Whether you’re shopping for motorcycle helmets, gloves or Harley Davidson motorcycle parts, you want to make sure you’re getting authentic Harley gear. The best place to purchase Harley gear is to order directly from the manufacturer or to find an authorized dealer or retailer. High-quality motorcycle gear isn’t just for looking good. It protects you in a fall. It’s more comfortable when you’re riding. If you’re making the investment in a cruiser jacket, get one that fits your riding style and body.
Choose a Jacket That Fits Your Riding Style
A leather motorcycle jacket might be the traditional look, but leather isn’t perfect for all types of riding. If you ride in the rain or on trails, leather isn’t going to hold up as well to the wet or dirt. It can get hot in the summer. Textile jackets have a lot more versatility. It’s easier to layer a textile jacket, but textiles often don’t have the same abrasive protection as leather. Consider how and where you ride to determine what type of jacket you want.
How to Find the Best Fitting Cruiser Jacket
Cruiser jackets come in three basic cuts, American, European and race. The American jacket is a touring style. The jacket will have more room in the arms, shoulders and waist. A European jacket is slimmer cut. It has a sportier style with a more tapered profile for a closer fit. A race jacket has a snug fit. The arms are pre-curved for comfort and flexibility on the bike.
To find the right size jacket, get a soft tape measure and ask a friend to help you measure. Take a chest measurement by wrapping the tape measure around your chest and back. Don’t take a deep breath or add any extra to this measure. Next, measure from your shoulder to the wrist for your arm measurement. It should be around 20-inches. If you see arm measurements that are 30 inches or more, the manufacturer measures from the spine to the wrist. The third measure you need is your waist measurement. This isn’t your pants size, but the measure around your stomach about an inch above your belly button.
Once you get your jacket, it should fit comfortably, so you can move. You don’t want a lot of wiggle room, but you don’t want it super tight either. Don’t wear your jacket on your bike until you’re sure you want to keep it, because it may not be returnable once it’s been on a ride. Sit on your bike and wear your jacket to see how it moves with you. It should let you turn and lean without moving around on your body.
Why Investing in a Good Cruiser Jacket Is Worth the Money
A cruiser jacket is a piece of safety gear that will last you many years when you take care of it. When your jacket fits correctly, it protects you better and helps you ride more comfortably. Spending money on gear that keeps you safe makes sense. Shop for Harley Davidson FLH Hydra-Glide parts and other motorcycle accessories and gear for a clean ride.
