A Beginner’s Guide to Buying a Motorcycle Jacket

If you have recently purchased a motorcycle, then you might have considered purchasing a motorcycle jacket as well. If you are a beginner and don't understand the differences between the many types of motorcycle jackets, then this is the guide for you. At Desperado Harley-Davidson in McAllen, Texas, you can learn a lot about motorcycles and different motorcycle accessories such as a motorcycle jacket. We serve the Edinburg, Texas, area.

Different Styles of Motorcycle Jackets

Different styles of motorcycle jackets will have different features and are meant to be worn at different times. Some of the most popular styles of motorcycle jackets include a cruiser jacket, a sports jacket, and a racing jacket. The cruiser jacket is the most recognizable style of motorcycle jacket and is a stylish jacket that typically comes in leather or synthetic textiles. 

A sports jacket will provide more protection than a cruiser jacket, and the sports jacket will be more versatile with better venting and a more relaxed fit. A racing jacket is like a more extreme version of the sports jacket, it comes with special material meant to keep you safe when riding your motorcycle at top speeds. High abrasion resistant materials as well as internal armor and external TPU sliders are included in the construction of a racing jacket.  

Materials

When it comes to motorcycle jackets, most jackets will either be comprised of leather or textile. Some advantages to a leather motorcycle jacket are that they have an increased abrasion resistance and that they can be very fashionable. Advantages to a textile jacket are that they are more versatile than leather jackets. A textile jacket can be waterproof, it can be more breathable than a leather jacket, and it can be lighter than a leather jacket.

Protection

Over the years, the amount of protection provided by a motorcycle jacket has greatly increased. Different types of armor and padding are built into motorcycle jackets now, and typically the armor is flexible and almost unnoticeable. The adding is usually focused on high-impact areas, including your chest, your shoulders and your elbows. 

Reflectivity

Another thing that you should look for when purchasing a motorcycle jacket is the jacket's level of reflectivity. When riding on your motorcycle, especially at night, it is important that other drivers on the road are able to notice you. You are already at a disadvantage by riding a vehicle that is much smaller than a typical car, so anything that can make you more visible to other drivers is beneficial. 

While a motorcycle jacket may not seem like a crucial purchase, the jacket can still be very useful and can even help prevent you from ending up in an accident. Visit our store Desperado Harley-Davidson in McAllen, Texas, we serve Edinburg, Texas.