Basics to Know When Searching for Perfect Motorcycle Jackets

AMERiders understands that our customers want to purchase Quality Motorcycle Jackets, which is why we are giving basic tips when looking for one. This goes along with our last blog post of Leather vs Textile. When looking for quality motorcycle jackets you will find that they come in a wide array of styles and fabrics. This blog post is geared towards the basics of what you need to look for in a quality motorcycle jacket. We will go over the important aspects that apply to both leather and textile jacket such as sizing, pockets, basic construction, collars, cuffs, and closures. We will handle liners as a separate subject for another post.

Sizing:

Quality Motorcycle Jackets should  fit a bit loose, as there are times you’ll want to put on thicker or heavier clothes under them. The amount of protection a jacket will give you is also relevant to how well it stays put when coming in contact with a road surface. The best solution to this problem is to purchase a jacket with any type of adjustability in the waist area, like a belt or zippers, and if possible, “gaiters” on the sleeves — that allow you to tighten them against your arms.

Regarding Jackets with body armor:

Adjustability is even more important, as the belts and gaiters will ensure that your armor is still covering your vital parts even after the shock of any initial impact.

For example, when you are trying on the jacket in a store, the sleeves should come down to about the second set of knuckles on your hand. if not a bit farther when your arms are at your sides. This is because when you’re riding, your hands and arms are out in front of you. You’ll want the sleeves to end at your wrists so they can either cover the ends of your gloves or vice-versa. Also, the back of the jacket should extend about three or four inches below your belt line as to not expose your lower back. It should also be loose-fitting between your shoulder blades so that the material across your upper back won’t be stretched tight, making it difficult for you to move your arms.

It is best to remember:

A jacket that looks like a perfect fit when you are standing in front of a mirror is probably a very poor choice as a riding jacket. Ensure you try it on standing, as well as sitting on the bike as you would riding and moving around. If you’re not restricted by the jacket in any way then it is a good fitting jacket.

Pockets:

AMERiders believes that you can never have too many pockets when riding on a motorcycle. However, these pockets should have certain standards that they must meet to be useful. This is the difference between fashion and riding gear. First, each exterior pockets need to have a closure of some kind. Snaps and Velcro fasteners are okay, but you’ll fair better with heavy-duty zippers. And if possible, try to make sure that the zipper pulls are large enough that you can grip and operate them with your gloves on.

Secondly, make sure at least one of the pocket is weatherproof/ waterproof, whether on the exterior or interior of the jacket. This is for keeping things dry that could be ruined if they got wet. We believe that two side pockets, one breast pocket, and one interior pocket should be a minimum requirement. A good riding jacket will even add pockets on the sleeves for easy access to things like change for toll booths.

Basic construction:

By this, we mean how the jacket is put together. Though it is sometimes difficult to determine how well-constructed a jacket is by just its appearance. We have gathered some easy identifiers to help you. What type of thread is used? Quality Motorcycle Jackets use nylon or Kevlar thread, double-stitched, with a single or double overlap on the material, and a seam-sealing strip of material on the inner side

Collars:

Some people hardly think to look at the collar when searching for a new riding jacket, but trust us, this is very important. Regardless of the style or shape, the collar takes, ensure the part that actually makes contacts with your neck is lined with a soft material. Most Quality Motorcycle Jackets will have a special lining around this area, made from suede or microfiber. Remember, when we ride we tend to move our heads a lot, and the last thing we need is to rub the skin raw on your neck .Collars come in a variety of sizes, styles and shapes, and you will have to decide for yourself which is best for you.

Cuffs:

Cuffs, like collars, should have a soft lining in the wrist area. If you are riding in a short-sleeved shirt, the cuffs will rub your wrists every time you clutch, brake or use the throttle, which will irritate your skin quickly. It’s of paramount importance that the cuffs of your jacket be adjustable, whether with Velcro, zippers, or snaps. As at times, you may want them to be snug down under your gloves. In other situations, you may want them to secure over the top of them. Regardless, you certainly don’t want them acting like miniature air scoops unless it is a very hot day.

Closures:

As with many of the other features, we’ve discussed, the closures on a riding jacket are both different and much more important than those found on normal, everyday jackets. A simple, exposed zipper down the front is quite common and efficient on an everyday jacket, but a disaster on riding gear.

The difference with good riding gear is that the primary closure (the zipper) will be covered by a secondary closure. This is usually a single or double overlap, secured by snaps or Velcro. This helps to keep the wind and rain out of the zipper – but really aren’t much good over the long haul, or in severe weather.

We hope that this information will help you to find Quality Motorcycle Jackets that fit you perfectly for summer and winter as there are jackets made for both types of wear.

We at AMERiders want to wish you and your family a safe and Happy 4th of July!

And as always….

~Live Free Ride Hard~

~AMERiders

and

AMERiders can help you find Quality Motorcycle Jackets at reasonable prices.

And as always don’t forget to send us your stories, pictures and events for posting to GALLERY.AMERIDERS @ GMAIL.COM  and we will post them for you. The more people that know about your event the better and we are offering free advertising. We would also love to hear about your rides and love to see those bikes so send those stories and pictures.

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