what's a good leather jacket?

[MKIV]

I'll put in a vote for the JR Super Ego..

It's a full leather with a removable leather chest/back, mesh underneath. Stays cool in the heat with mesh exposed. Fits me snug, but comfortably. (That's the way it should be IMO) Armor works great and stays in place, jacket holds up great, I've tested it.  :lol:

[70 Cam Guy]

Icon is overpriced for what you get, IMO.  Get the Violator.

I'd have to say the Motorhead jacket he posted felt like a solid jacket when I tried it in the store.

[milo]

I recently picked up a Teknic Violator, a steal from Newenough.com (unfortunately it's no longer for sale there). This is a seriously good jacket, best I've ever owned. The reviewer there praised it by favorably comparing it to the Alpinestars TZ-1, so I imagine that one's pretty good too.

I've been looking for a Joe Rocket Santa Fe as a proper summer jacket... but it seem they can't be had for love or money. What's that about?

[MKIV]

I recently picked up a Teknic Violator, a steal from Newenough.com (unfortunately it's no longer for sale there). This is a seriously good jacket, best I've ever owned. The reviewer there praised it by favorably comparing it to the Alpinestars TZ-1, so I imagine that one's pretty good too.

I've been looking for a Joe Rocket Santa Fe as a proper summer jacket... but it seem they can't be had for love or money. What's that about?

eBay is your friend, for everything and anything.

http://search.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&sojs=1&from=R10&satitle=joe+rocket+santa+fe&sacat=-1%26catref%3DC6&bs=Search&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D2&sadis=200&fpos=21157&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=1&fsoo=1

Seems to be a lot like the Super Ego, but without the leather on the back and chest.

[roguegeek]

First off, don't pay $350 for the JR Blaster jacket. You should be able to find that thing almost anywhere for $300 now. Second, for the price range in which you're looking, I would seriously recommend you go try on the Alpinestars TZ-1 leather jacket. It's going to also be around $300 and, in my opinion, it's a far superior jacket in terms of features, looks, protection, and quality.

[dyran]

Love my teknic SpeedStar-II two piece, I really believe in a full suit it's not that much more to buy and if there is a motorcycle show in the area you can find really good deals. Alpine is better quality than JR but it's really all about what feels comfortable and what you feel safe in....good luck and remember all gear all the time = less chance of skin grafting.

[GSJames]

First off, don't pay $350 for the JR Blaster jacket. You should be able to find that thing almost anywhere for $300 now.

Is that Canadian?

[GSJames]

I recently picked up a Teknic Violator, a steal from Newenough.com (unfortunately it's no longer for sale there). This is a seriously good jacket, best I've ever owned. The reviewer there praised it by favorably comparing it to the Alpinestars TZ-1, so I imagine that one's pretty good too.

I've been doing some research into the Teknic Violator jackets.  And I heard from various sources that there is an issue with the stitching coming loose in the first few months?  Because in the "new" Violator (the one being made for 05-06 season) it seems they do the stitching differently (perhaps to correct a flaw in the last design)?

I assume milo that if you're advocating it you've had no problems.  Anyone else out there speak from personal experience about the quality of Teknic jackets?

[My Name Is Dave]

+1 for Teknic! I have this jacket: http://www.newenough.com/teknic_lightning_jacket_page.htm in blue.

Here's a pic:

I love it so much that I just ordered a red one (some day I may have a red bike...who knows  :dunno: ) I got a size 46. I normally wear 44 (6'2", 180 lbs.) and this jacket fits me perfectly. It feels really strong and looks great, IMHO.

My new one was $90 after the $10 credit for sending in a picture of me wearing the blue with a testimonial to their awesome prices and service. I'd recommend it to anyone.



Dave  

PS Sorry about the photo size, I am not sure how to resize. And sorry about the stupid picture; it was hot as hell in my room and I had to duck for the short little lady to get a good photo without her having to get up (sorry to ask so much   ) That smirk is not too handsome.

[My Name Is Dave]

Oh, and the jacket is pretty good in any type of weather. I wore it this weekend to the coast, and the drive included the very hot freeways with bad traffic, medium-paced coastal highway drives, and the chilly mountains. I got a little hot in the stopped traffic, but I was otherwise really comfy.

Dave  

[GSJames]

Thanks for all the responses guys.  I went with the Violator, for $319+tax.

Here it is: