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.

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.

A superbly styled sport riding garment featuring a multi-panel chassis with premium leather and extensive stretch paneling, the GP Plus R Jacket is brimming with protective and performance features. A multi-panel lining adds to the formidable comfort benefits of this jacket which can be attached to Alpinestars riding pants via 270 degree zipper.

Premium 1.3 leather, multi-panel construction, with reinforced stitching for optimum tear resistance in the event of an impact. Embroidered Alpinestars logos accent the jacket. 

Alpinestars uses race?derived, CE?approved Bio-Armor shoulder and elbow protectors along with dual density, advanced polymer shoulder sliders that are ergonomically incorporated into garment’s sport styling design for added abrasion resistance.

Chest and back pad compartments with PE padding are included however we strongly recommend upgrading with the Alpinestars Bionic chest pads and Alpinestars Bionic Race Back Protector.

Advanced microfiber accordion stretch inserts on rear for an excellent fit optimized for all styles of riding.

Perforated padded panels integrated into main shell and sleeves for improved fit.

A combination of Velcro and auto-locking zipper wrist closures for secure and customized fit. 

Soft 3D mesh collar construction plus 3D mesh cuff edging for improved comfort and breathability.

Alpinestars has started to include interior waterproof wallet pocket for safe storage of documents/electronics on all their latest jackets, including the GP Plus R.

Fit on the Alpinestars GP Plus R is true to size. However if you like your jackets a bit loose, we recommend going up one size as the cut is fairly tight. Retails at $399.95, the GP Plus R is available in black/white, black/white/blue, and black/white/red (pictured) in both perforated or non-perforated options. A Stella womens cut is also available as well. You can get expert sizing advice and more information about ordering by getting in touch with us by calling 866.931.6644. Is email more convenient? Feel free to send those to SUPPORT at RIDERSDISCOUNT dot COM and we’ll get back to you right away!

The post Alpinestars GP Plus R Perforated Leather Jacket appeared first on Riders Discount.

Rear tire/rear stand: Walker Jemison (Mr. Energy)
Rear axle: Boyd Bruner (aka “Boydo”)
Rear tire catcher: Taylor Knapp (AMA SBK fast guy)
Front tire/front stand: Richard Stanboli (owner at Attack Performance)
Front axle: Brian Gibson (owner at Riders Discount)
Front tire catcher: Rick Matheny (crew chief for Hayden Gillem)
Gas can: Shawn Keene (Mr. Positive)
Fire Extinguisher/Safety Officer: Seamus Taaffe (Brembo Engineer)

The video of this stop can be seen here –https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hvLJthG7SJc

Here you see the crew preparing as Danny comes down pit road.

Richard and Walker have the stands under the bike and Danny is getting ready to jump off (trying to not kick Boyd in the head). 

Danny is off the bike, Shawn is dropping gas, Walker and Richard are getting ready to pull the wheels.  You can see that Walker is grabbing the chain in front of the rear sprocket and will be pulling the chain back and to the side. At the same time Boyd is pulling the rear axle.  At the front you can see Richard has a grasp on the front wheel. After Brian pulls the front axle Richard will literally pull the front wheel straight forward and out.

Danny is grabbing his water while Walker is rolling the old tire over to Taylor and is grabbing the scrub tire we have waiting. You can see Richard is ahead of the rear already and is pushing the front tire into place. He will then grab the lower fork legs/calipers and push them in at the same time while centering the wheel.

Richard/Brian are done with the front change and dropping the lift stand while Shawn finishes fuel. You can see that Walker is threading the chain across the bottom of the rear sprocket while rotating the wheel forward. 

Tires and fuel are done and Danny is re-mounting 

Off we go and on the way to Victory Lane

The post The anatomy of a Daytona 200 Pit Stop 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.

More on the RS-1: The Bell RS-1 is a SNELL M2010 and DOT that sits in a sweet spot, both performance and price-wise. The sleek, aggressively shaped shell is made from a Kevlar/Fiberglass composite that makes it both strong and lightweight. The RS-1’s shell cuts a profile that is similar to that of the Bell Star, which results in an excellent aerodynamic balance that keeps buffeting to a minimum. Air also flows through the helmet very well. The Velocity Flow Ventilation system is adjustable and quietly keeps your head cool.

Internally, the Bell RS-1 is a comfortable place to be. The lining and cheek pads feel very plush on the skin, right out of the box. They also break in quickly. An Agion Antibacterial treatment helps keep things fresh, but the lining is fully removable and washable in case things get a bit too sweaty. The RS-1 comes with a clear NutraFog II anti-fog/anti-scratch shield, which is the same as the Star. The ClickRelease shield mechanism is also shared, making for shield changes that can be done in seconds. Be sure to ask about adding the popular Bell Transition shield to your order as well!

If you are interested in the Bell RS-1 Servo, you can give us a call at 866.931.6644.  Is email more convenient? Feel free to send those to SUPPORT at RIDERSDISCOUNT dot COM and we’ll get back to you right away!

The post Bell RS-1 Servo Helmet 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.

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.