Tour Master Sentinel 2.0 Rain Jacket

Tour Master’s Sentinel 2.0 features a built-in rear pocket that fits the entire jacket when folded for easy storage. This jacket is constructed of waterproof ripstop nylon, making it extremely durable. The front zipper is covered with a flap that features a Velcro closure for extra water protection. An “Aqua-Seal” hood can be worn underneath a helmet to prevent water from entering the collar.

Tour Master Sentinel 2.0 Rain Jacket – Click Image For More Information – MSRP $114.99

Zippered underarm vents and mesh-backed chest pockets provide airflow when you want it, but are waterproof when closed. Reflective details help you to be seen by other motorists, especially at night.

Tour Master Sentinel 2.0 Rain Jacket, Folded – Click Image For More Information

This jacket is designed to be worn over other riding gear. It comes in black, blue, red, and hi-viz colors.

Alpinestars Quick Seal Out Two Piece Rainsuit

The Alpinestars Quick Seal Out Two Piece Rainsuit is another great option because it comes with both a jacket and pants. It folds up easily and fits into a small pouch (included) that doesn’t take up much space. The material is waterproof and both pieces feature taped seams to ensure water doesn’t get through.

Alpinestars Quick Seal Out Two Piece Rainsuit – Click Image For More Information – MSRP $129.95

This suit features reflective details, and comes in black and hi-viz colors.

Alpinestars Quick Seal Out Two Piece Rainsuit – Click Image For More Information

Check out our Riding In The Rain blog post for tips on safely riding your motorcycle in the rain.

Riders Discount provides a vast variety of gear and parts to suit your riding needs. As always, we are here to help you make every ride the perfect ride. Visit our website to find the right gear for you. Our expert sales team is here for you by phone 10AM-6PM ET M-F 1-866-931-6644 or email at support@ridersdiscount.com.

The post Motorcycle Rain Gear (You’ll Actually Want To Pack) appeared first on Riders Discount.

Watch for Deer

For many areas the arrival of autumn means the rise in deer-automotive accidents. Factors such as crop harvesting, hunting, and mating season play a huge role in the movement of deer during fall. Take precautions such as avoiding riding at key movement times, usually dawn and dusk. If you must ride during these times, making sure you are constantly scanning the road for deer.

Dress for Success

Fall temperatures can be a gamble. The mornings and evenings tend to be cold, but the afternoons are often sunny and warm. If you plan on riding for a long period of time, dress in layers and pack rain gear in case you get caught in a storm. Dressing in layers allows you to be able to adjust what you are wearing with the temperature changes throughout the day, ensuring you are comfortable and focusing on your surroundings rather than being wet or cold.

Invest in Warm Riding Gear

Speaking of clothing, if you don’t already own cold-weather gear you should consider getting a few staple pieces. A cold-weather jacket and a pair of motorcycle gloves are two important pieces of gear you will want to have in your riding wardrobe for fall. We recommend a jacket that has both protective armor and is waterproof or water-resistant, such as the Vega Monarch Waterproof Textile Jacket. This jacket is abrasion-resistant and ideal for cooler weather. For a women’s jacket with similar features, we suggest the Vega Women’s Silhouette II Waterproof Textile Jacket.

Vega Mens Monarch Waterproof Textile Jacket – Click Image to Purchase

Vega Women’s Silhouette II Waterproof Textile Jacket – Click Item to Purchase

When searching for gloves to wear during the cool days of fall, key features to look for include waterproof or water-resistance, warmth, and protective armor/reinforcement. We like the Alpinestars Oslo Drystar Textile Gloves because they are comfortable, protective, and provide warmth for when the temperature drops. For a women’s fit, the Alpinestars Stella Oslo Drystar Textile Gloves are also available.

Alpinestars Womens Stella Oslo Drystar Textile Gloves 2015 – Click Image to Purchase

Alpinestars Mens Oslo Drystar Textile Gloves 2015 – Click Image to Purchase

Be Visable

This may seem like a no-brainer, but with the days getting shorter and the nights longer, taking steps to ensure you are visible to other motorists is essential. Read The Invisible Rider for tips on how to make yourself more visible to others on the road.

Riders Discount provides a vast variety of parts to suit your riding needs. As always, Riders Discount is here to help you make every ride the perfect ride. Visit our website to find the right parts for you. Our expert sales team is here for you by phone 10AM-6PM ET M-F 1-866-931-6644 or email at support@ridersdiscount.com.

