Motorcycle Jacket's Comfort and Protection

Maricon Williams
May 16, 2006

Experts choose the best. And how do they choose?

Well, they choose scientifically and practically. There must be comfort and protection not just style, same thing with motorcycle apparel such as jackets. They must also give both comfort and protection.

However, there are some areas that need special attention. Let us discuss them one by one.

1. Material. Motorcycle jackets may either be leather or non-leather. Leather is the most famous material for jackets. However, mesh is now also widely used specially in warm season. Dupont Cordura, a form of nylon with a scale going up to approximately 1000 denier, can also be used.

2. Airing. Air circulation is necessary especially during summer where the heat of the sun can hurt the skin and can also result to a sweaty and uncomfortable ride. Riders can purchase jackets that have ventilation zippers with them. These zippers are usually found under the armpits and other ventilation holes to allow air to circulate.

Be sure that suit integration is applied to the jacket. A Velcro or a zipper at the back can provide considerable comfort. Pockets can also be added - the more, the better.

3. Conspicuity. The third thing that we have to look for is the jacket’s ability to be seen from afar by fellow riders as well as pedestrians. Conspicuity is the primary reason for motorcycle accidents. Failure to see another rider is a fatal flaw. To remedy this, riders must wear jackets with reflective materials or luminous colors. The use of scotelite can also result to a reflective jacket.

4. Waterproof. Finally, you have to consider that waterproof jacket is a must have in riding. Riding knows no weather – be it a sunny or a rainy weather – riders are always on the go. Nothing can stop them, even the harsh weather. However, if a rider rides with a non-waterproof jacket, he will likely be having illness that can preclude him from further enjoying rides.

Keeping the rider’s jacket waterproof is also a way to avoid the feel of being stinky, dirty and less confident.

Caveat emptor. Buyers must also be wary with those materials that easily loose its power of being waterproof.

Keep in mind what Nicholas Cage said in Wild at heart: A good jacket is like ‘your symbol of individuality’. Therefore, your jacket reflects you as a person - your style, comfort and protection.

Please visit Motorcycle Parts, Apparel and Accessories site at http://www.motorcyclepartstrade.com for comments and inquiries regarding this article.