I currently have Joe Rocket Alter Ego jacket and pants. The textile panels zip off to reveal mesh for hot wether. The liners are waterproof. There is armor in the shoulders, elbows, back, and knees, and padding on the hips and a few other spots.

Since I bought the gear, I've lost a lot of weight and it is too large. I need to buy new gear and welcome your opinions of your favorite jacket and pants. If I can't find anything better, I may go with the Joe Rocket Super Ego.

Here is what I want:

-Leather for abrasion resistance beyond what textile offers

-I would prefer color in addition to black. Like blue/black, or silver/black, not all black. Some reflective piping/stripes.

-I really need a LOT of ventilation for the hot muggy summers.

-Cool/Cold weather protection (zip on panels, or closeable vents, liner, etc

-Subtle armor in elbows and knees minimum

-No major advertising logos, patches, etc.

-NO MORE POWER RANGER LOOK! I don't want elastic sleeve adjusters, bulging armor or padding, wild color schemes. Think subtle...

-Does not need to be waterproof as I plan to buy a rainsuit.

I haven't found a jacket with everything I want, yet.

I don't think you're going to find anything that let's the air blow thru like your Alter Ego does. With the panels removed, you have mesh front and back. That's going to be hard to beat.

Vanson leathers makes a perforated leather jacket.
http://www.vansonleathers.com/product_pages/jackets/veo4_perf_veo2.htm

Dusty,

I just don't know if you'll find a full leather jacket that's cool in the summer. I think you'll have to stick with some kind of mesh/leather.

I have a Harley leather jacket, not sure of the model as it was brand new when I bought it and not on the website.

It has a subtle "Harley Davidson" outline stitched on the back. Standard styling, no fringe, no zippers, nothing flashy. Slash pockets w/zip close on each side outside, and 2 inside zip pockets.

Perforated leather in the front/rear panels with zip out panels for ventilation, and it works pretty well. I wore it this spring up until about June, then it just got too hot and I had to go to my denim.

It has armor in the elbows and shoulders. It is very heavy duty and I feel really safe and comfortable wearing it. But it AINT for summer use. Spring, fall and winter, it's ok. It wasn't cheap though. But I figure it's good for say, oh, a lifetime maybe....

Sportster Girl - that sounds like the "VOlatile" jacket I bought my wife. The men's version is on clearence at Gail's H-D in KC right now.

The Super Ego by Joe Rocket is a leather jacket that has zip-off panels that reveal mesh, so it is my backup plan. I am just tired of the elastic sleeve adjusters and other "power ranger" looks. (It doesn't look half bad in silver.)

My worst case scenerio, which might be best, is to keep the Alter Ego for Summer and go with some black leathter jacket and pants for the fall/winter.

Only problem is the possible weakness of textile/mesh vs. leather in the summer......

So, please keep those ideas/opinions coming. I know I won't find something that meets all my requirements, so I'll choose the best solution available.

DJ there are tons of threads where people have posted their riding attire and likes/dislikes. Do a search for summer jackets, ror riding gear and you'll find more reading than you will have time for in one sitting. :) I did a search for ya, so heres a head start. Happy reading!

Thanks.
The link doesn't work for me.

I've seen the multitude of summer jacket questions. I am looking for a year-round solution. Kind of like a Super Ego without the Joe Rocket styling, which I am guessing doesn't exist.

Unfortunately, I'll probably end up like most with 3 outfits:
Summer, wet, and cold

A search for riding gear or riding jacket is going to bring back all threads pertaining to riding gear and believe me there are a ton of threads already on the subject that don't focus on summer gear. Please give it a try.

Yup, I did. Just finished wading.........

I'll probably end up with a few different outfits. Guy at work is selling a used red reactor mesh in my new size. And it matches the bike..........

Now for the cold-weather gear. Either lether or Aerostich or .........

I've decided to keep the (now) oversized Joe Rocket gear until it falls apart. I'll replace it with a Joe Rocket Super Ego (leather/mesh).

