Triumph Jackets

[John21]

I have a question about the Triumph jackets. First, my wife and I wear regular jackets when we ride. The problem is that when we get up to 70 Mph, they start "flopping in the wind". Above that speed, they "beat us to death".

Before I spend $300 (times two) for any Triumph jackets, what do any of you guys think about them?

Do they flop in the wind over 70 Mph? Are they too hot on moderate days in the 80's? Do they offer any protection in the rain? Do they add any warmth say around 65 degrees?

John

[Sprint1050DA]

I've got 3 of the Triumph jackets. One of the mesh ones, a leather one, and the heavy winter one. They all fit rather well, as long as you get the correct size. I've not had one flap on me or anything. As far as temps go, the leather jacket I have doesn't have any vents, so while this would help with being water resistant it does make it a bit warm on hot days. Not terribly hot, but definitely more than warm. However, the only thing that is really going to work in the rain is a rainsuit. I think all my jackets would end up leaking at the zippers.

[thefly]

i have a mesh raptor that is pretty nice, i used to wear as my summer jacket till moved to leathers. never had it flap, but fitment is the key.

[STcharlie]

I have the Triumph jacket (I forget the model name) that has the checkerboard stripe around the body with the big Triumph logo in the back. It's Cordura Nylon on the outside, with nylon and leather at the openings. I use it for the cold weather rides as it's got a nice thick liner. I wouldn't use it on a really warm day, even without the liner as it doesn't have the greatest venting setup. I have another jacket I use during the warm stuff. The Triumph jacket doesn't flap in the breeze, fits well...I bought it loose on purpose so I could wear a sweater and my heated jacket underneath...and it looks cool. It also works good in the rain and snow...yes, snow...

Charlie...

[John21]

Yes, the snow. Reminds me why I moved to Arkansas. I used to live in Maine. I rode my motorcycle from Boston to Brunswick in 1968 during a "Nor'eastern". 68 Bonneville. I had to follow snow plows all the way. That was before fancy rain or riding suits. Just jeans at 18 degrees and some 35 inches of snow!!

I was a lot younger then. I could SURVIVE back then........not now as I have a built-in temp indicator on my bike. Below 70 degrees, it's programmed "not to start"!!

[samurye]

Originally Posted by STcharlie

It also works good in the rain and snow...yes, snow...

Charlie...

Daeeeem! Have thought i'd freeze when caught out in winter rain with only a waterproof jacket and it was probably only 50ish.

I'm looking at a Romero jacket from the us while we have such a high dollar. Anyone got one and love it? Any recommendations on a back protector to wear with it?

[Medic09]

Hey John,

A couple of additional thoughts.

1. Why Triumph? I got a nice Tourmaster/Cortech leather jacket brand new last year for all of $60 plus $10 shipping. All it took was a little patience to win a New Enough auction on Ebay. It was just when they were bringing in the new, slightly modified style of the Coaster jacket. There a *lots* of deals like that out there, if you are a bit patient and persistent. My wife has a similar jacket, and it cost us over $200. Patience paid off in my case.

2. Have you all considered one piece riding suits? They're expensive, but really comfy and secure, especially in bad weather. I have a Triumph Aspen (don't think it is made anymore) Sympatex suit that I found new on Ebay for a little over $100 two years ago. There are often used Aerostich suits on there.

I do mostly highway riding, including a 130 mile roundtrip commute. I ride until there is ice on the roads. The riding suit has been great, even in cold rain and hail. The only reason that I prefer a jacket and separate pants is because that is more convenient once I'm in town, and going in and out during the day. Then I can stow the pants, and use the jacket like a regular jacket. But the one-piece can't be beat for a sense of security on a cold, blustery ride.

[MVP44]

The Triumph Jackets are nice - I have Two - because they display our pride in our chosen ride, but for the money, much better products can be had with better fit, armor and functionality and most often even cheaper than the Triumph products. Really depends on what you are looking for in the jacket - The two I have are very nice and well made and display my triumph status to all. The leather I left as is - the mesh I replaced all of the armor (though it said CE approved it was very minimal IMHO and not to my liking).

If you are not that concerned with displaying Triumph pride - go elsewhere, if you like the idea of showing your pride you will be happy enough with the jackets (at least the two I personally have).

[norcaltriumph]

with some of the others in this thread. Does it have to be a Triumph jacket? I would put more weight on how it fits/functions. Each company will have subtle differences in fit/features and quality. I would try on as many jackets as you can and find the one that fits the best. Chances are, you'll be able to find one that's a better fit than a Triumph jacket at a lower cost.

I personally love my Tourmaster Transition jacket (ebay $125). I can use this jacket virtually all year (temps between 45-85). Plenty of armor, great ventilation and fits me perfectly.

[denman13]

I have one of the Triumph jackets (Rivton model - the black one with the red-orange piping down the arms and side of the front.) It's well constructed, has the CE armor shoulders and elbow inserts and it fits well. Plus I put in the Knoxx back armor insert too. True there are other jackets out there that are a bit better but admittedly, I just liked the way it looked so I got one. The rest of my leather items are either Frank Thomas or Dainese except one leather riding jacket that I bought from a used leather shop. Old Harley jacket that I took the HD patches off and sewed Triumph wing patches in their place. No elbo armor though so I really wear it more for hanging more than riding.