There are all kinds of motorcycle jackets on the market including leather but isn't it time you knew the pros and cons of motorcycle leather? Well let's help you sort it all out.
Leather jackets have been around forever. In fact they've been around as long as the motorcycle itself. Usually they are made out of cowhide and they are available in either a long or short grain and different overall thicknesses.
The thickness is noted in mm and is tied to the amount of protection the jacket can provide. The stitching is also important. Leather pieces are thick and so if the stitching isn't solid that the seams let go.
There are all kinds of levels of quality in leather jackets and all kinds of protection levels. There's the very cheapest leather jacket which might look great for a night out but will give you no protection on your bike to the highest quality jacket that meet pro racing standards.
Leather jackets will cost you more than a textile jacket and they will last longer and are so nice and soft that they are ever so comfy. Today you can even by 50-50 mixes that are half textile and half leather.
Leather has plenty of pros. It is readily available and available in a huge number of colors and styles. It is easier to repair than you might think and so even if you wear out a spot it can easily be fixed. Leather is soft, well fitting, affordable, comfortable, and it provides plenty of protection. And because it's thick it provides good protection in the cooler months too.
There are also a few cons. Leather isn't water-resistant and when it gets wet it can shrink and be uncomfortable or impossible to wear. The dye colors are known for bleeding and black is the worst. Unless you specifically seek out ventilated leather they can become extremely hot to wear in the warmer months.
A leather jacket should protect you from strong impact blows, abrasion, or even puncture. In a perfect world no-one would ever have an accident or dump their bike, but we don't live in a perfect world. Leather addresses these issues and so do some other materials.
When looking to buy your jacket check for double stitching, foam in the joints, Kevlar, and rivets. Make sure you have room to put a sweater underneath in colder weather. Be especially mindful of the elbow and shoulder construction. Check the stitching to ensure it is even and has none missing.
The leather should be at least 1 mm thick. Remember the thicker it is the more durable and protective the jacket is. Check pockets to make sure zippers work well and everything seals up nicely.
These jackets are available in a terrific number of styles and colors and it's too easy to get caught up in the fashion element and forget about the safety element.
You can easily have both. You just need to do a little research, read what each jacket has to offer, and shop at reputable motorcycle apparel sites. Now that you know the pros of motorcycle leathers you're ready to start shopping.
Lawerence has owned and ridden motorcycles for 15 years now. Combined with 20 years of being a mechanic, he can be considered an expert on this topic. His motorcycle site, http://www.motorcycleadvice.com , has technical articles on working with your bike as well as pictures of the latest motorcycle models with reviews.
