New Jacket

[Rickyz80]

Hey,
I'm looking into riding gear and a jacket and helmet combo that match, so I found I like how the "shift" brand fit when I tried them on at a store, but I found them online for way cheaper. 

It's either between this one which is all leather and fits a bit agressively:

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Or this one which his really comfortable when I tried it on and a bit agressive, but good, and it looked cool too, but it was half leather- half textile, which may not be as good for protection I heard.  But it is a bit cheaper.

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Also, I guess I have to think about what my riding position is on the GS- rather than a more race/rocket position for the jacket cut.

I ride in Ohio and it has a pretty all-around climate (cold at early morning and night/ hot during daytime) and I'll probably use this for all the seasons if I can.

What do you think if price isn't a concern though.

[bikejunkie223]

If it's not comfortable you won't wear it, and then it will provide 0% protection.

[Rickyz80]

I never said the leather one didn't fit good, cause it did feel nice, and I have a feeling it needs to break it. 

As far as helmets go, I was looking at either one of these:
The Scopion line of helmets I tried on at a dealer and they fit really nice.  Way better than the shoei's that I tried on.  The scorpions seemed better for my head and felt lighter and cooler(even though they weren't when I looked at the weights ), and my chin didn't stick out like the TZR's and RF-1000s which was nice. 
Heres the exo-400 octane


or the 700(european 2009 model  think) with twin graphics:


I hope the twin comes to US soon cause I like the 700 and what it's made of versus the 400 polycarbonate-Just none the 700 graphics are that great right now.

Anyways, don't rip on me for being partial to graphics cause I know people will tell me to just get a bright orange helmet. 

[Roadstergal]

Perforated leather beats full leather for comfort and leather/textile for protection.  It's better for changing conditions, as you can layer underneath when it's cold and shed layers when it's warm.  I have a Teknic perforated leather jacket that has been great in a wide range of conditions.

If you have a local shop that lets you try things on, support them by buying from them.  It costs a little more because they have stock on hand and a sales floor to let you find what fits.

I did Scorpion until I saw the Made In China tab, and ditched it for a Shoei.  I don't trust the manufacturing/QC that comes out of there.

[bikejunkie223]

I have a Scorpion Exo-700 and really like it. Try: sportbiketrackgear.com for closeouts on some older Exo-700's with graphics that are a lot better than the current models, and you can get the helmet with a dark smoke sheild (plus clear) for $185 shipped.

[wildbill]

The street fighter jacket you posted  just came in the mail yesterday from motorcycle giant. I rode to work and it was cool out, i felt warm but as soon as i rode it felt comfortable w/ the liner in. When i left work it was pouring and freezing (low 40s, hi 30s) but it didn't feel too cold in it. As far as the rain goes the leather areas kept me dry, my forearm crease was a bit wet but not very much.. this was all in a 20min ride home. The jacket looks great, is on sale, and seems to be a great all year round jacket. There is armor on the back, shoulders and elbows. I feel well protected if i went down. My one gripe is it could use some more leather such as on the sides under the arms and on the belly portion of the front. If you want some more leather protection the Fuse hybrid jacket is on sale for $20 more online. I was gonna get that but ultimately went with this one for the style. If i get into racing or want another jacket i will prob go with a perforated leather one next. Overall i'd give the jacket an 8.5/10.. also got the matching street fighter gloves which look nice and have good protection but SUCK for rain riding. They're not waterproof so i didn't expect much in that area. Good luck with your choice.

[Rickyz80]

That's great! Thanks allot for the review.  I just couldn't seem to find anything on the jacket and that is what I needed to hear.  As far as cold weather riding, that's good to know since I'll probably driving in the cold quite a bit.  In my case, the streetfighter jacket is 50$ cheaper than the sr-1 which isn't too much.  So price isn't that much of an issue, more just comfort. 

I'm still thinking about helmets and Sportbiketrackgear does have some great deals on closeout gear. 

Iron Pony is nice because it's only 15minutes away, but like I said, their prices aren't that spectacular.  I still intend on buying a bunch of stuff there so I don't feel bad about not buy a jacket and helmet from them. 

But I do agree with supporting local businesses.

[mach1]

I have the same exo-400 helmet and its a great helmet wind noise is a bit annoying but not a big deal breaker. removable liner for washing or changing to a cooler design.

[LOUiE]

as far as looks...
I dig the 2nd jacket and the 2nd helmet 

[bikejunkie223]

$150 shipped if you need an extra small or medium

[Kasumi]

Well first off your going the right way, wearing gear and focusing on what FITS first, not what looks the best.

I have tried the textile and the leather route, i much prefer leather. I have a full jacket, trousers, boot, gloves set all perforated with elastic in places to improve the fit (this is a more modern idea and much better than the full leathers of old!) then if it gets cold you can put thermals on underneath, a jacket on top or whatever. If it rains you can get your handy one piece waterproof suit and just zip it over the top. Textiles i find give less protection (as they move around when you fall off and you can get rash from the jacket to your skin rather than road to your skin). But a mix between leather and textile i could quite like.

Only thing is dont buy Frank Thomas, although the protection they offer is good as any, the final finish quality (trims, tabs, velcro's etc...) are all shoddy workmanship. I have fallen off in my full Frank Thomas leathers and not got a scratch on me and they held up as good as any, but things like the velcro on the armour pockets always rips and non saftey important stuff is just shoddy. I keep telling myself not to buy it and then when i go in the shop i end up buying it and kicking myself later.

[Rickyz80]

I'm liking the idea of all leather for protection but it's sounding like a hybrid jacket won't be too much worse.  Thanks again for all the help, and bike junkie, I like the helmet, blue too - and smalls' my size in scorpions so I'll definitely consider it.