I am going to buy a quality rain suit.

And, I have ordered an H-D "Wild Card" jacket. I am not big on flashing the H-D name at everyone to show how cool I think I am, and had decided not to buy an H-D jacket, but something about the design of this really captured my attention.
http://www.harley-davidson.com/mcm/mcm_product.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=84552444876792 7&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302502367&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302502367&bmUID=1125335231780&bmLocale=en_US


Now to find some leather pants/overpants.

Thanks for all your comments.

My oldschool black bomber leather jacket. Got it at Wilson's house of Leather on a summer half off sale. I paid $125.00 and it originally retailed for $250.00. It is a bitchen leather jacket. It has the sift lining that is removable but it is a heavy leather jacket ala: Marlon Brabdo in the Wild Ones. Pants is a good pair of levi's and my leather engineer boots.

:gun

Loco
So. Cal.

I have an XPert Gear "Brando" model that I don't wear anymore, but it was a perfectly good leather jacket. THICK leather, 100lb kevlar thread on major seams, back & sleeve vents, body armor, and snap-out thinsulate liner.

The leather on this jacket is so thick, I can't hang on my chair at work. If I try, the chair falls over as soon as I get out of it. I don't even try to hang it on coat racks. They fall over.

Only complaint I had was the blind snaps on the upper lapels suck, and when the jacket is zipped up, there is a mean draft between the collars, but I think that is a shortcoming of all police style jackets.

I would have also liked gunbelt loops instead of the integrated belt on the bottom of the jacket. Not a big deal really, just have to wear a drop holster with it. Shouldn't matter to Dusty anyway, MO isn't an open carry state anyway, AFAIK. :(

This (http://www.aleather.com/xpert/XPM286-NKDZ.html) is the jacket.

I have a Chicago police Leather jacket! Bulletproof!

Fox Creek Leather www.foxcreekleather.com Vented Racing Jacket

Lifetime guarantee, made in the USA. Best jacket I've ever owned.

Fox Creek Leather www.foxcreekleather.com Vented Racing Jacket I was a little leary about trying to get the right sized jacket on-line or by mail order. Maybe at the end of my weight loss program.....

Lifetime guarantee, made in the USA. Best jacket I've ever owned.
I was going to get the Two Tone vented racing jacket, but that H-D Wild Card caught my eye for some reason. I don't like paying for a Chinese coat and paying more for displaying the H-D "I'm cool" logos, but this was very different.

I've heard a lot of good buzz about Fox Creek jackets. A buddy of mine got a Pop's Leather "All Season Rider" jacket and swears by it. It's a good old-fashioned look, is vented for summer riding, has lots of options including a concealed handgun holster (if you happen to need that) and zip-out Thinsulate lining. Good price, and they also offer a nice discount if you're in the military or law enforcement. Only catch is that they're made in Turkey so shipping isn't cheap. Never had any difficulties with them, though.
http://www.popsleather.com/

I got a Real Nice HD FXRG leather jacket with armor panels on ebay for 1/3 ($200)the price of new($600). Dang nice jacket too. :clap

I love my H-D Fastback leather facket - real old-school race style to it. The misses has the matching female version.

I just bought a HD Epic Leather jacket for 50% off and LOVE this jacket. I wore it yesterday (cause I didn't have any way to carry it) and I stayed cool w/ it being 84 degrees out, but was able to stay plenty warm this morning in the low 60's. I had a problem finding a good pic of it online cause its last years jacket, but I love the look. Its not a "yuppie" jacket, or a "racer" or "biker" jacket. Just a dang nice one.

I just bought a HD Epic Leather jacket for 50% off and LOVE this jacket. I wore it yesterday (cause I didn't have any way to carry it) and I stayed cool w/ it being 84 degrees out, but was able to stay plenty warm this morning in the low 60's. I had a problem finding a good pic of it online cause its last years jacket, but I love the look. Its not a "yuppie" jacket, or a "racer" or "biker" jacket. Just a dang nice one.

