How to buy a motorcycle jacket? [Archive]

lecruz

02-17-2011, 12:49 AM

I am in need of your advice once again TWF! Unfortunately, I don't have any female friends that ride so it's hard to get input on gear. Google also is not very helpful. I'm looking for a jacket, but I don't even know where to begin. I've read the pros and cons of leather vs textile in the book and either one is cool with me. How are jackets supposed to fit? Snug everywhere? Slightly uncomfortable because of the armor? Fitted in the neck? I've read that a lot of women complain that it's hard to find stuff that fits a female figure.

Also, what are some things I should look for safety-wise? One brand better than the others? Any info you have to offer would be appreciated! I hope there is a knowledgeable person at the store that can help me out too!

Thanks!

demenshea

02-17-2011, 01:42 AM

You are gonna find so much "opinion" here it's not funny! (or maybe it is...)

Leather is always best, but Textile gear has come so far, it's nearly as good and some would say better. Mesh is never as good as either.

Brands...once again it's gonna depend upon what fits, as they totally vary on size.

You haven't specified what are are looking for either, so that doesn't help. There are many good quality companies now, so it depends upon your budget and your taste. Nearly all the brands have something that will likely fit. Armor is a must for me and many, so I'd definitely look for decent armor in the shoulders, elbows, and back but you can purchase a back protector separately, if you desire. Pants you'll need good knee and hip armor.

A good place to look for reviews is here (http://www.webbikeworld.com/). There's a million motorcycle blogs out there they also do gear reviews.

This is general info and i'm sure you'll get lots of people saying their personal preference, but it's just that...personal.

I'd check the sale racks at Cycle Gear (http://www.cyclegear.com/) and look on Motorcyclegear.com (http://www.motorcyclegear.com/) as they have many user reviews.

I personally use, Joe Rocket leathers, FirstGear Textiles and Joe Rocket Mesh. They are all decent, reasonably priced and have good armor.

Have fun shopping!! :thumbsup:

lecruz

02-17-2011, 01:54 AM

Thanks demenshea! You've given me so much to work with! I'm hoping to spend under $200 and for sure going to get something with armor.

Clanofants

02-17-2011, 04:19 AM

Hey Lecruz, first off - good post, it may seem simple but moto-jackets are very hard to look into, especially for girls. I've had quite the collection of jackets over the years, both leather and textile, with brands like Dainese, Shift, Alpinestars, Joe Rocket, First Gear and Icon. And I also worked at Cycle Gear so I have tried on just about every brand imaginable!

Demenshea speaks the truth about leather, but honstely I always end up wearing my textile (lighter, more comfortable, easier to carry when you go places and since my leather jacket is worth about a paycheck and a half, I don't like taking it many places). Textiles will probably need to be replaced after a serious crash, but more will keep you safe during it.

Shift has been developing their female gear line over the years and it's really spot on right now, especially if you're on a budget. I have their "Envy" and "Flare" jackets. If you don't need a liner, go with the Flare, if you want something a little warmer, the Envy is great. All their jackets have CE certified armor and a pad for the back (with option to add a back protector, which is standard). Here is their line-up currently: http://shop.shiftracing.com/ecomm/CatalogForward.do?forward=category.pagedef&cname=Womens&cid=396

I don't know what your style is, I like loud designs, but my best friend just got a very chic (black and white) Shift jacket. This is my newest:

http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/images/InitialSet/shift_womens_flare_jkt_plaid_600.jpg

Luna Tique

02-17-2011, 07:41 AM

Point of information:
When looking at a textile jacket Please be aware that not all jacket/ riding pants are safe or created equal.

The minimun standard for tear and abrasion strenght is 500 Denier Codura Nylon. Less than 500 Denier Cordua will not offer enough protection in a tumble.
Always avoid buying gear where the material is not described

The strongest nylon ever used in a mortorcyle gear I believe is still Ultra Cordura 1000 Denier.

ridingAK

02-17-2011, 09:49 AM

As far as fit, you want the jacket snug, but not uncomfortable. If it feels tight (as opposed to just snug) you won't like it, and it can become an unsafe distraction when you are riding. I like hip length jackets, but if you go for something shorter, make sure it doesn't ride up your back when you lean forward leaving the small of your back exposed.

