Reddit mentions: The best motorcycle protective coats & vests

Well, this jacket is amazing. I have been wearing mine for about a year and a half with all-weather riding. It's armored but the armor is removable, it's lined but the liner is removable, and it's vented and has gussets in the shoulders so it's comfortable while riding. And it looks great. It's not too expensive at $140. But it might be out of your price range.

As for helmets, you'll get a lot of hate here regarding open-face helmets. I get it, but it's my choice. As a beginner I'd suggest a full-face until you're confident on a bike. HJC makes decent helmets for cheap, if you know you'll be replacing it not too far down the road. But if you want an open face helmet I would recommend avoiding A) true vintage helmets because of deterioration issues and B) vintage reproduction helmets, because they just aren't comfortable. I use this helmet, and I love it. I accept the risks associated with an open-faced helmet; a beginner should not, but many do. That's your choice. Nolan makes good helmets with modern fitments like the quick-release strap and the removable liner with moisture wicking and anti-fungal magic whatever. They don't get much love in this subreddit as a brand, but they're good helmets.

As for the bike, yes! The CM400c is a great beginner bike. It's actually nearly the same bike structurally as the Nighthawk 450 I mentioned earlier. Same engine casing (it was bored out to 450 and they added a valve to the head in 1982 a year before dropping the CM line and creating the CB450SC), same frame, same calipers, master cylinder, swingarm, the list goes on. Having owned the CB450SC, I can tell you that it's a breeze to maintain and it's a really fun ride. The similarities are also important, because it makes it very easy to find parts if anything breaks. If you can't find it for the CM400 (c or otherwise) OR the Nighthawk 450, you're not looking in the right place. It's a fun bike to ride (not as fun as the 450 model CM or the Nighthawk, but still fun) and while the styling is more cruiser than UJM, it looks good; like a little brother to the CX500c, but with a better engine design. That 400cc SOHC engine is really easy to maintain, and it falls into the "rock solid Honda" category in terms of reliability. And because it's on the cusp of collectibility, if you maintain it and keep it looking good and running well, you can easily get back what you paid for it, if not more. And because it's relatively easy to maintain, you'll learn a lot about how that bike - and motorcycles in general - work. You'll learn to change/clean/adjust chains and sprockets, spark plugs, and oil. Electrical work isn't too hard on that bike, either. If the bike runs well, you'll learn a lot from it, and since it's not a huge bike, you'll be able to transfer a lot of the knowledge and experience gained from a MSF course over to the bike without having to adapt that information to a larger bike. Motorcycles can be expensive; remember that. But most people here would agree when I say that it's totally worth it.

That bike will likely be just fine for you. how much gear you want to wear just translates how much risk you want to take. Some days, I grab groceries in nothing but my skivvies and a helmet, sue me.

Most people on r/moto will recommend whatever expensive ass stuff turns up on a google search query "motorcycle gear". Now, I'm not saying that good gear is a bad investment, but, I rode protected in a suit that cost me less than $200 total. You just have to get a bit creative.

HELMET- As cheap as I am, here, I still recommend a good helmet. The bell qualifier is on sale right now for $100 USD. Its a good all rounder at a good price. get one. (FORGIVE ME IF DOT DOESNT CUT IT OVER THERE) http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/bell-qualifier-helmet?gclid=Cj0KEQjwjem-BRC_isGJlJ-0h-MBEiQAbCimWH3MHqfiWpzlEOmeOt0_QdhAz-LHk4F7Qd2kRZDVDCUaArGK8P8HAQ

PANTS- You have the correct idea here. sturdy jeans will prevent burns and minor scrapes without sacrificing mobility. best of all, they're pretty much free, since most blokes own a pair of jeans. If you fall and slide, your ankles and hips/back/torso are going to get much more abuse on the asphalt.

JACKET- This is where the savings are. a decent jacket is 200-300 dollars, and who wants to spend that? Here's where I got creative. This $30 suit of body armor has lasted me three years, and saved me from many bumps and scrapes.
https://www.amazon.com/Motorbike-Motorcycle-Protective-Bicycle-Motocross/dp/B00LE61UAI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1473943906&sr=8-2&keywords=motorcycle+body+armor
you look like a power ranger, but hey. It works, and don't let anyone here tell you otherwise.

