Duster versus jacket - Have you used a duster?

[Rathelm]

Hi all,

I'm interested in getting around in sunny Tauranga on an Indian-look-alike I'm going to import. Thing is, a brown heavy leather duster motorcycle coat would look exceptionally more cool than normal leathers - and considering I'm often wearing a suit underneath, probably a lot easier to deal with, at least on good days. Sort of a western look, I suppose.

I've seen threads elsewhere where other riders - all of whom have never used a duster - diss them thoroughly. But still, respectable motorcycle suppliers sell them. So I'd like to hear from those who ACTUALLY use them. In particular on these points the nay-sayers harp on about:

1 Do they flap around annoyingly, scratch up the bike, or get caught in the workings?
2 Do they offer good protection from the cold, even for the legs?
3 How much protection from light rain would you get (it is leather, after all)?
4 If you have fallen off wearing one, how did it protect you (do you think its better or worse than an unarmored jacket)? Did it stay put or bunch up away from the legs in a slide?

Any particular recommendations for what and where? Any alternatives you'd like to suggest for that western look?

Thanks!

[pete376403]

I had one years ago, was a proper motorcycle coat so had buttons and tabs to fit the "tails" around my legs, another tab to tie the collar pieces together, button down pocket flaps etc. Was a nice heavy piece of cow. Never tried crashing in it but it (mostly) kept the wind out.
When I sold my bike (CB750F1) to pay a tax bill I (like an idiot) let the buyer have the coat as well.

On the list of things I regret doing.

[Smifffy]

I had one years ago, was a proper motorcycle coat so had buttons and tabs to fit the "tails" around my legs, another tab to tie the collar pieces together, button down pocket flaps etc. Was a nice heavy piece of cow. Never tried crashing in it but it (mostly) kept the wind out.
When I sold my bike (CB750F1) to pay a tax bill I (like an idiot) let the buyer have the coat as well.

On the list of things I regret doing.

I like my oilskin duster for regular wear, keeps me real dry & warm in the CNI winters, so I tried wearing it over my gear on the scoot last winter, 20 km down the road I stopped and bundled it into a saddlebag.

Leather might be different, but oilskin is a pain in the arse. It's a riding one too, as opposed to a wannabe speights one.

A quick google, I didn't see any for sale in NZ, let us know how you get on.

[pete376403]

summat like this? http://www.bikersden.com/shop/shopexd.asp?id=751

[Rathelm]

yep - that's a good example. Probably have to import one, and that model seems to have the market at the moment. I'm in no hurry though, bike won't arrive until November Exchange rate is good though.
Just thought that this was a conversation no-one had, and you see these in the movies, so I wondered if these were practical as well.
So if they're all clipped on, they're stable and don't get in the way?

Keep it coming.

[pete376403]

Suppose it depends on your riding style - if you're an R1/GSXR1000 pilot who likes exploring the limits this isn't going to work.

I used the Honda for commuting and the coat worked fine for that. It would look the part for a cruiser rider, too.

[That looks like fun]

http://www.hartings.co.nz/drizabone_...eavyweight.htm

Straight of the bike, onto the horse and round up them sheeps

[Ratti]

Really, it wont matter what anyone says. if you want one you will buy it.

Personally, ok as far as looks go, would be very heavy to wear. Level of protection would be minimal. This design is for HORSE riding, not motorcycle wear.

[Motu]

Go for the chaps too,just to complete the image.

The ultimate bit of kit in the late '60's early '70's was a German leather great coat.The rest of us just had to use army or Air Force wool greatcoats.

[avgas]

Oh sorry wrong forum........

[steelphoenix]

1 Do they flap around annoyingly, scratch up the bike, or get caught in the workings?
2 Do they offer good protection from the cold, even for the legs?
3 How much protection from light rain would you get (it is leather, after all)?
4 If you have fallen off wearing one, how did it protect you (do you think its better or worse than an unarmored jacket)? Did it stay put or bunch up away from the legs in a slide?

I've worn a leather longcoat (calf length) as a pillion a few times, and haven't fallen off. I can comment on points 1-3, but not 4 (thank God).

1: As long as it's buttoned up, and you're sitting on the tails, or have them pinned with your legs (for pillion, between legs and rider; for rider, between legs and tank), they're OK. Can be distracting at high speed when they slip out - even heavy leather flaps a bit. You might be able to ignore it. Doesn't scratch anything.
2: Good protection on the top half - not so much on the bottom. You will need warm pants if you're going at speed or in rain.
3: Light rain is fine - Tauranga drizzle won't get through. I was half-an-hour in an Auckland spring rainstorm, and only came out lightly damp on the inside. Had to dry the coat in the hot water cupboard overnight, after which it was OK.

To point 4 - I imagine it would provide about as much protection as the traditional Harley-style jackets, if not a bit more, provided it's buttoned up.

[BurningPlastic]

Somewhere around I have a 40s/50s bike courier greatcoat. Looks like an oilskin duster but much more waterproof and doesn't flap around or dangle dangerously. It even has a flap that goes from behind up between your legs and clips up at the front to keep your arse dry if you jump onto a wet seat... I only really stopped wearing it as I left it in storage over in the UK...