is it important to buy a specific motorcycle jacket?
A motorcycle jacket is one of the elements that are almost indispensable to enjoy riding without fear in case of a fall. When you are on two wheels, your motorcycle jacket fulfills several functions that make its use highly recommended and almost obligatory. Firstly, because it serves to protect us. Thanks to their abrasion resistance capabilities, motorcycle jackets protect us from the hardness of the asphalt not only because they have impact protection, but also from the hardness and abrasive force of the asphalt.
In addition to this, as is obvious, they protect us from the cold and inclement weather, and are even active safety elements thanks, for example, to the reflective elements that help us to be visible at night.
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what is the function of motorcycle jackets?
We understand the use of motorcycle jackets as an essential element of passive safety for any driver. Motorcycle jackets minimize the effect of chafing, burns and abrasions on the asphalt in the event of a fall of the rider.
In the event of an accident, the shoulders and elbows are the elements most likely to suffer in a fall. Instinctively, they are the parts of the body that we use to protect the most sensitive organs, as well as being the most exposed while riding. Motorcycle jackets therefore play a fundamental role in protection, in addition to preventing spinal and joint injuries, which are the parts that suffer the most in a possible traffic accident.
They are also useful in winter to protect us from the cold and weather conditions such as humidity, rain or snow. As we explained in our post about riding a motorcycle in winter, it is not enough to take all the layers you see in the closet and slip into them at will. On the bike you have to wrap up smartly.
Types of motorcycle jackets
There are two models of jackets, which differ especially in the material from which they are created.
Motorcycle leather jackets are made of natural animal skins, generally cowhide, or kangaroo leather in the case of the top-of-the-range jackets. The latter are the most resistant, lightweight and flexible. Generally, leather jackets tend to be more expensive as they are much more flexible and able to adapt more comfortably to the body. Their price increases depending on whether they are made of several pieces of leather sewn together (cheaper), or if we are talking about garments made with a complete piece (the latter are more expensive).
Generally, leather jackets have always been characterized by their greater resistance, but the new tailoring systems that exist today allow us to say that cordura jackets are just as resistant (if we are not talking about high-level competition).
On the list of cons is their low adaptability to weather conditions. The leather is able to withstand low intensity rain, but ends up being permeable to more adverse conditions, requiring the rider to wear an outer rain jacket to avoid getting soaked.
On the other hand, Cordura jackets tend to be more versatile. They allow more versatility and freedom in design and their material is more economical. Nowadays they offer the same guarantees as leather jackets against abrasion, and allow the introduction of elements such as Gore-Tex or hydratex from Rev'It! With them, you enjoy a waterproofing that you wouldn't have on your own. But make sure what kind of waterproofing you want. We'll explain:
are all motorcycle jackets with Gore Tex the same?
which motorcycle jacket should I buy?
which motorcycle jacket should I buy? This is the first question we ask ourselves when we have decided to buy one. Our advice is to ask yourself what you need it for and what is the functionality you want it to have. What use are you going to give it?
We know that design is important. Fortunately, today there is a wide range of motorcycle jackets that will allow you to choose an attractive design for you without sacrificing any of its features, including one that we like to emphasize: visibility.
You should consider the need for protection against the cold and against inclement weather. You won't need the same jacket if you live in Alicante as if you live in the north of Spain, where it rains a lot more, or in Madrid, Barcelona... In cases of especially rainy places, you will need one with excellent protection against the rain with Gore-Tex or Hydratex protection, which will also allow you to have fewer layers on your body.
There are standard jackets known as bi-layers(Cordura and inner thermal lining) and other higher-end jackets(tri-layers) that also have an intermediate lining that acts as a windbreaker and waterproof. What will you need? In any case, since we work with the best brands, such as Revit Moto or Daineseyou have plenty of options to choose the one that best suits you.
Differences between summer and winter motorcycle jackets
will I be hot in summer? That's what summer jackets are for, made in the form of mesh, that is, perforated so that air enters through the fabric and provides greater freshness without sacrificing protection. Unlike winter motorcycle jackets, these are usually also somewhat shorter and are not prepared to put on additional layers. We explain:
Perforated motorcycle jackets: the biker option for the summer
Specially tailored for women
Although it is true that there is a greater supply and demand for men, motorcycle jackets for women are present in any store specializing in the motorcycle world. They are garments that differ in the shape of the chest and the fit of the waist. Fortunately, the main models of motorcycle jackets are present for both men and women.
Cheap motorcycle jackets: is it worth it?
Generally, cheap, or unusually cheap, motorcycle jacketsare those of little-known brands that are generally of poor quality, which forces them to compete in the market on the basis of lower prices. The difference with the first level ones goes from the fabric to the basic protection. Quality is especially noticeable in the protection they offer. A poor quality jacket will shatter under the abrasion of the asphalt in the event of an incident where you fall to the ground. For your health and safety, we do not recommend them. Here we have done an article on recommendations about them:
Cheap motorcycle jackets: reasons to run away from them
These are some of the tips we can give you about the motorcycle jackets and jackets that are currently on the market. Now it's up to you to choose one or the other, there are so many options!