SHOES- Hiking boots are your friend. ankle support and thick walls will be all you need. for a steeper price of $80-100 USD, you can find a shittier pair of racing/riding boots that will do you even better

GLOVES- this is the most polarizing part. i like shitty, $10 chinese gloves with plastic skid plates because the way i ride, i go through a pair of any glove every year anyway. been using this particular glove for the past 2 years. https://www.amazon.com/TCBunny-Pro-Biker-Motorcycle-Motorbike-Powersports/dp/B00GBVHPNW/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1473944390&sr=8-3&keywords=motorcycle+gloves

I have this jacket which is pretty similar, but has ballistic nylon in some important places. I wouldn't really trust a 100% mesh material jacket except in lower speed crashes. As it is, I don't think mine is all that great in terms of durability. The rated shoulder and elbow armor is good but the back protector seems like an afterthought.

It definitely stays cool in the summer. With the liner in it's only good down to temps in the 60's maybe, but I've worn it as low as the 30's with some really good layers underneath. Overall, it does the job and is pretty impressive for its price.

I'm also not into wearing pads (I figured out a pretty good alternative) but I definitely use wrist guards, they've already saved my palms more than once. Always wear a helmet, even if it's a garbage one its better than nothing. I wear full face because I'm not interested in having any unscheduled dental work done. I've already seen enough chipped teeth posted here on reddit (mostly on /r/ElectricSkateboarding).

Here's my full setup:

Wrist guards from this set https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B075ZT6X5M/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Got the set because wrist guards alone were basically the same price. I use the knee pads if I am going on a trail or somewhere I think I will fall a lot.

I pretty much never use the elbow pads, instead, I always wear this: https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B01IW7VYQG/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o02_s02?ie=UTF8&psc=1
It has padded elbows and shoulders (a very common place people get injured on onewheels) and is completely mesh so it's very breathable when riding. Plus it looks pretty badass, I'm surprised more people haven't gone this route.

For a helmet I am using Giro Disciple with MIPS, it's pricy but I figure I can resell it when I'm done. Some cheaper alternatives are the Demon Podium (you can get the mips version for 100 on ebay) and Bell Sanction. I believe there's a list floating around somewhere here on reddit of good helmets.

I've also been really struggling to decide on a jacket. Could really use some help or even suggestions outside of the ones I'll post below, I'm spending way too much time trying to decide on a jacket to buy and could use some help from more experienced riders that might be able to come up with reasons for/against some of these.

I really like this one, but it's the most expensive one I'm looking at: https://www.britishmotorcyclegear.com/brands/bmg/montana-jacket.html

Probably my 2nd pick: https://www.sportbiketrackgear.com/knox-roscoe-leather-jacket/#product-reviews%E2%80%9D\

3rd, I'd like this one better if it weren't for that big Dainese logo on the back: https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/dainese-stripes-d1-perforated-leather-jacket

Tied for 4th: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00NUSUY0A/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_8R05CbFTE921J

Tied for 4th: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BIKPM44/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_U_.205CbZC2KX3X

One last one, that seems like it'd be a decent deal at $85... But I'm not sure of the quality on this one, so someone tell me if it'd be a bad idea: https://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/jackets_jerseys_and_vests/cruiser_leather_jackets_and_vests/black_brand/two_lane_jacket.html

Any other suggestions are definitely welcome. I'm in Oklahoma currently, so summers get reasonably hot. I'd love a leather jacket that's more of a slim cut that looks good on/off the bike. I'm about 6', 195lbs, reasonably built, if that helps.

Also just saw these two and like them quite a bit:
https://www.foxcreekleather.com/mens-grayson-motorcycle-jacket/

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/street-steel-blade-jacket

I rode last year with a joe rocket USMC jacket. In the spring, I left the liner in for the ride to work in the morning and took it out in the afternoon. It has a nice mesh that still protects skin somewhat, at least to military standard, but breathes nicely. I rode in jeans and doc martens, because that's what I had.

