Dririder Nordic 3 Jacket

[Ixion]

Welcome back to the world of motorcyclng. If you can afford it, go leather.

If you care about image and are going to race, buy leather. Anything else and you're better off with textile.

When experts disagree what's a man to do

One factor is that not often mentioned is that leather can be "smart" enough to wear in a social, non-motorcycle setting. Which textile isn't - at least none that I've seen

I could wear (some) leather jackets to quite a fancy dinner party without a raised eyebrow. Don't think theres a textile one that I could do that.

Now all I have to do is save up my pennies to buy such a jacket
[we need a "money" smilie ]

[Big Dave]

The experts disagree because there is no 'right' answer.
Each has its advantages.

My advice is to initially buy a good leather jacket and a $100 plastic to go over it, and then a good goretex for touring, real bad weather later on.

Arlen Ness also make a nice jacket that is a 'combo' of the two.
http://www.davidcohen.co.nz/rod.jpg

[Ixion]

..

Arlen Ness also make a nice jacket that is a 'combo' of the two.
http://www.davidcohen.co.nz/rod.jpg

Do you have a reference for it ? I checked their website, but the jackets all seemed to be "straight forward" leather ones.

[Jantar]

When experts disagree what's a man to do

One factor is that not often mentioned is that leather can be "smart" enough to wear in a social, non-motorcycle setting. Which textile isn't - at least none that I've seen

I could wear (some) leather jackets to quite a fancy dinner party without a raised eyebrow. Don't think theres a textile one that I could do that.

Now all I have to do is save up my pennies to buy such a jacket
[we need a "money" smilie ]

There was a time when I was a dedicated textile wearer. I used to believe that riders wearing leather only did so for the image. It was overpriced, heavy, and very old fashioned. I also believed that leather wouldn't keep the rider dry in the rain etc etc.

However when I binned at over 170 kph (on the race track at Levels), and walked away without a scratch, and only minor bruising, and more importantly, without destroying the leathers, I started making a more in depth comparison. I also started wearing leather on the road instead of only on the track.

I am sold on the idea that leather is safer and more durable. As long as it is properly waxed it is also waterproof.

However, having said all that, there are many times that I will leave my leather gear at home, or in the panniers, and ride in textiles. This is mainly in the summer when its just too hot for leather.

So I have to agree with Big Dave that there is no absolute right answer.

[Big Dave]

Do you have a reference for it ? I checked their website, but the jackets all seemed to be "straight forward" leather ones.

I don't sorry - nothing on the tags - i got it from the importers - whites - Motomail had stock a while ago - not sure what the current status is.
I'll check and get back to you.

It was called 'Tour-Ness' locally.

[Slim]

I don't sorry - nothing on the tags - i got it from the importers - whites - Motomail had stock a while ago - not sure what the current status is.
I'll check and get back to you.

It was called 'Tour-Ness' locally.

Whites only have "Cruise-Ness" & "Max-Ness" jackets on their catalogue now.

You can find piccies of some Arlen Ness Cordura jackets at http://www.onyerbike.net/arlenness.htm although I can't see either of the jackets we've got available down here on that site.

I wonder if they're going out of the Cordura ones? Might be worth checking it out quickly in case they become unavailable once stocks are sold. I think Bayride Yamaha in Tauranga have an Opening Sale on Arlen Ness jackets, but I'm not sure which model they've got.