Author Topic: Riding Jackets (Read 6384 times)

Turbogrimace · « **on:** May 11, 2009, 10:00:40 AM »

I'm trying to find a riding jacket that's comfortable and looks good on a cruiser style bike. Since I also want armor and something that will hold up in a meeting with the road, there arent very many options outside of the space looking jackets for sport bikes.

Can you fella's give me your thoughts on what jackets you wear (with armor) that look normal on a cruiser bike? That or if you've found some while poking around that fit the bill.

I appreciate the help. The shops around here dont carry a very good selection.

heffay · « **Reply #1 on:** May 11, 2009, 10:09:17 AM »

sierratradingpost.com has a nice selection usually, great sales regularly, and they take returns minus return shipping cost.

there are some nice jean jacket types that are armored. not sure if the trading post sells those or not.

edit: now that I think about it... they sent me a return shipping label when I called them about returning a product for fitment issues.

hapakev · « **Reply #2 on:** May 11, 2009, 10:40:34 AM »

I've been looking at the jackets from Fox Creek leather. They look beefy. I haven't personally seen one up close, but they have a boat load of testimonials on their website. I like the Classics, but the Commander is the one for me. They are a bit pricey, but you cant skimp on safety right? Thats what I think anyway. Here is the link to the jackets.

http://www.foxcreekleather.com/mensjackets.phtml

jt1000 · « **Reply #3 on:** May 11, 2009, 11:27:54 AM »

I wear a Joe Rocket Reactor 2.0 textile/leather combo. Has a H2O/windproof liner that zips out and has leather in the places you need it. Got it from Flyin' Brian's Deals eBy store. He actually takes best offers on Joe Rocket gear. Lists for $200, got it new for $136 I think....

http://www.joerocket.com/catalog/index.cfm/113/119/Textile_Jackets/Reactor_2.0_Jacket

Turbogrimace · « **Reply #4 on:** May 11, 2009, 12:07:35 PM »

Holy momma, Fox leather has got some nice looking stuff. Top dollar too. woo! Thanks for the info guys, keep it coming!

moham · « **Reply #5 on:** May 11, 2009, 12:34:12 PM »

Spidi makes really nice textile jackets that don't look insane. You have to wait for them to ship from Italy apparently, but they have good armor and fit well. I have Fieldsheer pants with ass, hip and knee armor but they make textile jackets also.

nokrome · « **Reply #6 on:** May 11, 2009, 01:13:56 PM »

+1 on fox creek, the quality of leather and construction is some of the nicest ive seen, great customer service too
unfortunately for me i was having problems with the sizing and need to have one custom made which costs an additional $80.00 and 6-8 weeks, its a real pain in the a$$ to try and buy something like that online, but they were happy to send out two different size jackets to help me figure out what i needed

Turbogrimace · « **Reply #7 on:** May 11, 2009, 01:19:10 PM »

How do the Fox Creek Jackets hold up in rain? Are they waterproofed at all?

john_matrix · « **Reply #8 on:** May 11, 2009, 01:42:36 PM »

Saw this on another forum.

Not bad for $129 shipped.

http://www.extremesupply.com/heingericke/heingerickejackets/speedway.htm

I too, am looking for a "non stunter" style jacket that will hold up in Chicago and protect me.

Geeto67 · « **Reply #9 on:** May 11, 2009, 02:59:20 PM »

I bought a now discontinued Triumph jacket at a motorcycle show. Has elbow, shoulder, and back protector plus the ability to zip into a pair of pants. I paid $150 for it at the show. The only place it has the triumph lettering is a little T at the base of my neck.

Triumph has two similar jackets in their current catalog, the Rocket 08 and Balham jackets. No mention of the back protector that mine has, and they def have logos on them more prominent than mine (but still pretty understated) . The Balham is like $250+ but the Rocket is $450+.

There is also the T-bird which will make you look like Danny Zuko but actually has shoulder and elbow armor.

check it out at:
http://www.triumph.co.uk/usa/clothing.aspx

Also, you can't go wrong with a bellstaff.
http://www.belstaff.com/index.php?option=com_virtuemart&page=shop.browse&category_id=415&Itemid=289

What is this garbage about a crusier jacket? how about you just want a plain jacket with armor?

BTW, Harley also makes jackets with armor and "crusier" styling.

