Motorcycle jacket
Peculiarities
The main feature of a motorcycle jacket is a durable, moisture-resistant material. The jacket should not be short, be sure to cover the lower back. To ensure ventilation, holes are sewn in the forearm area.
The sleeves of the jacket should be long and not interfere with the freedom of rotation of the arms. The lining of the jacket provides additional comfort during the trip. Special attention is paid to the lining on the collar near the neck - the absence of this detail can cause discomfort to the driver, as well as let the cold through.
Additional pads on the back and elbows of the jacket provide not only increased protection against injuries, but also protect against increased loads. Many jackets are equipped with reflective material, for better visibility of the motorcycle and its owner on the road.
Varieties of models
- a biker jacket protects its owner well enough from bad weather and injuries, however, you should monitor the quality of the leather from which it is made;
- a rain jacket designed specifically for riding in bad weather, most often made of PVC-coated material, has a good lining, and can be worn over leather and other motorcycle jackets;
- The air-cushioned motorcycle jacket is a fairly new development, aimed rather than at appearance, but at enhancing rider safety. The compressed air that fills the chamber inside the jacket keeps the head and neck in the correct position, reducing the risk of injury.
- motorized turtle - a rigid protective vest in which external protective elements are sewn onto a mesh base. It ensures the safety of the rider's upper body.
- a mesh motorcycle jacket is a good option for regions with a hot climate. It is fully ventilated, however, provides the necessary protection due to the plastic on the back, elbows and shoulders.
How to choose a motorcycle jacket
There are several nuances that you need to pay attention to when choosing a motorcycle jacket of any kind:
- The jacket should be close to the body, be in size. Plastic protection should not move from the back and elbows. Equipment must cover the lower back;
- the jacket should not interfere with freedom of movement and ride up strongly when raising arms. The length of the sleeve is selected in accordance with the fit on the motorcycle;
- the more pockets the better. It is important to make sure that they have tight, comfortable zippers;
- in a good motorcycle jacket, the lining must be unfastened, and when the jacket is removed, it does not come out of the sleeves;
- quality of materials, design. A good motorcycle jacket cannot be cheap due to the high cost of materials, but it will last more than one season.
Jacket or turtleneck?
To make the right choice of what to buy, a jacket or a turtle, you need to know the differences between these types of equipment:
- many motorcyclists claim that motorcycle jackets offer less protection than motorcycle turtles;
- the main negative feature of the motorcycle turtle is that the mesh base, when dropped at high speed, can twist, and the protective shields can move from their place;
- for novice motorcyclists who are not yet completely confident on the road, the turtle is a necessary piece of equipment;
- motorcycle jackets can be selected according to the weather, in contrast to the blown mesh base of motorcycle turtles. This is an absolute plus for motorcyclists traveling not only in the summer season;
- there are a large number of comfortable jackets for women riding a motorcycle. The selection of female turtles is much smaller and more expensive;
- a motorcycle turtle, as well as a textile motorcycle jacket, better protects against impacts, and a leather jacket - from slipping on asphalt.
Many professional motorcyclists advise to use in one set a turtle, and a jacket worn over it, selected according to the season. This will provide good protection both when hitting the asphalt and when sliding on it.
What gear do you need to ride safely?
The main elements of a motorcyclist's equipment are:
- motorcycle jacket, or motorcycle turtle;
- pants;
- overalls;
- gloves;
- boots;
- helmet.
The best option for jackets, trousers and motorcyclist overalls is considered to be thick genuine leather in combination with other breathable and protective materials: textiles, plastic, polyurethane and others.
For a better fit of motorcycle equipment on the figure, manufacturers supply it with drawstrings, elastic bands, Velcro, and removable linings. The best option when choosing a jacket and trousers is a set in which it is possible to fasten the jacket to the belt.
Motorcycle gloves are made from leather, or other non-slip materials, and have protective plates sewn in. Properly chosen gloves fit tightly around the wrists, but do not interfere with the free rotation of the hand.
Boots for motorcyclists are made of thick leather with breathable inserts, necessarily hard rubber soles and additional protection from Kevlar.
A well-fitting helmet provides protection and is comfortable to wear. It is better to choose closed models that protect the face and neck. When choosing an open helmet, motorcycle goggles that fit tightly around the eyes and a protective mask must be used. The helmet should be well ventilated, have sound insulation and fit snugly to the head.
For men
Stylish images
When choosing an image and equipment, safety comes first. However, more and more motorcyclists want to look stylish. There are several tips for this:
- buy equipment that matches the color of the motorcycle. Such equipment not only looks spectacular, but also increases the visibility of the driver on the road;
- Synchronize the equipment with the motorcycle model. So, overalls with patches are ideal for sports bikes, and rocker-style leather outfits for cruisers;
- experiment with helmet coloring. A helmet with a printed pattern that reflects the character and preferences of its owner looks spectacular;
- focus on the purpose of the trip. So, when traveling around the city (to work, department store, and so on), you need to choose equipment that will be easy to remove and look appropriate.
For women
How not to lose your feminine image when riding a motorcycle? A few tips for women who prefer a motorcycle:
- outfit color.You can abandon the standard, all-black equipment in favor of brighter colors, or you can choose a model with color inserts;
- helmet coloring. It is not necessary to apply flowers and other “truly feminine” prints to it. It will be enough to keep it in lighter colors, and decorate it with a neat pattern;
- women's motorcycle jackets and turtlenecks. Equipment manufacturers do not offer many models of women's jackets and turtlenecks, however, they emphasize the figure, providing increased protection for women;
- focus on shoes. It is best to choose models that gracefully sit on the leg and do not visually increase it, bright colors that match the color of the equipment or motorcycle. An important aspect is the heel: for convenience and safety, it should not exceed 2-3 cm.