New Jacket

[metallyguitarded_imp]

I took a nice long ride through the local canyons and into the foothills yesterday and wore the new jacket for the first time. The sleeve length proved to be perfect while seated on the bike! No alterations needed or desired. And, even more importantly, it was incredibly comfortable. I can only imagine how nice it's going to feel once it breaks in more.

If there's one knock I can make, it's the lack of a thermal liner. Once I made it deep into the canyons (albeit, during a high wind advisory), the cold air was making it through the jacket and things got a bit chilly. The only thing I had on underneath was a t-shirt. Poor planning on my part. Any layering for warmth has to come from other clothing as the jacket does not have an optional liner. Closer to home, the wind was calm and the jacket was perfect.

I like all the pockets on the jacket. On the outside, there are the two zippered hand warmers, a zippered chest pocket and a zippered pocket on the right forearm. I'll probably use the forearm pocket for my key. On the inside, there's a zippered chest pocket on the left, a buttoned chest pocket on the right, and two large, open-topped mesh pockets on both sides along the front-bottom of the jacket. I put my wallet in the inside chest pocket, my eyeglasses and a cap in the inside mesh pockets, my garage door opener in one of the hand warmers, and I had pockets to spare. All that and the jacket still looks sleek and hugs my body comfortably.

The look, the feel, the usefulness ... I love this jacket!

[emptysea]

Nice review. Sounds like the jacket performs as good as it looks.

In my opinion, thermal liners are a bit of an overhyped feature for motorcycle jackets. There's a wide range of performance mid-layers that are more comfortable and which I can wear off the bike (like for running on cold days). I like the versatility of these garments over most jacket liners.

Glad you like you jacket and I'm envious of it and of the fact that you could ride today.

[the Ferret]

Glad the jacket suits you MG.

First thing I did on my Fox Creek was take the liner out and put it on a hanger with the other 10 liners from jackets I own. other than my winter riding coat I don't use any of the liners that come with them, like ES, I prefer to layer underneath, and then add or remove as temps dictate. I may start off with a sweatshirt under the jacket in the morning, shed the sweatshirt and put it in the tail pack mid day, and stop and put the sweatshirt back on in the evening on my way home. That's why I always carry a spare set of gloves too, usually wear the deerskin and pack either mesh in the summer, or heavy gloves in the fall. The mesh for when its above 80, the deerskin between 50 and 80 and the heavy below 50.

[pechorin75_imp]

Great...sounds like you got a better fit than I did (my sleeves were too long even sitting on the bike). Enjoy the jacket!

[rboe]

Ha! I love my fleece liners.
I even bought a "liner" jacket from Aerostich that I use for cool weather jacket (like today).

[gossman_imp]

MG, did you do any magic to assist in breaking in the jacket?

[kevbroce_imp]

I never thought I'd say this but since I've been riding I's really begun to love scarves. Leather jackets block the wind really well but when you get breeze down the neck, it doesn't help much keeping you warm... Problem solved.

[metallyguitarded_imp]

MG, did you do any magic to assist in breaking in the jacket?

No magic. If there are secret black magic techniques to soften new leather jackets, I'm all ears! This jacket was so comfortable right out of the gate. I could stand to lose a few pounds and imagine if I can do that, it will feel even better.

[Lord Popgun]

Speaking of liners, can anyone suggest a good heated liner or vest?

[metallyguitarded_imp]

Nothing wrong with scarves kevbroce! Guys have been wearing them on bikes for ages. And not just on bikes ...

Nation's leaders have worn them.
[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/scarf3.jpg.html]
[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/B3ETD00Z.jpg.html]

Our warriors have worn them.
[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/WW2-Soldier-Scarf-400.jpg.html]
[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/Screen-Shot-2013-05-07-at-5_33_31-PM.png.html]

How's this? James Bond AND the Wolverine!
[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/53669c826c676ea77437f1b3aebf4922.jpg.html]

Even my childhood hero, Bruce Lee has been spotted wearing one!
[url=http://s51.photobucket.com/user/jamesfontaine/media/bruce20nunchaku.jpg.html]

Oh, wait. Those are nunchaku. Still, I like scarves. I haven't worn one yet while riding but I would! I have a Turtle Fur I swear by and a scarf is definitely no worse than that.