Icon has the Accelerant Stealth which is a badass little jacket. All the features of a full tilt armor jacket in a plain black wrapper

http://www.rideicon.com/product_details.jsp?category=1974&id=7832

schwebel · « **Reply #10 on:** May 11, 2009, 09:33:58 PM »

I wear a Joe Rocket Sonic 2.0 most of the time. It has the zip out sides for warmer weather, and wind resistant inserts for colder, plus a zip out inner liner. It looks good on any style of bike. Vanson makes some nice jackets as well, that are very simple designed but of ultra high quality.

stevenmgrr · « **Reply #11 on:** May 11, 2009, 09:41:46 PM »

I tried on a Montana jacket from British Motorcycle Gear when they were here for the annual motorcycle show this past January. I really liked the retro look and the feel of the jacket. The leather is awesome! Excellent quality seams and zippers. And the cool thing is that even though the jacket is armored you don't look like a you stepped of a superhero video game box. The armor isn't noticeable. I wear a 42 R and a 44 R fit me fine.

http://www.britishmotorcyclegear.com/montana-jacket.asp

Review
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r4/british-motorcycle-gear/bmg-montana-jacket/

Steve

brett_bike · « **Reply #12 on:** May 12, 2009, 06:38:17 AM »

+2 on the Fox Creek. I got my Fox Creek Grayson jacket after many long nights researching jackets online. It has pockets for armor (purchased separately, of course), a zip out thinsulate liner and vents. The jacket is heavy and appears to be made well (and made in the USA) with a lifetime guarantee. I'm a difficult fit and had to order a 40 Long, I ride road bikes and am very thin, often described as "ribs and nipples". I was told it would take 6-8 weeks, and it showed in 5. They sent me 2 jackets when I placed my order to make sure of the 40 Long size was the correct size. Awesome customer service from Scarlette and everyone I talked to at Fox Creek.

As far as being waterproof, leather already has some waterproof abilities. But if you are riding in rain often, spend the extra $30.00 for the leather cleaning kit. It comes with the leather oil soap, leather oil and conditioner and the water repellent leather dressing. If you're already spending $400 +, what's another $30 to keep your "investment" looking good for a lifetime.

My only complaint about the jacket is the collar sort of pushes into my neck because it's a "long", and I'm leaning forward on both my bikes, CB500 "Cafe" and Ducati Monster. It doesn't do that when I ride my buddies cruiser. As the leather is getting softer the more I wear it, the collar pushing into my neck is becoming less of a problem.

mikethejeepguy · « **Reply #13 on:** May 12, 2009, 07:51:05 AM »

Here is a deal I recently found on a jacket I wear. Original price $299.... now they have it for $50

As far as I know, it is manufactured by Joe Rocket and has elbow, shoulder, and spine pads (this one is removable). I wear the Icon spine protector instead. Also a zip-out vest and vents under the armpits. Oh yeah, it is ballistic nylon. I paid $150 on their last sale.

It is from a distributor here in Canada, but am sure shipping wouldn't be that much. Not sure what sizes they have left though. Here is a link...

http://www.royaldistributing.com/liquidation/401.aspx

heffay · « **Reply #14 on:** May 12, 2009, 09:01:51 AM »

shipping to and from CANADA can be nightmarishly expensive. and my stuff goes missing regularly going across that border.

IHWillys · « **Reply #15 on:** May 12, 2009, 09:44:43 AM »

Quote from: heffay on May 12, 2009, 09:01:51 AM

shipping to ... CANADA can be nightmarishly expensive. ...

Yes, I try to not buy from Canada anymore after suffering the issue of having to return something back into Canada. Shipping the exact same item from Canada cost $20, then to return it, it cost $50 to ship. Same shipper, same box, same item, same locations involved, just the direction reversed. Thus, I don't buy from there anymore.

Ken

ev0lution7 · « **Reply #16 on:** May 12, 2009, 10:07:16 AM »

www.leatherup.com

i got my jacket from them and i ride a cb750 STOCK and the jacket looks good on me and the price was RIGHT (had armor and zip out linner) for $124 shipped to my door!!!!

use Promo code: 55632

for 10% off your purchase!!!

great customer service fash shipping and GREAT quality heavy jacket my local leather shop wanted $249 for the SAME jacket!!! no joke.. i searched HIGH and low at every leahter shop around and they wanted a minimum of $199 for a lesser jacket!

nokrome · « **Reply #17 on:** May 12, 2009, 12:31:19 PM »

Quote from: brett_bike on May 12, 2009, 06:38:17 AM

+2 on the Fox Creek. I got my Fox Creek Grayson jacket after many long nights researching jackets online. It has pockets for armor (purchased separately, of course), a zip out thinsulate liner and vents. The jacket is heavy and appears to be made well (and made in the USA) with a lifetime guarantee. I'm a difficult fit and had to order a 40 Long, I ride road bikes and am very thin, often described as "ribs and nipples". I was told it would take 6-8 weeks, and it showed in 5. They sent me 2 jackets when I placed my order to make sure of the 40 Long size was the correct size. Awesome customer service from Scarlette and everyone I talked to at Fox Creek.

As far as being waterproof, leather already has some waterproof abilities. But if you are riding in rain often, spend the extra $30.00 for the leather cleaning kit. It comes with the leather oil soap, leather oil and conditioner and the water repellent leather dressing. If you're already spending $400 +, what's another $30 to keep your "investment" looking good for a lifetime.

