Alain Bouched Leather Motorcycle Jackets

Motorcycle Jacket

Choosing a Motorcycle Jacket for the Type Riding You Do

The choices of motorcycle jackets available today are varied and plentiful. Styles are as unique as their designers, and modern synthetic materials give the biker an added option over the standard leather jacket, a tried and true material for protection against the elements and the road.

When making a decision on the purchase of a new motorcycle jacket, there are basically three areas of consideration that come into play, with various degrees of magnitude:

- the style of jacket preferred by the individual consumer

- the comfort and durability of the style and material used

- protection against the elements of wind, water, and temperature, as well as against the road

By todays standards, most of the major motorcycle apparel manufacturers have come to agree on a common set of characteristics that tend to the specific needs of bikers as learned over the years.

Many of these needs vary with personal taste, and will vary with the type of riding being done, and the individual priorities of the discerning consumer.

To begin with, lets discuss the different styles of motorcycle jackets that have made the biker culture into a sub category of the fashion industry.

For Motorcycle Jackets, Style Counts

While it may seem frivolous compared to the dire consequences of safety and protection, motorcycle fashion has evolved into distinct styles that offer the consumer choices based on just what kind of riding is being done, how often, and in what kind of weather.

As is its nature, the fashion industry has come up with just the right piece of clothing, tailored to fit your kind of riding, and making sure you are looking good doing it! Lets look at some of the general styles available.

The Traditional Classic Motorcycle Jacket

The traditional motorcycle jacket first came on the scene in 1928 in the form of the double sided Perfecto, manufactured by Schott NYC. Through the years the Perfecto style has been improved upon in many ways, but the basic traditional style remains a constant.

The traditional motorcycle jacket has enjoyed wild bouts of popularity in the fashion world. In 1958 Marlon Brando debuted the style in the film The Wild Ones, and subsequent appearances in films by James Dean and others have brought the jacket in and out of style throughout its history. Perhaps because of the kind of films it was portrayed in, the traditional motorcycle jacket has taken on a somewhat bad boy image, a rebel type personality, or even a criminal element, consequently gaining or loosing cool points, depending on your side of the fence.

While fads and fashion trends go in and out of style, for the biker community, the classic motorcycle jackets popularity is based not on its cool good looks, but on its practicality.

Traditional style motorcycle jackets have become classic mainly because the material they are made of, leather, is and remains one of the best form of protection from the elements. More importantly, it provides a second layer of skin between the biker and the rough surface of an asphalt road, reducing the likelihood of painful skin grafts in the event of an unfortunate skid across the road.

Of course, leather jackets can be made into many different styles, but what makes the classic motorcycle jacket unique for bikers is that it tends to the bikers needs. Plenty of storage is provided for with cargo pockets, inside pockets, and the generous use of zippers and snaps in the form of pockets, air vents, sleeve cuffs, and snap downs.

The modern motorcycle jacket is designed with an eye on the various positions a biker might find himself in. Slightly longer arm length provides for a more comfortable ride when leaning forward, and the backs of the jackets provide for some extra length so they dont ride up in the same position.

The option of side laces makes for a snugger, warmer fit in the cold months, and the better traditional motorcycle jackets will have an insulated zip out lining, making it a jacket for all seasons.

One particular aspect of most traditional motorcycle jackets that pretty much defines the look, is the inclusion of a belt. Classic motorcycle jackets that include a belt opt for a half belt more often than not, with a large buckle in the front. Full removable belts complete with belt loops are available on some jackets. Practically speaking, a belt is good for tightening up the jacket, and to keep it from flapping around at high speeds.

Throughout the years, the traditional style motorcycle jacket has catered best to the needs of the biking community by providing a tough and durable jacket that conforms to the unique positions only a biker would find themselves in. With the use of heavy duty hardware, this classic style provides for plenty of places to put things (to counter the lack of such on the motorcycle itself), and includes multiple options for your comfort and protection year round.