Knee armor in pants needs to fit at the knee. Too high or too low and it doesn't give you the protection you are looking for, and can feel uncomfortable. Try to find pants with a long zipper on the sides so getting them over your boots isn't a struggle.

02-17-2011, 10:03 AM

If you ride at night be sure to get one that has reflective piping, I personally like to be seen.:lol:

Be sure to try it on and sit on a bike to make sure it doesn't bulk here or there. Make sure you can move your arms. Like rAK said be sure it doesn't rise on you. I notice you are petite so zip it all the way make sure you can snap it closed and be able to move (I had one that I couldn't).
As far as leather or textile goes I have both and like both, I too have a mesh for summer riding. Check out clearance you may be able to get two jackets.

Astir

02-17-2011, 10:20 AM

I seem to be on a continuous search for the perfect jacket, :redface1: and I have been riding for years.

Yes - the details will have your head spinning on selecting 'the perfect gear'. We are proud of you for wearing proper gear... :thumbup:

Mostly have fun shopping! There are a lot of sales out there, and D posted two great sites for those. Good luck!

GeoNorskie

02-17-2011, 01:42 PM

kari-star

02-17-2011, 02:23 PM

I want to second the recommendation for motorcyclegear.com - I have ordered a LOT from them and returned a lot that didn't fit - but they have a painless return policy! many places charge restocking fees, so watch out - but don't feel bad about ordering jackets just to try them on.

gearchic (http://gearchic.com/)is another great place for reviews. one thing she recommends is to try on your gear in riding position - so if you're at a dealership, put it on and go sit on one of the motorcycles. that way you can see where it rides up and if it is constricting.

a good fitting armored jacket should feel pretty compfortable. The armor shouldn't bite into your body, and while it will take a few wears for it to loosen up to your shape, when you try it on make sure the armor is hitting and fully covering the joints it's supposed to. My pants have knee armor in them, but it doesn't really fit over my knee cap. I tried on other pants where the armor pocket for the knee armor hit me too high or too low.

I love my corazzo 5.0 jacket - I posted about it here (http://www.twowheelfemales.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3080). It isn't a 4-season jacket but I live in the northeast and am not really a 4season rider. I think I'd have to get a 'stitch, a faring, a windshield, and some serious electrics for that! as it is, I need to wear a rain jacket when it's bad weather out.

I was definitely looking for a jacket of a certain style, and this one fit me just right. I'm 5'11" and you can see how it fits in this photo - from what I've seen and read, the smaller corazzo sizes fit just right for shorter women, too!
http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5018/5453396953_4c73c1670f.jpg

Tractor

02-17-2011, 02:31 PM

I came off last summer going 110 km per hr. (bike totalled), Olympia gear(mesh) and a full coverage helmet saved my life. I walked away baddly bruised but for the most part unhurt. ( Was riding a Velo within 8 hours) Looking at the outer shell of the jacket, you can not even tell it was in an accident, although the armour has shifted,the inside of the lining is baddly torn. I do not think the jacket will perform as well if put through another similar accident. The pants have a small hole in them, but seem fine. I am going to keep them and replace the jacket. I will be buying Olympia again. PLEASE WEAR YOUR GEAR!!!!!!

LittleRedRider

02-17-2011, 04:34 PM

I've had good service ordering online from motorcycle-superstore (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/). They have a wide variety, and it's easy to narrow your search to just women's jackets, for example. Have fun!
:iagree: They've always got closeouts at really decent prices. And their return policy if it doesn't fit is terrific. (I used it multiple times in my search for pants! :D:)

Gitana

02-17-2011, 06:00 PM

You're going to find you'll end up with more than one jacket. And spending way more than $200. I have a mesh jacket with armor for summer. It has a lightweight liner. I have a heavier Cordura jacket with armor that has a very warm zip-in liner. It's completely waterproof. I also have two leather jackets, which are both nice, but hot in summer. I find it very difficult to shop for jackets online 'cause the sizing is so different between manufacturers. My local shop (Seattle Cycle Center) beat Motorcycle Superstore's price for a helmet and jacket I just ordered. I always ask "What's the best price you can give me?"

lecruz

02-20-2011, 01:27 AM

Hey Lecruz, first off - good post, it may seem simple but moto-jackets are very hard to look into, especially for girls. I've had quite the collection of jackets over the years, both leather and textile, with brands like Dainese, Shift, Alpinestars, Joe Rocket, First Gear and Icon. And I also worked at Cycle Gear so I have tried on just about every brand imaginable!

