Triumphrat

LIJ · 07-16-2008, 06:24 AM

I'm thinking of buying the Triumph Portland jacket since I think its the coolest looking motorcycle jacket on the market. However, the leather in this jacket is 1 mm thick (thats 2,5 oz for those of you who measures leathers that way). Almost every recommendation I have found on the web states that riding gear preferably should be at least 1,2 mm (3 oz). On the other hand, Triumph states that all their gear is made from full grain leather. apparently "full grain" is the best and most durable you can get. Maybe that makes up for the thinner material.

I find it a bit strange by Triumph however to produce riding gear thats thinner than everyone recommends. I know that they have som jackets and stuff that is not really meant for riding in, but the Portland jacket does not seem to be one of those with the ablility to zip it together with pants and with the elbow and shoulder protection.

Anyway - does anyone know how 1 mm leather would stand up against a slide on the road? Would it hold? For how long? Does anyone have any science on this?

Also, I think the jacket is made out of cow hide. How does that hold up in a comparison? Is cow good or bad?

rodburner · 07-16-2008, 08:08 AM

It needs to be just thick enough that you are comfortable wearing it.Otherwise it will be in the closet [like my Icon Motorhead jacket] when you DO need it.A little leather is better than none. If you think that tiny thickness difference will become important,ride slower so you won`t slide as far.

boxerman · 07-16-2008, 08:45 AM

My understanding is that "full grain" is the entire thickness of the hide while "top grain" means that the leather has been split, leaving just the top layer. For a better explanation of available leather thicknesses, visit the websites of some of the high-end brands like Langlitz of Portland, Schott of New York, and Johnson of San Francisco.

ToeCutter66 · 07-16-2008, 04:42 PM

I have a Triumph Riviton jacket, and this thing would be best described as a piece of fashon leather. I would not count on it to provide any more protection than a denim jacket. My ancient Schott Perfecto is a little better, and my Icon leather is the best. Try one on before you buy it, I think the sizes run a little small.

Silverado57 · 07-16-2008, 05:24 PM

How about a jacket with some armor or padding to protect you in a fall?

bikeaddict · 07-16-2008, 07:53 PM

Try the sympatek, its made of a cordura type material with body armor,6 zippable vents, and reflextive piping. I was considering the portland myself but it lacked venting and wasnt thick enough for my riding habits. Also the sym is waterproof but breathable.

Just put a schampa undershirt on underneath when temps drop below 50 and your in kike Flynn.

Fraederichs · 07-16-2008, 07:59 PM

I say stay away from anything as thick, or thinner, as what you find at Wilson's leather. I consider that leather decorative, not protective.

KingBear · 07-16-2008, 10:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rodburner

It needs to be just thick enough that you are comfortable wearing it.Otherwise it will be in the closet [like my Icon Motorhead jacket] when you DO need it.A little leather is better than none. If you think that tiny thickness difference will become important,ride slower so you won`t slide as far.

Ding! Words to live by. The jacket you're willing to wear is a whole lot better than the suit of armor in the closet at home. Make sure it's comfortable. Discomfort leads to fatigue, and fatigue causes accidents.

Kirkus51 · 07-17-2008, 12:33 AM

I have a leather jacket that's quite heavy and has shown no damage after a spill i had in it. I'd look for a jacket that has a zip out liner so you can wear it in varying conditions. It sure doesn't have to be a 'Triumph" jacket "harley" or any other brand jacket. That's just cachet and it put additional buckage on the jacket. I'd look for a local place that deals in leathers.

There's an outfit here in the Mile High (Actually Arvada) that does custom stuff for less than the stuff for sale at the local shops. I trade with Twin Peaks cuz they're local and do quality stuff.

:

LIJ · 07-17-2008, 03:13 AM

Thanks for your insights!

I already have a Bering Eagle cordura-type jacket for the rainy days, but I want a leather jacket as an alternative.

Does anyone have any insight how that type of leather (1mm full grain cowhide) holds up in abrasion tests? and how well does cow hide perform compared to other types of leather?

Silverado57: The Portland has padded shoulders and elbows and inserted protectors there as well.