About the Author

Michael Talbert is the creator, owner, and operator of Biker Leather Ltd., an online retailer of fine leather and textile
motorcycle jackets
,
leather chaps
, vests and biker accessories. Visit the website at
www.NakedLeatherBiker.com
.

Women's Basic Motorcycle Jacket $179.99 River Road Women's Basic Motorcycle Jacket Quality, full-grain, imported leather Lightly quilted comfort lining Nylon-stitched for extra durability Shoulder treatment and aluminum hardware give a classic look Includes 2-year manufacturer's warranty

Basic Motorcycle Jacket $179.99 River Road Basic Motorcycle Jacket Quality, full-grain, imported leather Lightly quilted comfort lining Nylon-stitched for extra durability Shoulder treatment and aluminum hardware give a classic look Includes 2-year manufacturer's warranty

My Motorcycle Is My Weapon Jacket $179.99 Speed and Strength My Motorcycle Is My Weapon Jacket Water resistant AR-600 frame Removable C.E. approved shoulder and elbow protectors Removable dual density back protector “Speed Zip” controlled ventilation Dual stage “Kinetic Cuff” adjuster Molded “Strong Arm” sleeve adjuster “Lockdown” waist adjuster Removable insulated vest liner Microfiber lined collar and cuffs Belt loops for pant attachment 8” zipper for pant attachment Reflective trim

Scorpion Assault Black Motorcycle Jacket $172.95 Scorpion Assault Black Motorcycle Jacket.

Puffy Jacket $90 Alpinestars Puffy Jacket 100% Nylon Puffy jacket with sherpa liner

Force Jacket $90 Alpinestars Force Jacket 100% Nylon Quilted shirt jacket

Decompress Jacket $90 Alpinestars Decompress Jacket 100% Cotton French terry / twill jacket

Motorcycle $1.99 Motorcycle Embellishment An assortment of handmade, dimensional motorcycle stickers on one sheet. These make a great addition to gift bags, greeting cards as well as scrapbooking pages. Sizes vary. Vacation, open road, leather jacket, gloves, helmet,

Track Jacket $58.99 Answer Racing Track Jacket Stay warm with this brand new lightweight Track Jacket by Answer

Cruiser Jacket $62.99 Answer Racing Cruiser Jacket This Cruiser Jacket is sure to to keep you warm while looking cool!

Stacked Jacket $106.99 FMF Apparel Stacked Jacket Get ready for winter with FMF and the stacked jacket. **Closeouts are limited to stock on hand**

Spiral Jacket $74.95 Thor Motocross Spiral Jacket Polyester Lightweight and?water resistant Sublimated graphics

Sixty-Five Jacket $110 Alpinestars Sixty-Five Jacket 100% Cotton Army jacket

CR Jacket $229.99 REV'IT CR Jacket For the light motorcycle or scooter rider, the retro-style CR (Classic Rider) jacket is an excellent choice. The matte finish of the jacket looks good on the bike and off, thanks to a light coating on the outside of the material. The textile CR's mesh lining is very comfortable, even over bare arms, making this a jacket you won't want to take off PROTECTION: OUTER SHELL: PWR shell poly-cotton, Lorica? INSULATION: Detachable thermal body warmer PROTECTION: Knox? CE protection, perforated EVA foam ERGONOMIC: FIT: City fit, regular ADJUSTABILITY: Adjustment tabs FEATURES: Jeans loop, double front zipper POCKETS: Slit pockets, inner pockets Currently Rev'It products can only be shipped to U.S. customers

Bronson Jacket $73.99 FMF Apparel Bronson Jacket The Bronson Jacket from FMF Racing is made of durable cotton twill with a satin lining to give you miles of style in lightweight casual coat. Mechanics style jacket with patch Cotton twill Satin lined Machine washable

Rain Jacket $49.99 Vega Rain Jacket Waterproof woven fabric Vented mesh-lined jacket Sealed and taped seams Reflective stripe on jacket back Nylon pant liner, easy-on over pants Wide gusset pant bottom, easy-on over boots

Holliston Jacket $220 Scott Holliston Jacket The Holliston jacket is a waterproof and breathable jacket thanks to its Spectr shell. All seams are taped, the hood is removable and cuffs are Velcro adjustable. The Holliston also features underarm venting for a great cooling and interior security pocket for your personal belongings.

