help me pick a jacket, too, please. (and pants)

[wombosi]

riding an '86 nighthawk 450, going on a big 2,000 mile trip. want to be well protected.
after that mostly i will be traveling short distances around town.

i am 6' 1" and 175 lbs. and have a long torso. basically a "tall, skinny guy."
looking at:

1) Icon Motorhead Jacket, leather
- Looks nice but wondering if the neck would be too cold/exposed.

2) Joe Rocket Blaster 2.0 leather. Looks also pretty nice. Has a bit more collar, but I'm wondering if it would be too short on me.

3) Scorpian XDR Commander, textile. Basically this looks great. I like the length, all the straps and pockets and armor. But could be very bulky and stiff too.

1 & 2 are used, and thus affordable. I have no problem buying a used jacket.


I guess it would be nice to have a removeable liner and waterproof barrier. But I also like leather.

Again, I want to be well protected. I also want to be able to walk around town in my gear. I would rather be sweating than freezing.

I bought a pair of full height Cortech boots. I suppose whatever pants I get could go inside or over.

Can anyone recommend a good pair of pants with hard armor and hip padding, that goes either inside or over boots ,and can be worn around town? Either leather or textile.

It's challenging to make decisions on these things. Nothing really around here locally where  I can go see any of it and try it on.

Thanks!

[Soupskin]

I'm a fan of mesh with multiple layers.  Get cold, add a layer.  Get hot, take a layer off.  That said, they do not offer the same abrasion protection as leather.

I think your best bet is to try all three on and see what fits you better.  Make sure you mount up and assume the position while you are trying them on.  Wearing the gear while standing  means nothing after you've been riding 500+ miles.

[Baileyman]

I'm a big fan of these jackets  http://www.safermoto.com/index.html.  The built in airbag provides an extra layer of safety that is unparalleled IMO.  The price isn't much more than some other good, new jackets without airbags.  They've also got vests with just the airbag portion if you already have a jacket you like.

If you're in the market for something used because of coast, these might not be the best option, but for a new jacket, the price is comparable to other jackets.

It claims to be water resistant.  I stay dry inside, but the jacket still gets plenty wet.  In heavy rain I will throw a bright yellow rain coat over it.  Keeps me very warm, more visible, and plenty dry.

You might need to order 1 size up.  They're super good about returns if you get the wrong size.

[wombosi]

thanks guys.
as i said before, there aren't any good stores near me to try this stuff  on.

what do you all think of the first gear "jaunt" jacket?

looks pretty simple and nice.

[bajakirch]

Here's my $.02.

If you're tall and skinny, I'd for sure recommend a 3/4 length jacket. You'll definitely appreciate if you hit any serious weather.

I'm a fan of textile because it dries faster and, to me, is more flexible than leather. Plus, I just like the look better.

If you haven't checked it out yet, give www.motorcyclegear.com a look. Innumerable members here have purchased their stuff, and I've never heard a bad word. Check out their Closeout and Last Chance sections; basically, a lot of new stuff for used prices. Here's one I've been watching for a couple of weeks, trying to decide if I want to convince the wife that it'd make a good early Father's Day gift: http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/last_chance_bargains/tour_master/saber_series_2_textile_motorcycle_jacket.html

[fishball]

I recommend this jacket.  It is one of the few that are actually cut for tall riders.  Plus it is on close-out so the price is very good.  Motorcyclegear.com has an excellent return policy if the jacket fit isn't right.

http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/textile_jackets_and_pants/scorpion/strike_textile_motorcycle_jacket.html