The Shift motorcycle company and brand is a relatively new player in the motorcycle jacket market having launched in 1997 in the United States.  The company has grown considerably over the last ten years and is now an internationally renowned company that has made a name for itself by providing motor bike riders with something new and unique.  The Shift motorcycle jacket is available for the two main markets in motorbike riding, the off road rider and the rider who prefers cruising the open road.

For the off road, dirt bike enthusiast, the shift company provides all the gear for racing and competing off road such as t shirts and armour worn as outer wear.  The range of jackets that the company offers for these riders is a relatively small in size but what they do have is of high quality and comes packed with features.  One of the most popular Shift motorcycle jackets designed for both off and on road use is the ‘Shift XC’ jacket.  This jacket has great features such as hard wearing nylon on the outer shell, removable sleeves to convert the jacket to a vest, reinforced shoulders and elbows, large and useful pockets including one to put the sleeves in when wearing the jacket as a vest, removable liner and armour, zippered vents and jacket is light weight.

For the on road, cruising bike rider Shift has a large range of motorcycle jackets available in both mens and womens styles.  The Shift range includes textile jackets, leather motorcycle jackets and jackets which combine both leather and textile called hybrid jackets.

One of the most popular textile or mesh helmets in the shift range in the Shift Air Avenger which is a light weight jacket with a huge amount of features.  The jacket features three grades of mesh which is designed to allow the jacket to breathe and keep the rider cool.  The Shift Air Avenger jacket also includes the ability to add or remove armour, removable liners, large pocket for the insertion of a back protector, large pockets, high visibility colours on sleeves and reinforced shoulders and elbows.

In the leather range of Shift motorcycle jackets the Shift Octane Leather is one of the popular choices for on road motorbike riders.  The Shift Octane Leather jacket has great features for on road riders such as tough premium grade leather outer shell, removable armour, zip out liner, zipper vents and reflective piping in the design to increase visibility.

Shift jackets are also available in a hybrid design which brings together the best aspects of both jacket types such as safety, water resistance and style.

The Belstaff company was founded in 1924 in Staffordshire, England by Harry Groberg.  The company logo of the phoenix was chosen and proved to be an appropriate logo for a company that has gone through many ups and downs from its inception.  Belstaffs original product line was waterproof garments for men and women and with the development of their famous wax cotton there was a natural progression for the company to move into manufacturing the Belstaff motorcycle jacket.

The Belstaff company had it boom time during the 1930s when it had refined its ability to produce specialized wind an water proof jackets.  The company provided their jackets to a varied market including aviators and pilots, military personnel and of course motorcycle riders.

The Belstaff company continued to be successful through the 1940s mainly through the launch of the famous ‘Black Prince Motorcycle Jacket’.  These jackets where so popular that the company in its peak production was producing over 40,000 motorcycle jackets annually.  During the end of the 1940s the company launched a new motorcycle jacket the ‘Trailmaster’ which gained popularity when many celebrities and sports people started to wear this type of jacket.

The 1950s brought an increase in the styles of Belstaff jackets to capture more of the wind and water proof jacket market.  The jackets made during this time and also during the 1930s to 1940s are highly sort after by enthusiast and collectors due mainly to the style and high quality of the jackets and which have stood the test of time.

During the 1960s and the 1970s the Belstaff company had made a name for itself an the only company which produced high quality jackets using only natural materials.  The company also developed a nylon textile which was strong and hard wearing called Belflex. This Belflex material was used in the manufacture of one of Belstaffs famous jackets, the XL500.

As the company moved into the 1990s Belstaff was greatly affected buy a crisis in the textile industry which caused closers and layoffs of workers and reduced amounts of production.  Belstaff still managed to release a new range called ‘evolution’ but production was considerably less than past range launches.

Belstaff motorbike jackets are still available today with the company having great success in recent years through the popularity of Belstaff jackets with Hollywood movies stars and many successful movies featuring characters wearing jackets made by the Belstaff company.

The company Dainese is an Italian based company which was founded in 1972 by the current president of the company Lino Dainese.  This company has built a reputation for manufacturing some of the world’s best protective clothing for mountain bike riders, downhill skiers and motorcyclists.

Dainese provide a large range of men and womens motorbike jackets which have the latest features and accessories.  Dainese motorcycle jackets are available in leather, race jackets both two piece and one piece suits, textile and waterproof.  Each jacket type has the option of built in armour or padding or having the armour protection separate to be worn under the jacket.

The Dainese leather motorcycle jacket range is quite large with many colours available as well as standard black.  Leather jackets such as the Dainese Talos also feature removable inner winter lining making the jacket suitable for the summer as well as the winter months.  In the Daineses ladies range of leather motorcycle jackets the Dainese Saturno jacket features a pocket where back armour can be inserted increasing the safety features and performance of the jacket.