In the intervening months, I have added to my gear collection quite a bit. I have multiple jackets, all much of the same theory, mesh with a lining. They've worked for me in temps down to 26 degrees and up to 100.

I just purchased some motorcycle jeans (example) with armor in the knee pockets. I have worn those down to 40-ish with some long johns underneath.

I have a pair of textile motorcycle overpants I've worn down to 26 degrees. They come with knee and hip armor. I did pull the inner lining out of those and wear them with jeans and long johns in the colder weather.

I have some flannel looking riding shirts. They look like a regular flannel shirt, but they have armor built into the elbows and shoulders. They're good to down about 50 degrees with a tee shirt underneath. Here is an example for girls.

I do have a balaclava but only wore that once. It's not really needed, even at low temps.

I have a pair of speed and strength shoes that look like "normal" high tops. I haven't really gotten used to them. Downshifting is kind of a weird experience. It just doesn't click sometimes. On the otherhand, they're made for riding. They have armor in the ankles, they have a non-slip sole and a lot of support.

Gloves I have a love/hate relationship with. My "summer" Icon gloves are great, but not good at heat retention. I've purchased Bilt "warm" gloves. Yeah, they're not. Even those gloves with freezeout liners I still get cold hands. I have no advice there.

I don't know a whole lot about leg holsters, I mostly linked that one because I bought one a while back and I really like it. I forget if it's possible to swap the straps to the other side and make it ambidextrous. Mostly I just mention it because it attaches to a molle belt. I picked up another one and it doesn't have the split belt straps like that, so I can't use it with a molle setup.

Extra layers would protect from BBs well. Having a soft surface will help slow down the BBs as they impact. That being said, things will get pretty toasty.

I like the futuristic/sci-fi ninja look though. Maybe you could go for a motorcycle-style jacket? Actually, now that I did a quick search... buy that. Or something like that. In any case, motorcycle jackets generally have padding and they usually look pretty cool. Given that you don't need it to hold up to a crash at 40+mph, you can just get a cheap knockoff or something. If you do it right, you might end up with an 80s/retro-future look that would be pretty badass.

Oh, I most definitely will be getting one. I already ordered reusable stainless mesh oil filters, a new sealed chain (O-ring would have been fine, but only x-rings are available), a great center lift that fits under it, LED light bulbs for all the fixtures that will hopefully fit (most LED bulbs have bad circuity, and do not last long at all..) crash guards for the levers, chain clip pliers and a chain press. (Also will buy spark plugs, and found a source for keys). That took a lot of work, but here are the parts I found after careful research (The signal bulbs are 2.25 inches long end to end, 0.5 inch longer than a standard 1157 or 1156 light bulb.. I really hope they fit) Since I'm new to motorcycling, it also involved getting a helmet (a discontinued but still available snell-rated Nikko n719), boots, gloves, and an armored riding jacket on the cheap, in addition to knee and shin guards for good measure. Here's what I went with, from the places I bought: (If you know of things, or have better ideas, do pass along..)

https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-adjustable-lift-stand-p?s=186621

https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-aluminum-handguards-p?s=23847

https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-chain-press-tool-p?s=62786

https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-first-line-oil-filter-p?s=126456

https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/did-428-vx-x-ring-chain-p?s=886302

https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/tusk-master-link-clip-pliers-p?s=933107

https://www.rockymountainatvmc.com/parts/ngk-resistor-sparkplug-p?s=2507

https://www.ebay.com/itm/10x-White-AUTO-1156-Reverse-Lamp-Corner-Light-4-Emitters-COB-LED-1129-3497-D047/232756723663

https://www.ebay.com/itm/10x-White-AUTO-1157-Brake-Lamp-Turn-Signal-Light-4-COB-LED-1016-1034-E047/233107127840

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2Pcs-9003-HB2-H4-Car-Motorcycle-Headlight-Kit-Bulb-LED-Light-High-Low-Beam-6500K/113914566995

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Yamaha-Motorcycle-Keys-Cut-to-Code-Replacement-Spare-New-Ignition-precut-Key/182917164877

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SG9CJD1/ref=twister_B07WJ169M5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Fox Racing Titan Sport DH 'jacket'. About $150 in the US. I've replaced it a couple times over the years. I can't begin to describe how much skin they have saved me and how much pain was avoided.

