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OCTOBER 2021
Having a Vent! Cindy Bennett, Member #4170
M
otorcycle jackets, from Fonzie cool retro leather to high tech vented, Goretex and even ones with an airbag – there is a bewildering array of choices out there. Baffling and copyrighted terms such as Cordura, Matryx and Air-tech also serve to confuse matters.
THE LAST WORD
Our recent ride to Cape York brought about a wardrobe shopping spree to get “MX ready”! Zip up long sleeve body armour and a jersey looked after the top half nicely. This outfit also did extra duty as a swimsuit, jumping into rare croc-free water holes had the dual advantage of cooling me down nicely and giving the outfit a bit of a wash! Although a learning was to buy darker colours as my fashionable “Fly” light blue jersey became red dust tinted to the extent that Napisan could not shift it upon return from the trip!
What type of riding you do and what type of bike you own definitely plays a major part in So, my conclusion about jackets is that one selecting the ideal jacket. And meeting the size definitely does not fit all and throughout Australian safety standards is of course a given. our riding years needs (and sizes…) evolve Unless you snag a bargain on Gumtree (or our considerably. I strongly believe that you do get BMWMCQ For Sale FaceBook Page) a jacket is a what you pay for, my current Klim jacket being major investment, so the risk of getting it wrong the proof in the pudding. can be very costly indeed. But not sure I will be riding with one of the I do like to read reviews of jackets, but to try Flannelette hoody versions anytime soon! them on and try out the zips and pockets is necessary for me. I haven’t brought a jacket MX prepared in the vented online, but I know others have and it has worked armour vest (and cold well for them. bevvie) Since I got back into riding nearly 10 years ago, I have had 5 jackets. Two are still in use. My Klim Altitude jacket was a significant investment 2 years ago, but so worthwhile. What I like about it is that it is completely waterproof, doesn’t need a liner and the vents open well to provide enough air flow for all but the hottest days. Because they are made for females they fit well around the hip and bust region as well. I previously had a BMW GS Dry jacket but being The Klim jacket is a “unisex” one and the fit was boxy and it didn’t even suitable for turn out to be so dry after being caught in Tassie! several downpours! My summer riding jacket is a BMW summer venting style which I really like as it feels like riding in just a t-shirt. The faded denim look is also quite stylish I think! I have also had a Dririder Vortex adventure style jacket which I wore on our Africa trip and aside from needing a liner to be waterproof it was a comfortable unit and had a practical length which made it a pleasure to wear. It did fade to a dark grey colour from the relentless sun.
For the love of all things sacred - say NO to the flannie!
