product markup is ridiculous. When you find a jacket you like try it on and sit on a bike and see if it works for you.

 

Wow!!! I've never seen this jacket, it diffently has flash and style...

 

I have a Frank Thomas Strike 2 jacket and pants that I wear for summer. The jackets are $100 off right now (http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=3&L2=&L3=&L4=&item=FTL_FTL218-BLU-38_G) and the quality and armor is good. They have both the 360 degree and 8 inch zippers. I wear JR alter ego for the winter months.

 

I have a black leather vented jacket with zippered vents and a removeable liner that I got from Bobs Cycle Supply on sale for 119.00 (reg. 200.00). I really like it, It is water proof and warm with the liner in. On 95 degree days on the hiway with the vents open it is comfortable. I got the Raider Sport Vent Model. http://store.bobscycle.com

 

Two years ago I snagged a vintage Tourmaster leather jacket on ebay for a pittance. Works real well.

Geeze

 

I can see you wearing that Rick good thing I'd be in front of you, hahaha

My thoughts on the subject. I have two First Gear jackets, both top notch, thing is with Jackets you need to try on a lot of them before you'll get a feel for what you like. Dainese is another one as well as Spidi that is noted to have great stuff.

 

I wear either a Tekniks leather jacket (the upper half of my leathers) or a MotoLine leather jacket, which is more Harley-looking. Got the MotoLine for a song from Everett Honda 'cause it had a scratch on the front.

 

I have worn all kinds and find my nearly 20 year old vanson jacket is the best I have ever sliped on. I paid 365.00 back then. But all I can say is they are like your favorite pair of cowboy boots. they get more comfortable with age. Now I would like to buy a new one but they are now 650.

 

Just curious, but how many different jackets does everyone own/use?
I know it will depend on weather/location, but here in North Carolina, where we can generally ride all year long, I go with THREE jackets.
1. Mesh jacket with liners....these work great from late spring to early fall
2. Leather jacket with no liner and usually a t-shirt or long sleeve for fall and spring
3. A larger leather jacket with room for liner, fleece sweaters, long underwear, etc. for winter riding.
I don't generally ride when it's colder than about 40 so I dont really have a heavy winter jacket or a full suit. In the past, I usually just had one leather jacket, but I've found it almost impossible to find a jacket that is tight enough to be snug with just a t-shirt while also being roomy enough for liners and sweaters. My buddies think I'm nuts to have two identical Dainese jackets in two different sizes.....hmmmmm....maybe I am nuts?

Mike

Durham, NC

Come visit me at Triangle Cycles in Durham !

 

Dianese Leather jacket -- for every day wear
Mesh Tex -- mesh for hot weather
cordura First Gear -- for commuting
Full one piece BKS custom made leathers -- for track days or spirited canyon riding
Aerostitch -- rain and longer trips

plus a couple pair of pants and lots of gloves

thinking about adding a Darien Jacket and pants combo...

 

Rat, if you want a good deal, surf over to newenough.com and check out their closeout section.

http://www.newenough.com/intl/product_department_closeouts.htm

Brand new gear, last year's colours, prices will astound you. Excellent service, I've bought 3 pairs of gloves, one pair of boots and a 2-piece textile suit from them in the past year. :smile: