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.

Race Into Summer Open House

Harley-Davidson Open House

Get Revved Up

Racing has been part of the Harley-Davidson experience since the very beginning. From the Hillclimbers to the flat trackers to today’s King of the Baggers™ led by our H-D® Factory Racing team. Join us to honor our roots with the Race Into Summer Open House on Saturday, June 22. Summer has arrived. It’s time to roll.

  • Be among the first 55 to RSVP below and claim your exclusive H-D® Racing Pin*
  • Earn additional Prizes & Giveaways*
  • Celebrate the power and performance that only Harley-Davidson® motorcycles can deliver – from the 2024 motorcycle lineup to custom P&A packages and all-new riding gear

 

H-D® Membership event Special***

  • Paid H-D® Members, earn up to 2,000 Bonus Points with a $100+ in-store purchase ($20 Value)
  • Free H-D® Members, earn up to 500 Bonus Points with a $100+ in-store purchase ($5 Value)

 

Harley-Davidson® 2024 CVO™ Road Glide® ST

Register For Your Chance To Win An All-New 2024 CVO™ Road Glide® ST**

Stop in to register for your chance to win** a 2024 CVO™ Road Glide® ST, a 2025 King of the Baggers VIP Race Experience and a Trip to Daytona for 2 OR 2 VIP Tickets to a King of the Baggers Race, plus other great prizes. Ask us how to earn additional entries.

Harley-Davidson® Event Pin

RSVP to get a special gift**

Be one of the first 55 to RSVP AND attend our event for an exclusive racing pin. Just fill out the form below and show us your confirmation email when you arrive at our Race Into Summer Open House.

* While supplies last. Offer limited to the first 55 attendees.

 

* While supplies last.

** Sweepstakes entry period June 21, 2024, 9am EST through June 23, 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 participating H-D® dealerships for details or visit official rules at HD-SummerOpenHouse.com.

*** H-D® Members earn up to 2,000 bonus points ($20 value) on a purchase of $100+ between 6/21/24 9:00 am EST through 6/23/2024 11:59 pm EST participating Dealers only; H-D® Membership must be activated at the time of sale. Points apply to a single transaction for eligible purchases of $100+ before tax and after any sales discounts are applied. Promotion good for genuine H-D® and H-D® licensed products only. Usual point restrictions apply. Please allow up to 72 hours for points to appear in your account. Visit bit.ly/HD_points for details.