Good price dude!

Where'd you get it?

....I guess that would be the one Im wearing.... seeing how I only have one. I guess the question Im asking is How many do ya need??????????

Black leather motorcycle jacket, on sale at rural king for $90. Zip out lining makes it good for 3 seasons. As for summer...its summer, I don't need no stinkin' jacket.

Don't matter, as long as it has a Sportster patch! (And an XL Forum Patch of course!)

This is the jacket I got this summer when they were all on sale, I wore it this weekend for the first time and it was still a little warm to wear. I like it a lot although I wish it had some vents so i dont blow up like a parachute when I zip it up half way. Other than that I like it very much, and will probally save my skin if I happen to take a spill.

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/8344/jacket18tt.jpg
http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/7215/jacket23jn.jpg

My favorite leather jacket is my only one. It's a Wilson classic biker style; I found it on ebay for about $40 - it was in prime condition. the only problem was missing leather pulls - I called Wilson and they sent me some gratis! Great fro PR. It does get warm, however. I also have a jean jacket for the hottest of days - no protection, but it's what I have.

Nothing beats a Classic..........

I've loved this jacket for 20 years. Now I own this one..


http://www.schottnyc.com/images/525x550/141BLKfrt2.jpg
http://www.schottnyc.com/interface/schott.gif (http://www.schottnyc.com/motorcycle-leathers/classic-racer-leather-motorcycle-jacket.htm)

Now if the question is what is MY favorite leather jacket:smoke as opposed to what would be good for you considering all you want, the answer would be SCHOTT:tour If you are talking Brando in the "Wild Ones" I'm thinking it was a Schott One Star Perfecto with a Pistol Pocket. I'll have to look at the movie but that's the jacket that sort of started that style. That said I got a just too good deal on the Schott Perfecto 118 and it's a good solid heavy leather classic jacket, however, a tad short in the rear (style) if you sit up or lean a bit forward but a great jacket and since I picked it up on Ebay (new) for under $100 a few years back I have no complaints. The other jacket I love (also Schott) is the 671 "Easy Rider", again another Ebay deal but not nearly the steal I got on the 118. This jacket is a bit softer and the zip-out makes it a bit more flexible, although I'm not a big fan of zip-out liners. The cut is long in back and the classic "Scooter" jacket design is a bit stronger on function. I believe it's pretty much the same as ReddTigger's picture of a 141 (I think) but with the "movie" trim (no flag on the back). Can a man have too much leather? So for function and form my favorite is to ride along with Marlon Brando and Peter Fonda:wonderlan . If'n one chooses to be a brand snob (Harley or Hardly) might as well check out Schott, made in the USA (they say) any idea who makes the Harley Jackets:frownthre

I splurged on a HD FXRG mid weight yrs ago before I ever got a bike and still wear it to this day. Been looking at the new ones and they have added so much to them. It really is worth the money. I only wear mine when its below 50degs outside. But I have a ton of other spring jackets, some just wind breakers other good wet gear. But I also got a pair of the Frog Toggs this yr at Lake George and those things are awesome too. By wet gear a little over sized cause it makes a great top layer in the winter time.
I also have a pair of the Joe Rocket Ballistic pants but one of the zippers went south on me. I'm going to see what JR will charge me to repair them. But I'm looking else where too. The Aerostich stuff might be my next route.

I had the HD Rapid City Jacket in black/orange/white which i liked very much---before I found the Schott Perfecto. First I got the old model 618 in Steerhide, Size 40. Unfortunately it was a bit small. Then I got the 118 in Size 40, which is a little bit too big. Now I´m looking for a 118 in Size 38, that would be perfect....It is not too warm in summer only with a T-Shirt but it´s warm enough on colder days. It´s a little bit old fashioned, like our Bikes. And the quality is fantastic, US made, not in China---and here in Germany you don´t see it too often.
Greetings
Tom

