Bonneville America Forums Forums Rider Safety Forums Helmets and Gear Triumph Summer Blouson?

Anybody seen one or have one?

Have a buddy that has an old one - says it's the warmest thing he owns - waterproof, lightweight, goretex-like?

Looks like a deal at $99 - I'm ordering one tomorrow. My mesh raptor isn't very waterproof, and sometimes the full one-piece Chevron suit is just too much.

What the hell is a Summer Blouson?

I bought one but returned it before using. I felt it was too "blousey" for a bike jacket. Even the dealer said it was really more like a hang around jacket than a riding jacket. I ended up buying a vented leather jacket with removeable liner. You can open the vents and wear it in warm weather if you want. Either way at least it has the leather for some protection. The Summer Blouson jacket has no injury protection, just blocks some wind and rain.

Keith,
I love mine, but they ARE NOT good riding jackets as previously mentioned. They are a great looking casual jacket, good to about 50 degrees and have a hugh "Triumph Motorcycles" Logo on the back that really stands out. They also have a fleece collar and have modest lining. They are a great cool weather jacket with somewhat of a "Biker" look to them, but are NOT intended as a riding jacket. I wouldn't trade mine for a casual jacket. Lots of folks see the Triumph logo and want to talk bikes....

Would a real man even wear something called a "Blouson"?

Blouson must be a Brit term, a fact I can get over.

I realize from the pics it would blow a bit, but it has hidden vent panels and zip-off sleeves. I thought it might be good around town, riding to work and back, etc.

Looks to be well made, with cuff and neck closure features you would only expect on a riding jacket. And the large back logo is embroidered, not ironed on - it should look good for years and be the conversation piece too.

I was just curious as to who, if anyone had one - makes you wonder how much of this stuff they sell anyway - if WE don't buy it, WHO does?

Actually it was because the logo on the back looked good is what led me to by it. Unfortunately, as I said before, I didn't like it. Also, you mentioned the removeable sleeves. I tried that but it looked like something George Jetson would wear as the shoulder flaps that cover the zipper stick out - a little too strange for me. With the sleeves on the jacket looked good - it also has the triangle logo on it - but too blousy for me.

Got it. Very technical - outer shell is the real deal. No longer has the fanny pack pocket to store the sleeves in once removed (like the older jacket that my friend has that made me want one), but a good casual jacket that can be worn on the bike, too. I used it on a 160 mile ride yesterday with the sleeves removed and vents open, and was very comfortable with temps well over 80. I know I'll get more use from it next Fall and Winter, though. It was nearly 3 months on backorder before I got it.

I have the Rochester Mesh. Wonderful construction with fully perforated panels and removable armor. I would have prefered a collar that didn't require zipping all the way to the top and a color other than solid black (absorbs all the heat).

Still a great jacket.

Rochester Mesh Jacket

My prior service mechanic, at CMS here in Rochester NY, had the summer blouson and it really looked sharp but I agree that it is more of a hang around jacket than a motorcycle specific jacket made for protection.

Ditto on the Rochester jacket. I have been riding mine in 90 degree heat all week and not even sweating (while moving). It looks GREAT, and works even better. It matches the Triumph mesh gloves perfectly.

Blackwind,
I've got one and love it. It doesn't flap around at all at speed. There is no protection, but it's very comfortable to ride in. As far as a hang around jacket, it does get hot in the sun. When riding, it stays cool. I wore mine in Georgia and nobody laughed in my face, but they may have when I walked away. That doesn't bother me.
With TRIUMPH embroidered on the back, it lets other riders know what passed them. As far as water resistance, it's OK if you get caught in the rain and are heading to the carport. But it won't keep you dry more than 15-20 minutes.
I've never removed the sleeves.
My next Triumph jacket will be the ventilated mesh armor jacket that list for $150.00.

I've had the summer blouson for four years now, I used it during the 2002 Triumph Across America tour that ended in Pasadena, California. No, I didn't ride all the way, actually it was only the last 400 miles or so. I have used it as a ski jacket on a sunny day, worked great. But, I mostly wear it as a casual jacket when shopping with the wife, makes for a great conversation opener.
Bob

I have one and it's not great for riding. The sleeves are too wide and they flap around a lot! It's a nice jacket for casual wear but I don't wear it for riding anymore. (Oh yeah, and since I'm a girl I don't have a problem wearing something called a Blouson!)

I never thought my arms were that big, but I sure can't complain about the sleeves of this jacket "flapping" too much in the wind. The sleeves fit good and tight at the cuffs so my glove gauntlets cover the sleeve ends and prevent it from puffing up like a balloon.

The front zipped vents and rear vents allow good flow-through - and keep it cool on warmer rides when I'm wearing it for chance of rain showers.

The collar seals well at the bottom of my helmet to reduce wind noise, or I can turn the collar down on short rides around town if it's too warm to have the neck covered.

The large logo on the back says it all, too.

I do wish it had two more front outside chest pockets, and maybe a second one inside, too. But I'll take the vents - it makes it more versatile.

I didn't buy it as a riding jacket, but I will wear it while riding. I'm guessing I'll wear this one a lot both on and off the bike.

I guess I have pretty skinny arms! The sleeves flap so much that my arms go numb after a while. It's a really weird feeling! I did wear it riding for 2 1/2 years, so it wasn't all that bad I guess, but last summer I bought a Joe Rocket mesh and now I wear that whenever it's warm instead of my Triumph jacket. The Triumph jacket does have a lot of nice features and if I could do something about the arms I would wear it again.

It makes some difference if the neck is open AND getting air up the sleeves (though the big back vents work real nice).

If I zip up the neck and tuck the sleeves in the glove gauntlets, the sleeves are fine even at 80 mph.

I really don't think they are any more "flappy" or loose than sleeves on any of my other jackets - only a different (though heavy) material, and no protectors in the shoulders, back or elbows. It is comfortable - "roomy" - for freedom of movement.

It ain't gonna be for everybody, but what is?

Here is a pic the wife took of me on my '97 Triumph Trophy, in 2002 on the road to Pasadena, Ca. for the Triumph Across America event.
The Summer Blouson worked good for what I needed it to be and do.
Bob

OK Kathy,
You come to Georgia next spring and we'll fatten you up a bit and get rid of those skinny arms. Lotsa places to get great beans, taters and cornbread. Also some of the best roads you'll ever ride.