A motorcycle ride is an exhilarating experience, but it's important to prioritise safety no matter what kind of ride you are embarking on. One crucial piece of riding gear that often gets overlooked is a top quality riding jacket. Not only does it enhance your safety but also significantly improves your comfort during rides.
Why a Riding Jacket is Essential
Whether you're a casual commuter, an adventure enthusiast, or a long-distance tourer, a high-quality riding jacket in India is designed to safeguard you against the unpredictability of the road while enhancing your riding experience.
Protection:
The main reason why a biker must invest in a good biking jacket is for protection. A good riding jacket should come equipped with built-in armor at critical impact points such as the shoulders, elbows, and back. This armor absorbs impact energy, reducing the risk of fractures or other severe injuries.
- Impact Protection: A good riding jacket is equipped with impact-resistant armor, typically at the shoulders, elbows, and back. This armor can significantly reduce the severity of injuries in case of an accident.
- Abrasion Resistance: The outer shell of the jacket is made from durable materials like leather or abrasion-resistant textiles. These materials can help protect your skin from road rash in the event of a slide.
- Visibility: Part of the protection features, includes visibility when the rider is travelling at night. It’s imperative that the jacket has reflective parts/strips, so that he can be viewed by other traffic in low light situations.
Weather Protection:
Weather in India can be diverse throughout the year. A rider is likely to encounter intense heat, rain and in some cases intense cold as well. If you are likely to go for long rides and tours like a Ladakh biking trip, you are going to need a biking jacket that covers ground on many aspects.
- Waterproof and Windproof: A quality riding jacket is designed to keep you dry and warm in adverse weather conditions. It's essential to look for jackets with waterproof and windproof membranes.
- Ventilation: During warmer weather, a well-ventilated riding jacket can keep you cool and comfortable. Look for jackets with mesh panels or ventilation zippers.
Comfort:
A good riding jacket is ergonomically designed to reduce fatigue during long rides. Features like pre-curved sleeves, adjustable straps, and padded collars ensure a comfortable fit, preventing chafing or discomfort on extended journeys. Specialised adventure or touring jackets often include storage pockets for essentials, keeping your items secure and easily accessible.
- Ergonomic Design: A good riding jacket should be comfortable to wear for extended periods. It should allow for freedom of movement and not restrict your riding position.
- Adjustable Features: Look for jackets with adjustable features like cuffs, waist, and collar to ensure a perfect fit.
- Pockets: Since the rider is likely to wear gloves and helmets as well, it’s important to have accessible and water resistant pockets where objects that need to be accessed frequently, are kept.
Explore a number of Reise’s own private label jackets and other branded riding jackets on www.reisemoto.com. Find a number of styles and featured jackets here.
Key Features to Look for in a Riding Jacket
- Protection:
- Armor: CE-certified armor is the gold standard for impact protection. Look out for this in your biking jacket when choosing one. Ideally level 2 armor is recommended.
- Abrasion Resistance: Look for jackets made from durable materials like leather, Kevlar, or Cordura. For example, Reise riding jackets use proprietary material called ToughGuard 600D (PU coated polyester).
- Weather Protection:
- Waterproof and Windproof Membranes: These membranes keep you dry and warm in wet and windy conditions.
- Ventilation: Mesh panels and ventilation zippers allow for airflow and temperature regulation.
- Comfort:
- Ergonomic Design: The jacket should fit well and not restrict movement.
- Adjustable Features: Adjustable cuffs, waist, and collar ensure a personalized fit.
- Reflective Materials: Improve visibility in low-light conditions.
- Pockets: Convenient storage for essential items.
Choosing the Right Riding Jacket
When choosing a riding jacket, consider the following factors:
- Riding Style: The type of riding you do will determine the specific features you need. For example, touring riders may prioritize comfort and weather protection, while sport bike riders may focus on protection and performance.
- Climate: If you live in a region with varying weather conditions, consider a versatile jacket that can be layered or adjusted to suit different temperatures.
- Budget: Riding jackets come in a wide range of prices. Set a budget and look for a jacket that offers the best value for your money.
Additional Tips for Riding Jacket Care
- Regular Cleaning: Clean your jacket regularly to remove dirt, grime, and salt stains.
- Proper Storage: Store your jacket in a cool, dry place to prevent damage.
- Check for Wear and Tear: Inspect your jacket regularly for signs of wear and tear, especially the armor and zippers.
- Replace Worn-Out Components: Replace any damaged or worn-out components promptly.
By investing in a top quality riding jacket, you're investing in your safety and comfort. It's a crucial piece of gear that can make a significant difference in your riding experience. Remember, a good riding jacket for Indian roads is not just a fashion statement; it's a vital piece of safety equipment.
- Team Reise Moto
