Triumphrat

Abner Ravenwood · 05-06-2008

Hey guys I just joined and ive got some questions for ya'll.

I just bought a 2008 Bonnie and i would like some advice for a jacket, right now im wearing a First Gear mesh jacket which is nice but i would like to have leather. I know this is gonna sound crazy but I wanna have kindof a throwback to the sixtys look, so what kind of leather jacket would you guys suggest?

Abner

TorontoBrit · 05-06-2008

I got the Icon Retro Daytona Leather Jacket in Black. Not sure what 60's style you are going for, but to me it is like an old worn in racing jacket. Super comfy, zip out quilted liner, CE armour. The sales guy suggested getting it pretty snug, since the leather will strech, and I am glad I took his advice. Would have prefered not to be a rolling ad for Icon Leathers, but loved the look, and haven't seen anyone else in one yet.

propforward · 05-06-2008

Well - I don't generally give a hoot one way or another on what apparel people wear. I proudly do the attgat thingy, and wear a cortech mesh jacket with armour in it, and removeable linings, plus a full face.

However - I do think a genuine RAF irvine with white silk scarf and open face Davida with flying goggles set up would look the bees knees on a bonneville.

One day maybe. Those irvines are 1000 bucks apiece.

killian101 · 05-06-2008

mesh jacket (they run big):
http://www.powersports4less.com/deta...ID=SU-431-5002

d3v1l6 · 05-07-2008

Triumph has some really nice "retro" looking jackets.
So does http://www.schottnyc.com/.

Check out http://www.webbikeworld.com/leather-...ycle-clothing/ in the "Classic" Motorcycle Leathers and Apparel:" section for a list of manufacturers.

www.soulrevolver.com also has nice leather jackets, however they designed as casual wear, not motorcycle gear.

Speed3 · 05-09-2008

I don't know what type of bike you guys ride, but hitting the ground without armor is a bad thing. It's funny to me that because you ride a Harley or a Bonneville, you have to buy into the idea that you won't be cool unless you are wearing the most minimal protection. I was wearing full Vanson gear, boots helmet and gloves a few years ago when I was hit from behind by another rider doing about 25 mph faster than me. All I got was a broken collarbone. I went from CE to GP armor after that. Wear good gear! your kids will love you for it.

Oh, those Irvine Jackets are extremely gay, unless you are flying a Spitfire. Even then, it's questionable!

propforward · 05-09-2008

No, mister speed3, you are quite wrong. the irvine jackets are in fact awesome.

However, you are right about the armour bit, which is what I wear. As usual though, you, like most other people, have formed a generalization. I see more crotch rocket riders (i'm not lumping you in there by the way) riding in T shirts and shorts than ANY other type of bike. So bloody there.

I ride a Bonneville and a ZX1100, which I suppose is a crotch rocket, and I wear full face, armour all over, gloves, the bleedin' lot.

Why? Because it makes sense. On that point, I do agree with you in a very sincere manner.

But you are quite wrong about the irvine. Manlier men than you gave their lives wearing those garments.

It is friday. I have had many beers and some excellent grilled chicken. I wish you and every other bike rider in the universe well.

Newcastlelatte · 05-09-2008

Check out the June edition of "Motorcycle Cruiser" magazine (you can get it RIGHT NOW). They have dedicated a few pages to a little review of multiple leather jackets. They loved the Tour Master Coaster 2 Jacket (highest rating of the test and a "Best Buy" at $240). It seems like a great jacket at a more than reasonable price. It will probably be my next leather jacket (if I ever choose to get another).

Currently, I have a Fox Creek Leather Vented Bomber jacket. It was expensive (about $450), but is very high quality with thick leather. It doesn't come with armor, but has the pockets. I will be ordering Knox armor for it soon (which will add another $80 to my investment). ATGATT ain't cheap, but its cheaper than skin grafts (and the inherent pain).

I have worn it in temperatures up to about 80 degrees Fahrenheit and it was warm in the sun, but not while moving (thanks to some nice venting features). And it has a nice classic look: it's a bomber jacket, after all!

I'm sure you're aware that a mesh jacket is naturally gonna feel cooler than a heavy leather jacket, even if the leather is perforated. I've never worn a mesh jacket (being a total newbie), but it just stands to reason.

The benefit of leather is ~the look~ and the fact that *NOTHING* is better for abrasion protection. The bad thing about leather is that very few leather jackets have reflective patches to make you stand out at night. For this reason, my next jacket will be a textile jacket. Currently, I'm considering a Tour Master Transition 2 or a Belstaff Zodiac (both are reasonably priced and waterproof, leather isn't).

Once I get a textile jacket, I'll probably relegate the leather jacket(s) to the sunny day jaunts. The textiles will get use at night and in potentially rainy conditions.

Good luck with your choice!

propforward · 05-09-2008

I have a tourmaster jacket - love it to bits. It's one of the textile ones, and has big pieces of leather plus armour in the right places.

Just be warned - some of the textile jackets that claim to be waterproof have the waterproof liner inside the main jacket. You can still stay dry, but any bits of leather take a beating.

So I choose to rely on an oversuit for water protection when I need it.

I do like the textile jacket for the airflow and reflective additions though. Good all round jacket in my opinion.

Speed3 · 05-09-2008

Quote:

Originally Posted by propforward

No, mister speed3, you are quite wrong. the irvine jackets are in fact awesome.

However, you are right about the armour bit, which is what I wear. As usual though, you, like most other people, have formed a generalization. I see more crotch rocket riders (i'm not lumping you in there by the way) riding in T shirts and shorts than ANY other type of bike. So bloody there.

I ride a Bonneville and a ZX1100, which I suppose is a crotch rocket, and I wear full face, armour all over, gloves, the bleedin' lot.

Why? Because it makes sense. On that point, I do agree with you in a very sincere manner.

But you are quite wrong about the irvine. Manlier men than you gave their lives wearing those garments.

It is friday. I have had many beers and some excellent grilled chicken. I wish you and every other bike rider in the universe well.

I would never put down the pilots that gave their lives for our freedom! My Dad was a Transport pilot in the Army Air Corps, and flew the Hump 67 times. Those jackets are great, for keeping warm at altitude in an unheated cockpit, but not so great for sliding down the road.
I have had a few beers and a bit of Tequila to help with a chest cold. Medicinal purposes, etc. We're all good.

Carry on!