Leather jackets

[Leslie]

So I've heard it recommended that people wear leather jackets when riding in case of a wreck, to protect them. Doesn't that get awfully hot in the summertime? Is there a cooler way to protect themselves?

 

[Craig]

I think any protection is going to be layers, which is hot. Usually the wind is so strong, you stay pretty cool though. If you're going to be doing a lot of sitting in red lights, or riding in traffic I'm sure it would get hot.

 

[Leslie]

It's a shame that motorcycles don't have air conditioning, huh? LOL Well, I suppose they DO in a way, but only when moving! Still, it seems common sense that a rider would want to protect themselves, doesn't it?

 

[Fanbelt]

Leslie, motorcycles has natural air conditioning. It's new to me that a leather jacket protect the rider better than another type of jacket, but it makes sense.

 

[Dodge Doll]

Dedicated riders are now wearing Kevlar more than leather, up where I am. It fares better when a bike goes down & does a better job of protecting skin in a slide, and is being manufactured to look like a pair of jeans.

Then again, I saw one enthusiast with the entire ensemble, including the special leather with the neck protector: HE was what turned your head, not the 'crotch rocket' he was riding.

 

[Leslie]

I haven't seen Kevlar; I'll have to look it up. Is it lighter than leather, too, as well as stronger? The name reminds me of Mylar, which is shiny. Is Kevlar that way, too?

 

[Donald]

Even if it's hot, I think you should have as much safety protection as possible, it's not worth taking any unnecessary risks. Leather jackets and Kevlar are great, but I still think the most important safety piece is a good helmet. Sometimes I see riders wearing a leather jacket, but they don't have a helmet on. I don't understand their thinking there, it seems nuts to me.