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.

1. Buy new. When it comes to protective gear, new is always ideal. Previous owners may not have properly cared for the jacket, decreasing the quality and protection. So really the question is, what price would you put on your safety? You can pay a hefty price for a new motorcycle jacket, but consider its actual value: your life. You may not want to be a “label snob,” but in this case, it’s good to trust reputable brands. When it comes to your gear, quality is always worth the price.

2. Stay visible. While you may think you look cool in your all black gear, there’s one huge problem: you’re nearly impossible to see, especially at night. High visibility while riding can actually save your life. Look for jackets with hi-vis properties that are reflective when met with headlights. Take a look for yourself, next time you are out driving look at the various bikers on the road and take notice to how much easier it is to see riders in bright or contrasting gear colors. Remember in the motorcycle world, staying safe is always fashionable.

3. Make it fit. Just like with clothing, when gear fits you better, it looks better, but it’s not just about the looks, it’s about your safety. You want your jacket to be form fitting, so it doesn’t move around in the event of an accident. If your jacket feels a little tight at first, don’t worry, it will loosen up over time. Make sure your sleeves go all the way to your wrists and that your jacket is long enough to cover your lower back in any riding position so it offers you the best protection. Take the time to do your measurements to ensure you are purchasing the correct size, which just like your clothes, may vary among different brands. Trouble with sizing? Just give us a call at 1-866-931-6644. Our expert sales team is happy to help determine your best fit.

4. Go with leather or textile. This is one of the most personal pieces of deciding on a motorcycle jacket. Both materials have their pros and cons, so you’ll have to determine which is best for your specific needs. Where you live can be a big factor. Textile jackets are typically more breathable and water resistant which may be better if you live in a hotter climate. However, they wear out more quickly than leather. Some jackets combine both materials to incorporate better protection, ventilation, and durability. Textile works as a perfect starter jacket, especially if you’re on a tight budget, but if you’re looking for a long-term investment with the best protection, leather is the choice for you.

5. Look for armor protection. No need to hit the gym, your armor should bulk you right up. All jokes aside, you’ll want armor protection for your elbows, shoulders, and back. Look for armor that has a “CE rating” as it is both strong and lightweight. Most riders feel jackets don’t provide as much back armor as they prefer, in this case you can purchase a back protector that replaces the sub-par padding. If you find yourself in the majority on this point, take a look at the many back protectors offered for you by Riders Discount.

6. Check the stitching. Just like the rest of your gear, and probably clothing, quality is everything. When you first receive your jacket, you should always look over the stitching to make sure there are no dropped stitches. If your seams bust on impact your jacket can’t properly protect you. Look for jackets that make a point to note that their seams are multi stitch, double stitched, or safety stitched for maximum tear resistance.

7. Consider your elements. Depending on where you live and how you ride, you’re going to have personal features you want and need from your jacket. Every piece of gear you purchase should adhere to your chosen style of riding and regional weather patterns. Some jackets offer removable waterproof and cold weather liners. So think about where and how you ride. Touring vs. canyons, SoCal vs. Michigan, you’re going to need different features or liners from your jacket.

8. Ventilate. When the sun is beaming down and you have an engine between your legs, you can trust one thing, it’s going to get hot. While textile jackets are known for better airflow, leather jackets also offer ventilated options. If you go leather, look for jackets that offer perforated panels for increased ventilation when you ride. Airflow is key, because no matter how fast or slow you choose to ride, your skin needs to breath.

9. Check for internal pockets. As a woman, you may be used to tiny pockets that can barely fit your phone, but on your motorcycle, pockets are a necessity. You may typically throw all your prized possessions in your favorite bag that follows you wherever you go, but on your bike, your pockets are your purse. When you’re riding you’re going to need a place to store your wallet, phone, keys, and any other necessities. Internal pockets offer you the most convenient placing and are not only safer for you but they better protect your stuff as well. Some even offer the option of including an internal waterproof pocket, even if the jacket itself is not considered waterproof.

10. Adhere to your own style. Every woman has her own personal taste and flare for fashion. If you are worried about losing your own personal sense of style in your gear, don’t be! Whether you choose leather or a textile material, there are tons different styles, colors, and designs, to fit the taste of every woman. The perfect jacket will not only protect you, but also will fit your personal preferences and display your personality as a rider.

The choice of a motorcycle jacket can take a lot of consideration, but by following these helpful tips you can make the first decision the right decision. The final decision on what’s best for you and your personal needs will always be up to you, when it doubt, just remember, a woman is always right.

At Riders Discount you’ll find the lowest prices on name brand motorcycle gear. We offer you the best women’s motorcycle jackets for the best protection on every ride. 

