NEW RIDER - Jacket Recommendations
Hi,
I am planning on picking up a new R3 in a few weeks and was hoping to get some recommendations for my FIRST jacket. My current budget is $500 for the jacket.
I live in Boston and need to factor in the cooler winds during majority of the riding season. A couple of questions I have about jackets:
* Should I buy perforated or non-perforated leather jacket?
* Any specific recommendations from Alpinestars line-up of leather jackets? I have tried GP Plus R which was pretty good!
* Do I also need to invest in base layers on top of leather jacket?
I am planning on picking up a new R3 in a few weeks and was hoping to get some recommendations for my FIRST jacket. My current budget is $500 for the jacket.
I live in Boston and need to factor in the cooler winds during majority of the riding season. A couple of questions I have about jackets:
* Should I buy perforated or non-perforated leather jacket?
* Any specific recommendations from Alpinestars line-up of leather jackets? I have tried GP Plus R which was pretty good!
* Do I also need to invest in base layers on top of leather jacket?
1 - 20 of 35 Posts
$500 is a lot of money to spend on just a jacket. If you shop around, you should be able to get a really good jacket for a bit less. If you're serious about crash protection, be sure to factor in a back protector which can add $50-100.
Don't forget a good set of pants with knee protectors. And while you're at it, don't forget to cover every inch of skin and your head with the best protection you can afford. In the long run, it's still a lot cheaper than losing body parts.
If you're going to splurge, I love my Heroic Racing racing suit. It's not a well known brand, but their quality leaves Dainese and Alpinestars in the dust.
http://www.heroicracing.com/HEROIC-PODIUM-STREET-JACKET-p/hrapodjacketm.htm
Let the fashion flame wars begin!
Don't forget a good set of pants with knee protectors. And while you're at it, don't forget to cover every inch of skin and your head with the best protection you can afford. In the long run, it's still a lot cheaper than losing body parts.
If you're going to splurge, I love my Heroic Racing racing suit. It's not a well known brand, but their quality leaves Dainese and Alpinestars in the dust.
http://www.heroicracing.com/HEROIC-PODIUM-STREET-JACKET-p/hrapodjacketm.htm
Let the fashion flame wars begin!
The different brands also fit different so keep that in mind. I'm a bit slimmer than average joe in the states, so something like RS Taichi would fit better than Astars gear. RS Taichi is expensive though. If you are on a budget, try CL or some Bilt/ Sedici stuff. I have gear from Bilt that survived better than AStars in similar speed low sides. Don't let people fool you into thinking cheap gear is always garbage because isn't. The best gear you can have is the stuff you are wearing and it is completely useless if it's just hanging in the closest when you go down.
Edit: if you will be riding in cold weather, layers will help warm you up but if you aren't wearing something wind proof, you will get chilled. I have a really thin wind breaker and it's plenty for keeping the wind out. I prefer perforated leather though I am not sure if t actually helps with cooling in the hot SoCal summers.
Edit: if you will be riding in cold weather, layers will help warm you up but if you aren't wearing something wind proof, you will get chilled. I have a really thin wind breaker and it's plenty for keeping the wind out. I prefer perforated leather though I am not sure if t actually helps with cooling in the hot SoCal summers.
+1 for craigslist you can get some sick deals on gear and if you can go with leather!
Thank you all for your feedback and recommendations.
Finding the right fit is a challenge and not having many options around locally to go try them in stores makes it all the more challenging. The only store close to me stocks jackets and other apparel from ICON, Bilt and Astars. I was leaning towards these brands because I could try them on before buying.
Finding the right fit is a challenge and not having many options around locally to go try them in stores makes it all the more challenging. The only store close to me stocks jackets and other apparel from ICON, Bilt and Astars. I was leaning towards these brands because I could try them on before buying.
I have the AXO Byway and am extremely happy with it. they have red, blue and gray color variants. CE shoulder, elbow and forearm padding with a pouch for a back insert ($30). 100% Brazilian leather that strikes a great balance between giving some airflow while also blocking enough wind so that you aren't super cold. Also has a removable thermo-liner for colder temps. I got it on eBay for $130 shipped. Looks like the seller I bought from still has stock that he is clearing out, but he has increased the price of the most common sizes (L and XL) to $170 shipped. This was my first riding jacket and I'd buy it again for sure. Only thing to keep in mind is the they are Euro fit and run a size small. So, measure yourself up on the AXO size chart and then order one size UP from whatever size you measure into.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Axo-Byway-B...ash=item25b8091385:g:eHAAAOSwL7VWoDII&vxp=mtr
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Axo-Byway-B...ash=item25b8091385:g:eHAAAOSwL7VWoDII&vxp=mtr
If I could only have one jacket, I'd be looking into textiles. They are just far more versatile with liners and layering. Just my experience at least, I know some modern leathers come with liners but it still seems like the majority.
Since I've been riding for a few years now, I've got both perforated and non perf leather jackets and they both suck if worn in the wrong conditions.
Since I've been riding for a few years now, I've got both perforated and non perf leather jackets and they both suck if worn in the wrong conditions.
Thanks cxa0897.. I live in Boston so we have very few days where the "feel like" temperature is over 60. For majority of the days, I will be battling wind chills and strong winds.If I could only have one jacket, I'd be looking into textiles. They are just far more versatile with liners and layering. Just my experience at least, I know some modern leathers come with liners but it still seems like the majority.