Blackout Jacket $90.99 Unit Blackout Jacket Look as cool as you feel ... as you know you are, with this jacket from Unit. Featuring all black construction with plenty of pockets to keep your stuff in. **Closeouts are limited to stock on hand**

Station Jacket $89.99 Fly Racing Station Jacket Classic "throwback" styling Vintage look with appliqu? and embroidered graphics Quilted liner for added comfort

Yamaha Paxen Jacket $98 One Industries Yamaha?Paxen Jacket Save yourself from the rain before you ride in this Yamaha Racing zip-up jacket from One Industries. These bold Yamaha logos will help you showcase your favorite motorcycle. Officially Licensed Yahama Motorcycle Apparel Custom One Ind. Labels Zippered Split Front Pockets

Aquatherm Liner for Draft Jacket $49.99 Tour Master Aquatherm Liner for Draft Jacket

Overlord Jacket $180 Icon Overlord Textile Jacket With all the pattern engineering of the Overlord leather, but executed in a nylon chassis, the Overlord textile represents possibly the best value in textile motorcycle jackets. The durable nylon chassis, combined with large panels of breathable Fighter mesh, provides valuable protection while maintaining comfort. A full complement of internal CE impact protectors confirm the jacket's legitimacy. Finally, the Overlord's precurved arms and strategic flex zones position the rider in a sportbike oriented attack posture. The Overlord textile - ready for whatever the street may hold. Features: Icon attack fit Durable nylon textile chassis Removable Icon CE Field Armor impact protector elbow and shoulder Removable Icon dual-density foam back pad Gathered elastic flex panels on elbows and shoulders Strategically placed fighter mesh panels for ventilation Removable insulated wind resistant vest Upgradable to Stryker CE Back Protector

Accelerant Jacket $249 Icon Accelerant Jacket What would happen if near-weightless metal alloys, carefully woven textile fibers, and thick thermoplastic rubbers were all combined to create light, effective body armor, and then built into an aggressively cut street riding jacket? What if the concept were pushed further still, and the chassis were built combining the industry's most advanced Stretch Ballistic Nylon with the proven durability of Icon leather? These are the questions that drove our designer to create the Accelerant Jacket. The results are inspiring. The Icon Accelerant Leather Jacket features 1.2-1.4 mm premium cowhide External back and shoulder protection with alloy inserts Strategically placed stretch ballistic nylon for comfort CE? approved shoulder and elbow armor Removable insulated windproof liner Zippered shoulder vents View the MotorcycleUSA.com review of the Icon Accelerant Jacket here: Icon Accelerant Jacket Review

Phase Jacket $119.95 Thor Motocross Phase Jacket The perfect jacket for all-around riding, with zip-off sleeves for changing weather conditions. Heavy-duty 600D poly oxford construction makes the Phase Jacket a versatile performer in even the toughest conditions. With plenty of storage pockets, pre-curved elbows and water repellent outer shell, the Phase Jacket is a must for any rider's gearbag. Imported? Features: Zip-off sleeves quickly convert jacket to vest Rear cargo pocket for essentials and sleeve storage 2-way front zip adapts to riding position Pre-curved elbows Interior drawstring waist closure Velcro cuff gaitors Internal fleece lined audio pocket Oversized front and rear exhaust vents prevent overheating Rear cargo pocket with waist belt allows the jacket to be packed into itself and worn as a fanny pack