Still having trouble choosing the best motorcycle jacket for your personal needs? No problem. Our expert sales team is happy to coach you through to the right decision just give us a call at 1-866-931-6644 or send us a message at support@ridersdiscount.com.

Product photo is Alpinestars Stella GP-Plus R Leather Jacket.

The post Buyer’s Guide: 10 Tips to Choosing a Women’s Motorcycle Jacket appeared first on Riders Discount.

Saturday did not go quite as planned for the Riders Discount Triumph crew.  Electronic issues disrupted second qualifying, and a high side in turn 13 on lap two of race one left the crew rebuilding the second bike under AMA Pro Racing’s new one bike rule.  Asked about his 103 mph crash Danny said, “I’m a little bit beat up, banged up, bruised, but my pride’s probably hurt more than any of it.  I think it was 2008 since I’ve last crashed out of a race.  It’s a bit of a disappointment for me, that was a pretty good run I had going there.”

Sunday was the dawn of a new day.  A new engine, and a new chassis meant Danny would be riding a completely different motorcycle.  Danny started in fifth position until fourth place Triumph’s Jason Disalvo suffered mechanical issues allowing Danny to slot into fourth for the remainder of the race, finishing as the top Triumph rider.  “Today’s race was pretty uneventful for me,” Danny said Sunday.  “I was just trying to salvage the best finish I could and stay in line for the championship.”

“After a rough weekend like ours it definitely let’s you know what your team and rider are made of,” said Riders Discount Triumph team owner, Brian Gibson.  “After a 103 mph high side crash for Danny and the team having to completely build a new bike, it showed we have one tough rider and a great crew.  Not only did we make the race Sunday we were able to battle and finish with a very solid fourth place position.  With that being said, I can only thank the whole Riders Discount Triumph team for salvaging a very difficult weekend and keeping us in a strong second position in the championship.”

Danny and the Riders Discount Triumph team hold second place in the AMA Pro GoPro Daytona SportBike Championship and are looking forward to the Triumph SuperBike Classic at Barber Motorsports Park in a little under three weeks. 

Riders Discount would like to thank all of our sponsors: Triumph Motorcycles, Speed and Strength, Akrapovic, Attack Performance, Renthal, Andrew Swenson Design, Zero Gravity, GB Racing, Capit Performance, Motion Pro, DynoJet, DrippinWet.com, Fast Frank Racing, Spiegler, Castrol, and Sharkskinz Racing Bodies. 

About RidersDiscount.com:

Riders Discount (www.ridersdiscount.com) is an online retailer of quality powersports gear, apparel, and accessories. A company founded by racers, RidersDiscount.com ships equipment for every riding style to customers worldwide, backed by knowledgeable sales team and excellent customer service.

Triumph Motorcycles (www.TriumphMotorcycles.com) is the British motorcycle marque that produces a wide range of sport, cruiser, adventure and touring motorcycles. From the storied Bonneville to the class-leading Speed Triple and Daytona 675R, Triumph offers a blend of design, character and performance that result in truly distinctive motorcycles. First established in 1902 and now located in Hinckley, Leicestershire, England, Triumph has always set the pace for category-winning machines. The company is solely owned by Bloor Holdings Ltd. and its North American operations are based in Atlanta.

Danny Eslick (http://www.eslick69.com) The Ultimate experience for all fans of Danny Eslick Racing. Check back often for all the latest news, photos, videos, and rider profiles. 

The post Riders Discount Triumph Finishes the AMA Pro Subway SuperBike Doubleheader on a Positive Note appeared first on Riders Discount.

Secured in two mount locations versus one, this kit is less likely to damage the frame/motor in the event of a crash. Positioned for maximum protection and engineered from a high performance polymer that will sacrificially protect your bike, there is no doubt this is one of the best no-drill frame slider kits on the market today.

The CNC machined brackets are made from aircraft quality billet aluminum and finished in a black powder coat.

Installation is quite simple and can be completed in about 45 to 60 minutes. Comes complete with all mounting brackets and necessary hardware. 

For more information, or if you’d like to place an order give us a call at 866.931.6644. You can also send an email to SUPPORT at RIDERSDISCOUNT dot COM and we’ll get back to you right away!

The post EvoTech Frame Sliders No Drill 675R 2013+ appeared first on Riders Discount.

Essentially the top half of their race replica suit, this jacket is not going to be your preferred jacket to go to the mall. This is an aggressively cut, race fit jacket made for spirited rides on your favorite road. A full 360 zip allows you to attach the optional GP Plus pants allowing you to take it to the track as well.

Available in black/white, and white/red.

The Alpinestars GP Tech Air leather jacket stays plenty cool on those hot summer rides with full perforation along the front panel and back panel. The jacket goes above and beyond with additional ventilation along the top of the GP hump and arms. Don’t worry, Alpinestars includes a removable windproof vest for the early morning or late evening rides.

