Jacket wish list

[sofadriver]

My search for a new riding jacket goes on. I could use some help.

Here's what I'm looking for;

absolutely, positively gotta' haves........

1. Plain black leather (but I'm not ruling out white)
2. Cut in the riding position with pre-curved sleeves.
3. Expansion panels behind the shoulders/armpits
4. Great ventilation but not perforated
5. Decent armor

Finding all these things is a lot tougher than I expected.

Comfort off the bike is irrelevant. I just don't want any binding, riding up, neck gouging, etc. while riding.

I'm 5'9", 170lbs but all that fabulous muscle mass I used to have seems to be migrating to my gut. I think it's all part of that "mass centralization" thing we keep hearing about.

Any recommendations would be appreciated!

[WarrenJ]

Vanson Avenger

It has perfed panels in the front that are covered by zip up panels when its cooler.  The jackets are very rugged.  They usually run quite small so order up a size or two.  Vanson makes several types of armor for the jackets and Forcefield makes replacement armor that fits.  I've put about 16K miles on mine with no comfort issues except when stopped on real hot days.

[thought]

What kind of climate are you riding in most of the time and how much are you looking to spend?

500-700 range would be:

Rev'it CR leather jacket = only minor perf, a couple of holes in the chest and arms.  Good for spring/fall on the east coast... you can push it for winter but that's rough.  nice retro look to it, I have it in the cream color and it looks awesome.

Rev'it Tarmac leather jacket = a whole lotta perf, everything blacked out.  very agressive cut, more of a top half of a 2 piece.  armor everywhere.  great up till about 90ish at which point going mesh is the only option.

Dainese Alien perf or non perf = prob my next jacket buy, 3d bubble liner for supposedly better climate control and the perfing is microscopic so you really cant tell.  no liner at all though.

[seevtsaab]

Fox Creek.
I ended up with a Vanson off flea bay as my second less expensive choice.
The Cobra MkII(??) with the panel backed perf for venting, will see how it fares across the seasons.

[WarrenJ]

Being patient and watching e-bay is a good way to get a Vanson at a reasonable price.  I've bought 3 jackets and two pairs of pants off E-bay for about 25 cents on the dollar.  I've also picked up two Vanson jackets from Craigslist for $100 apiece.

I lost about 60 lbs and the jacket is starting to get a little big - I'm considering getting a smaller one or having my existing jacket retailored to fit. 

[sofadriver]

Well, I think I'm going to go with a creme colored Revit CR.
I have an armored mesh jacket for the few days it gets really warm here.
They are really hard to find, though. Only place I can find them is Beach Moto in Cal. Anyone know those guys? I'll order by phone to make sure they actually have them in stock.

I still have to check down at my local BMW dealer, though. They carry a lot of nice stuff.

[thought]

http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/revit-cr-leather-jacket

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/39/26764/ITEM/REVIT-CR-Signature-Leather-Jacket.aspx?WT.ac=SLIsearch

http://stores.sportbiketrackgear.com/Detail.bok?no=7794

all of those stores are solid and if you order from one out of state you wont have to pay tax.

[sofadriver]

thanks, but they all show out of stock/backordered in my size

[jmoth79]

Why no A-stars suggestions?  They seem to have a very wide variety of jackets.

[seevtsaab]

Well, I think I'm going to go with a creme colored Revit CR.
I have an armored mesh jacket for the few days it gets really warm here.
They are really hard to find, though. Only place I can find them is Beach Moto in Cal. Anyone know those guys? I'll order by phone to make sure they actually have them in stock.

I still have to check down at my local BMW dealer, though. They carry a lot of nice stuff.

Well it's closer to new dream Cream than orignial plain black, not sure this would be a touch large, but right here
in our  GFS (I have no affiliation)
http://www.ducatimonsterforum.org/index.php?topic=55183.msg0#new

[okpanic]

i will probably get blasted for this but here goes, if you want to avoid the back of the neck bulge and have a little bit of a gut then you need to get dainese. I have the same problem as you, broad shoulders and a little around the mid section. but every jacket I have owned to accommodate my gut has left the unpleasant neck roll. A*, frank thomas, joe rocket, and teknic all do it. It wasn't until i treated myself to a racing leather by dainese that it fit like I expected it to.