Motorcycle Jackets - Evaluating Quality

Motorcyclists might put a lot of thought into choosing their helmet. The level and degree of protection is important to many riders, and the DOT and Snell certification criteria allow riders to navigate the variety of helmet brands and models and make a choice dependent on the actual crash performance of a helmet. But what about other protective gear, such as a motorcycle jacket?

Unfortunately, no such testing procedures exist for protective clothing inside the U.S. There are some factors, however, that a buyer can look at and consider when purchasing a motorcycle jacket.

The first thing a rider needs to know when buying a motorcycle jacket is what areas of the upper torso need the heaviest protection. Research conducted in Europe demonstrated that the majority of accidents that motorcyclists experience occur at low rates of speed.

The greatest areas of impact on the upper torso include the shoulders, forearms and the back. Bruising and abrasion, including everything from "de-gloving" (the removal of the skin from muscle tissue) to deep tissue injury remain a concern to the motorcyclist. So when considering a jacket, make a note of these areas and how well the jacket is constructed in these areas. Does it offer double-layering, with leather or other synthetic materials such as Kevlar, at the shoulders and forearms—critical areas susceptible to abrasion in the event of a crash?

The right motorcycle jacket can accomplish the following in the event of a crash:

Prevent most of the cuts, gravel rash and friction burns as you slide along a road.
Protect you from exhaust pipes burns if the bike ends up on top of you.
Reduce the risk of infection and complications caused by road dirt in open wounds.
Save you from having the muscles and skin of your hands and legs stripped from your body. The medical term is "de-gloving" - think about it.
Prevent or reduce the severity of some fractures and joint damage.

Materials
The kinds of materials used in today's jackets offer everything from leather to textile with enhancements that might include synthetic woven fabrics, Kevlar, or armor. Many manufacturers look for a happy median between style, comfort and safety, but the choice remains up to the rider and the kind of riding, and elements they face during rides.

Ventilation
Ventilation remains and important factor for riders. Touring or anything involving longer distances requires that a rider stay properly ventilated. You should consider, again, the type of riding, the kinds of weather you might experience, and how long will you be on the road without a break. Will you stay comfortable under such conditions during this period of time?

Visibility
Look for riding apparel that offers a high level of visibility. Many coats and jackets come with reflective material built into the jacket.

Stitching
If a jacket comes apart, it will break down first at the seams. The seams, particularly around the shoulder, are the weakest stress point of any piece of apparel. Examine the stitching as a broken or missing stitch can indicated a weakness in the overall seam. Look for double stitching in areas where additional layers are prevalent.

If you have any questions concerning any of the motorcycle jackets we offer, don't hesitate to contact our customer representatives. Call 866-772-1726 to speak with a customer representative about any of the products we offer.