Howdy

I am an opportunity for a company here in New Zealand that currently manufactures The Worlds most durable outdoor clothing, to design and make a riding jacket for an adventure ride we have coming up.

So far we have identified the following must have features

1. Goretex - 100% Waterproof and windproof
2. Neoprene cuffs to stop wind blowing up your arms
3. Hood - That will be tucked away when riding, and can be unfolded when not
4. Bright Colours - With reflective tape for better riding visibility
5. Waterproof pocket on the right hand breast area for radio comms
6. Waterproof pocket on the right hand side, that is bigger to accommodate wallet etc, with a built in key holder for security of keys
7. We are also thinking of adding little hooks to the neck string so you can attach gloves and then these can be place in the bigger pocket
8. Kevlar elbow pads for better durability (should I put armor in here too, I thought about removable armor)
9. A nice comfortable collar (I really hate irritations on my neck)
10. It will be quite a bit lighter than the average riding jacket currently on the market
11. Slightly longer than the average riding jacket so when you stop you can sit down on damp grass etc and not get a wet bum!

We are still debating on have a full length zip of 1/2 length zip.

So if you could design your own riding jacket, what would you include, because as a novice I would never think of adding.

Cheers

That sounds like a great jacket for cool wet weather. What about warm weather? I live in southern Mexico, and I'm actually looking for a good warm-weather jacket right now. Currently, the temperature in my office (in the shade) is 33c (about 92f), and the humidity is about 85%. I'd love to have a tough durable jacket that gives good protection to the shoulders and arms - but has good ventiliation for the torso and armpits.

Will your jacket have some kind of removable liner? How about venting?

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Bruce Clarke - 2020 Yamaha XV250

The jacket will designed around the very succesful hunting jacket for moutaineers etc.
It is very light and very breathable, it extracts perspiration away from the skin and keeps you relatively cool.
They do not have a liner, as to keep warm to need to add layers of clothing, thermals etc
Allot of farmers here use these jackets for around the farm, and use them in the summer.
I am not sure if vents are the way to go, as then it probablay would not be 100% wind and waterproof??

Cheers

Try this site for ideas www.motoport.com I recently purchased an Ultra 2 Air Mesh Kevlar jacket and found the features and quality far better than any that are available in Australia.
One feature you did not mention in your list is a zip that can be opened from the top or the bottom.
The idea of a jacket slightly longer than normal is great for when you are leaned down over the tank.
Maybe a hanging loop near the neck label so you can hook it up for drying without a coat hanger.

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Feb 2014, currently travelling the America's on a Tiger 800XC

Live every day like it's your last, one day you'll get it right!!!

Be carefull of what you put in the pockets - if you fall on something hard (like keys) you can break ribs ...

That said - yep take a good long look at the motoport site. Lots of good info there particulary on material choice.

NZ is a cooler place. When you go to warmer climates you will find Goretex hot. Here removable liners are best, water proof removable liners that can go on teh inside or the outside are best.

Whereever you go =- plan on a waterbladder fitting inside the jacket. Very handy - saves a seperate backpack.

Good Luck with it.

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Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S

IMO a separate backpack is better for water. You can remove the weight when you want to. I tried using a CamelBak waterbladder in a BMW jacket and it felt like the weight was tugging the jacket down from behind. More fiddly to fill too.

Stephan

Can you email me on Rob_poppe@hotmail.com

Would like to discuss this with you.