Demenshea speaks the truth about leather, but honstely I always end up wearing my textile (lighter, more comfortable, easier to carry when you go places and since my leather jacket is worth about a paycheck and a half, I don't like taking it many places). Textiles will probably need to be replaced after a serious crash, but more will keep you safe during it.

Shift has been developing their female gear line over the years and it's really spot on right now, especially if you're on a budget. I have their "Envy" and "Flare" jackets. If you don't need a liner, go with the Flare, if you want something a little warmer, the Envy is great. All their jackets have CE certified armor and a pad for the back (with option to add a back protector, which is standard). Here is their line-up currently: http://shop.shiftracing.com/ecomm/CatalogForward.do?forward=category.pagedef&cname=Womens&cid=396

Wow I LOVE the look of the shift jackets! It is exactly what I'm looking for and it fits my budget. Feminine but doesn't scream "hey look at me I'm a woman!" Thanks Cleofants! I went to Road Rider this week and tried it on. It actually fits a woman's figure, it's grrrreat! I agree with what some of you said in that I'll need more than one jacket. I live in the Bay Area so the weather can range from 50 degrees in the winter to 80s in the summer. I'm hoping that the Flare jacket will be good for the summer months and I can layer underneath during spring and fall. What type of climate do you use your Flare jacket instead of Envy?

Clanofants

02-21-2011, 07:39 AM

Wow I LOVE the look of the shift jackets! It is exactly what I'm looking for and it fits my budget. Feminine but doesn't scream "hey look at me I'm a woman!" Thanks Cleofants! I went to Road Rider this week and tried it on. It actually fits a woman's figure, it's grrrreat! I agree with what some of you said in that I'll need more than one jacket. I live in the Bay Area so the weather can range from 50 degrees in the winter to 80s in the summer. I'm hoping that the Flare jacket will be good for the summer months and I can layer underneath during spring and fall. What type of climate do you use your Flare jacket instead of Envy?

I would say the Envy would do great for you year round in SF, when you remove the liner it's fine for summer and with the liner, it's quite warm. Since you're in the bay area, Shift also makes a beautiful waterproof jacket, I have been wanting to get it, but I unfortunately have no use for it :)

It's called the Tempest, I would love your review if you end up getting it!

-Leah

ChellyV

02-22-2011, 05:56 PM

:D:How timely is this conversation for me since I am now online looking for a good jacket for my MSF class and beyond.

I have to say that I am very excited about going shopping and since there is a cycle gear here near me in Georgia I am going to try them out just for fitting purposes. If I think that I can find a better price on motorcycle superstore then I am going to order from them there since I will already know what I like.

I have heard that I am going to need multiple jackets for different climates, although in GA for the most part I don't think I will be riding very much in the winter time *who knows this may change if I get REALLY addicted to riding :drool:

I haven't looked much at the shift jackets that were recommended but I did have a look at the joe rocket textile's and I saw a 300+ dollar jacket and was like ooh maybe if I am good for my birthday the S.O. will get it for me.

Thanks ladies for the GREAT advice and I will now be expounding on my search to include shift! This is why I am loving this site more and more everyday!

Gitana

02-22-2011, 08:34 PM

kari-star

02-23-2011, 03:56 PM

:iagree:

I ride 99% of the time in my corazzo, which is not quite a mesh but isn't waterproof either - they say it's "water resistant" but maybe they mean during road spray conditions AFTER it stops raining? :lol: I have a warmer jacket (the lena (http://twowheelfemales.com/forum/showthread.php?t=2976)) which is much more waterproof and windproof, therefore warmer, but I only wear it when it's super cold out.