The post Fall Motorcycle Riding Tips appeared first on Riders Discount.

You can get angry (and rightly so) because this driver is either being aggressive or oblivious, and both of those are a huge danger to you and others. Your first instinct probably involves a rude gesture and more than a few obscenities. But what should you really do?

Tailgating: it happens all the time when driving a car, and it will certainly happen at some point while riding your motorcycle. And since many motorcyclists slow down by simply downshifting or coasting instead of using the brake (no brake lights!), the possibility of being struck by a vehicle from behind while being tailgated is greatly increased.

As safely as you ride, there is no way to control other drivers on the road, so at some point you’ll likely find yourself being tailgated. The way you handle the situation can not only affect how the other driver reacts, but also your safety and possibly your life.

The Motorcycle Safety Foundation recommends that when being tailgated, allow yourself extra room in front of your bike in case you must react quickly. Basically that means that if someone is tailgating you, do the opposite to the person in front of you. That will lessen the likelihood that you will have to hit your brakes hard or another scenario that could cause a collision from behind.

Also, the majority of motorcycle crashing involve a front-end collision, with a much smaller percentage each year comprising rear-end collisions. What that means for you is that you’re more likely to strike something in front of you while distracted by a tailgater. However, being tailgated is still a dangerous situation and you want to get out of it as soon and safely as possible.

What you do not want to do is speed up even more to try to distance yourself from the tailgating vehicle. Firstly, this only adds to the danger of the situation by increased speeds and possibly some extra maneuvering. Secondly, speeding up will probably cause the passenger vehicle to also speed up, and then you’re in an high-speed tailgating situation, stuck in a worse spot than you were to begin with.

Be aware of everyone on the road (and don’t use your phone while on your motorcycle!)

And while anger or frustration may be natural first reaction, keep in mind that other motorists do not always intentionally tailgate. Sadly, many motorists do not understand what it is like to ride a motorcycle and have trouble judging how fast you are going, how close they are in relation to you, the difference in braking, and the fact that you own as much road space as they do, even if your bike is smaller than their SUV.

Although it is the ideal to educate every single driver about motorcycles and motorcycle safety, it simply is not the reality. This does not excuse tailgating, however, and we recommend you keep this in mind when dealing with a tailgater.

Do not provoke a tailgater by making rude gestures or yelling nasty comments to them. If the driver is acting aggressive on the road, this will only raise that tension, increasing the risk for road rage. If they weren’t upset before, but simply aloof as to their bad driving, rude gestures and obscenities will only put them in a worse mood.

Along with increasing the space in front of your motorcycle and the next vehicle, you can lightly tap on your breaks to help alert the tailgater where you are. If the tailgating continues and you feel unsafe, use your signal and pull over when possible, allowing the motorist to pass you. When it is safe, signal again and return to the road.

You won’t want to pull over for a rude motorist or a bad driver, but it’s worth it for your safety. If they won’t pass and a subtle hint (lightly tapping brakes) doesn’t work, just safely pull over and let them go by. They’ll be gone from your road experience then and in reality the whole process can take less than a minute. You won’t want to. You shouldn’t have to. You have done anything wrong – it’s the other person who is the bad driver – so why should you give up the road to let them by? Because your safety and your life is worth it, that’s why.

You can find more information about motorcycle safety on the Motorcycle Safety Foundation’s website.

If you have any questions about motorcycle safety gear, feel free to give us a call. Our expert sales team is here for you by phone 10AM-6PM ET M-F 1-866-931-6644 or email at support@ridersdiscount.com. You can also visit our website to browse our motorcycle gear and parts.

The post How to Handle Tailgaters on a Motorcycle appeared first on Riders Discount.

Helmet

We say this all of the time: wearing a helmet significantly improves your protection in the case of an accident. Depending on what states you are visiting, you may or may not be required by law to wear a helmet. The choice is up to you, but we consider a helmet to be a riding essential. We suggest a bright helmet such as the Fly Racing Tourist Open Face Helmet to help you be more visible to other motorists on the road.

Fly Racing Tourist Open Face Helmet – Click Image to Purchase

Plastic Ziploc & Trash Bags

Plastic storage bags can be used for a variety of things. You can roll your clothes and organize them with gallon sized bags. They also serve as an extra barrier between your clothing and rain (if you run into it). You can thank us later when you have a dry outfit to change into.

