How to Choose a Motorcycle Jacket | Timber Town Harley-Davidson

How to Choose a Motorcycle Jacket

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First-time bike buyer? Once you’ve gotten your license and insurance out of the way, you can move on to choosing a bike and buying gear! More than a style statement, a quality motorcycle jacket will protect you from the elements in Portland so that you can ride longer—and have more fun doing it.

Before you rush out and purchase one of those leather motorcycle jackets you’ve been dreaming about, it’s important to consider what you freally need from a jacket. In fact, you may even need to get more than one depending on where you live, and whether you’re a three-season or a year-round rider.

Below, we’ve outlined the various types of men’s and women’s motorcycle jackets, ranging from lightweight mesh jackets to heavy-duty waterproof jackets—and of course, timeless classic leather motorcycle jackets.

Leather Motorcycle Jackets: Pros and Cons

Leather motorcycle jackets speak to Harley history like nothing else, but they’re not ideal for certain weather conditions. That’s why we don’t suggest a leather jacket as the first and only jacket for most riders. However, as the jacket of choice for crisp fall days and mild, dryer weather, they’re a great addition to any collection. We’ve broken down the key pros and cons of leather motorcycle jackets, below:

Pros

  • Highly abrasion-resistant
  • Classic style
  • Perfect for cooler spring and fall weather

Cons

  • Can trap sweat if you’re layered up for the cold
  • Won’t protect from rain and moisture
  • Not adequate for midwinter temperatures

Lightweight, Waterproof, & Heavy-Duty Motorcycle Jackets

A wide variety of men’s and women’s motorcycle jackets are now available, and many are made from lightweight, high-tech materials developed during the past ten years. Here’s what you’ll find when you start shopping for gear:

Motorcycle Jackets for Hot Weather

  • Mesh Jackets – The best choice for Albany’s hottest days, these ultra-lightweight jackets will keep you cool but aren’t as protective as heavier types.
  • Jackets Without Membranes – For slightly more warmth than a mesh jacket, try a motorcycle jacket without a membrane. Some have a removable membrane for hotter days.

Waterproof Motorcycle Jackets

  • Drop-Liner Jacket – This type of jacket has a stitched-in waterproof or windproof membrane and taped seams for water resistance.
  • Motorcycle Jackets with a Removable Waterproof Membrane – If you want a jacket that can switch between waterproof and lightweight, this is a great choice.
  • Wax Cotton Jacket – Waxed cotton is water-resistant, so it’s often chosen for riding in the rain. Many of these motorcycle jackets also have a waterproof membrane.
  • Laminated Waterproof Motorcycle Jackets – For deep winter riding, choose this heat-sealed, waterproof jacket type.

Shop Men’s & Women’s Motorcycle Jackets at Timber Town Harley-Davidson!

If you’d like to try on some leather motorcycle jackets or explore your options in detail, stop by our Salem dealership! Our team is ready to assist you in choosing the perfect gear, no matter what kind of riding you love to do in Lebanon.

Harley-Davidson Test Ride Days

Join us for H-D® Test Ride Days Friday, May 10 through Saturday, May 18. Don’t miss your chance to experience the entire 2024 lineup, including the all-new reimagined Road Glide® and Street Glide®.

  • Take a test ride on any new Harley-Davidson® motorcycle, get an exclusive t-shirt and gift*
  • Try on new apparel and riding gear for all your on and off road adventures
  • Check out the latest parts and accessories to customize your motorcycle, including seats, color-matched Tour-Pak® luggage carriers, windshields, Harley-Davidson® Audio Powered by Rockford Fosgate®, lighting, accessory collections and so much more

While supplies last. NO PURCHASE NECESSARY, void where prohibited. U.S. and Canada residents only; 18+. Eligible participant must visit a participating Harley-Davidson® dealer and test ride a new Harley-Davidson® motorcycle between May 10, 2024 and May 19, 2024 to obtain a special edition t-shirt and gift. Offer ends on May 19, 2024 or when supply of 10,000 t-shirts and 10,000 gifts expires, whichever occurs first. T-shirts will be mailed to the H-D® dealer of test ride record four to six weeks after the promotional period. Offer is non-transferable and cannot be redeemed for cash or cash equivalent. Offer is subject to change without notice. See participating Harley-Davidson® dealers for full terms and conditions, including test ride requirements. Sponsor: Harley-Davidson Motor Co., 3700 W. Juneau Ave., Milwaukee, WI 53208.

 

Harley-Davidson® 2024 Street Glide®

Register For Your Chance To Win An All-New 2024 Street Glide®**

Riders and non-riders can participate, a test ride is not required to enter. Ask us how to earn additional and daily entries.

**Sweepstakes entry period May 10, 2024, 9am EST through May 19, 2024, 11:59pm EST. No purchase necessary. Purchase does not increase odds of winning. Open only to legal residents of the continental United States, including D.C. and Alaska and excluding Hawaii who are 21 years or older, and legal residents of Canada, who have reached the age of majority in their state, province, or territory of residence at time of entry. Void where prohibited. Need not be present to win. See official rules at TestRideDays.com.