GeoNorskie

02-25-2011, 05:44 PM

If you buy a mesh jacket with a good, waterproof, warm liner, such as the Olympia Airglide2, if you buy a heated vest you really have all your options covered. Zip out the liner for warm weather, liner in for colder, and plus heat for really cold. Add some heated gloves, and you're in business for just about any weather condition. It makes a huge difference having warm hands and core.

I'll second the good word for Olympia Airglide. I have the pants, not the jacket, but I can ride year round in the pants (northern CA) with the liner in, and waterproof overpants (el cheapo rain gear from Cycle Gear) when it's raining or extra cold. Liner out, cool max tights for the summer. In SF, you'd be overheated with in an Airglide jacket, liner in, and a heated vest. (well, at least on a short ride...:D:)

GrrrlX

03-24-2011, 09:34 PM

Try 'em on and try 'em on again while sitting on your bike or a bike in a similar seating/handlebar position.

I love my Olympia Airglide Jacket and pants - perfect year-round with liners in or out as needed for Colorado. I did just upgrade my old summer jacket (Firstgear - not my fave) for an Rev'it Turbine women's jacket, and can't wait to wear it in the 90+ degree days we get here :cool:
Granted, neither of those jackets are especially "feminine" looking, but this is technical gear that I ride with every day - If I'm going out socially to see and be seen on the motorcycle, that's when I pull out my Hood jeans that are fully Kevlar lined and has armor in the hips and knees.
That being said - I am saving my bucks for a GoGo gear trench coat motorcycle jacket :) SO so cool looking with full abrasion resistance and armor! (and a bit better in the social acceptability factor :D:

RetroRider81

03-25-2011, 12:39 AM

Dualsport Chic

03-25-2011, 06:29 PM

I also have an Olympia Ladies Airglide jacket in the hi-viz yellow, and I love it! Totally worth the money in my opinion. I wasted money on a cheap jacket to start with, and I wish I had just gotten the Airglide in the first place.

GrrrrlX, glad to hear about how much you love the Airglide pants, I have been going back and forth about whether or not I want the pants or not. Guess I better go for it!

RR - Get the pants - before you get on that bike for a long ride! And I'm sure 'Mr. RR81' (please let him know I have renamed him :lol:) would definitely agree with my statement. They'll keep you safe, keep you warm, and improve your confidence. I have to say, my BMW Trailguard pants are the best investment I have made thus far in M/C clothing - I adore them - cozy, and well fitting, comfortable on long journeys, and most of all - highly rated in the safety dept. On the Jacket end, just picked up my Rev'It jacket from the dry cleaners - with the road grime from last year fully removed. Just have to put my padding back in. Note to all - when you take the pads out to clean your motorcycle gear, make sure you mark them as to their position on the gear - otherwise, you'll end up wishing you did - quite like myself right now!
:slaphead:

RetroRider81

03-25-2011, 06:37 PM

Well its hotter than heck here in the summer, so I really need the coolest pants out there on the market. And cool as in temperature, not cool as in style...lol. None of my gear matches, I am about as un-cool looking as a biker can get...lol. But thats ok, people can see me coming from a long ways off...lol...so thats all I care about.

DC- I will have to take a look at a pair of BMW Trailguard pants at a dealership sometime. And your Rev-It jacket must look great now with all the grime off from it. I am sure that wont last long though...lol. Mud season and all that...lol.

Dualsport Chic

03-25-2011, 06:49 PM

Pads are back in safely - glad I got over that hurdle! :yahoo:

Now I'm wearing my beloved jacket - just wish I could run out to the barn and jump on my ride - but it is 38 degrees F in CT right now - about 15 degrees below my threshhold. I'm wimpy like that!
:brr:

Luna Tique

03-26-2011, 08:56 AM

I can relate DC It is 10 degrees here right now.:brr:

Dualsport Chic

03-26-2011, 09:42 AM

ridingAK

03-26-2011, 10:22 AM

WHY CAN'T THIS NASTY COLD WEATHER END?!?!?!?