Bike Lock

One of the worst things that could happen and ruin your motorcycle trip is having your bike stolen. A bike lock serves as both a protection against theft and a deterrent. It is much cheaper to buy a bike lock than to buy a whole new bike (and gear). We suggest a lock with an alarm such as the Bully Locks Alarm Lock with Pager. An alarm not only deters a thief from following through, but also alerts you and others around that something is happening.

Bully Locks Alarm Lock with Pager – Click Image to Purchase

Map or GPS

Where would we be without GPS? Or should we say our smartphone? Although technology is a great tool, we recommend carrying a back up paper map just in case your phone dies, breaks, etc. There are few things more stressful than being lost in an unfamiliar place without directions.

Waterproof Jacket

Whether or not you anticipate rain on your trip, it is well worth it to pack a waterproof jacket just in case. Look for one that has added protection in the case of a crash, such as the Alpinestars Lance 3 Layer Waterproof Textile Jacket. It is best to pack your rain jacket towards the top of your saddlebag so that it is easily accessible.

Alpinestars Lance 3 Layer Waterproof Textile Jacket – Click Image to Purchase

Emergency First Aid Kit

…simply because accidents of all levels happen from time to time. Some things we recommend you pack in your first aid kit are band aids (multiple sizes), aspirin or other painkiller, insect bite relief spray or cream, eye drops, lip balm, sunscreen, emergency contact information, and antibiotic ointment.

Flat Tire Repair Kit

There are a ton of flat tire repair kits on the market, so take your pick. We like the Bikemaster Tire & Tube Flat Repair Kit because it has everything you need in one compact bag.

Bike Cover

Bike covers are a lifesaver in the rain, but are also nice to keep morning/evening dew off of the seat. They also can be a theft deterrent. We have a variety of different sizes available on our website.

Gears Canada Premium Motorcycle Cover – Click Image to Purchase

Water Bottle or Hydration Pack

This one is especially important for high-mileage days. A hydration pack is a good idea for days that you don’t plan on making a lot of stops. Drinking water will help ward of headaches and keep you feeling good during your trip.

Gloves

Hands are one of the first body parts to get cold in windy or rainy conditions. Look for gloves that are both water and windproof, such as Tour Master’s Dri-Perf Gel Leather Gloves. You will want to pack your gloves towards the top of your bag along with your jacket for easy access.

No matter what you decide to pack for your road trip, it is important to make sure you evenly distribute the weight on both sides of your motorcycle!

Riders Discount provides a vast variety of gear to suit your riding needs. As always, Riders Discount is here to help you make every ride the perfect (and safest) ride. Visit our website to find the right gear for your next trip. Our expert sales team is here for you by phone 10AM-6PM ET M-F 1-866-931-6644 or email at support@ridersdiscount.com.

The post 10 Touring Essentials appeared first on Riders Discount.

Prepare

Although surprises are bound to happen, you are best off preparing for rain even before you get on your motorcycle. Investing in an anti-fog helmet and waterproof jacket will increase your safety and comfort when it rains. We recommend getting a jacket made with Gore-Tex (like the Alpinestars Tech ST pictured below) or a similar material to help wick away water. If you anticipate rain on your ride, pack your rain jacket towards the top of your bag so it is easily accessible.

Alpinestars Tech ST Gore-Tex Waterproof Textile Jacket – Click Image For More Information

Slow Down & Stop Early

It may seem like a no-brainer, but a lot of us forget to slow down and to give ourselves extra distance when stopping in the rain. Traction can become an issue if you are going too fast or stopping/turning quickly. You also want to keep your distance from other vehicles to avoid getting sprayed with water.

Assume You’re Invisible

Have you ever noticed while driving a car in the rain that it can be difficult to see other traffic or even the lines on the road? Rain not only makes it harder for a motorcyclist to see, but also other drivers. You can help other motorists know you’re there by lightly tapping your brakes and wearing reflective or bright clothing. Find more tips on how to be visible on our post The Invisible Rider.

Know When to Take a Break

If the rain starts to impair your ability to see the road, signs, or other vehicles around you, it is best to stop and wait for it to lighten up. You do not want to make one ride be your last ride.