Pack Jacket $54.95 Thor Motocross Pack Jacket Don't let a little foul weather spoil your ride. Our lightweight, yet durable Pack Jacket utilizes a seam-sealed outer shell that's waterproof for all day riding comfort whether you're racing in foul weather, or out for a dualsport ride. This versatile jacket can be stuffed into its own pouch and worn as a fanny pack, or carried in your bag when not in use. Protect yourself against the elements without lugging around a heavy riding jacket all day. JACKET FEATURES: Jacket packs easily into pouch with belt for storage while riding Rear exhaust vents allow hot air to escape Soft dimple mesh lined collar for comfort Front and rear storage pockets Water-proof membrane shell with taped seams and water resistant zippers Adjustable drawstring waist closure? Elastic cuff

Baronas Jacket $86 One Industries Baronas Jacket Garage inspired mid-weight hooded jacket with poly taffeta lining and light poly fill Welt front pockets Logo tack at left chest Custom ONE Ind. trim & label 65% Cotton/35% Poly

Ride Jacket $129.99 Troy Lee Designs Ride Jacket Made in China 100% Cotton Poplin shell with heavy wax coating 180g Poly body filling / 100g Poly sleeve filling Race-inspired jacket with contrast arm stripes Removable snap-on hood / Plaid liner

Liner for Merit Mesh Jacket $22.99 Vega Liner for Merit Mesh Jacket Removable insulated liner for the Vega Merit Mesh Jacket.

Parts Unlimited Shop Jacket $99.95 Throttle Threads Parts Unlimited Shop Jacket Fully quilted hip length men's shop jacket with embroidered patches

Drag Specialties Shop Jacket $99.95 Throttle Threads Drag Specialties Shop Jacket Fully quilted hip length men's shop jacket with embroidered patches

Magnum Shop Jacket $99.95 Throttle Threads Magnum Shop Jacket Fully quilted hip length men's shop jacket with embroidered patches

Inversion Jacket $199.99 Klim Inversion Jacket Versatility is the name of the game for the inversion jacket. It's a critical year-around companion that is capable of filling the role of a mid layer or an all-around Windstopper? jacket. High breathability and water resistant makes this a great choice for those looking for a do everything jacket. Features: Winstopper? Fabric 100 % windproof Highly water resistant Highly breathable 2 hand pockets Zip-off sleeves Back vent Hem adjustment Ipod pocket with loops in collar for earphones 2 zippered chest pocket vents Adjustable Velcro cuff closures D-Ring Glove friendly zipper pulls

Service Jacket $85 Troy Lee Designs Service Jacket 100% cotton poplin Contrast plaid woven lining Snap buttons Woven front patch Reflective pocket screenprint

Douglas Jacket $59.99 Fox Racing Douglas Jacket Your wardrobe just isn't complete without the sweet Fox Douglas Jacket! Everyone needs a denim jacket, and there are none finer than the Douglas, with premium design quality, a broken-in look, and a trio of Fox pins to personalize it for you. Logo and brand name pins on chest Skull patch at back waistband Button front, chest pockets and sleeve cuffs Two hand pockets 100% cotton **Closeouts are limited to stock on hand**

MK3 Jacket $169.99 Vega MK3 Jacket Vega Technical Gear's new MK3 jacket is great for cool to cold weather riding The 600D 100 percent Amphitex outer shell is breathable, windproof, waterproof, abrasion and stain resistant A full-sleeve insulated quilted removable liner provides an extra layer of protection for those cold days This jacket has plenty of pockets with the side zip, fleece-lined hand warmer pockets and the 2 interior chest pockets, one in the quilted liner and one in jacket With the 3M Scotchlite Retro-Reflective patches on the front and rear of the jacket you will be visible even at night The MK3 has a fully adjustable fit with the Velcro tab closure on the collar, sleeve, waist snaps and a gusset with a zipper All Vega Technical Gear is backed by our one year manufacturer defect warranty, the warranty excludes wear and tear, any end-user modification, improper use or abuse, and/or crash damage