The Dainese company also has leather suits available for both men and women.  The suits provide maximum protection for the rider in the event of an accident as the jacket is attached to the pants preventing and riding up of the jacket and potential injury or graven rash around the riders middle area.  The suits also feature armour which is built into the jacket and pants on the elbows and shoulders as well as the back and knees.

Dainese also has a range of textile and water proof motorcycle jackets for both men and women.  Many of the textile jackets feature armour on key places of the jacket such as the elbows and shoulders as well as incorporating a zip out liner which makes these jackets suited to more seasons than winter.  The textile jackets are available in a great range of styles and colours to suit even the most fussy and style conscious rider.

The range, prices, features and styles make Dainese motorcycle jackets a geat choice for the novice rider to the hard core experienced rider.  The Dainese company also provide the rider with a full range of protective gear to go with the great range of motorcycle jackets available.

Until recently there has only been two choices for people buying motorcycle jackets.  The choice was between leather or textile.  Bike riders who ride in warmer climates had limited choice when it came to full protection while riding.  Leather and textile jackets provided the protection that the rider desired but where heavy and hot to wear during the summer heat.  Some attempts to make leather and textile jackets more suitable for the summer months resulted in more of these jackets coming out onto the market with zip open vents and perforations to allow some air flow to cool the rider.  These added features on most jackets provided some relief to the rider but with the advent of mesh technology used in the design of modern motorcycle jackets this idea of creating a jacket that provides maximum protection and is cool to wear is now readily available from many manufacturers of motorcycle jackets.

Mesh motorcycle jackets were developed around a simple concept which involves the use of thicker fibres on the exterior material and use of a more open weave so that when you are riding, even at slow speeds the air can flow through the open weave and cool the rider.  This ventilation idea has been a god send for bike riders who ride during the hotter parts of the year but are hesitant to compromise on safety for the sake of comfort.

When the mesh motorcycle jacket first came onto the market there was an initial misconception that they did not provide adequate protection for the rider in the event of an accident.  To disprove this initial misconception many of the mesh jacket manufacturers incorporated armour and padding into the jackets on the elbows, shoulders and back while still providing a jacket that was cool enough to wear even on the hottest of days.

Many manufacturers have developed at least one mesh motorcycle jacket to expand their range to include jackets that can be worn during the summer months.  Companies such as AGV, Fieldsheer, Olympia Moto Sport, Teknic and a newer company in the market Revit all have mesh motorcycle jackets available for both men and women.

The great news for motorbike riders is that with so many mesh style jackets in the market there is a great choice of colours, styles and features for even the fussiest of shoppers.

The BMW company provides a wide range of motorcycles to the consumer such as off road enduro bikes to sporty road bikes and touring bikes.  As a result of the large range of motorcycles available under the BMW badge there is also a large number of motorcycle jackets available to suit each of the different environments that the rider will encounter.

The BMW motorcycle jacket is designed for both protection and safety of the rider as well as providing the consumer with a large range of jackets that are both stylish and comfortable to wear.

For the riders that are into touring and riding long distances BMW has provided jackets such as the ‘Trailguard’ which is a fully adjustable jacket, available in mens and womens sizing and is a great all round jacket.  This jacket gives the rider freedom of movement but has the necessary protection and functionality that is demanded by riders on tour.  For touring riders that want the leather look BMW provides the ‘Atlantis leather jacket’ which has enhanced safety with inbuilt armour but is comfortable to wear long distances and is treated so as to keep you dry in the wet.

For the serious sports rider BMW motorcycle jackets have a new product called simply a ’sports suit’ which incorporates a leather jacket that has reinforced stainless steel abrasion protectors, impact absorbers and protection for the collar bone area.  The jacket is also designed to breathe so the jacket is suitable to wear in the summer without the threat of overheating.

For the urban rider BMW has developed a range of jackets that are suitable for all conditions, are comfortable the wear and also come in stylish leather as well as textile.  The ‘Air Shell’ jacket was developed for the commuter with features such as breathable material so that the jacket is suitable to wear in the summer, it has built in protectors for the elbows and shoulders, the jacket is waterproof and has a high visibility colour for safety.  For the riders who prefer the feel of leather BMW has a ‘NewCity Jacket’ which has all the features of a motorcycle jacket but is stylish and can be worn over business garments for a professional look.

BMW also makes jackets for specific purposes such as breathable jackets for warmer climates, rain proof jackets, as well as layered and heated jackets for colder climates.

