One of the most important things you’ll find with being a motorcyclist is looking cool. A lot of this isn’t just the bike – it’s actually the gear you decide to wear. So, let’s bring the focus in on jackets.
It was made famous by icons like Steve McQueen, Marlon Brando, and James Dean – synonymous with being cool and having attitude.
Rebellion left its heady scent all over the leather jacket. In the modern day, this is still somewhat the case and I’ll be honest with you, leather makes literally anyone look badass. But now there are practical applications as well as looking like you can ride off into the sunset in a blaze of smoke and tyres.
Leather is more resilient to damage – meaning you’ll look weathered and scuffed if you come off, which can help your bruised ego as trust me, it will be bruised, and there is no cool way to fall off your bike. It also hurts, and leather can make it hurt a little bit less. Ever watched MotoGP? There’s a reason folks like Marquez, Viñales and Quartararo are all suited up head to toe in leather.
It moves well with the body once it’s broken in – a lot of leather jackets are made from cowhide, which can be quite stiff (like the Alpinestars jackets we have on the shelf). This might make them a little uncomfortable to begin with, but in the right size and once they’ve got a few rides under their belt, they start to feel like a second skin. Most of these sports cut jackets (there’s some proper motorcycle lingo for you) also feature stretch panels in the arms and chest area to help with movement when you’re full-tuck, living the dream going 80kmph on the highway.
It means comfort. It means a jacket that can do it all. No, not quite all… but pretty close. These are also known as 3-season or year-round jackets, meaning exactly what it says. Frequently, these jackets will come with removable internal layers, most commonly a waterproof and/or a thermal layer. The jacket skin itself will usually have various zip-closure ports that are designed to be open for airflow, closed for cold weather. All of them will feature elbow and shoulder armour, however if a back protector is important to you (which it absolutely should be), you’ll need to purchase a good one separately.
These are a great option if leather doesn’t appeal to you but still want protection and that cool vibe, because let’s be serious for a minute here – you’re a motorcyclist now. No matter a leather jacket or a textile jacket, you’re cool. You’ve joined the elite. You’re one of us.
Motorcycle gear is its own style of fashion – a lot of textile jackets are now being made to look like street gear, so you can ride a bike without looking like you ride a bike, but you know you ride a bike… you know? Check out our Macna range for a great example of this “bike gear that doesn’t look like bike gear” – it’s bloody comfy, incredibly safe and made by riders, for riders.
I’m going to add in an honourable mention here for summer jackets – these are available in both leather and textile. The main difference is of course, the material. The leather jacket will have perforated panels on the chest and back to optimise airflow, but I’d recommend going a textile one, especially in the Australian climate. The classic summer jacket is all mesh and armour and will maximise airflow (even hot air) when you’re riding along, desperate to get home to the air conditioner. They’re easier to get on and off when you’re sweaty (you will be) and they’re not as heavy when you’re sitting in traffic begging the lights to go green, wishing you could lane split. Trust me when I say this is a guaranteed purchase you won’t regret, even though it’s only useful for 3 months of the year.
There are a few questions you should ask yourself when purchasing a jacket.
What style of riding are you planning on doing?
Track days? Weekend warrior? Commuting only? All day, every day, anywhere and everywhere?
What fits me? What do I find comfortable?
This is where practicality makes itself known – it doesn’t matter how much you love the jacket, if it doesn’t fit right, it isn’t the one for you.
Am I visible enough on the road?
This is an important question. Most jackets now come with reflective piping or strips on the back, chest and arms to reflect drivers’ headlights, but if this isn’t enough we can look at other options like a reflective sash – no matter how badass being in all black looks, if you’re going to be riding early mornings and late nights, you need to be seen on the road.
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to call our accessories department, send an email or better yet, drop into the store and have a chat – we’re always happy to talk about gear and pass on our knowledge. As always, ride safe.
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Ring Laura on: 02 4733 1733 ext 4