DOESN'T MOTHER NATURE KNOW THAT THE SEASON HAS CHANGED AND WE HAVE THINGS TO DO & PLACES TO ADVENTURE TO?!?!?!?

If I see another snowflake after the winter we've had here in the Northeast, I am going to totally lose it!

:mghissyfit:

Our ski resort sent out an e-mail a few days ago that said, "Spring is cancelled to lack of interest!" At the moment Spokane is caught in the perfect place. We are 45 minutes from winter, but where we are it is getting into the 50's every day. Here's some springtime karma going out to you who are still cold.

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR548eiig0QEt0Lx2D8pCvSa2R-ktxmbVB6kfUk8oI-eLppasCY

Dualsport Chic

03-26-2011, 10:28 AM

Our ski resort sent out an e-mail a few days ago that said, "Spring is cancelled to lack of interest!" At the moment Spokane is caught in the perfect place. We are 45 minutes from winter, but where we are it is getting into the 50's every day. Here's some springtime karma going out to you who are still cold.

http://t0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcR548eiig0QEt0Lx2D8pCvSa2R-ktxmbVB6kfUk8oI-eLppasCY

Thanks RAK - appreciate the karma our way! :thumbsup:

Luna Tique

03-26-2011, 10:49 AM

Thanks RAK - appreciate the karma our way! :thumbsup:

+1 Thank rAK. It has been a rough long winter.

KansasKawboy

03-26-2011, 01:28 PM

We keep going from 80 to 30s and snow. :mgbanghead:

RetroRider81

03-26-2011, 08:15 PM

We keep going from 80 to 30s and snow. :mgbanghead:

Thank goodness its not just Colorado with the insane weather....I will never get used to the severe temperature changes within hours of each other.

biikChiQ

01-23-2012, 01:39 AM

That being said - I am saving my bucks for a GoGo gear trench coat motorcycle jacket :) SO so cool looking with full abrasion resistance and armor! (and a bit better in the social acceptability factor :D:

GOGO GEAR :: I just heard of this, so its new to me.
I don't think its been brought to attention that there's this type of fashion geared out for women who ride, at least not that I know of. I think it's pretty cool that they're focusing on women gear and putting more variety out there.

Here's the link.

http://www.gogogearla.com/

coffee_brake

01-23-2012, 07:22 AM

GOGO GEAR :: I just heard of this, so its new to me.
I don't think its been brought to attention that there's this type of fashion geared out for women who ride, at least not that I know of. I think it's pretty cool that they're focusing on women gear and putting more variety out there.

Here's the link.

http://www.gogogearla.com/

Those big cuffed sleeves look like they'd ride right up your arms in an accident. And I'm not sure if the sleeves allow one to reach the bars without pulling across the shoulders. The long length is going to ride up and bunch up when you throw a leg over the seat. I think this gear is designed for scooter riders. It looks fantastic but I don't think it's going to be comfortable for riding a motorcycle. But it looks ideal for shorter trips commuting to work on scooters.

biikChiQ

01-23-2012, 09:44 AM

I have heard of gears riding up, but didn't cross my mind to think of that. I did a quick research on the reviews/feedback on their site. There's some with good reviews with non-scooter riders.
Also here's a video on what the GoGo Gear product is all about.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drSpwePVpLw
If you want to skip through the video to about 8:28, they start talking a little bit about the cuffs, although I'd like to see more for myself in person. Not quite sold on it yet, but I do like the fashion sense.

Alcyone

01-23-2012, 07:22 PM

Well, I have to admit that I love the looks of the military jacket. But I'm not entirely sold on the effectiveness of the gear "in action". I'd love to rock the stylish gear, but not at the expense of protection.

I keep an eye out for reviews from neutral sources and real customer testimony.

Especially if any fellow TWFers decide to try it out!

Cyclone67

01-23-2012, 07:40 PM

I would be very leery of the protective abilities? Not sure how buttons would hold up -- seems like they would pop off and the jackets would open. Plus, the material just looks like it wouldn't hold up to a high speed crash.

It would be interesting to see some pictures of the gear after a get off.

