5 Common Mistakes Riders Make When Choosing a Riding Jacket (And How to Avoid Them)
5 Common Mistakes Riders Make When Choosing a Riding Jacket (And How to Avoid Them)
Blog Article
A motorcycle jacket isn’t just a piece of gear—it’s a rider’s first line of defense against the elements, road rash, and more. Whether you're a seasoned rider or just starting out, choosing the right riding jacket is crucial for both comfort and safety. Unfortunately, many riders make mistakes when selecting their jacket, which can lead to discomfort, decreased protection, or even dangerous riding situations.
In this blog, we’ll walk through the five most common mistakes riders make when choosing a motorcycle jacket and provide you with helpful tips on how to avoid them.
1. Choosing Style Over Functionality
It’s easy to get caught up in the aesthetics of a riding jacket. After all, riding gear is often associated with style, and many riders want to look good while on the road. But choosing a jacket based on its appearance rather than its functionality can have serious consequences.
The Mistake: Many riders opt for jackets that look cool but don’t provide adequate protection or comfort for their riding style. For example, a leather jacket that looks great on the street may not offer sufficient ventilation or armor for long-distance riding.
How to Avoid It: When choosing a riding jacket, prioritize safety and comfort over style. Look for jackets that offer key protective features such as:
- Armor: Make sure the jacket includes CE-rated armor for the shoulders, elbows, and back. The best jackets will have pre-padded pockets for armor and may even include a back protector.
- Ventilation: If you ride in hot weather, consider a jacket with ventilation panels or mesh inserts. This will keep you cool and dry on longer rides, reducing fatigue and discomfort.
- Reflective Materials: Safety should always come first. Opt for jackets with reflective panels or piping, which enhance visibility, especially during night rides or low-light conditions.
By combining safety with style, you can find a jacket that looks good and performs well.
2. Ignoring the Fit
One of the most common mistakes riders make is selecting a jacket that doesn’t fit properly. A poorly fitted jacket can significantly impact comfort, mobility, and protection.
The Mistake: Whether it’s choosing a jacket that’s too loose or too tight, a poor fit can prevent the jacket from doing its job. A jacket that’s too tight can restrict movement, limit airflow, and be uncomfortable on long rides. On the other hand, a jacket that's too loose may not provide the protection it’s designed for, and the armor may not align with your body for optimal safety.
How to Avoid It: When trying on a motorcycle jacket, make sure you can comfortably move your arms, shoulders, and torso. Here’s how to check for the right fit:
- Arm and Shoulder Mobility: Make sure you can move your arms and shoulders freely without the jacket pulling or feeling restrictive. You should be able to stretch and reach without any discomfort.
- Waist and Chest Fit: The jacket should be snug but not tight around your torso. You should be able to zip up the jacket comfortably without feeling constricted. Pay attention to the waist and make sure there’s no excess fabric that could flap at high speeds.
- Jacket Length: The jacket should extend far enough to cover your lower back, especially when riding. A jacket that’s too short may leave your back exposed to the wind, rain, or road rash in the event of a fall.
If you’re between sizes, it’s often best to go with the larger option and make use of adjustable straps or cinches to customize the fit.
3. Overlooking Weather Protection
Motorcycle riders often ride in varying weather conditions. Whether you're braving the elements in the middle of summer or riding through chilly, rainy weather, your jacket needs to offer adequate weather protection.
The Mistake: Riders sometimes choose jackets that aren’t suited for the weather conditions they’ll be riding in. For example, a summer jacket made of mesh may provide excellent ventilation but offer no protection against rain or cold weather.
How to Avoid It: Consider the weather conditions you'll be riding in most frequently and select a jacket accordingly. Some jackets are designed for specific seasons and weather conditions:
- Summer: Look for lightweight, breathable jackets made with mesh or perforated fabrics. These jackets provide ventilation to keep you cool and wick away sweat. Some also have removable liners for increased airflow.
- Winter: For cold weather, look for jackets made from thick, insulated materials with windproof and waterproof features. Jackets with thermal liners or removable insulating layers are also a good choice for winter riding.
- Rain Protection: Choose a jacket that is water-resistant or comes with a waterproof liner. Some jackets even come with built-in rain covers or waterproof zippers to keep water out.
Many riding jackets are multi-season, meaning they offer versatility in different weather conditions. Consider getting a jacket with removable liners or adjustability features to help you adapt to changing weather.
4. Failing to Prioritize Safety Features
The primary purpose of a motorcycle jacket is protection. Riders often get distracted by the look and feel of the jacket and fail to prioritize the essential safety features.
The Mistake: Skimping on safety features can be a costly mistake, as your jacket may not provide the necessary protection in the event of an accident. Some riders neglect to look for armor, which is crucial for absorbing impact and reducing injuries.
How to Avoid It: When shopping for a riding jacket, always check for the following safety features:
- CE-Certified Armor: Look for jackets that include CE-level armor (Level 1 or Level 2) in the shoulders, elbows, and back. The armor should fit snugly in the jacket’s designated pockets.
- Abrasion Resistance: The material of the jacket should be durable enough to withstand abrasion in case of a slide. Leather and high-denier textile fabrics are often the best materials for resisting road rash.
- Back Protection: Many jackets have a pocket for a back protector, which can significantly reduce the risk of spinal injuries in an accident. If your jacket doesn’t come with one, consider purchasing a separate back protector.
- Reinforced Seams: Check the stitching and seams to ensure they’re reinforced for added strength. Weak stitching can result in the jacket falling apart in a crash.
A riding jacket with the right safety features can make all the difference in an accident, so always prioritize protection when choosing your gear.
5. Not Considering the Jacket’s Versatility
Motorcycle jackets can be a significant investment, so it’s important to choose one that offers versatility for different riding situations.
The Mistake: Riders sometimes choose jackets that are too specialized for one type of riding, making them impractical for other activities. For example, a racing jacket designed for track use may not be suitable for touring or commuting.
How to Avoid It: When selecting a jacket, think about your riding style and needs. If you do a mix of commuting, touring, and weekend rides, look for a jacket that’s versatile enough for all these activities. Features to consider include:
- Removable Liners: Jackets with removable thermal or waterproof liners allow you to adjust the jacket’s performance depending on the season and weather.
- Adjustability: Look for adjustable cuffs, waistbands, and vents to tailor the jacket’s fit and comfort depending on your riding conditions.
- Multi-Purpose Design: Many jackets offer a balance between style, comfort, and safety, making them suitable for both city riding and longer trips.
A versatile jacket ensures you get the most value from your purchase, saving you from needing multiple jackets for different riding conditions.
Conclusion
Choosing the right riding jacket is crucial for safety, comfort, and long-term enjoyment of your riding experience. By avoiding these five common mistakes—focusing too much on style, ignoring fit, overlooking weather protection, neglecting safety features, and not considering versatility—you can ensure that your jacket will serve you well for many rides to come.
Take your time when shopping for a riding jacket, and always prioritize safety, comfort, and functionality over style alone. A good motorcycle jacket is an investment in your safety, and with the right choice, you’ll enjoy countless miles of protection and comfort on the road. Report this page