Bonneville America Forums Forums Rider Safety Forums Helmets and Gear Triumph Raptor Jacket

With summer coming to Texas in a couple of months, thinking about a ventilated riding jacket that offers protection and ventilation. Can anyone give me any feedback on the Raptor jackets from Triumph? How are they in 90 degree weather and are they lite weight enough to be comfortable in summer??

Kieth,

2 summers ago we "cooked" around here for a month (95+), so last year I broke down and bought the black synthetic vented raptor jacket. I'm 6'5" with a 36" sleeve. The size 44 fits perfect, body and sleeves, and is very comfortable.
I'd recommend it.

Last summer was in most respects, the wet and cool spell tucked between Spring and Fall. Now I really broke down and ordered a Langlitz from Portland, OR. After 25 years of wearing leather that I also happen to ride a bike with & sleeves that creep up my forearms, I decided to wear something designed to do, what it says it will do.

....now to replace the stovepipe chaps a saddlemaker from Dolores, Colorado made for me in 1982. Then again, I kinda like them.

john

Keith,
I like my mesh Raptor. Well made, lots of pockets, good night visibility. When it's 90+ degrees around here, and your stopped at a red light - your gonna be hot, sweating, even if your naked. As long as your moving, you'll never know you have the Raptor on. Has held up well through several washings (lovebugs). Good protection with the armor, too. I always fasten the collar - caught a rock in the throat once, along with other road-blow. It helps. Gave $122 for it when I bought the SM. Bogartz sells for the same $$$.

I think Pat has the Leather Raptor. I've tried it on, and want one, too - it's just not my priority right now. I wonder what I would do if it were totally caked with lovebugs, like my mesh Raptor has been several times. Can't wash the leather...
I like the Leather raptor because it, too, has reflective pipeing for night visibility. The Leather Bomber I don't think does.

I wash it by riding in the rain.
Seriously though, my friend the upholsterer, has some stuff he cleans leather with and it gets all the bug guts off nicely without hurting the leather at all. I'll ask what it's called next time I see him.

I have the mesh Raptor and I think it's great. When sitting still it does get hot, but as someone else said it would be hot even without the jacket. Once you start moving though the mesh really lets the wind through, even at low speeds. I only bought mine at the end of last summer, but it seems to be made pretty well. It should be a required purchase for us Texas boys.

I bought the vented Raptor in grey/black this past summer, and it worked terrific in the lovely Texas sun. Rode to Waco from Dallas/Fort Worth the first week I had it, no problems. Yep, hot when you stop, cool when you are moving. Triumph now makes gloves to match the jacket, so I'll grab a pair of those when I see some. I recommend it.

I have worn a non-leather vented Raptor jacket for two seasons. It has held up very well. Motorcycle Cruiser magazine included it it a review about a year ago. They may still have a link to the story on theie web site.

cfax, we have pretty mild summers here in South Carolina, usually only gets up to 94 and 90% humidity...


I've got a Raptor, and it's just fine, even off of the bike. I just bought a Joe Rocket Meteor 5, which is insulated and vented, so curious to see how it'll stack up this summer without the liner and with the flaps open. The Meteor is water resistant though, which the Raptor isn't, so that might be one advantage. I think you'd be happy with it though, I am.

I got the raptor vented jacked free when I bought my bike. Choice between that or a helmet. Didn't need a helmet. It very comfortable and reasonably cool. Glad I didn't need a helmet...