have had a dream project on the back burner for a couple of years. That is to design a great high end motorcycle jacket with the attributes that riders want. I have finally found a manufacturer that offers the quality I want in a price that the average rider can afford.

This is a great opportunity to have some input on one of our most important pieces of gear.

I am going to set up a series of polls that allow you to choose which features you want in a jacket so that I can incorporate them into the design.

Please take a minute or two to vote in the polls I will be posting here. Input from real riders is very important.

When I place my order all XL Forum member will have an opportunity to take part in a group buy and get a excellent discount on the bulk purchase.

Please let me know if you prefer the jacket to be vented or non-vented. Keep in mind that the extra parts and labor adds about $10 to the price.

I wear my jacket for warmth, I personally would not buy a jacket with vents.

Zipper vent

Zip off panels, even better.

Good luck with a great project, voted in all 3 so far- trad snap out liner/collar? zippered vents!
Matt

Us Northern riders have a cold ride into work and a warm ride home from work. Gotta have the vents.

Mike

vents are good if they can be closed when it is cold out

Here's my thouths:
Vents that zip closed are very nice.
Lots of vent area.

Vents, medium grade armour (shoulders and elbows), Zip out lining,

vents definitely, need to breath

zippered vents.

zippered vents.

It definitely looks like vents are popular 79.49% so far. Good zippered vents that can be opened when it's warm and closed when it's cold out sounds like a great feature.

i prefer plain jacket like harley stock leather jacket. no zippers, logos, flaps just plain with adjustable waist buckle. no hidden stretchy material waist. if i get hot ill jip down the front and loosen the waist a bit.

Got to have good sealing sleeve cuffs. Something that can seal the wind out of the sleeves @ 70+mph.

Don't make the jacket too short, I hate it when my shirt hangs out of the back of my jacket becuase the jacket is a bit short in the back when you are leaning forward.

Style - keep the styling simple - I prefer to put my own patches on, but if you can work in a reflective strip in the back for night riding, that would be great. I've heard of some thread that can do this, so it's not visible during the day, but reflects headlights at night.

Otherwise, I'm with Rider 29206..
Front & rear zippered vents, medium grade armor for sholders & elbows, and the zip out lining.

Vents or a summer mesh version

I voted for vents... I use my jacket for protection more than style - and in the summer vents are very necessary.

swiss cheese jacket that can keep the rain out

Vents or a summer mesh version

They will definitely have vents. I'm knocking around the idea of a good textile jacket with mesh and Kevlar. But that's another project. Right now I've got my hands full with the saddlebags and the leather jacket.

Thanks

Ozark

I voted for vents... I use my jacket for protection more than style - and in the summer vents are very necessary.

I agree 100%. A well designed vent system is a must have feature. I wear leather whenever possible. Gravel rash sucks!

Ozark

swiss cheese jacket that can keep the rain out

Sounds like a good idea for another jacket I have in mind. I'm a little stumped on how to do this. Can you email a link to a jacket built this way?

Thanks

Ozark

Sounds like a good idea for another jacket I have in mind. I'm a little stumped on how to do this. Can you email a link to a jacket built this way?

Thanks

Ozark



Some of the fleece jackets now have a 'thin breathable waterproof layer' but that would eliminate the 'venting' of the perforations...

Definitely vents front and back. Zip out lining. Padded elbows, shoulders and lower back.

I used to have a Vanson jacket with a removable liner and zippered vents. My opinion for what it's worth....that's the only way to go.

Good luck on your venture!

Any way you could do a two in one jacket? Inner liner that zips out and can be worn alone and is breathable yet adds warmth when inserted? Sorta like what winter jackets do with the fleece liners.

IMHO i say no vents simple designs and definately a built in hot cocoa dispenser for the chilly days. but no whip cream thats for sissy's!

















ok just a lil whip cream.

IMHO i say no vents simple designs and definately a built in hot cocoa dispenser for the chilly days. but no whip cream thats for sissy's!


ok just a lil whip cream.

Perhaps an expresso coffee maker as an option for the European market :)

Don, I voted for vents. Let me know when theyr'e ready--I want one. Thanks for the help with the xl saddlebags.

Just a thought, an inside pocket large enough to hold a #12 envelope or a standard road map, like the old military flight jackets had.

Thanks: Mike :tour

Zipper vents, front & rear. Front vents should stay open when rider has hands on grips - maybe zipper vent in "Inverted L" design at chest/pecs area near shoulder.

Also some easy way to read wristwatch while riding would be great - I have seen military-style jackets with covered flap for a seperate wristwatch mounted - this should be on right inside sleeve to allow checking time while holding throttle grip.

Also, small horizontal slot, about 1 and a half inches wide on either side of the zipper, for the folding side of a pair of sunglasses to slip in when not being worn.

Zip-out liner is a must.

Sounds like a fun project - good luck!