Jackets

[sulphur]

I've just been trying on jackets in the Mega Motorcycle Store in Bolton, and really liked one of the Richa leather ones. Black and blue it was, proper comfy etc. price tag said £190 down from £280 or something similar.

Is £190 a bit much for a first jacket? I mean it had all the protection etc, weatherproof, breatheable blah blah.. but is it a bit much for a first jacket?

Wifey would be more at ease with a proper jacket with proper protection, so money really isn't the issue. Would just like to know its worth it or not..?

At the same time, fell in love with a helmet. Box bX 2r with superman paint job. Awesome! Although it makes me feel like I have a huge fucking head 'cos the XL didn't fit.. haha

[Clanger]

[Fifteen15]

Not at all. I paid about £150 for my first leather jacket. One year later I ended up selling it and buying a 'better' one for £280 down from £370. I've only been riding for less than 2 years. I bought budget gear at first but I've replaced everything since then.
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"Pain is weakness leaving the body, and blood makes the grass grow faster...but I'll wear my gear anyway"

[neeklondon]

Spend the money on the better jacket.

Not worth skimping on it - what if you get a cheap one and you find it leaks water in, that's going to make riding in the rain crap - get it now, or your'll just end up getting it a year or so down the line anyway

[Louise]

My first proper Jacket was brought for me £140 Alpinestars, Ive had it about 6 years now...
I have 3 other jackets that all cost around £150 each - altho if im honest I dont really wear them. They last alot longer then you think, if you dont crash

[nowhere.elysium]

[KLR600]

My first leather jacket was £170 about 7 years ago. It was down from £250 or something like that. It's still my only leather jacket but the bottom of the zip has started to come away from the jacket so I need to get that fixed.

I've been through loads of textile jackets, mostly hand me downs or cheap second hand ones. Not crashed in any, they just started letting in too much water so I replaced them.
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Now: '00 Kawasaki ZRX1100R - Past: '84 Yamaha DT125, '89 Kawasaki KLR600, '97 Yamaha XJ600N
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[sulphur]

Cheers for the replies. Glad to hear that most have spent roughly what I'm looking at. Also great to hear that after years of ownership they're still going strong.

Leather would have a greater lifespan than a textile then, yes? Stay waterproof for longer etc etc? Think I'm pretty much sold on this jacket now.

Regarding the helmet I mentioned, anyone any opinions? I find it difficult to determine if a helmet is comfy or fits well or not.. I've never worn one before so it's kinda hard to say...

[nowhere.elysium]

Leather doesn't really do a convincing job of being waterproof. It's generally more durable, though; if you're looking at getting leathers, also budget £50 for a decent rainsuit.
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'10 SV650SF, '83 GS650GT (it lives!), Questionable DIY dash project, 3D Printer project, Lasercutter project

[sulphur]

[reed]

My first jack was £6 I think although now I have a proper leather jacket, alpinestar leather trousers, and an RST one piece suit
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Generic XOR 50, Gilera SMT 50, GSXR 400 GK73A, Ducati Monster 600, Honda Hornet 600.
Sold. Stolen. Written off. Sold. Current.

[nowhere.elysium]

Leathers tend to survive being run across the tarmac at speed a bit better than textiles do. They also feel a bit more substantial, which is probably where the sense of safety comes form. Either way, the trick is to ride in such a manner that precludes you from coming off as a result of pilot error, really. No amount of armour will save you if a car hits you, but leathers tend to minimise the amount of skin lost if you come off.
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'10 SV650SF, '83 GS650GT (it lives!), Questionable DIY dash project, 3D Printer project, Lasercutter project

[Bendy]

[barrkel]