I would suggest concentrating on windproof - ultimately nothing is REALLY 100% waterproof apart from sealed plastic. So - suggest windproof with venting options and shower proof.
Pockets that you can get your hands into when wearing gloves!
Suggest vertical access pockets for stashing important stuff and side access pockets so you can keep your hands warm when not on the bike.
Also internal pockets for valuables - possibly even a concealed one.
Definitely a good range of sizes with some adjustment so it's possible to get one that fits!

hi Kiwirider,
very best of luck with the jacket, I could not see reference in the replys so far, have you had a look at the set up on the Dri-Rider Rally-X jackets. I have been using one for a few years. Mesh sections, water blader, etc, reflective and bright, with a Zip in wind liner and Zip in water proof/breathable liner, good on 40 deg days even at low speed, and the water proof side i have tested again and again with success. I am always looking at new stuff... bring it on..

http://www.motoretail.co.nz/product.cfm?ID=5274

Talking of pockets; how about either lined "handwarmer" pockets (the gloves will probably be cold and/or wet, so take them off!) or even straight through zips so you can put hands in pockets of whatever you're wearing underneath - toasty!!!

Couple of things I think would work in a jacket:

Integral fleece that is zipped into place and can be unzipped if it gets too warm. I have a Schott jacket with this feature, the fleece unzips and can be worn as an item of clothing normally (can supply photos if needed).

Think about the whole area around the cuff/glove interface. This area has most of the movement when actually riding (twisting the throttle, wiping your visor, hand signals etc, etc). How often have you got all your gear on and spent time getting the sleeves and gloves set up 'just so' for it all to let water or cold air in within 20 miles?
I have an Enduro jacket from a French company, Shift, that has a thumb loop built into the sleeve, this keeps the sleeve inside your glove all the time. The design needs some adaptation so that the thumb loop is inside your glove but your outer sleeve is over your glove (hope this makes sense). Again I can supply photos.

The whole area around the neck needs a lot of thought, you need to be able to have it open in warm weather, closed close to the neck in colder weather and maybe unrolled right up under the chin in very cold or wet conditions.

Make all the zip pulls BIG and very strong, even the Aerostitch ones can be too small and fiddly in very cold weather with winter gloves etc, also put a secondary closure system (press stud or something ) at all points where a zip starts. Zips have a way of working loose if the start is under tension.

Maybe look at a pocket inside the back of the jacket that can allow you to fit a back protector in whilst still being able to use the protectors belt and braces.

Velcro tabs or some such on the front to hold comms cables and hydration pack lines to stop them flapping about at speed.

Innner pockets that allow the user the choice of using closed cell armour or not (elbows, shoulders etc)

Then you just need some matching pants!!!

why not just copy Rukka gear, it's the best by far without question

My opinion (as ill-informed as the next mans!) on your points is this, hope it helps a little:
1: Goretex is expensive and has a limited lifespan. Personally I have non-waterproof riding gear which I cover with cheap Hein Gericke PU-coated waterproofs. It keeps me impressively dry and will be cheap to replace.
2-7: Good ideas!
8: Removable armor is a good idea. Try to make it firmly positioned in the sleeve though as loose stuff can make a jacket a pain to put on and get comfy in. This is my only complaint about my Hein Gericke Tuareg Jacket.
9: Definately! Try to avoid velcro up here as it is uncomfy, stiff and sticks to helmet straps etc! Maybe microfleece.
10: Good!
11: Just make sure it doesn't bunch up behind your arse when you sit down. Remember many adv riders have a ortlieb bag or even a partner directly behind them!

I'd also say be careful not just to add every feature you can think of. Mountaineering companies are (at last!) just coming to realise that less is more and, for example, a couple of good big, well positioned pockets is much better than eight tiny, tight, badly positioned ones. Simplicity is good! (And cheap!) I reckon one of the reasons many riding jackets are so stiff and uncomfy is because they have too many 'features'.
Not convinced by the whole water bladder thing. You can buy them seperately as rucksacks and I've personally never felt the need for one.
Matt

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http://adventure-writing.blogspot.com

http://scotlandnepal.blogspot.com/

*Disclaimer* - I am not saying my bike is better than your bike. I am not saying my way is better than your way. I am not mocking your religion/politics/other belief system. When reading my post imagine me sitting behind a frothing pint of ale, smiling and offering you a bag of peanuts. This is the sentiment in which my post is made. Please accept it as such!