The first recognised motorcycle jackets were adaptations of aviator and military style jackets which were around during the 1920s and 1930s.  These now vintage motorcycle jackets were suitable for riding as they were a fitted jacket with button front closure and short collar which provided some warmth and protection for the rider.  The use of goat skin in jackets was popular in this time as the leather was soft but relatively hard wearing.  In the years before world war two jackets that the officers wore in the Air force become popular with motorbike riders.  These coats were similar to the previous mentioned as they were a fitted jacket with button front but differed in material.  These jackets were constructed from horse hide which is comfortable and hard wearing and was in abundance at this time due to horses still playing an important role in the army and also on farms.

Apart from the popular use of military attire as riding gear for motorbike riders the first companies that produced specific motorcycle jackets for the general public were American companies such as Schott, The Joseph Buegeleisen Co. located in Detroit and Indian Motorcycles.  Surprisingly the Indian Motorcycles company produced a line of motorcycle jackets for both men and women until it closed shop during the 1950s.  Harley Davidson was another American company that has provided the bike riding population with leather jackets.  This company started up in the early 1900s and by the 1940s was producing quality leather jackets for both men and women.  The most popular of the styles of jackets that were produced by Harley Davison was the Cycle Champ which was both stylish and functional.  The Harley Davidson brand made many variations of motor cycle jackets which influenced other companies such as Buco and Grais.  Vintage motorcycle jackets were also influenced by the emerging rock and roll scene as well as movie stars such as Marlon Brando in ‘The Wild Ones’ who wore leathers for his role.

Motorcycle jackets from all periods were mainly leather as this was the most widely available and best suited material for motorcycle riders.  Today there is a multitude of different riding jackets in many different materials but leather is still an option for most riders especially those people who ride Harley Davidson bikes.  Vintage motorcycle jackets are still available through many websites that strive to keep some of the older styles as an option for riders looking for something different when buying a motorcycle jacket.

When riding a motor bike one of the most important things to consider is safety.  Unlike a car, motor bike riders are more exposed in the event of an accident with their only protection the riding gear that they have chosen to wear.  When it comes to serious accidents most riders know that jackets, helmets, pants and boots can provide adequate protection but for maximum protection these items of safety gear should be teamed with padding and armour.  Most leather or material jackets will protect a rider in an accident from abrasion while sliding across the rough surface of the road but to provide protection from impacts armour or padding needs to be incorporated into the jacket, pants and boots.

Motorbike armour gives the rider solid protection but still with some flexibility.  The armour provides extra protection to the rider in the event that they impact something during an accident such as a car or road barrier.  The armour is basically in place to stop anything piercing the rider through their jacket, pants or boots so as to minimise the potential injuries that the riderwould receive in a fall.  Motorbike armour is available as separate items that are strapped on under riding gear or can be incorporated into the riding gear.  The areas that are sensitive on a rider in an accident are shoulders, elbows, knees, ankles and lower back as these areas usually come in contact with the ground first.

Motorcycle armour for the shoulders and elbows is commonly included in most riding jackets and is usually a reinforced area on the jacket.  Many riders however wear added protection on these areas in the form of padding or armour that is strapped on underneath the riders jacket.  This is also the case for around the knee area.  Riders that trip around the city or commute to work on their bike generally just use the padding and or protection that is provided by their riding pants.  People who do track work on their bikes where they lean into corners use extra padding on their knees for cornering close to the ground.  Armour or protection for the ankles can be covered by the purchase of a good pair of riding boots.  Most comercially available boots provide protection for the whole foot and ankle in the case of a riding mishap.

Motorbike armour to protect the lower back of the rider has become increasingly popular with riders seeing the benefits of back protection when in an accident.  Many companies offer back protection to riders that straps on underneath your riding gear.  Using this back armour offers a rider protection for the spin and kidneys which can be impacted badly in motorbike accidents.

With ever increasing numbers of women riding motorbikes and scooters it has become important for manufactures of motorcycle attire and accessories, in particular manufacturers of jackets, to make products that are both practical and suited to the needs of the female rider.  The jackets worn by female riders are as much about safety as they are about fashion.

Womens motorcycle jackets are relatively similar to mens motorcycle jackets in terms of the safety features and also the accessories included.  Womens jackets are constructed using the same materials such as leather or kevlar and most of the jacket features such as ventilation zips, pockets for personal items, removable liners and padding or armour are also part of the womens motorcycle jacket range.

Where there is a difference between mens and womens jackets is when style and fashion is considered.  Many manufactures have recognised the need for womens jackets to be both stylish and practical.  Jackets that can be worn while riding and also look great at a night out have become a trend that the manufactures have picked up on.  A variety of styles and colours have come from this demand and jackets of differing fits and colours are now widely available.