Now if the question is what is MY favorite leather jacket:smoke as opposed to what would be good for you considering all you want, the answer would be SCHOTT:tour If you are talking Brando in the "Wild Ones" I'm thinking it was a Schott One Star Perfecto with a Pistol Pocket. I'll have to look at the movie but that's the jacket that sort of started that style. That said I got a just too good deal on the Schott Perfecto 118 and it's a good solid heavy leather classic jacket, however, a tad short in the rear (style) if you sit up or lean a bit forward but a great jacket and since I picked it up on Ebay (new) for under $100 a few years back I have no complaints. The other jacket I love (also Schott) is the 671 "Easy Rider", again another Ebay deal but not nearly the steal I got on the 118. This jacket is a bit softer and the zip-out makes it a bit more flexible, although I'm not a big fan of zip-out liners. The cut is long in back and the classic "Scooter" jacket design is a bit stronger on function. I believe it's pretty much the same as ReddTigger's picture of a 141 (I think) but with the "movie" trim (no flag on the back). Can a man have too much leather? So for function and form my favorite is to ride along with Marlon Brando and Peter Fonda:wonderlan . If'n one chooses to be a brand snob (Harley or Hardly) might as well check out Schott, made in the USA (they say) any idea who makes the Harley Jackets:frownthre

To clarify. I do not have a flag on the back of my leather. maybe the other's do..

To clarify the clarify (am I clear) MY jacket #671 is the "Easy Rider" with the Red/White/Blue stripe down the right chest and and around the left arm a'la Peter Fonda in the movie, Easy Rider. The 671 which is similar in design (not trim) to the picture of the jacket you posted (the 141 I think) commonly referred to as a Cafe Racer or Scooter style. I was just saying that the "Easy Rider" Jacket, as sold by Schott does not come with the flag as in the movie, still people like me are a bit of a whore to style (honey, do I look like Peter Fonda, I could get a flag for the back of my jacket) and although I like the Cafe look anyway the whole Easy Rider thing is icing on the cake. Since I got my first bike in 1969 well it just "get your motor running..........head out on the highway, looking for adventure, in what ever comes our way"

I mean WILD:smoke that's it Born to be Wild :smoke
:frownthre Fire all of your guns at once and explode into space:frownthre

I've got a nice Vanson jacket and it's served me well throughout the years, but I do find myself lusting after the $600 Icon jacket with the Punisher-like skull in front and also the retro Harley racer jacket with the orange stripe. I just wish it didn't blare "HARLEY DAVIDSON" across the back.

My leathers are 22 years old, got them made to measure at the Isle of Man TT back in 1985. See pic.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y148/1961littledave/DCP_0445.jpg

http://www.cyclextras.com/store/catalogimages/13/24180_0.jpg www.cyclextras.com on sale $269.95 reg. $449.99

To clarify the clarify (am I clear) MY jacket #671 is the "Easy Rider" with the Red/White/Blue stripe down the right chest and and around the left arm a'la Peter Fonda in the movie, Easy Rider. The 671 which is similar in design (not trim) to the picture of the jacket you posted (the 141 I think) commonly referred to as a Cafe Racer or Scooter style. I was just saying that the "Easy Rider" Jacket, as sold by Schott does not come with the flag as in the movie, still people like me are a bit of a whore to style (honey, do I look like Peter Fonda, I could get a flag for the back of my jacket) and although I like the Cafe look anyway the whole Easy Rider thing is icing on the cake. Since I got my first bike in 1969 well it just "get your motor running..........head out on the highway, looking for adventure, in what ever comes our way"

I mean WILD:smoke that's it Born to be Wild :smoke
:frownthre Fire all of your guns at once and explode into space:frownthre


Ook now I understand, and yes I do have the cafe racer model 141. I wish it was a little longer in the rear, or I was a little smaller in the front :) LOL.

I'm actually thinking of having a piece added on to the back at the bottom, add another 3 or 4 inches.. Ya know, Crack kills..

HD Fortress. Last year's model on sale for below cost!!!