It's hot compared to just a jersey, but the level of protection is pretty awesome. I never notice while riding otherwise. Quite comfortable actually.

I took a pretty hard slam on my left side on Saturday. Got a huge gouge in the left forearm plastic cup from a rock. Could have easily been my arm and a trip to the hospital. Bruised up, but I finished Saturday and did a full day yesterday.

I also wear it snowboarding if conditions are icy.

https://www.amazon.com/Fox-Racing-Titan-Protective-Jacket/dp/B0033PRRCS?th=1&psc=1

I ride a mid 70's enduro. Bike is beautiful, but it's hard to find gear that looks good with it. Everything is either tailored to the harley crowd or the crotch rocket ed-hardy crowd as you put it. I find something like this or this are the best to not look like a douche and still gain a bit of visibility.

I got a Fox titan jacket a couple years ago and I’ve been super happy with it. Lightweight but serious protection (I use it for moto, though it’s marketed as mtb gear) My favorite part is how well it moves. Since all the pads are sewn onto the mesh they don’t slip around and get twisted like my old combo of hard shell chest protector and elbow pads did.

I’m 6’2/205 and the XL fits me perfectly

Fox Racing Titan Sport Protective MTB Jacket (Black, X-Large) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002TJY34E/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_.bz8CbQF1PC62

I am getting my first bike delivered next week. I have a helmet, but still need a jacket + pants + boots. I want to ride to work occasionally, so I need gear that can easily go over business casual (button down and khakis). Any advice for full gear in the ~$400 range? I prefer safety and visibility over comfortableness, so preferably something with decent armor and very neon colored. Thanks in advance!

EDIT: What do you thing of this one?

Leather is fine, IF you have armor on under it for impact... The only thing the leather will do is help with abrasion resistance, it wont soften the blow. Im sure you can find a jacket that has CE approved armor in the arms and shoulders then go with something like the Icon Field Armor (Yes I know its squiddy on its own but under a jacket I think it would be fine)

But for comfort Id say a textile jacket with armor would be your best bet... [this is what I have] (http://www.amazon.com/Master-Intake-Series-Textile-Motorcycle/dp/B0083RNX6A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410743309&sr=8-1&keywords=tourmaster+intake+air+3+jacket) and its served very well, even after a highside that broke my collar bone all I had to do was replace the shoulder armor as the jacket was still very much intact.

They're so far behind they don't even have a clue. Here's a tip for everybody.

Motocross armor. Like this.

https://www.amazon.com/Motorcycle-Protector-Street-Motocross-Protection/dp/B01CCH71H8/ref=pd_sbs_263_3?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B01CCH71H8&pd_rd_r=VP3WSR98VBFHH46KPW9Z&pd_rd_w=9Z5Mo&pd_rd_wg=MAoXe&psc=1&refRID=VP3WSR98VBFHH46KPW9Z

It won't stop a bullet or anything, but in a fist/stick fight? That's as good as it gets while still being legal.

There's a link for steel knuckled gloves lower down on that same page, too. And I'm pretty sure Amazon sells axe handles and grip tape too.

Oh, and I'll say it openly on a public domain. I fully encourage and endorse people protecting themselves against the unprovoked, unreasoning violence of antifa.

You could try just straight up armor. I wear this jacket that I've linked, it flows air super well and it can fit under a hoodie if it gets a bit colder.
Jacket: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00BFWK3PY?fp=1&pc_redir=T1
Review of Jacket: https://youtu.be/LqZKT_w2jIM

I recently got MILWAUKEE LEATHER Men's Classic Side Lace Police Style Motorcycle Jacket. The fit is good, the leather so far has been holding up well, and the coat seems well constructed.

All of that said, it's still really early in this coat's life, so I can't say anything definitive about the quality, but thus far I've been pleased.

