Your Motorcycle Jacket Buying Guide
No matter how warm it gets and no matter how safely you think you ride, a motorcycle jacket is a crucial piece of riding gear that every motorcyclist should wear. Biker jackets may be cool and stylish to boot, but their primary purpose is to protect you in the event of a slide-out or collision. It’s important to find a jacket that fits you well, is comfortable and suitable for the weather you encounter.
Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County is your SoCal motorcycle dealer, located in Westminster, CA, and serving LA and Orange County. Here are some tips for purchasing the right motorcycle jacket for your riding needs.
Material Considerations
Historically, the first motorcycle jackets emulated bomber jackets worn by pilots, because they were insulated and durable. Most motorcycle jackets in the mid-20th century were made from leather due to its toughness and sleek aesthetic, but today, we have many more options available to us when it comes to choice of material. Textile jackets and mesh jackets have become popular because they’re lightweight and improve airflow, which is important in warmer climates like ours here in Orange County.
Impact-Proof Armor
Motorcycle jackets are designed with padding and armor to help protect you in the event of an impact. Padding helps to absorb the brunt of the impact, helping reduce your risk of injury if you hit the pavement. There are two primary types of armor for motorcycle jackets: EN1621-1 which will protect everything but your spine, and EN1621-2 which is designed specifically to protect your spine and must meet very strict standards. A spine injury is particularly disastrous, as it can lead to paralysis and death.
The harder and thicker a jacket feels, the more armor and padding it likely has, which means it will protect you more. You can look into jackets that have removable inserts if you’re on a budget, and upgrade those inserts from foam to armor as you can afford to do so.
Protection from Abrasions
Aside from impact events, abrasions from the pavement are your other main concern if you fall off your bike. Leather was good for abrasion protection because it’s tough, but today, you can pick between Kevlar, Cordura and other textile materials that are just as durable as leather, if not moreso, and much more breathable and lightweight, helping to keep you cooler and more comfortable.
Comfort Needs
Finally, it’s important to choose a jacket that is comfortable for you to wear every single day of the year. Typically, those in more variable climates might have a jacket for warm weather and one for cool weather. Here in southern California, you likely will only need one jacket and it’s best if it’s ventilated and lighter in weight. However, you may want rain protection in the form of a waterproof liner or you may want a second jacket if you plan to ride in higher altitudes or in cold places further up the coast.
Try on the jacket you want to choose and try to move and bend as you would if you were riding your bike to determine if it’s too snug or if it allows you sufficient range of movement. Prioritize function over looks; a jacket might look awesome on you, but it could lack the protection you need to truly be safe. If you need assistance, don’t be afraid to talk to the staff or bring a more experienced friend to help you select the right jacket.
Looking to get a new bike? Visit our dealership in Westminster, CA, today to view our current selection of new and used motorcycles for sale. Indian Motorcycle® of Orange County proudly serves greater Los Angeles and all of Orange County, CA.