Arai Defiant Pro-Cruise Full Face Helmet – Click Image For More Information

You are bound to run into rain at some point. Preparation and caution will help to keep you safe when it happens. Riders Discount provides a vast variety of anti-fog helmets and waterproof jackets to suit your riding needs. As always, we are here to help you make every ride the perfect (and safest) ride. Visit our website to find the right gear for you. Our expert sales team is here for you by phone 10AM-6PM ET M-F 1-866-931-6644 or email at support@ridersdiscount.com.

The post Riding in the Rain – Safety Tips appeared first on Riders Discount.

Snell

The Snell testing procedure includes impact, position stability (roll-off), dynamic retention, chin bar, shell/face shield penetration, and flame resistance (racing helmets only) tests. The Snell Memorial Foundation routinely updates its standards, and the 2015 standards can be found on their website. You can tell that your helmet is Snell Certified by either an adhesive decal or cloth label that is usually affixed to the inside of the helmet.

ECE R22-05

The ECE R22-05 standard was set by the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) and is used in over 50 countries. The testing process requires the manufacturer to send in 50 helmets to be tested before it can be ECE R22-05 certified. This particular standard favors helmets that are shock-absorbent.

DOT FMVSS 218

The DOT FMVSS 218 standard was set by the United State Federal Government’s Department of Transportation (DOT), and is formally called the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 218. One of the most common helmet standards in the US, the DOT FMVSS 218 standard also favors helmets that are shock-absorbent, much like the ECE R22-05 standard. It is commonly referred to as simply DOT standard. 

SHARP

Another European rating system, SHARP requires its helmets to go through 32 different impact tests at three different speeds. The tests result in the helmet receiving a one through five star rating, five having the best protection. SHARP is one of two helmet safety rating systems in the world so far.

CRASH

CRASH (Consumer Rating and Assessment of Safety Helmets) is a helmet standard that was created by Australia/New Zealand, and is also known as AS/NZS 1698. The assessment looks at two major criteria: 1. the helmet must have adequate impact performance and 2. the helmet must remain on the individual’s head during the crash. In addition to looking at the two criteria, CRASH also has a five star rating system.

Riders Discount provides a vast variety of helmets to suit your riding needs. Our helmets are available at a variety of prices and safety standards. As always, Riders Discount is here to help you make every ride the perfect (and safest) ride. Visit our website to find the right helmet for you. Our expert sales team is here for you by phone 10AM-6PM ET M-F 1-866-931-6644 or email at support@ridersdiscount.com.

ICON VARIANT RAIDEN DUAL SPORT FULL FACE MOTORCYCLE HELMET WITH ANTI-LIFT VISOR – Click Image to Purchase

The post Helmet Ratings: What Do They Mean? appeared first on Riders Discount.

6. Choose your companions carefully. You don’t have to ride alone, in fact riding is often a social activity. Just remember to pick your riding pack carefully. You should be riding with someone who takes the fact that you are at a beginner’s level seriously and isn’t daring you to ride beyond your limits. Riding with others can help to improve your skills, if they are responsible and experienced. Your friends should be able to understand that you are still learning and may be a little more hesitant when it comes to corners and overall speed. If your companions are pushing you to go out of your comfort zone, you’d be better off riding alone. Also, we know you may want to show off your skills, but avoid riding with a passenger until you have ample experience under your belt. The added weight distribution can be difficult to maneuver, and trust us, you won’t look cool if you crash.

7. Conduct a pre-ride inspection. Your bike should be completely ready to go before you hop on. In a car you can adjust certain things while driving like your mirrors, but on a motorcycle that’s all a part of the pre-ride inspection. Remember to check your chain, belt, or drive shaft before your ride depending on the type of bike you have. You should also make sure your oil, coolant, and any other fluids are not leaking. Be sure to inspect your front forks for fluid leakage as well. If anything is leaking you should bring your bike to a trusted mechanic. Make sure that all of your lights, horn, and brakes are working properly before you ride. Remember to check your tire pressures as well. Things like dimmed lights, improper brakes, and under or over inflated tires can directly effect your safety on the road. Proper and routine motorcycle maintenance can reduce your risk of an accident.

