New rider having trouble choosing a jacket

Hey, so I'm getting my first bike in about 2 weeks and can't wait. I've got an '09 ninja 250R on hold at my local dealership, but before I get the bike I want to have full protective gear, since safety is a must for me. So far, it's been easy choosing everything but my jacket.

I've been using motorcycle superstore to look through gear and the jackets are a bit overwhelming. From what I know, they only sell top quality stuff, but at the same time, in America, you need to be careful what you buy. I don't want to get a jacket thinking it's going to protect me then find out the vents don't work or its more like apparel than safety gear.

I've been looking mostly at textile jackets, I understand leather to be a little more durable, but the options seem somewhat limited. I want something with extra padding, something comfortable, and something that I could potentially wear all year long. I'm interested in touring(more locally than cross country, at least for now), and want a jacket that can keep me warm in the cold but not give me a heat stroke in the heat; all while being highly protective should something go wrong.

One jacket I like is the Cortech GX Sport Series 2 Jacket, it looks pretty good. Thing is, I'm new. Brand new. I don't know what I'm missing here and I was hoping somebody could help me out. Is this a good first jacket?

Sorry that I can't post a link.

Thanks for any replies :]

As far as quality, Cortech makes a good jacket. I cannot speak to the comfort issues for that specific jacket. how cold/hot does it get where you live? Have you checked out Newenough? They have great customer service where you can email or call and speak to a live person and are very familiar with their products. They also have a liberal return policy. I like motorcycle superstore as well, have used both vendors, but Newenough is great if you have questions. They even post pics and more details on their website...http://www.newenough.com/protective_...le_jacket.html

Their review says it's a great jacket, but for very hot summer days the airflow may be insufficient. Check out the link and see.

One jacket I like is the Cortech GX Sport Series 2 Jacket, it looks pretty good. Thing is, I'm new. Brand new. I don't know what I'm missing here and I was hoping somebody could help me out. Is this a good first jacket?
I have one (see avatar). I find that's it's really warm with the liner in. The only two downsides I've seen thus far is that it tends to balloon with the vents open (it has 6 intake vents in the front, 3 exhaust vents in the back) and that there's a notable size difference with the liner in v. having it out. Mine is also a size too big, but I bought it as I was going to pick up my bike, so I took the tags off and couldn't return it. The balloon factor definitely wouldn't be so bad if it fit around my torso a bit tighter. I've also been caught in the rain with it and haven't gotten wet. The armor is ample and non-obtrusive. The pockets on the front are pretty useless with gloved hands for anything but keys, but the internal velcro-flapped pockets are a nice feature. The neck is pretty low on it, so I find a balaclava is a must in the really cold weather. Overall, though, I think it's a great jacket, especially for the price. I agree that it probably won't be the best option if the thermometer starts pushing 80, but the *perfect* piece of motorcycle clothing doesn't exist.

Yeah it can be a little overwhelming. I too am currently in the process of getting gear. There are so many jackets out there to choose from. I did try one on at a dealership the other day that seemed pretty nice and people liked it well in the review.

http://www.newenough.com/protective_apparel/textile_jackets_and_pants/joe_rocket/nova_2_textile_motorcycle_jacket.html

Well hmmm.... Part of me is glad to hear that this is a good jacket, but now I'm a little worried about heat issues. I live in Massachusetts and the temperature varies like crazy. Anywhere from 10-30 in the winter to 100+ in the summer (but not all that often). While I won't be riding in the winter, it can still be pretty cold during early spring and all of fall, 40-55. Also I'm going to want to ride further south.

I'll probably have to come to terms with getting two jackets :P but for now I'll see if I can find a more all-purpose one.

Thanks for the replies, going to check out Newenough.


EDIT: Alright, I've been searching around Newenough for a little while and stumbled upon the Cortech HRX Series 2. It has 2 removable liners for different weather conditions, which looks pretty cool.

Kind of funny though, when you're looking for 1 all-purpose, season round jacket you find out you're going to pay almost as much as getting 2 specialized jackets.

So now I'm between going all-season with the HRX or choosing the GX Sport and finding a light-weight summer jacket to carry with me on tours. I'm leaning towards the HRX.

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Kind of funny though, when you're looking for 1 all-purpose, season round jacket you find out you're going to pay almost as much as getting 2 specialized jackets.


Ya but you always have what you need with you, just take the liners with you and you are all ways prepared for any weather

Go to Newenough and check out the Teknic Chicane textile jacket in the closeout section.

I'm not sure you can beat that deal. 80 bucks for Teknic quality and great service? wow. The armor is great. Nice sturdy back protector in there. Lots of pockets, removable liner, kept me very dry in the rain and not too tacky/squidly in the looks department. Seems to be very high quality fit and finish, too.

I'd link to it, but it won't let me yet.

I was thinking about getting this jacket
but for a 1981 honda cb 650c I don't think it is a good match for the bike. Maybe leather would be more vintage what you think?

If I only had a crotch rocket.... this is so off road looking.

http://www.newenough.com/closeouts/textile_jackets_and_pants/teknic/freestyle_textile_motorcycle_jacket.html

Well hmmm.... Part of me is glad to hear that this is a good jacket, but now I'm a little worried about heat issues. I live in Massachusetts and the temperature varies like crazy. Anywhere from 10-30 in the winter to 100+ in the summer (but not all that often). While I won't be riding in the winter, it can still be pretty cold during early spring and all of fall, 40-55.

You may want to look at perforated leather, too... I don't have a textile jacket, so I can't speak for them, but I do have an A* Stage perf leather jacket.

I'm comfortable up to the mid-80s as long as I'm moving (standing traffic can be warm, and I haven't worn it over that temperature so I don't know what 100 feels like), and I had no problem the other day at 38 degrees (other than my legs freezing with just jeans on).

For safetly and flexibility I go with Olympia:
http://www.olympiamotosports.com/home.html

I wear the Airglide jaket and pants and I LOVE them. They have insulated water-proof liners for cold, and are about 50% mesh for hot.

I especially like the airglide pants. I have them in silver so (unlike every other pair of BLACK riding pants) they keep the sun from frying my legs to bad at the stops. They have full knee and hip armor, and side zips up to the hip for easy layering.