The motorcycle jacket is one of the most iconic artifacts of biker culture, especially in public consciousness. When people picture a motorcyclist, they tend to envision someone clad in a well-made, well-fitted leather jacket.
With the continuous advancement of material sciences, the constant diversification of motorcycles themselves, and the rather varied climates of a global society, there are a plethora of jackets to choose from.
You’re bound to find the jacket that’s ideal for you, but there are a few variables to consider, such as what you find comfortable, the climates you’ll be riding in, and the type of motorcycle you’re going to use.
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The Four Motorcycle Jacket Styles
There are basically for style groups, when it comes to these jackets – Cruiser, Racing, Sport/Street and Adventure Touring/Dual Sport. Each of these has its own strengths, making them ideal for a specific riding style. Surprisingly, no single type of material/textile is standard for any given style of jacket either.
- Cruiser – This is the classic motorcycle jacket that most picture – the icon, the stereotype. While most commonly seen in leather, they’re also available in many other styles, with a focus on comfort and aesthetic. These are ideal for casual riders and those that use their motorcycle as transportation going about their daily lives.
- Racing – Racing jackets are distinctive for their tight fit and somewhat “space age” appearance. The tight fit is to prevent wind resistance, and the distinct appearance is due to flex panels designed to allow mobility while providing padding against abrasions from dangerous high-speed offs. They tend to have a narrower collar, and a zipper to fasten to racing pants (preventing ride up).
- Sport/Street – These jackets are a casual modification of racing jackets, taking the slower speeds into account. They’re distinguished by the less prominent flex panels and the looser fit focusing on comfort. Seasonal jackets of this sort also include insulation and ventilation to help keep the rider cool or warm in harsh conditions.
- Adventure/Dual Sport – This is a less common style of jacket, used primarily by those whom go on long rides across varied, often rough climates and terrains. They look like nothing more than a survival jacket imitating a racing jacket, with pockets for gear, layers of insulation and impact padding, and a form-hugging design with an additional fastening around the neck. These are ideal for winter riding, or those long trans-continental adventures.
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Important Motorcycle Jacket Factors To Consider
There are important factors to consider, which will determine the material you choose, and the style of jacket most suited to your needs.
- Leather or Textile – The first decision you’ll want to make is if you want leather or textile. Leather has a classic look, and many regard it as quite comfortable. However, its real strength is in its resistance to abrasion. However, for comfort and versatility in multiple climates and weather conditions, textiles tend to outperform it. This all comes down to whether you want comfort in various climates, or wish to focus on the durability of leather.
- Visibility/Reflectivity – While many would argue that subtlety is a sign of good everyday design, a jacket that catches the eye can actually be a major boon to safety. You want people to see you, and be aware of your presence and location on the road!
- Liners and Armor/Padding – If you ride in a temperate area with both hot and cold weather, you may want to look for a jacket with removable or all-weather lining that can help keep you warm in the winter, without the jacket cooking you in the summer. Similarly, even if you’re not a dare devil (and you shouldn’t be!), focusing on padding/armor around the chest, back and shoulders is also important, as these are areas where damage can be the worst if you have a nasty off.
- Fitment – Finally, you want a jacket that fits you well, and comfortably. It can be hard to find one that’s a perfect fit, but many styles of jacket have fitment adjustments on the waist and slides on the sleeves, which provide just the right amount of hug or slack for your personal comfort standards. You don’t want to wear a jacket that’s too tight or constrictive, cutting off circulation. The fatigue from this can lead to serious dangers.
To learn more about the different styles of jackets, which ones suit which styles of riding, and much more about the adventurous world of motorbiking, subscribe to my YouTube channel today!
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Viking Cycle Motorcycle Rain Gear Review
If you’re a biker, you’ve undoubtedly heard of Viking. They’re a leading name in motorcycle gear, making some of the best coats, packs and much more. Did you know they also make the best motorcycle rain gear?
Riding motorcycle in the rain comes with a host of problems, not all of which have to do with road safety. I you live in an area that runs the gamut of climates and weather, and you like to depend on your bike for transportation, you need to be prepared.
When it comes time to buy your motorcycle rain suit, you want the best motorcycle rain gear you can get, and unsurprisingly, that’s going to come from Viking – who else?
What is Motorcycle Rain Gear?
Rain gear for motorcycle riding consists of one or two components – at least a jacket/top, and often, a pair of easily-removed pants. The material used is water-resistant, often nylon or poly-synthetic in nature, capable of sloughing off the built up water, and helping to fight the cold, damp wind you’ll be plowing into at high speed.