8. Consider yourself invisible. This is probably one of the best mindsets a rider can have in order to avoid an accident. Even if you make direct eye contact with another driver never assume they actually saw you or will continue to look out for you after that split second. Help other drivers to see you by avoiding all black bikes and black gear. Wear high visibility colors that will reflect off headlights, making you noticeable to other motorists night and day. Even when you have the right of way, don’t assume other vehicles have seen you, watch your surroundings with every move. One of the best things you can learn as a rider is to depend on yourself. Always keep an extra eye out for other drivers and use the advantages of your bike to maneuver yourself out of their way and into a safe zone.

9. Be a defensive rider. If you depend on other drivers to ensure your safety, you’re just an accident waiting to happen. You already know you’re mostly invisible to other motorists, so that means your safety is in your own hands. Motorcyclists know that every distraction could easily result in an accident, and in the age of cell phones and texting, drivers are more distracted than ever. Look out for cars quickly changing lanes and pulling onto streets where it is more likely they might not see you. Remember to keep a safe distance, never tailgate, and always have an exit strategy. You need proper room to react to the car and the road. Don’t forget that things like pot holes and sewer drains may be fine in a car but can easily crash your bike. On a bike you need to be aware of your surroundings at all times. Be attentive, because any sort of distraction can result in a collision. Remember on a motorcycle the only thing you can truly control is how you ride.

10. Watch for the weather. Once you start getting the hang of basic riding, remember that hazards increase with the weather. You will inevitably get caught in the rain at some point, and when you do you need to be prepared. Just follow our helpful guide to finding the perfect motorcycle rain jacket in order to keep you safe and dry no matter what weather comes your way. Rain will make the roads slippery which effects the grip of your tires, and don’t forget how hard it can be to see. You should ride slower and be more gentle on your brakes to reduce sliding on wet pavement. High winds can push you from side to side so be aware of your weight distribution and carry a windbreaker. All weather patterns come with added concerns on the road. When you are on a bike you are directly exposed, so wear proper protective gear, slow down, and ride safe. When in doubt pull off and wait for the storm to pass.

We hope our guide has inspired you to ride safely and responsibly so that you become a rider for life. Don’t forget to check out Part 1 of Beginner’s Guide to Ride for more tips on starting a life on two wheels.

If you require additional help finding proper protective gear for night, day, or any risky weather patterns, just give us a call! Our expert sales team is here for you by phone 10AM-6PM ET M-F 1-866-931-6644 or email at support@ridersdiscount.com.

May brings us flowers, new riders, and hopefully a new dedication to safety for every motorcyclist. May has been designated Motorcycle Safety Awareness month, so we want to remind you to ride responsibly on every ride. Be a rider for life by riding defensively. Every step you take for a safe ride will keep you on the road and out of harms way.

The post Beginner’s Guide to Ride: Part 2 appeared first on Riders Discount.

1. Get an endorsement. We want you to ride safe and ride smart, which means that you need a proper license to ride legally. The statistics alone should be reason enough, because they show that unlicensed riders are far more likely to be involved in a crash. Take a beginner’s course from the Motorcycle Safety Foundation which includes classroom and field training. It not only helps you to pass the license exam but teaches you how to be safe and responsible for a lifetime of riding. Motorcycling can be the best time of your life and trust us, we want you to have a good time, but two wheels should be taken seriously. Learn to ride safely, legally, and always be sober. If taken seriously, you can improve your riding skills with every ride, keeping you alive and on the road for years to come.

2. Pick a bike. So you’ve had your eye on a bike for years? It’s your dream bike that you just have to have. Hold up. Not so fast there newbie. Beginner riding is difficult and you don’t want to destroy the bike you’ve been dreaming about for years right out of the garage. Your best bet is to buy a smaller, inexpensive motorcycle for learning to ride. Odds are that since you’re still getting use to proper weight distribution, you will drop your bike a few times and that’s going to hurt your heart and your wallet, so make it easier on yourself and start with something practical that doesn’t exceed 500cc. Buy your dream bike a few years down the road when you’ve gained some experience and perspective on what exactly you want from your motorcycle. Plus, you’re dream bike could change during the time you’re learning to ride.

3. Gear up. We know riding is a blast, but remember that part of that thrill comes from it being dangerous. Every time you rev up that engine there is the risk of an accident on that ride. None of us like to think about it, and you may be the most careful rider there ever was, but you still need proper gear. You should wear motorcycle specific gloves and boots as well as a helmet, jacket, and pants on every ride. You should also pack additional rain gear on your bike for when the skies turn gray, just follow our guide to finding the best motorcycle rain jacket. Remember that all your gear needs to be motorcycle specific in order to properly protect you and withstand the harsh elements of the road.

