Opinions on gear

[My Name Is Dave]

I'm about to drop some dough at NewEnough.com on a pair of jackets, but I want to hear the opinions of you all. One is a leather and one is a textile.

Here are the links:

http://www.newenough.com/product_group_closeout_leather.htm

I am looking at the Teknic Lightning Leather Jacket.

http://www.newenough.com/product_group_closeout_textile.htm

The Joe Rocket Atomic Textile Jacket is on my list.

Here's my story: I live in Oregon and don't plan on doing any wet weather riding for now. So I am limited in the amount of riding I can do, even in the summer. But if it's merely cold and will be dry, I'll ride. I am thinking a textile for mild-medium days and leather for evenings or chilly days. I am hoping to stay as close to $200 as possible. Those 2 add up to $210 with shipping. Not a bad deal.

However, I would love to hear opinions. Should I just spend more on one coat? Here are links to Joe Rocket jackets:

http://www.newenough.com/product_group_mens_joerocket_textile_private.htm

Like I said, I am trying to stick to $200 or less and was considering the Tecnic leather and Joe Rocket textile, but I would really appreciate your input. I cannot tell you how valuable this site has been to me. Thanks so much.

Dave  

[lifeon2]

not bad choices at all but dont forget to check out ebay as well and also have you considered the Joe Rocket Alter Ego?

[My Name Is Dave]

I have looked at it, but not really considered it too much. I think those 2 I picked out are smokin' deals and would like to jump on them unless I hear someone specifically say no to one or both. I'll check out the Alter Ego while I have time.

[Jake D]

I've got the Joe Rocket Atomic jacked (yellow over black).  It is great.  Well made.  Enough protection, and lots of vents.  With all the vents open, I've been cool enough up to mid-80's and warm enough (with them closed) for colder temps.  Two thumbs waaaaay up for the Joe Rocket Atomic and newenough.com.  

Buy it!!!

[My Name Is Dave]

So you love that coat? Very cool. Put a check mark next to that. And any opinions on the leather? It seems like a well-made, nice jacket.

By the way, everyone says "don't skimp when it comes to gear," and I agree that you shouldn't go get the cheapest stuff. But as far as I know, there's no problem with getting quality stuff inexpensively.

[davipu]

a teknic chicane with the included liner for colder days with out the liner for warm ones, plenty of vents, water resistant incase you get cought, and lots of proctection, msrp 149,

the best thing to do though, is to go over to beaverton honda and try stuff on, they usually have a large rack of last years jackets on closeout if you are feeling cheep.  
I crash tested the chicane textile jacket at 70, then rode another 450 miles home, I just can't say enough good things about it. don't forget gloves man, you can pick up a good pair for cheep if you don't care about looks, like these http://www.newenough.com/tour_master_robomax_carbon_gloves_page.htm

[My Name Is Dave]

Nice stuff. Maybe I'll swing by tonight on the way home. I work in the Couv off 205, so it's not too far out of the way. I have a pair of Joe Rocket gloves with the hard knuckles and padding that I bought when I got the bike and a HJC helmet that fits great. I have been debating what to do about shoes, and I am probably going to wear my Dr. Martens. They are new and have been worn twice, so it's not like I need them for normal use. Some toe scuffs from shifting are no sweat.

Next are pants...
And MSF...

But for now, jackets.

[davipu]

ewwwwwww, the couve,  you admit that? :lol:   do the doc's cover your ankles? cause that's the most important thing with shoes/boots. that and good non slip soles. cause when you come to a stop and put your feet down your most likely going to have oil on the road.

[My Name Is Dave]

Hey, I didn't pick it. If my job offer would have been in PDX, I would have been MUCH happier. Vancouver is the armpit of the Pacific Northwest. It's the Marshall High School of cities.  

The boots are high-tops. Anything is better than the sneakers I've been wearing. I know, shoot me.  :guns:

So nobody knows anything about that leather? And is one even necessary in my environment? I guess leather is good anywhere though.

[davipu]

no you'll be fine with the tex.

[My Name Is Dave]

I'm getting lost here. So you recommend the Teknic Chicane, which is a leather and is $150? I see it for $200 on the NewEnough site. And then you say that tex is good enough, but this coat is leather. I am not smart today, which is likely the problem. Long nights drinking and early mornings working are not a good combo.  

[davipu]

they make both a textile one and a leather one.
leather  http://www.newenough.com/teknic_chicane5_jacket_page.htm
textile,  http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/item.aspx?style=5103&department=112&Division=1
btw beaverton honda had a good selection of allweather textile jackets the last time I was up there (about 3 weeks ago)  the sales people are really friendly, and more important than the brand is the fit while riding, unless you just piss them off they will let you go sit on your bike with the jacket on to see how it fits.

[My Name Is Dave]

And hypothetically, being that it is summer, colder-weather coats should be cheaper. I'll go shopping tonight or tomorrow. If nothing there, I have some good ideas to run with online. I am still open to suggestions, by the way. Every piece of advice helps.
I am a noob.  :dunno:

[davipu]

yeay, admiting it is the first step to the healing process.

[My Name Is Dave]

http://www.newenough.com/icon_timax_jacket_page_private.htm

Anyone familiar with this one? It looks nice. But if it's not worth the extra $100 over the Joe Rocket, I'll pass.

:mrgreen:

[hairball]

I think the armor is on the weak side.  I would find out more before buying that one.  imho.

[roma258]

I bought the Teknic Lightning jacket from NewEnough. I think it's a killer deal, my only complaint is that it's a little long in the torso, so tends to bunch up on my GS, no biggie. Make sure to buy a hot weather jacket though, it's not bad below 80, but practically unbearable when it gets hot. Let me know if you have any other questions.

[SWEET-TL1000R]

I'd say leather is the only way to go!

I've got a Teknic Chicane two piece suit and have to say that I won't wear anything but leather!

I had a Joe Rocket Mech textile jacket...  After 1 season it was garbage and so think and flexable it flapped all over.

I say go with the leather Teknic jacket, you won't be let down!

[My Name Is Dave]

OK, I think I'll pick that leather up and a textile for the (rare) hot Oregon days. One more question regarding the leather: I tried on a bunch of AlpineStars, Frank Thomas, and Joe Rocket leathers at Cycle Gear and size 44 seemed about right (I'm 6'2", 180 lbs of pure fury  :guns:   ) and the site says I should order on size up, so I would need a 46. Is that about right to anyone who wears a Tenkic leather? I'd like to get it right before I order and get an ill-fitting jacket.

Thanks ladies and germs,

Dave  

[conflicttheorist]

I'm a 44 and the 46 fit me right.  It is tight around the shoulders.  One thing about my teknic- the arm vent sipper recently ripped off, and I haven't worn the jacket that much.  I had it fixed, but still a quality issue.  it could be due to my bicep size.  the fit of the jacket seems better for pearshaped or straight torsoed individuals rather that buffed "V" shaped ones.  Still, I get lots of compliments and looks in it.  i am 5'10 and 180.  A 46 should fit your lanky ass just fine.