Leather Jackets are made Specifically for Motorcycle Riders

By Christy M

The leather jacket protects a driver’s torso and arms. The motorcycle leather jacket is different from the classic leather jacket, because it is used more as armor than a fashion statement.

The motorcycle leather jacket protects the driver from cold, wind and abrasions. Now-a-days motorcycle leather jackets are different from normal leather jackets in that it has extra layer padding from the inside to give that extra protection. You may note that the normal leather jacket is cheaper than the motorcycle jacket for obvious reasons. A common motorcycle leather jacket is zippered, multi-pocketed and has a belted waist. Some leather jackets are made of cowhide. Motorcycle jackets are most useful when they have been fitted with proper armor.

Motorcycle Jackets Give Riders a Stylish Look

By Evelyn Whitaker

Today, various types of motorcycle jackets are available in the market, and these consist of simple cotton motorcycle jackets, leather motorcycle jackets, and riders jackets made of various protective materials depending upon the specific requirements. Cowhide jackets are thicker, offer better protection, and are durable. You can get fashionable sheepskin jackets in a variety of zippered, patch worked and other fashionable designs.
You may also choose between short skin tight rider jackets which facilitate greater speeding, more comfortable jackets for city cruising, and leather jackets for racers. Whatever jacket you choose, your jacket should always serve the purpose for which you are buying it.

A Purchasing Guide for Leather Motorcycle Apparel

By Michael Talbert

The natural solution was leather. A good “riding grade” leather jacket combined with motorcycle chaps or leather pants, will act as a second skin between you and the road, and can quite literally “save your hide”. The most common material for motorcycle leather is cowhide, chosen for its strength and durability. Buffalo hide, another high quality leather, is made not from the U.S. buffalo, but the water buffalo most commonly found in India and Pakistan. Many leather products come from this part of the world, and the Pakistanis are world renown for their expertise in the manufacturing of leather garments. Whichever type of hide you choose, you must understand the tanning process, and how it adds or detracts from the quality of the leather.

Types of Leather

To fully understand the types of leather available, one must first know the term “grain”. The grain is simply the epidermis, or outer layer of the animal’s skin.

Finished Split Leather

The middle or lower section of a hide that has been split into two or more thicknesses. A polymer coating is applied and embossed to mimic grain leather.

Top Grain

Top grain leather has been sanded to remove scars and imperfections, then sprayed or pasted for a uniform look. Top grain is not the same quality as full grain or naked leather, but thicknesses of 1.2-3mm make this type of leather a very strong and durable riding grade material.

Full-Grain and Naked Leather

Full-Grain leather is made from the finest hides, and has not been sanded to remove imperfections. The natural full-grain naked leather will wear better than other leather, and will actually improve over the years. This type of leather is the ultimate riding grade; the most sought after, and consequently, the most expensive.

For winter biking, a jacket with side laces and a belt will allow you to adjust the jacket to fit snugly against the upper body. You can also wear a leather vest underneath your motorcycle jacket for extra warmth. For hot summer days, a leather jacket with air vents allows the air to circulate underneath the jacket and around your body. Leather is not meant to get wet, as that tends to deplete the natural oils, and it is advisable to wear a rain suit over your leathers in inclement weather. This supplements the natural oils in the leather itself, which can be washed out through repeated exposure to water. Frequent oiling of leather with mink oil or other commercially available products will keep your leathers supple and improve their lifespan dramatically.

A well maintained top quality leather motorcycle jacket will easily give you 10 years and more of riding pleasure!

Edited By : Agus Wahyudi

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