Motorhead Jacket $390 Icon Motorhead Jacket Classic styling with technical details make the Motorhead jacket a versatile performer. Exclusive Icon "straight cut" fit with broad shoulders, generous body, and ample sleeve length, make the Motorhead comfortable in any riding position. Constructed of premium quality 1.2--1.4mm cowhide leather with a fully insulated, removable liner, this jacket quickly adjusts to any riding condition. Internal CE armor and six adjustable vents complete the package. Durable 1.2-1.4mm leather chassis No restriction collarless neck Zippered shoulder intakes offer ultimate climate control Dual purpose chest pocket vents offer storage and or cooling Insulated removable liner to adjust for riding conditions Waist expansion vents allow you to adjust jacket to your size Drop tail pattern keeps jacket from riding up while on your bike Micro perforated leather arms provide cooling

Torque Jacket $159.99 Klim Torque Jacket Designed to function as either an alternative to a fleece layering piece or a casual jacket, the Torque Jacket is constructed with 100 Gram Siliconized Thinsulate? Insulation for warmth without bulk and minimum restriction of movement. The jacket folds and compresses into a hand pocket, allowing it to be easily taken along on any ride and used as a component of your layering system or as an emergency thermal layer. Klim exclusive Thinsulate? zonal insulating technology Highly effective mid-layering piece and great casual jacket Down proof ripstop shell Insulated hood with draw cord adjustment Lightweight and highly compactible Stuffs into right hand pocket for storage 3 external pockets (1 chest, 2 hand) Micro fiber lined collar Adjustable elasticized velcro wrist closures YKK? zippers Glove-friendly zipper pulls Micro-injected and embroidered logos Bottom hem adjustment Kill switch D-ring

MSS Jacket $65.99 Vega MSS Jacket Vega Technical Gear's MSS soft shell jacket is a great addition to Vega line This is a great lightweight, comfortable jacket that can be worn under any outer jacket or as a stand alone The reflective piping and logos will ensure you are visible in low light conditions The MSS has a fleece lined collar, cuffs and hand warmer pockets All Vega Technical Gear is backed by Vega one year manufacturer defect warranty, the warranty excludes wear and tear, any end-user modification, improper use or abuse, and/or crash damage Wear alone or layer with other Vega Technical Gear components Warm, lightweight, windproof, water-resistant Zippered front hand-warmer pockets, 2 interior pockets Hip length SoftShell fabric casual jacket

Voyager Jacket $233.99 HMK Voyager Jacket Waterproof / Windproof Full Zip Heavy Duty Cordura? Jacket Poly Cordura? 500D Breathable 2000/2000 Coated Camo - 600D Coal 1000/1000 Coated Polyester Shell 420D Reissa 2000/2000 Coated Nylon Three in One jacket - Can be worn with the liner zipped in for maximum warmth, as a shell or wear the liner as a standalone jacket. Pit Zip Venting 2 Hand Pockets Interior Pocket on Jacket and Liner Reflective Tape on Sleeves YKK Zippers Snow Dust Powder Skirt Bottom Hem Adjustable Draw Cord Glove Friendly Zipper Pulls Heavy Duty Tether D Ring Fleece Lined Collar Embroidered Logo on Front and Back **Closeouts are limited to stock on hand**

Stealth Jacket $278.99 HMK Stealth Jacket Waterproof / Windproof Full Zip Softshell Jacket Poly Ripstop 50D 3layer Laminated (5000/5000) Three in One jacket - Can be worn with the liner zipped in for maximum warmth, as a shell or wear the liner as a standalone jacket. Reverse Tape Zippers on the chest pockets Taped Seams Water Resistant Zippers Pit Zip Venting 2 Hand Pockets, 2 Chest Pockets Interior Pocket on Jacket and Liner Napoleon Pocket YKK Front Zipper Snow Dust Powder Skirt Clear Window Pass/ID Holder Removable Hood with Internal Draw Cord Bottom Hem Adjustable Draw Cord Glove Friendly Zipper Pulls Precurved arm Screened Logo on Sleeves and Back Soft poly 11:1 mesh lining Removable Liner Removable Liner (Hollofil 4.3 oz for Body and thermal padding 4 oz for sleeve) **Closeouts are limited to stock on hand**