4. Get to know your machine. Download or purchase a service manual. Then take the time to learn and understand the mechanics of a motorcycle. Not only will this help you tweak, fix, and maintain your bike down the road, but it also helps you to understand how to control the complex machine revving between your legs. You should make it a routine to do regular bike inspections, like checking your tire pressure, oil, and chain. Get to know the mechanics of your machine as well as its habits on the open road. The only way to become a better motorcyclist is experience, so continue to ride and study the specifics of your bike.

5. Continue to learn. Just because you took a course, got your license, and gained some experience doesn’t mean you’re an expert. It takes time to adapt to heavy traffic, changing road conditions, and weather. Even when you do reach that expert level, you should continue to view riding as an ongoing learning process. Learning to lean and turn properly is all a part of that process and with continued practice you’ll learn to master those skills. One of the biggest mistakes you can make is thinking there is nothing left to learn. You should have confidence on your bike, but never forget how dangerous riding can be, and how exposed you are on the road. No matter how many years you get under your belt, an accident can happen at any time. You can’t control other cars, road conditions, or traffic, but you can control how you ride, so ride safely and responsibly. It’s not just continuing to learn how to ride, but learning more about your bike in general. Eventually you should know the ins and outs of your bike’s specifics in riding and maintenance.

Last, but certainly not least, we’d like to welcome all new riders to the motorcycling community. We’re glad to have you and hope you grow to love it just as much as we do—if possible!

Concerned about choosing your very first gear? Just give us a call! Our expert sales team is here to ease your every worry by helping you pick the best beginner motorcycle gear. Just give us a call M-F 10AM-6PM ET at 1-866-931-6644 or send us a message at support@ridersdiscount.com.

Don’t forget to check back next week for Part 2 of Riders Discount’s Beginner’s Guide to Ride!

The post Beginner’s Guide to Ride: Part 1 appeared first on Riders Discount.

1. Primary vs. Secondary: One of the first decisions you have to make is between making your primary jacket water-resistant or carrying an additional rain jacket to layer. An additional waterproof jacket is the typical choice for leather jackets because of the damage water does to the material. Textiles are more commonly waterproof, but typically still require additional protection, such as a waterproof liner. Most riders would benefit from carrying an additional waterproof jacket in case of heavy rainfall.

2. Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant: If you thought these words were synonyms, you’d be mistaken. While both words are commonly associated with rain gear, there is a huge difference between the two. Water-resistant jackets will protect you for a damp ride, but when the skies actually cry, you’ll end your ride soaked. Water-resistant is more for the damp nights and short term rain fall, not a long ride on a rainy day. What you really want and need is a waterproof jacket, which will block out all moisture, keeping you completely dry no matter how heavy the rain.

3. Quality: You’ve probably heard it more times than you cared to, but we can’t stress the importance enough, so here it goes: just like the rest of your gear, you get the quality you pay for, meaning that if you buy gear cheap, expect cheap gear. Going with a reputable brand isn’t a bad thing in the motorcycle industry, because you know that you’ll be paying for top quality. Remember that any sort of discomfort can be a distraction and safety hazard on the road, even rain jackets are protective gear and should be looked at as such.

4. Material: There are three common rain gear materials: PVC, polyurethane, and polypropylene. The least expensive would be PVC. PVC jackets are easy to pack and will keep you dry, but are not durable. One hole or tear and your jacket is most likely done. If your bike has exposed pipes, this material is absolutely out of the question, unless you’re interested in a melted jacket. PVC can be a great choice if you are on a strict budget or will only be caught in the rain once in a great while for a short period of time. The next material, polyurethane, is the most common. It’s popular amongst riders experiencing a large variety of temperatures and rainfall, because it keeps you comfortable in every condition. The third rain gear material is polypropylene. This material is comfortable to the touch while remaining extremely durable. Depending on the fit, it can flap and billow in the wind, but above all, it will definitely keep you dry.

