Triumphrat

munsonbw · 11-09-2008, 11:33 AM

I know this is better suited in the gear forum, but there doesn't seem to be a lot of traffic.

I just bought a Thruxton that will be shipped up soon, and now is the time to start buying some gear. I have attached a pic of the bike, because while there are lots of great jackets, not all fit the Bonnie/Thux look. Now before you say function over form, I am planning to buy a real jacket with CE armor. Just not one that makes me look like a power ranger.

I am hoping to start with one jacket to do all things in case the motorcycle thing doesn't take. I plan to most of my riding at a casual and non-aggressive pace. I would like the jacket to be comfortable from ~50-85+. I know that above 85-90 in traffic is going to be miserable regardless of the material (I live in North Alabama). I thought about a JR Phoenix for this until I saw a guy post his road rash when the thing tore up. I am trying to keep the purchase to sub-$350, and have several nice options in this range. The question I have is will a mesh leather jacket with a liner be warm enough in 50-55 degree weather? What about with a layer underneath? I have a nice windstopper jacket that would probably work well underneath for the lower temps. I think I have decided that a cloth mesh is out for me. What about jackets like the Tour Master Coaster II? The reviewer seemed really happy with it even into the 80s. Any personal stories?

I really would like to have this thread start a dialog about mesh, no -mesh, vents, etc. There are so many choices and with $300 on the line, I really don't want to get the wrong thing.

Thanks,
Ben

Thruxton-Texas · 11-09-2008, 12:02 PM

I've got a link for you to check out: www.leatherstoboot.com.
I have the Venom model leather jacket. It has CE armor in the shoulders and elbows, is 1.4mm thick, has a removable liner and plenty of zip open vents for warmer weather. Cost me $240.00 USD+ shipping. Their stuff is made in Pakistan not Red China and seems to be made as well or better than the name brand stuff in the MC shops.---James.

Thruxton-Texas · 11-09-2008, 12:18 PM

I misspoke, the leather thickness is 1.2-1.3mm, NOT 1.4mm. The ad says it has CE armor in the back, but only has it in the shoulders and elbows.I checked this out when the jacket arrived. Also, I have worn this one in 95F degree+ weather here in Houston and is comfortable while in motion. The sleeves and chest have vents, this is not mentioned in the ads.---James

sweatmachine · 11-09-2008, 12:23 PM

for great deals, check out www.newenough.com

they have a closeout section that has some amazingly cheap prices.

I have 3 jackets:

-joe rocket mesh jacket: for the hottest days (above 85 deg)
-a perforated leather jacket: for mild days (best between 60-85 deg)
-a 2/3 length textile jacket, with insulated liner (best from 60 and lower)

I also have an electric vest that is great below 50 degrees.

rmak · 11-09-2008, 12:55 PM

The closest thing I found to doing it all is my grey Olympia perferated jacket with a waterproof liner. It has armor. The perferations allow for riding in the hotest weather comfortably and because it's light grey it doesn't absorb the heat. With the liner it's great for chilly nights and sudden storms. The liner rolls up very small and I carry it easily. I also wear the liner as a light jacket to work. The jacket was relatively cheap and it looks good. I've got a 3/4 gortec Tourmaster and a leather Belstaff Montana jacket too for colder riding, but I wear the Olympia for most of the season.

McBike · 11-09-2008, 01:32 PM

Check out this site. http://www.njkleathers.com/.
They are still running a special, buy a leather and
get a free textile jacket. I purchased the black/red
ghost jacket. Matches my black/red 2007 T100.
Very heavy leather. But not a winter jacket, I find
it good with a sweat shirt down to 45 F. The textile
runs tighter, ordered on size up on that.

Mike

ggRAT · 11-09-2008, 02:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sweatmachine

I have 3 jackets:
-joe rocket mesh jacket: for the hottest days (above 85 deg)
-a perforated leather jacket: for mild days (best between 60-85 deg)
-a 2/3 length textile jacket, with insulated liner (best from 60 and lower)
I also have an electric vest that is great below 50 degrees.

My 3 jackets parallel Jeff's almost exactly. Here's what I wear and when (more or less).
The longer I plan to be on the bike, the warmer I'll dress.
Dark colored jacket in the cold; Light colored jacket in the heat.

munsonbw · 11-09-2008, 02:39 PM

ggRAT,

Excellent graphic. That REALLY helps out. It looks to me that a perforated leather jacket with a liner is the closest thing to a do all. Unfortunately, I plan to ride some below 60 or so, and I have found a couple opinions now that indicate sub-60 in a perforated or highly vented jacket is pretty chilly without a fairing. I guess now the thing to do is try and find two jackets that cover the range. I guess this is OK because I found a very stylish distressed leather Alpinestars for $250. However, no vents to speak of. Now I need to look for a mesh jacket of some kind.

Other than the one guy that had the textile mesh tear up and loose the armor, any other stories for or against these?

Man, this is getting expensive... I suppose it is cheaper than my medical bills for a skin graft!

Thanks,
Ben

ggRAT · 11-09-2008, 02:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by munsonbw

... Man, this is getting expensive ...

Ben,
I spent the most money on the perforated leather jacket because it is the one I wear the most during the "riding season." To save some money I bought the First Gear on eBay and the Teknic from www.newenough.com. (Eventually you'll have a "collection" of jackets like the rest of us, because we're all still looking for that "perfect" jacket.)
Good luck.
GREG

sweatmachine · 11-09-2008, 04:02 PM

A cheap fix, if you get a perforated leather jacket you and want to wear it in the cold, a windbreaker underneath the jacket does wonders. Plus, when it heats up you can stuff a windbreaker almost anywhere.