As with their race suits, Alpinestars includes a foam back pad. We highly recommend adding the optional Alpinestars Bionic Race back protector that snaps in to the jacket itself. The jacket also includes pockets to add optional Alpinestars Bionic Chest inserts. Both are available from Riders Discount, be sure to ask about these optional additions when you place your order.

External thermoplastic protection

Plenty of ventilation with the Alpinestars GP Tech Air Jacket

For more information, help with sizing, or if you’d like to place an order give us a call at 866.931.6644. You can also send an email to SUPPORT at RIDERSDISCOUNT dot COM and we’ll get back to you right away!

The post Alpinestars GP Tech Air Leather Jacket appeared first on Riders Discount.

Fit is similar to the rest of the Alpinestars line up. These will feel a tad snug at first but break in nicely.

Premium cowhide is use throughout the glove. 

Single polyurethane rubber pull wrist closure

Soft foam padding on the wrist, thumb, and top of the hand

Synthetic palm and external stitching for increased grip and comfort

Accordion stretch panel allows for easy control of your motorcycle

For more information, help with sizing, or if you’d like to place an order give us a call at 866.931.6644. You can also send an email to SUPPORT at RIDERSDISCOUNT dot COM and we’ll get back to you right away!

The post Alpinestars S-1 Glove appeared first on Riders Discount.

Danny’s race could not have started in a better position after winning pole, earning himself a second Rolex Daytona Cosmograph watch. Danny led 44 of 57 laps with two flawless pit stops performed by the Riders Discount Triumph crew allowing Danny to maintain his lead.

The last stint started with a margin of 2 seconds over second place rider Jake Gagne, increasing to over 10 seconds by the finish all the while waving to the fans, spurring the bike like a horse, and riding wheelies in classic Danny form. The victory lap saw a stop at a Danny Eslick fan club bus where he briefly celebrated before returning to the bike and proceeded to do rolling burnouts and ride wheelies along the banks of Daytona.

Danny Eslick:

“Hats off to the crew. (Crew chief) Richard Stanboli is the guy I worked with like ten years ago in my first year in the AMA Pro Road Racing. So in a big, roundabout way, this is payback for that first year,” said Eslick. “It’s awesome. I’ve gotten the pole before and, my very first 200, I got fourth. So there’s been a lot of hard work and a lot of years passed by to get this victory. It really means a lot. There’s been a lot going on at home, losing people close to me. This one is for Tommy Aquino and some good friends from home. So it means a lot.”

Brian Gibson, Team Owner:

“To win the Daytona 200 at the start of only our 2nd AMA Pro Road Racing season is just incredible. I can’t thank Danny and the entire crew enough. These guys have been burning the midnight oil for 6 weeks getting everything prepared and Danny capped off the effort by performing flawlessly. A huge shout out to all of our sponsors for believing in our program and also I want to thank all the fans of Danny and Riders Discount that cheered us to victory!”

Riders Discount would like to thank all of our sponsors: Triumph Motorcycles, Speed and Strength, Akrapovic, Attack Performance, Renthal, Andrew Swenson Design, Zero Gravity, GB Racing, Motion Pro, DynoJet, DrippinWet.com, Fast Frank Racing, Spiegler, Castrol, and Sharkskinz Racing Bodies. 

About RidersDiscount.com:

Riders Discount (www.ridersdiscount.com) is an online retailer of quality powersports gear, apparel, and accessories. A company founded by racers, RidersDiscount.com ships equipment for every riding style to customers worldwide, backed by knowledgeable sales team and excellent customer service.

Triumph Motorcycles (www.TriumphMotorcycles.com) is the British motorcycle marque that produces a wide range of sport, cruiser, adventure and touring motorcycles. From the storied Bonneville to the class-leading Speed Triple and Daytona 675R, Triumph offers a blend of design, character and performance that result in truly distinctive motorcycles. First established in 1902 and now located in Hinckley, Leicestershire, England, Triumph has always set the pace for category-winning machines. The company is solely owned by Bloor Holdings Ltd. and its North American operations are based in Atlanta.

Danny Eslick (http://www.eslick69.com) The Ultimate experience for all fans of Danny Eslick Racing. Check back often for all the latest news, photos, videos, and rider profiles.

The post Danny Eslick Wins Daytona 200 For Riders Discount Triumph appeared first on Riders Discount.

Every Brembo 19 RCS master cylinder comes complete with a break-away lever for crash survivability, a dual-line banjo bolt and a micro-switch controller for street applications allowing you to activate the rear brake light without the need to buy a separate pressure-sensitive banjo bolt switch.

For more information or to order, just give us a call at 866.931.6644 or, if email is more convenient, you can feel free to send those to SUPPORT at RIDERSDISCOUNT dot COM and we’ll get back to you right away!