Since I've been riding for a few years now, I've got both perforated and non perf leather jackets and they both suck if worn in the wrong conditions.
My plan is to get a textile jacket in the future since they aren't that expensive but I believe the majority of my riding will be on relatively cooler days and hence I was considering leather. Since I don't want any air to pass through, I was thinking about non-perforated ones. Any thoughts?
Thanks! These look greatI have the AXO Byway and am extremely happy with it. they have red, blue and gray color variants. CE shoulder, elbow and forearm padding with a pouch for a back insert ($30). 100% Brazilian leather that strikes a great balance between giving some airflow while also blocking enough wind so that you aren't super cold. Also has a removable thermo-liner for colder temps. I got it on eBay for $130 shipped. Looks like the seller I bought from still has stock that he is clearing out, but he has increased the price of the most common sizes (L and XL) to $170 shipped. This was my first riding jacket and I'd buy it again for sure. Only thing to keep in mind is the they are Euro fit and run a size small. So, measure yourself up on the AXO size chart and then order one size UP from whatever size you measure into.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Axo-Byway-B...ash=item25b8091385:g:eHAAAOSwL7VWoDII&vxp=mtr
This will definitely free up my budget for some protective pants and a much fancier looking helmet. Haha!
Happy to help! Seriously though, if you are going to go with this jacket make sure you order a size up. I measured perfectly into a Large (even a medium in some categories) by their charts and the large was way too small when I received it. I re-ordered the XL and it fits like a glove (albeit a tad short in the arms, but I'm tall and lanky so sizing for me is alway off).Thanks! These look great
This will definitely free up my budget for some protective pants and a much fancier looking helmet. Haha!
@aaypan Also check out Riverside Motorsports in Medford , they carry Ducati and Dainese jackets , boots, pants among a few other brands
Rob and Billy in the parts department are great to deal with
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Rob and Billy in the parts department are great to deal with
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
@aaypan Also check out Riverside Motorsports in Medford , they carry Ducati and Dainese jackets , boots, pants among a few other brands
Rob and Billy in the parts department are great to deal with
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thanks furbz! Will definitely give them a shot
I don't know if it's the good weather in Cali but I would go leather every time. After switching from Tex to leather, I just don't see how well textile would survive. I have been down multiple times on leather, none on textile, and believe leather will win my money. I would much prefer to swear than get rashed up.If I could only have one jacket, I'd be looking into textiles. They are just far more versatile with liners and layering. Just my experience at least, I know some modern leathers come with liners but it still seems like the majority.
Since I've been riding for a few years now, I've got both perforated and non perf leather jackets and they both suck if worn in the wrong conditions.
^ agree 100% like my MSF instructor said, "i would rather sweat than bleed"
There are some jackets that will have textile and leather- something like this...
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/dainese-air-frazer-jacket
There are some jackets that will have textile and leather- something like this...
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/dainese-air-frazer-jacket
Got a Alpinestars T-GP Pro Air on closeout from a local shop for $220. Its textile, but it fits great, looks good, and breathes well. Since its warm here in SoCal, i've removed the windbreaker liner. I also added the back and chest protectors.
At some point i'll probably upgrade to a leather jacket, but for $220, (not including chest/back plates) i'm happy with it.
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/alpinestars-t-gp-pro-air-jacket
At some point i'll probably upgrade to a leather jacket, but for $220, (not including chest/back plates) i'm happy with it.
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/alpinestars-t-gp-pro-air-jacket
My size is no longer available. A little too late I guess...AXO Byway. Might be too late to get one but at $130 was an awesome deal.
I'm picking up my bike in June so I've been spending my time picking up various pieces of gear I'm also in MA and agree that the weather is always a bit tricky, so I wanted something that would be comfort.able in both warmer and cooler weather
I've had my eye on the Alpinestars Jaws Perforated but it's $479 so I wasn't too quick to pull the trigger. I measured myself and knew I would need a size 54 when it came time to order. I was on Amazon the other day comparing the prices on Revzilla and the jacket was $479 there as well. I was clicking through the colors and found the Black/White version priced at $297 (said there was only one remaining). I gave it some thought and a few hours later, I clciked the order button.
The jacket just came and its freaking awesome. Perfect fit and I love the look. It'll be well vented on hot days and the zip in liner will keep me warm on cooler days.
Pretty stoked, having saved $182! I checked Amazon again and it's back up to $479 so I got a great deal by being in the right place at the right time. Helps to take your time and shop around a bit.
I've had my eye on the Alpinestars Jaws Perforated but it's $479 so I wasn't too quick to pull the trigger. I measured myself and knew I would need a size 54 when it came time to order. I was on Amazon the other day comparing the prices on Revzilla and the jacket was $479 there as well. I was clicking through the colors and found the Black/White version priced at $297 (said there was only one remaining). I gave it some thought and a few hours later, I clciked the order button.
The jacket just came and its freaking awesome. Perfect fit and I love the look. It'll be well vented on hot days and the zip in liner will keep me warm on cooler days.
Pretty stoked, having saved $182! I checked Amazon again and it's back up to $479 so I got a great deal by being in the right place at the right time. Helps to take your time and shop around a bit.
1 - 20 of 35 Posts
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