I agree, it looks more for the Vespa crowd, (just based on how I think it would hold up by the pictures).

coffee_brake

01-24-2012, 07:08 AM

Seriously, it looks like the shoulders are single-stitched.
I think the gear might be OK for a 20 mph scooter get-off, but I don't think it's going to hold up at road speeds.
Still, if I was a professional commuting on a scooter, I'd rock that gear.

GrrrlX

01-24-2012, 11:24 AM

Hey all - I just got an update on this thread, so I thought I'd update my Jacket status as well :)
Got the GoGo gear jacket trench in black and it's awesome! This style is the only one that is short enough to by worn by motorcyclists. I'll have to post a pic of me with the jacket on on the bike to show how well it fits. There is CE level 2 armor everywhere, but I did replace (as I do with all my jackets) the back armor with Sas-tec armor. the cuffs are big, but I always wear gauntleted gloves, and there are wind cuffs which hold the sleeves down in the gauntlets of the gloves. I wear gauntleted gloves even in the summer because i HAVE to protect my hands and arms to be able to work. There is a zipper in it from the bottom to mid-chest, and the fabric is double-layered for wind resistance. I always wear a big-ass reflective vest on every ride I take, which zips closed, so I have no issues as to how the jacket buttons would perform in an "off". This jacket is my winter jacket, and my husband bought it for me a little big so I could layer under it on my 30-45 minute morning (32 degrees or warmer) commutes.

As to how it actually holds up in a crash - I don't know personally (whew!) but there are stories on the GoGo Gear website I think - and you can google reviews/crash tests, too.
The outer fabric isn't supposed to look like abrasion resistant fabric - the good stuff's hidden below the "fashion" layer :)
Anyway - I just love the jacket - I got called "girly, but in a good way" at a local toy run this past december :)
Sara

Found a "Crash test" review that Arlene got herself dragged by a motorcycle (deliberately) at an undisclosed mph, for 80 feet here at Revzilla: http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle-gear-videos-reviews?start=483&videos=432,242,431,564,474,488,998,415,753,35,827, 440,164,638,693,489,1075,483,15,404

Cyclone67

01-24-2012, 12:50 PM

GrrrlX,

Well, I sure don't want a personal crash review from you!! Glad you like the jacket and you'll have to give us updates.

I watched the video -- the skeptic in me listened to the part saying it wasn't a jacket like she was wearing but a jacket made to test the materials and armor in the jacket???? Not sure what that means (went back and listened again). I would like to see the test done in an actual jacket as it would be sold to the consumer....... Again, I am a skeptic and trust NOONE!!

Alcyone

01-24-2012, 06:11 PM

It sounds like it was a model jacket that was sans the 'fashion' layer. Which raises the concern that if I were to experience an unintentional dismount in that jacket, would I have to replace it due to the damage to the 'fashion' layer?

I know that with my leathers, if I have a dismount, my jacket and pants are probably only going to need a bit of buffing to remove asphalt scuffing.

Cyclone67

01-24-2012, 07:53 PM

That makes sense!! I agree that the fashion fabrics on top probably wouldn't fair to well. Interesting to see how things are changing and how many new products are coming out!!

demenshea

01-24-2012, 10:13 PM

Don't want to dis any jackets, however stats show that leather is about the best abrasion protection that you can don and even better with protection rated armor in elbows, shoulders, hips, knees and spine. There is no substitute for this. I think about it every time I wear my FG textiles. I know it's safe and tested, but there is nothing like leather for a crash.

I speak from example. I fell (lowsided when i was a newbie) at 45mph the bike was pretty hosed, but I walked away with a bit lip, a bruised hip, a bruised shoulder, and a broken toe. I was in full leather including the boots, only i caught my foot as i came off the bike.

I finished my ride that day, toured Yosemite on my bike that definitely got a lot of attention. :lol: and then rode home. I was tired when I arrived ;): but i was safe. I am all about leather, but drank the koolaid and bought a touring suit from FirstGear. I have been pleased by their product but it's a full blow touring suit and is hardly fashionable.