5. Ventilation: While PVC makes for a wonderful windbreaker, and keeps you warm on a cool ride, it lacks proper ventilation. Polyurethane is more breathable than PVC, however, polypropylene will allow the most airflow. The best motorcycle jackets add a breathable membrane like Gore-Tex, Hipora, or Reissa. These membranes evaporate moisture while still keeping out rain, therefore keeping you dry. This added layer keeps you comfortable in the heat and the cold allowing ventilation and keeping moisture out.

6. Visibility: If you think motorcyclists are hard to see in sunshine or even just at night, imagine adding rain to the mix. Look for a rain jacket with high visibility reflective properties. Remember that rain comes with darker skies, mist, and fog, making you even harder to see. It’s your responsibility to make yourself visible to other drivers on the road for their safety and your own.

7. Fit: You’ve probably done this with your primary jacket, but even with rain gear you’ll want to do the seat test to make sure your jacket fits properly in any riding position. Make sure your sleeves are long enough to cover your wrists. You’ll want a looser fit so it fits easily over your primary gear. If you go with a secondary jacket, it should be longer than your primary to not only fully cover your back, but fully protect your jacket. Look for jackets with proper waist and sleeve closures so you can tighten to your specific measurements, keeping out rain and wind. Worried about ordering the wrong size? Don’t be, Riders Discount has an easy returns and exchanges policy.

8. Features: Some waterproof motorcycle jackets will come with added features that make your ride even safer and more comfortable. Look for jackets with built in rain hoods that will fit under your helmet. You’ll want a high collar, but that may not be enough. Without a hood, the rain can slide down your helmet and into your jacket. A proper hood, will prevent this discomfort. Some jackets come with vents you can open and close depending on the temperature, keeping you comfortable in any sort of rain. If you require additional pockets make sure they are also waterproof to not damage your wallet, phone, and other valuables.

9. Style: You should adhere to your style of riding. Whether you are a commuter, adventure rider, or racer, your chosen style directly effects your needs from your jacket. It can determine desired features and fit, in order to make your ride as comfortable as possible no matter what weather you experience. Racers will want a tighter fit than other styles, because they’ll be riding at higher speeds and it will be more aerodynamic. Adventure riders will need the most durable jackets because they may be in the rain for hours at a time, while commuters may only see rain for a few minutes. Whichever style fits your ride, remember to apply those conditions to your choice.

10. Accessibility: Choose a jacket that’s simple to take on and off so that you can easily pull off the road and change quickly. Consider the storage space you have available on your bike. You want your jacket to be easy to pack away and access when you need it. If you don’t have motorcycle luggage on your bike, you’re going to have less space. Think about the type of bike you have too, for example, a sportbike will have less space than a cruiser. Choose a jacket that’s easy to access and easy to throw on and off as the weather changes to reduce time and increase safety.

Rain or shine, we know you want to ride, so don’t let the wet get you down. When those dark clouds roll in and the sun disappears, you can sense what is going to come next, and you need to be prepared. Rain can ruin your gear and your ride. You can try your hardest to avoid it, but at some point you will get caught in the rain. If your primary jacket is not completely waterproof, no matter if it’s leather or textile, it will soak through to your skin. Just like every other piece of gear, your choice in rain jacket is personal to your specific wants and needs.

Even on the hottest summer day, you should never leave home without your rain gear. After years of false predictions, you should know that no one can predict the weather 100% of the time. Always be prepared at the lowest prices on the web with motorcycle rain jackets from Riders Discount.

If you require additional help choosing the perfect motorcycle rain jacket for your specific needs, contact our expert sales team 10AM-6PM ET M-F by calling 1-866-931-6644 or sending us a message at support@ridersdiscount.com.

Featured photo taken of Danny Eslick at New Jersey Motorsports Park.

The post 10 Steps to Dry: The Perfect Motorcycle Rain Jacket appeared first on Riders Discount.

