Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Check out www.leatherup.com. They have some great prices.

Wilson's leather doesn't compare to say, Fox Creek. DH and I both wear Wilson's for casual fashion leather and Fox Creek for riding. The two are night and day. After wearing Fox Creek leathers, the Wilson's feel so paper thin and light.

In my experience, no comparision. Yes, that is taking into account fashion design. DHs jackets are a similar cut, mine on the other hand, not at all.

Depending on the base (like here), the only requirement is long sleeves, so you could easily wear a long sleeve tshirt. I would suggest, however a riding jacket for the time being after MSF) depending on your weather there.

A Wilson's jacket would be better than nothing or to tide you over until you get a specific riding jacket. Keep in mind, anything you wear to ride will start smelling funny, like hot motors in a garage and sweat You don't want to be wearing a funky jacket out to a nice dinner or movie lol

Why buy leather? Its heavy, expensive, hard to clean and usually DARK colored so you'll bake when sitting in the sun.

Textile gear is more cost effective, ESPECIALLY when you're still figuring out which features you really need. For around $100, you can get armor, and abrasion protection, and even rain protection. Plus most textile gear includes reflective patches, etc, so you are easier to see on the road.

P

Lion_Lady wrote:Why buy leather?

Because it's attractive, stylish, warm, and still more durable than textile jackets.

Both leather and textiles have their downsides. It's a personal choice and there are good reasons on both sides.

Leather is popular on cruisers and sportbikes alike, and racers wear leather exclusively for some very good reasons.

Since no one has mentioned it, I'll add that motorcycle specific jackets are shaped different. The arms on a motorcycle jacket is longer and shaped for your riding position. Motorcycle leathers tend to be more form fitting too. This helps minimize wind resistance as well as better protect your body from slipping internally when you slide against the pavement.

Regarding thickness, you want 1.2mm+. Most of the stuff you find at Wilsons is much thinner.

Regarding comfort, motorcycle jackets (better ones) tend to be vented in the right areas like the armpits, front sides, and back.

In my opinion, leather motorcycle jackets wins hands down. The good ones breathe very well. Provides superior abrasion resistance. Longer lasting. Impact resistant if there are CE certified armor internally.

Go with a motorcycle specific jacket. Sure it costs a bit more, but it's well worth it. You won't regret it.

Sleeve length is a great point. My leather's sleeves would be too long if I were just walking around, but when positioned on my bike, they're just the right length. I got mine at a discount bike shop in Flint, Michigan.

For the MSF course any long-sleeved jacket is acceptable. Keep looking and take your time - these things aren't cheap. Also, try to hit some swap meets or bike events with vendors - you can usually find good-quality bike wear for a much better price. Good luck!!

Cheers,
Loonette

Lion_Lady wrote:Why buy leather? Its heavy, expensive, hard to clean and usually DARK colored so you'll bake when sitting in the sun.

Textile gear is more cost effective, ESPECIALLY when you're still figuring out which features you really need. For around $100, you can get armor, and abrasion protection, and even rain protection. Plus most textile gear includes reflective patches, etc, so you are easier to see on the road.

P

Leather is hard to clean?????? since when? Last time I cleaned my leather I went got some Murphy oil soap. Grabbed a spong and took about oh 2 minutes to clean my leather jacket. then took about another 2 minutes to put leather conditioner on it.

Bachstrad37 wrote:Since no one has mentioned it, I'll add that motorcycle specific jackets are shaped different. The arms on a motorcycle jacket is longer and shaped for your riding position. Motorcycle leathers tend to be more form fitting too. This helps minimize wind resistance as well as better protect your body from slipping internally when you slide against the pavement.

Regarding thickness, you want 1.2mm+. Most of the stuff you find at Wilsons is much thinner.

Regarding comfort, motorcycle jackets (better ones) tend to be vented in the right areas like the armpits, front sides, and back.

In my opinion, leather motorcycle jackets wins hands down. The good ones breathe very well. Provides superior abrasion resistance. Longer lasting. Impact resistant if there are CE certified armor internally.

Go with a motorcycle specific jacket. Sure it costs a bit more, but it's well worth it. You won't regret it.

+1 Good good points. You will use and appreciate the features of a leather motorcycle jacket.


My our leather has been good to us. Use a good quality leather cleaner and then some conditioner and that jacket will wear excellent and last forever. The downside is good leather is expensive.


In the mid to cooler climates, leather, hands down. In hotter stuff, I'd lean towards textile but would also have leather on hand. Of course it all boils down to personal preference. Go with what works for you

So does anyone have any suggestions for a website that has nice (relatively inexpensive) textile armoured jackets>

napoleon_e wrote:So does anyone have any suggestions for a website that has nice (relatively inexpensive) textile armoured jackets>

www.newenough.com
www.motorcycle-superstore.com
www.kneedraggers.com