Vanson or Schott for a non-specific-to-motorcycle jacket. I'd say the leather is gonna protect better than a bottom-of-the-line fake leather motorcycle jacket. Or Roland Sands Design Ronin + armor. Good stuff is expensive.

I have this jacket and it's.... Okay. Fake leather, smells like plastic, but it came with armor ("CE Level 3" is BS; CE 2 is the highest, but I figure it's ok for tooling around town), but looks cool.

I have that exact same one, got it on Amazon. Here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00IVP0U2Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1 It's a nice thick leather jacket. It's already protected me from one fall from my motorcycle. And it has so many pockets!

I'm from Brazil and I want to buy gear. I will use for different things in different seasons, so I don't want to buy a dedicated motorcycle jacket and pants, as they are not as good and much more expensive here. I got the idea of buying these thin jackets https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017C4RRNO?psc=1 and use it underneath normal clothes. For example. When its cold, I put on a hoodie and a flannel. When its hot, only a t-shirt.

The question is, is it doable? Can I just use these kind of armor underneath other clothing?

thanks!

I appreciate the suggestion, but the only problem with it is that this is the base of my suit, and it already has shoulder pads.

I did consider a different cape (mine is pretty thin) but I’m pretty tall, 6’2-3, and finding any cape or anything that can function as a cape is hard to find.

In regards to the mesh jacket, do you mean something like this? Someone else recommended that to me and it seems like it could be just what I'm looking for. I'm a bit hesitant though because it doesn't seem like it's going to offer much protection for street riding and it seems like it's designed more for motocross or something.

>https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KYTPQ2Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I am also in Florida (southeast) and ride with an HWK jacket similar to u/Admiral_Flapjack. Is it a bit warm? Yes, but not totally unbearable. You will find yourself a bit moist, but the little bit of ventilation the zipper vents provide is helpful.

While checking out the post of the Cookie Monster helmet cover, I came across these jacket vents. I am seriously considering purchasing a pair: Moto Loot Ventz

Ordered a set, when they arrive, I'll post some thoughts.

There’s really nothing out there that makes any sense, fits the bill, price, and does what it should do. I think there’s 2 choices; spend $500 on a dcf jacket that will do what you want, or spend $9 bucks for something that does pretty much what you want.

I’ve done both.

The jacket I’m using and happy with is a $9 jacket. Sub-4oz. jacket that keeps you dry. Not that durable, doesn’t look that good, but easily replaceable.

Frogg Toggs Emergency Rain Jacket, Women's, Purple, Size Small/Medium https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N2H1YMJ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_OczADb7D2E0W6

Here is the gear I currently use.

Helmet: https://www.amazon.com/AFX-FX-90-Solid-Helmet-Size/dp/B001JSXAYA

Jacket: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07KYTPQ2Y/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Gloves: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B019U0KRJE/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I also have old motocross boots from my dad, they're not stylish, but they are covered in steel and keep my shins safe.

I've been happy with my Fox Titan.

Maybe take a look at the downhill jackets as well. something like this maybe. A bit less pricey and maybe probably?
enough. I didn't have to test it yet

I also noticed the Frogg Toggs is 5.4oz. Mine is 4.1oz with tags removed and a rubber band keeping it tidy. $16 for one ounce is pretty steep - but if you're not expecting bad weather, you can probably replace with the less durable jacket or even a disposable emergency poncho.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01N2H1YMJ/

Consider a non-paste tooth cleaner. I have some of the chewables in a pill bag that weigh 6g for a weeks worth inside their bag.

If you’re actually curious, it’s motocross armor and he’s wearing the belt backwards.

this? https://www.amazon.com/Fox-Racing-Titan-Protective-Jacket/dp/B0033PRRCS

I just bought this one.

They're not going to see it because you spammed us with a referral link.

this is no good: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0033PRRCS/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=avinaaroracom-20&camp=0&creative=0&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B0033PRRCS&adid=1VHR5WW3NJHWRMKJS6M4&

I'll delete it every time.
>


this is fantastic: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0033PRRCS/

i'll leave these alone.