Bonneville America Forums Forums Rider Safety Forums Helmets and Gear Leather jacket input

Folks,

I am currently doing some research to figure out exactly what ride gear I want to purchase when I get home. As always, I greatly appreciate the opinion of everyone on this forum. I am currently looking at two leather jackets and wondered if anyone had any input on either jacket or any opinions in general related to the suppliers quality, value,fit,service,etc.... I am looking at the "Airflow" jacket offered by draggin jeans. I am also looking at the Tourmaster "Coaster II" leather jacket. All comments/opinions welcome!

One thing to consider is the collar; with some folks the traditional collar on a jacket can interfere with your helmet. It all depends on your build and riding position. I have one classic leather jacket that works for my America but I use a racer style collar CorTech for my Bonneville as the Fox Creek jacket interferes when I turn my head.

I have a bunch of Tourmaster stuff, though not the Coaster. I do like that jacket. All I can say is that I have had great luck with Tourmaster. Very high quality and reasonably priced. I am currently looking at a Cortech textile jacket.

Highly recommend Tmaster.

Ride safe.

Any jacket you buy has to have three features. One, make sure that It's not a fashion jacket because the leather will not be thick enough. Second, make sure that there is sufficient padding, especially at the elbows. Third, get the vented kind. That will make a big difference in warmer weather.

I picked up a Westbourne Triumph leather jacket and am impressed with the quality. It weighs close to 8 pounds, has protectors in the shoulders and elbows, has zippered vents on the arms and back, has a removable lining and the leather is thick. Pricey but worth it.

Got a Westbourne Triumph leather jacket that is also weighty with vents and protectors, embossed Triumph logo on back and shoulders. Great, heavy duty jacket that i snagged at 1/2 price. Check the sizes. The one i got was two sizes larger than i usually get...fortunately that was the right size!
Also, +1 on Cortech. I have a Cortech demin jacket that has the protectors, vents, plenty of pockets. Nice jackets.

Would not argue on Triumph gear's quality but it is pricey. I went the cheaper route buy buying a motorcycle jacket and then put on my own patches. I do like many of Triumphs jackets though.

I also have a Westbourne Triumph leather jacket. It is heavy but it is thick, armoured and has kept me warm all winter here in the Pac NW. I also love the Triumph logo embossed on back and shoulders.
Yep, it was pricey but a good investment, if I do say so myself.

I also got a Triumph Integra Mesh jacket for the warmer weather. Breathes well and comes with rain liner.

Here's what I just ordered. Can't beat the price, and I like ordering from New Enough. They've always treated me super-d-duper in the past.

http://www.newenough.com/closeouts/leath...cle_jacket.html

Don't care for the "graphics," but for $100 I'll live with it.

Like the design. Would be awlsome with out the graphics.

Ed...nice to see that someone actually buys American-produced goods. You know I'm not too keen on the Fox Creek jacket I have, but I probably just don't have the right one.

I have 2 Walter Dyer jackets and a Vanson...I don't plan on ever owning a piece of foreign leather. If even I can afford American leather, ANYONE can.

Walter Dyer Leather, the best!!

Walter Dyer Leather

If you live in central California or don't mind waiting for a package in the mail, these guys can't be beat.
http://sacramento.citysearch.com/profile/1287059/yuba_city_ca/purple_hog_leathers.html
I bought a classic bike jacket from them some 30 years ago and it is still in good shape. Bought the OL a vest and jacket from them in the early 80's and they look like new.

Very heavy leather, excellent workmanship and good prices.

yeah on the sizes. had a few triumph jackets that were a couple sizes larger than my normal but ended up being too tight. finally got an 'urban' in 56 (i'm normally 50-52) that fit through the middle but i had to have almost 4 inches taken off the sleeves. high quality stuff but funky sizing.

I did new jacket research and shopping all last winter and decided on the First Gear Scout jacket. I am still very happy with it a year later. I lucked out and found one that was worn once for about half price, using a google search. Buy two sizes larger than other brands.

I'm waiting for them to re-stock this jacket-- tour master transition II friend has one, says its excellent

Yep, that Tour Master has the collar that won't interfere with your helmet.

Once you get this one zipped up to the top the collar restricts your head/helmet movement, especially on any bike that takes a more jockey-like posture that a cruiser. Doesn't exactly block the motion but the increased friction between the collar and the bucket really make you work and riding should be fun.