The post Brembo 19 RCS Adjustable Ratio Radial Brake Master Cylinder appeared first on Riders Discount.

Constructed from premium 1.2 – 1.4mm cowhide, the Speed and Strength Twist of Fate 3.0 has a look and feel that outpaces its relatively modest price. This sturdy frame is built for maximum abrasion resistance and is backed by CE-rated armor in the back, knee, elbow and shoulder. The shoulder also features a new style of titanium-capped protector that sits atop the leather on the exterior.

Despite the thick leather and the array of armor, the Twist of Fate 3.0 is a incredibly comfortable suit that feels broken in the first time you try it on. This is due in part to the high-quality and very supple leather used by Speed and Strength. Adding to the overall broken in, comfortable feel is the generous use of Schoeller® Keprotec® stretch material in the arms, crotch, thighs, and calf. The Twist of Fate 3.0 also provides plenty of ventilation, with perforated leather throughout the chest, upper arms, thighs and lower back.

Like both of its predecessors, the Speed and Strength Twist of Fate 3.0 is a suit that performs at a much higher level than its price-tag would suggest. For more information and expert sizing advice, just give us a call at 866.931.6644 or, if email is more convenient, you can feel free to send those to SUPPORT at RIDERSDISCOUNT dot COM and we’ll get back to you right away!

The post Speed and Strength Twist of Fate 3.0 Leather Suit appeared first on Riders Discount.

Qualifying had Pascarella starting from the 10th spot on the grid for Saturday’s race, but an issue with a hose during the warm up lap forced him to pull off and push the bike to the wall. Luckily this all occurred close enough to the pits that he was able to sprint back to the paddock. As soon as they realized what had happened, the crew worked quickly to remove the tire warmers from the backup 675R and get it off of the stands so that Pascarella could start his race in earnest – all while the rest of the competition sped away. Despite being on a bike that he hadn’t intended to race, Pascarella was able to put his head down and churn out an impressive run of steadily improving lap times that brought him back up to 13th from well behind the very back of the field.

“I was feeling good going into the first race after making some changes to the setup in order to get more rear grip,” said Pascarella on Saturday. “Unfortunately we had the water leak just before the start and I had to push the bike to the pit wall. I made it onto the backup bike and started from pit lane, so I was pretty much riding by myself for a while. On the plus side, I did get some good data for the crew and was able to put in some quick laps that ended up being faster than I had gone in any of the previous practice or qualifying sessions.”

Team manager Bree Poland added, “Even though we finished the race in 13th, I’m really glad Joey was able to get back to the pits and back out on track. Everyone else had a solid head start at that point and he was still able to put in a couple of his fastest laps of the weekend up to that point – even though he was on a bike he didn’t mean to ride. We also have to give big thanks to the AMA Pro Road Racing crew for lifting our stalled bike over the pit wall before everyone came back around track again. Not only did they get it safely out of the way in time, but they lifted it over the tall Mid-Ohio wall by hand!”

Prior to Sunday’s race, the Riders Discount Triumph crew was able make the most of the data gathered on the backup Triumph 675R used during race one by improving the setup for Pascarella. This showed in the race, when Pascarella put in substantially faster times than the day before. He ended up finishing just outside of the top ten in 11th place.

“Overall, this wasn’t the weekend that the team and I were hoping for, but we are all very determined to improve. I am looking forward to next weekend and I feel that Laguna will suit us better.” 

Joey Pascarella and Riders Discount Triumph are very optimistic going forward and they are ready for the next challenge. This challenge will come in just a few days time, when the Riders Discount Triumph truck and crew arrive at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca in California for the 5th round of racing during the Red Bull U.S. Grand Prix.

About RidersDiscount.com: RidersDiscount.com is an online retailer of quality powersports gear, apparel and accessories. A company founded by racers,RidersDiscount.com ships equipment for every riding style to customers worldwide, backed by knowledgeable sales team and excellent customer service.

Triumph Motorcycles (www.TriumphMotorcycles.com) is the British motorcycle marquee that produces a wide range of sport, cruiser, adventure and touring motorcycles. From the storied Bonneville to the class-leading Speed Triple and Daytona 675R, Triumph offers a blend of design, character and performance that result in truly distinctive motorcycles. First established in 1902 and now located in Hinckley, Leicestershire, England, Triumph has always set the pace for category-winning machines. The company is solely owned by Bloor Holdings Ltd. and its North American operations are based in Atlanta.

*If interested in being a partner/sponsor of Riders Discount Racing, please contact bree@ridersdiscount.com for more info.

The post Joey Pascarella And Riders Discount Triumph Looking Forward To Laguna After Tough Weekend At Mid-Ohio appeared first on Riders Discount.