• Budget: The best solution would be to have a different jacket for every kind of riding you do and every kind of weather pattern you experience, but that would cost a lot of dough. Most of us can’t afford that luxury, therefore we need a jacket that can transition to fit all of our specific needs. We’re gonna give it to you straight and let you know right now that if you are looking for a less costly alternative, textile will always be cheaper. Whichever material you choose, just remember that they all come in high quality and low quality versions. When it comes to riding, you need the best, and it’s definitely worth the cost when you think about it in terms of your safety. Remember, you get the quality you pay for, if you purchase gear cheap, you have to expect cheap gear.
• Protection: When it comes to leather, there’s no comparison to the protection. Leather offers you better impact protection and abrasion resistance. That doesn’t mean that textile won’t protect you too, it will, just not as well as leather can. While textile materials have advanced, leather still takes the gold. Make sure to check the thickness of your leather. In order to properly protect, leather should be at least 1.2 mm thick. Leather jackets have been a staple piece in the fashion world for decades, but you need proper motorcycle leather, and not the cheap knock-off you’d find at the local mall.
• Weather: When it comes to varying weather conditions, textile may be the best way to go. Leather material is heavy and does not offer as much ventilation as textile jackets, making it not as practical for summer riding. If you will be riding in the heat and still want leather, most manufacturers do offer perforated options. In the cold, leather will keep you warm as it retains body heat and is wind resistant, while textile may require additional layering. In rain, leather can leave you soaking wet and your jacket ruined. Leather jackets can shrink and color bleed when in contact with water, while textiles are often waterproof. Most riders who prefer leather, carry a rain suit. Staying dry, warm, or cool, effects the comfort of your ride. Remember that discomfort on your motorcycle is a safety hazard and nothing, especially your jacket, should distract you on the road.
• Comfort & Fit: Whether you choose leather or textile, your jacket needs a snug fit. Leather sport jackets are more fitted to your body. This will keep your armor in place, which is extremely important in the event of a crash. Leather is also a softer material, which can prove to be more comfortable on your ride. Textile tends to be more bulky, but is a lighter in weight. Due to their lightweight properties, textile may offer you greater flexibility than leather. In this area each material has strong pros and cons so it will really come down to your personal preferences.
• Durability: With textile jackets, it’s usually one and done, meaning that you will still be protected for your first crash, but will probably need to replace it before your second. Leather is much more durable. You may have a few scuffs here and there, but after a crash, if cared for properly, leather jackets can actually last a lifetime. You may pay more up front, but in the end you will actually save money because it’s a one time purchase vs. paying for multiple textile jackets throughout your lifetime.
• Care: While dirt is much more apparent on textile jackets than it is on leather, textile is much easier to clean. Most textile jackets can be thrown into the washer, while leather usually needs to be dry cleaned. Textile colors fade more quickly, but leather needs a lot of care to make it last. Leather needs to be properly cleaned and conditioned, but is easier to patch and repair. If a textile jacket develops holes or is damaged, it typically requires replacement. Therefore even with proper care, the lifespan of a textile jacket is generally much shorter than that of a leather jacket.
• Speed: How fast you go can be the determining factor in the leather vs. textile debate. The higher your speed, the more we recommend leather. Textile jackets are usually better for commuters while leather is better for performance riding, it’s all about what style of riding you do, and what exactly you want and need from your jacket. Leather jackets cut the wind better, keeping you warm at top speeds, while textile jackets are better for transitioning to the needs of the daily commuter or adventure rider.
• Style: Your jacket shows off your individuality as a rider, so shop for a jacket that fits your style, and has the features you want and need. If you want to look vintage and classic, leather would be the choice for you, while textile offers a more modern look. Both materials are available in a variety of different colors with high-visibility reflective qualities to further protect you. Remember, the right jacket for you will offer proper protection and show off your personal sense of style.

For the most part, any motorcycle jacket you purchase will be a compromise and you have to choose which features are most important. In order to be comfortable on your ride you might be giving up some protection. No one jacket will be perfect for every rider and style of riding.

Think you’ve made your choice? You can find the lowest prices on the perfect motorcycle jacket with Riders Discount. Going with textile? Check out all the latest features by shopping the selection of textile motorcycle jackets at Riders Discount. Decided on classic leather? Shop the highest quality leather motorcycle jackets at the cheapest prices on the web with Riders Discount.

Remember, leather vs. textile is not the only factor to consider when purchasing a motorcycle jacket. If you require additional help choosing the right jacket contact our expert sales team at 1-866-931-6644. And ladies, feel free to review our guide to female specific motorcycle jackets, 10 Tips to Choosing a Women’s Motorcycle Jacket.

Products pictured are Alpinestars Bogota Drystar Textile Jacket and Alpinestars Jaws Perforated Leather Jacket.

The post The Great Debate: Leather vs. Textile Jackets appeared first on Riders Discount.