My only complaint about the jacket is the collar sort of pushes into my neck because it's a "long", and I'm leaning forward on both my bikes, CB500 "Cafe" and Ducati Monster. It doesn't do that when I ride my buddies cruiser. As the leather is getting softer the more I wear it, the collar pushing into my neck is becoming less of a problem.

the grayson was my first choice looks wise but i ended up going with their vented racing jacket because it looked like it would have alot more air flow for hot days, how is the grayson when its hot?
i also had ordered a 40L and had the exact same problem with the collar pushing up into my neck, it was really uncomfortable but the arm lenght was perfect so im going to have them make one with the long arms and regular waist but i still keep going back and forth between the grayson and the vented racing............opinions?

speedknot · « **Reply #18 on:** May 12, 2009, 12:56:48 PM »

I don't know if anyone mentioned this but if you are looking for a cool jacket for the summer and are concerned about breathability, steer clear of jackets that doubles as rain gear. The waterproof liner in these jackets acts like a plastic bag, keeping in the heat and moisture. I have a great Fieldsheer jacket that doesn't scream rice rocket but when the temp reaches above 70*F you bake in it. Its more like a two season jacket. I am on the hunt for a nice mesh jacket for those warm days.

brett_bike · « **Reply #19 on:** May 12, 2009, 10:57:53 PM »

nokrome, I was thinking of sending mine back when it gets too hot here in Denver to wear it. Fox Creek will alter it to a regular in the body and I'll keep the arms long. As far as the breathability, it's good as long as I'm moving.

cb750fbomb · « **Reply #20 on:** May 13, 2009, 12:01:53 AM »

Quote from: speedknot on May 12, 2009, 12:56:48 PM

I don't know if anyone mentioned this but if you are looking for a cool jacket for the summer and are concerned about breathability, steer clear of jackets that doubles as rain gear. The waterproof liner in these jackets acts like a plastic bag, keeping in the heat and moisture. I have a great Fieldsheer jacket that doesn't scream rice rocket but when the temp reaches above 70*F you bake in it. Its more like a two season jacket. I am on the hunt for a nice mesh jacket for those warm days.

I just got Joe Rocker Phoenix 5.0 jacket for 135.00 shipped that has a waterproof liner that is removable. It has elbow, shoulder, spine and kidney armor and it is about as hot as wearing a long sleeve t-shirt with the liner out of it.

speedknot · « **Reply #21 on:** May 13, 2009, 05:41:18 AM »

Quote from: cb750fbomb on May 13, 2009, 12:01:53 AM

Quote from: speedknot on May 12, 2009, 12:56:48 PM
I don't know if anyone mentioned this but if you are looking for a cool jacket for the summer and are concerned about breathability, steer clear of jackets that doubles as rain gear. The waterproof liner in these jackets acts like a plastic bag, keeping in the heat and moisture. I have a great Fieldsheer jacket that doesn't scream rice rocket but when the temp reaches above 70*F you bake in it. Its more like a two season jacket. I am on the hunt for a nice mesh jacket for those warm days.
I just got Joe Rocker Phoenix 5.0 jacket for 135.00 shipped that has a waterproof liner that is removable. It has elbow, shoulder, spine and kidney armor and it is about as hot as wearing a long sleeve t-shirt with the liner out of it.

Yeah, I probably should have looked at the ones with a removable waterproof liner. Next time!

Steve F · « **Reply #22 on:** May 13, 2009, 06:37:15 AM »

I posted this back a few months ago about buying a jacket while at the Chicago Bike show.....

Good guys. I was at the cycle show on Feb. 8th here in the Chicago area, and found these guys with a nice display of riding apparel and other things. I wanted a Tourmaster long length jacket, but they didn't have any more at the show in my size. Good price, I thought at $157. They said that they have a couple back at their shop in Brookfield, WI if I still wanted one. I agreed, and they then told me that since it would be considered a "mail order" I wouldn't have to pay sales tax, and that they would ship it for free! It showed up on my doorstep today as promissed.
www.donandroys.com

It's all black except for the reflective piping at certain points, and no "Joe stupid name" patches all over the place. Plenty of zip-open vents, and a removable liner.

Steve F

cb750fbomb · « **Reply #23 on:** May 13, 2009, 06:40:02 AM »

They do have some good prices and as they are good people, as you explained, that's a good reason to buy from them.

super pasty white guy · « **Reply #24 on:** May 13, 2009, 07:35:25 AM »

I went with a Firstgear Earl and have been pretty happy with it in weather up to about 75-80 degrees F. Above that and the ventilation is too skimpy. You should be able to find one for under $200 if you look around.

I've seen a couple of Fox Creek jackets firsthand and they are nice. Remember that if you want armor, it isn't included.

spwg

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Author Topic: Riding Jackets (Read 6384 times)

ev0lution7

speedknot

speedknot