This entry was posted on Monday, October 20th, 2008 at 4:36 pm and is filed under Accessories, Motorcycle. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.
October 20, 2008
Cold weather is fast approaching so depending on where you live and your riding situation you’ll soon be dawning motorcycle gear to adapt to the elements. By situation I mean, do you need to suit up for a long ride at prolonged highway speeds or do you have short commutes at moderate speeds? Do you live in a moderate climate zone or do you ride in somewhat more sever conditions?
Regardless, if you’re looking for new motorcycle riding gear there are a few things you should consider before buying.
Materials: There is nothing like leather motorcycle jackets and leather chaps and pants for roadrash avoidance but it can be heavy, hot and sometimes expensive. Modern textile sciences have produced some good alternative reinforced fabric riding gear like Cordura that is reasonable in price and protective. Cordura motorcycle jackets can provide very effective impact protection especially when reinforced with inner padding at the usual impact areas, elbows, shoulders, etc. Like leather motorcycle jackets they can be waterproof also.
Flexibility: Choose a motorcycle jacket that will get you through a range of temperatures and conditions. Versatile motorcycle jackets have a zipout liner. If you live in a cooler climate opt for the motorcycle jacket with the full liner just not the thorax liner, it will add comfort and length to your riding season. Look for vents too. An effective venting system will have both front and rear vents and adds comfort during the shoulder seasons when temps can vary widely.
Visibility: Leather motorcycle jackets often lack the visibility of the widely varied colors of fabric motorcycle jackets so when riding in low light conditions a reflective patch, vest or stickers goes a long way to prolonging your riding joy.
Fit: Not too tight and not too loose. Velcro straps are a must for adjustablility and comfort. Too baggy and you’ll blow up like a baloon or get whipped by flailing collars and straps. Too tight and you loose the insulating properties.
The bottom line is that comfort is safety and safety is comfort.