Verdict: The fall jacket I’ve been looking for — clean, solid, and no drama. Just don’t test it at 103°.
One of the perks of running the Sturgis.com reviews and Giveaway page is that sometimes I get to pick what I review. I’ve wanted to try a non-leather riding jacket for a while, but most of them are trying to make some kind of fashion statement. I’ve already got all the drama I need in my life. lol
No neon stitching, no panels stitched all over the place. Just clean and simple. That’s the first thing I liked about this one. It’s clean, it’s efficient, and it’s not overpriced. Banded snap collar, a little reflective piping in the seams so you’re not invisible at night, and that’s about as flashy as it gets — which is exactly what I wanted.
So I ordered a Martial Twill Motorcycle Jacket from Best Leather NY, waited about a week, and got a chance to try it on. So far so good. Comfortable fit, and heavy enough that it feels like it actually offers some protection — not just a heavy shirt with a zipper. It’s got pockets for CE armor front and back if you want to run it, which I like. The twill on the body feels solid, not flimsy, and seems like it’ll breathe better than full leather. Leather’s still on the sleeves and shoulders where you want it. The pockets are laid out well too, including two big concealed carry pockets that lay flat instead of bulging out — that matters when you’re tight on space on the bike. Sleeves run a touch long, which is right where you want them once you’re leaned over the bars. Good. Now to ride it.
It hit 103° this afternoon. I wanted to try a textile motorcycle jacket in the heat, and wow — this is some heat! Put it on and rode toward Beulah, WY. About ten minutes in, it was too warm. I packed it in the saddlebag and finished the ride in a t-shirt. But that’s on me for testing a fall jacket in triple digits. When the cool air comes in and riding turns into what it’s supposed to be, I know this one’s going to earn its keep.