I like GoGos gear for scooters and commuting at slow speeds in traffic, but I don't think it would stand up to serious touring, but then I haven't tried their jackets and probably should before judgement.

Luna Tique

01-25-2012, 11:45 AM

I agree D there is NO substitute for leather but I too drank the koolaid as you say and have purchased textile gear.

phoenix63

02-21-2012, 11:36 PM

So... if one is going to purchase leather - WITH CE rated armor (that's non-negotiable for me)... what would be the best brands to look at for fit and cost?

lilolita

02-22-2012, 12:17 PM

So... if one is going to purchase leather - WITH CE rated armor (that's non-negotiable for me)... what would be the best brands to look at for fit and cost?
Vanson (http://www.vansonleathers.com/). Their website sucks so you're better off calling. They're usually at the IMS but you'd have missed it for this year. They're not cheap, but should last a lifetime, and some items are still made right in Fall River, MA.

I have an old Honda jacket from the 70s that I wear when riding to a vintage Japanese bike show and sometimes commuting. It's got reinforced leather in shoulder and elbow. I also have an old Schott Perfecto (http://www.schottnyc.com/products/lifestyle/motorcycle) police jacket (scored for $30 at the thrift store!), but again, I wear it casually and not riding because it doesn't have armour. Some Schott items are still made in USA. They're expensive.

I feel much better protected in my Rukka gear. Best textile, hands down. Some of the better textile stuff costs just as much as the leather, so you can do a decent cost comparison.

ridingAK

02-22-2012, 01:03 PM

I am hearing amazing things about Klim (http://www.klim.com/en-us/shop/moto/new-products/4052-660). They are relatively new in the motorcycle gear market, and don't have a ladies specific jacket, yet. Waterlilly, and Dual Sport Plus, are working to get that situation rectified! Waterlilly will be meeting with a rep from the company at the end of March. If top of the line gear is something you are interested in, post up! Let's give Waterlilly some leverage here! I know I would be thrilled to have a true waterproof AND breathable jacket, especially if it were high viz!

phoenix63

02-22-2012, 03:24 PM

I am definitely interested!

Waterlilly, what do you need from us to help influence the vendor to give us women riders what we need?

ridingAK

02-22-2012, 03:35 PM

She sent me a PM yesterday, saying that she had referred the lady from Klim to the website, so we are doing what she needs!

Klim, talk to us!!!

lilolita

02-22-2012, 05:32 PM

Yes Klim, talk to us!

I have the Dakar pants because they come in 28 Tall. Because of the venting, I can't wear them when it gets cold or when it's raining (wet tush, no way).

Klim brought out two new pants this year and the smallest is 30 Tall. Why, why do you hate us tall, skinny chicks, why? I was seriously considering the Latitude or Badlands, but I'll wind up with Rukka pants. No one makes motorcycle riding pants in small-ish waist, long leg size. I know I'm not the only one riding around in what my friends refer to as "armoured capris".

So please Klim, consider making pants one size smaller in tall lengths.

Please?

phoenix63

02-22-2012, 05:55 PM

And, please, Klim... consider the shortypants riders, too. Those of us with 27/28 inch inseams, and short torsos and arms.

A wide range of protective clothing (CE rated armor a minimum, please), for a wide range of use. Street, dirt, adventure, touring... you name it, we want it.

And GLOVES! Yeah... gloves. Sometimes, even the small size man's glove doesn't fit a woman's hand (smaller, slimmer... different curves).

GrrrlX

02-23-2012, 12:27 AM

For leather - I have a women's Rev'it Ignition jacket and pants that has venting and rain proof liners. I also have First gear (men's) leather pants, and a First gear medium women's Kilimanjaro (textile) jacket that is waterproof on the outside, with an amazing windproof under jacket that I plan to wear in all my cold weather riding. My GoGo gear jacket I still wear, but I'm selling my women's Olympia (textile) jacket and pants combo soon. The only thing I haven't loved about my gogo gear is an updraft on the back (brrrr....) at speeds over 60-70mph
I replace all the back protectors and any hip protectors that aren't CE2 with sas-tec stuff.
for reference, I'm 5'8", 160 lbs, and have a 32 inch inseam. Most women's gloves (even large) are too short in the fingers for me, so I have to wear men's gloves sometimes for the fit.