Style and fit of a motorcycle jacket is important when you need the jacket to protect you in the event of a fall or accident.  Motorcycle jackets are designed for a close fit so that the armour or padding of the jacket covers the correct part of the body.  Womens motorcycle jackets are tailored slightly different to mens jackets as women generally have a smaller frame and different shaped upper body.  In the early days of riding women generally had limited options with motorcycle jackets and had to do with smaller sizes of mens riding gear which was adequate but not the best option.

The other significant difference between men and womens motorcycle jackets is the colours that are available from each brand of jacket.  Womens riding gear tends to be available in many more colours than the traditional black and greys that are available in the mens range of jackets.  This demand for more colours and styles of womens motorcycle jackets has been embraced by the manufacturers of riding gear and currently there is quite a range for the female rider to choose from.

The choice of what type of motorcycle jacket you are going to wear is almost as important as choosing the motorbike that you are going buy.  There is a multitude of different styles and types of jackets on the market which is great for the rider who is searching for a certain look.  The style of the motorcycle jacket is important but other features need to be considered when choosing the right jacket for your personal situation.  Mens motorcycle jackets are available in different materials and have differing features such as removable liners, vents, waterproof features, padding and armour, pockets and reflective features for night riding.

The choice of materials available in mens motorcycle jackets generally consists of leather or materials such as kevlar.  Material jackets can be light weight and are generally more water proof than the leather equivalent.  Leather jackets have similar features to material jackets but are heavier and not as good in the rain.

Both leather and material mens motorcycle jackets have removable liners and vents.  Motorcycle jackets are a necessary but expensive purchase so selecting one that has a removable liner or a winter liner is a great choice to be comfortable throughout the seasons.  Some riding jackets allow you to wear multiple layers which is great for riding in the middle of summer and also in the cold of winter.  Another feature that many mens motorcycle jackets have is zip open vents.  These are great during the hot weather as they allow cool air to flow through the jacket.

Mens motorcycle jackets are also made with armour inserts or padding in areas such as the back, shoulders and elbows, areas that impact the ground in the event of an accident.  This is an important feature of motorcycle jackets as unlike a car you do not have much protection if you come off the bike.  One important thing to consider when choosing a motorcycle jacket is to make sure that the jacket fits properly and the padding and armour are positioned in the right place.  If a jacket is too big and the padding moves around it may not work effectively if needed in an accident.

The last of the features that are included on mens motorcycle jackets is plenty of pockets and also reflective colours for visibility at night.  Unlike cars motorbikes don’t offer the rider much in the way of storage for items such as mobile phones, wallets and sun glasses so a jacket with plenty of zip up pockets is important.  Purchasing a motorcycle jacket with some reflective features is also important as at night it is sometimes easy for car drivers to fail to see bike riders especially if their jackets are predominantly a dark colour such as black or grey.

Motorcycles and leather jackets go together like bacon and eggs.  The choice of a leather motorcyle jacket is generally not just restricted to crusing motorcycle riders but is also the choice of scooter and other road bike riders.  A good quality leather motorcycle jacket can provide much needed protection in the event of an accident and also looks great at the same time.  When choosing the right leather motorcycle jacket for yourself it is important to consider a few features such as the type of leather used, does the jacket have armour or padding inserted, making sure that the jacket fits properly and choosing a jacket that suits your needs, look or personality.

The type of leather used for motorcycle jackets is generally cowhide as this leather is strong and durable and gives the rider great protection in the event of an accident.  The cowhide used for jackets is available in four grades which provides different looks and levels of protection.

Split leather is a lower grade leather that is cowhide that has been split away from the upper layers of hide.  This leather which is often used as suede doesn’t offer the rider much protection in the event of an accident.  This leather is used mainly for the great look that it brings to a jacket.

Corrected or top grain leather has been treated to remove marks and imperfections before being used to make a jacket.  This leather provides significantly more protection than split and suede when used with a thickness of greater than 1mm.

Naked or full grain leather is the best choice od leather for a motorbike jacket.  This leather wears better than the other leather grades and provides the maximum protection for the rider in an accident.  Motorcycle jackets made with this grade of leather are generally expensive but they can last a long time if they are looked after.

Even with the protection of leather it is also important to consider whether the jacket has padding or armour inserts.  Elbow pads and protection for your back is included in some makes of leather jackets to provide extra protection for areas of the body that can cop a beating in an accident.

Making sure that the leather motorcycle jacke fits properly is also important.  Remeber that the jacket is going to be worn while you are riding so find a jacket that has suitably long sleeves and a long back panel that will be long enough to prevent your back getting cold.

When choosing a leather jacket it is also important to choose a jacket which fits your look or personality and suits your need.  Leather jackets can be a very individual thing as you can personalize your jacket with designs or have the design of a group or club.  Choosing a jacket that suits your needs is also important as leather motorcycle jackets are not great in the rain so may not suit people who ride in all weather.