Luna Tique

02-23-2012, 09:12 AM

:chin:I am quite curious p63 Not that a woman should have a choice in what to wear every day.:redface1: Heck I am http://lunatique.smugmug.com/Other/smilies/i-DhMGRn3/0/O/kettlepot.gif (http://www.twowheelfemales.com/forum/#%21i=1706904553&k=DhMGRn3) but you have raved about the Olympia and it's high Viz properties in so many threads I thought you were pretty much sold on it.
Why are you now looking into a leather jacket?

ImaSoftT

02-23-2012, 09:14 AM

http://lunatique.smugmug.com/Other/smilies/i-DhMGRn3/0/O/kettlepot.gif (http://www.twowheelfemales.com/forum/#%21i=1706904553&k=DhMGRn3)

Love it. :rofl:

phoenix63

02-23-2012, 04:49 PM

Luna Tique

02-23-2012, 05:16 PM

Being a clothes horse is a perfectly legitimate reason .:thumbup:

phoenix63

02-23-2012, 08:27 PM

Being a clothes horse is a perfectly legitimate reason .:thumbup:

I can't help it... I love to shop!

:wootrock:

katcon85

02-23-2012, 10:31 PM

I am also a great believer in leather. I bought a good heavy leather jacket, and leather chaps years ago. wore them for about 10 years before I had kids, including a 6000 mile trip through europe after college. The chaps were great because you could zip them on and they would protect you and keep your clothes clean. stop in a town, zip them off, and look semi-presentable in a museum or restaurant. or at least not quite so grungy! And I went down 3 times with them and my knees and legs were always fine. (that damm rental bike in europe had really bad tires, and if it was at all wet- it just went right out from under you)
I kept them when I had kids and sold the bike, and dug them out of the closet last summer when I got the new bike. The jacket is a little snug- I'm probably up 15 pounds from back when, but I can still wear both it and the chaps. Though I did buy a joe-rocket mesh jacket (with armour) for summer wear, because I just couldn't bear to wear the leather coat when it was 85 out. And now I'm wearing the mesh jacket more because it's cool blue to match my bike.
My stuff is men's stuff because I'm 5'11"/ 160 and I can't get women's stuff long enough in the leg or arm.

Skotty

02-28-2012, 09:58 AM

I'm abit jealous of the huge amount of choice you guys seem to have. Around here the shops seem to only carry one or two brands of women's gear so there's not a huge choice.
I have gone online & ordered a Joe Rocket Luna textile jacket in black. I have my fingers crossed it will fit, I went for the medium, which from the size charts should be OK, I'll just have to wait & see. It was $100 including postage, so if I have to resell I should come out even anyway. My mesh jacket is also medium & it's not a great fit, I'm a little too tall for my width. The Luna looks like it has abit more adjustment, so we'll see.

mototo

03-11-2012, 01:56 AM

Leruz, if you are in the Bay Area, go to Scuderia West in SF or Road Rider in San Jose, they have the biggest selection of women's gear. Some things are difficult to buy online and in my opinion, that applies to boots, jackets, pants, gloves, and helmets. I found that the American brands like Olympia and Firstgear are cut a little more generous and the European brands (Dainese, Rev'it, Spidi) are more fitted and slimmer. Also, there is truth in "you get what you pay for" and "buy the best gear that you can afford". Anything under $300 is probably lower end quality (fabric and stitching) and you get better quality if you spend more. But even lower end gear protects much better than jeans and a leather jacket with no protectors. Rev'it has good styling and is still affordable but you could also go with Rukka or BMW gear and easily spend $800 or more on a jacket. The best gear is customized (for example Helimot and Zooni). Also, go with a Level 2 back protector in any jacket. A tighter fit helps to make sure the protectors stay in place and ideally, the jacket should be connected to the pants with a zipper. Leather always came out better in tests than textile (even cheap leather) but sometimes there has to be a compromise for comfort and rain protection. I have both, a leather and a textile jacket.