Not all rain gear for motorcycle riding is made equally, and Viking, already known for their excellent jackets, pants and packs, have combined art and material sciences to produce the best rain suit for motorcycle riders that money can buy.
Not only will it keep you warm and dry, but it’s remarkably easy to clean – count on mud and dirty tar-laden water splashing on you if you’re interested in riding motorcycle in rain.
OVERVIEW
Is it Lame to Wear Rain Gear on a Motorcycle?
You like to be respected by your fellow bikers, and there’s nothing wrong with that. If you’re going to ride, you want to ride in style and comfort. This has led some motorcycle riders to leave rain gear for motorcycle riding out of their repertoire in the past.
However, there is nothing lame or uncool about rain gear – the dirty water flying up off the road, and the rain itself, will ruin a leather jacket or a good pair of pants, and the high wind can result in you catching a cold, or even the flu or pneumonia.
Besides, the best motorcycle rain suit designs are quite stylish, matching any rider’s taste in bike and in the rest of their ensemble.
You don’t want to arrive at your destination soaking wet, as wet clothes is one of the most uncomfortable things one can imagine. On a colder, rainier day, you can become very ill if you allow yourself to get wet like this, and the wind will chew right through you as well.
Safety on a motorcycle isn’t just about riding properly and wearing your helmet. It’s about protecting your whole body from the elements, and that includes rain.
OVERVIEW
Viking Cycle Rain Gear offers you the freedom and comfort of movement for every biker’s needs in heavy rainy weather. The color options are bright for stronger visibility, along with reflective striping on the jacket to make sure you get to and from each destination safe and sound. Soft polyester outer shell with PVC packaging; our jacket has a Full-Length Zipper with a Velcro Strom Flap as well. In addition, we’ve added a head shield on the calf for added comfort and safe riding.
Ride through the rain while keeping yourself warm and dry by using these quality rain suits. While using this Viking Cycle Rain Suit you’ll be able to ride during heavy rain while knowing that your leathers under the rain suit will stay nice and dry. This rain suit has built-in reflective fabric on the pants and jacket to give you better night time visibility, keeping you dry and safe while you ride during bad weather.
What is the Best Motorcycle Rain Gear?
Viking’s rain suit for motorcycle riders is a top of the line, two-piece design. The stylish exterior is made of the latest in hydrophobic materials, sloughing off water, even gritty, muddy water from the road. The adjustable sleeves and collar of the jacket make it a one-size-fits-all solution that anyone with anybody build can wear comfortably and with pride.
The pants fasten to the jacket easily, creating a complete seal against the elements. With Velcro, it can easily be adjusted while providing a snug, closed fit that will never jam, rust or corrode.
The advanced material also breathes, with an advanced two-way thermal lining that can keep heat in against the cold, while also allowing breathing so summer rains don’t cook you in your own sweat and heat.
With an attractive gray/black style, it provides a timeless look that’s anything but lame or unfashionable, matching any bike, and any rider, be they young or old. If you’re interested in riding a motorcycle in rain, this is definitely the gear for you. Now you can enjoy those cross-country rides and be prepared for any weather this beautiful country can throw at you, and know you’ll arrive safe, dry, and feeling just fine.
To learn more about Viking’s other awesome biking gear, or about riding a motorcycle in the rain safely, subscribe to my YouTube channel today. I have some awesome things I want to show you, and this is just a taste!
TECHNOLOGY
Viking Cycle’s Rain Gear Fabric is a 100% 600D Polyester coated by PU (polyurethane). The 600D Polyester coated by PU, is also wind and water resistant so it will provide great protection against cold wind and rain and it will not sag and creates less wrinkle overtime. The fabric is light weight but highly resilient against abrasions to provide more resistance between the body and the road for your protection, and also stands against wear and tear for product durability.
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My First Motovlog
Hi Everyone! This is my first motovlog! I’m riding a 2004 Yamaha YZF-R6. Don’t forget to subscribe and comment!!
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The Best Stretching Exercises for Sportbike Riders
Riding a sportbike can be an exhilarating experience, offering a sense of freedom and excitement. However, it can also be demanding on the body, particularly on the muscles and joints used most during rides. To ensure both safety and enjoyment while riding, incorporating stretching exercises into your routine is essential. Below, we outline the best stretching exercises specifically designed for sportbike riders, aiming to enhance flexibility, reduce muscle stiffness, and prevent injury.
Key Takeaways
- Stretching improves flexibility and range of motion, essential for comfortable and safe riding.
- Regular stretching can prevent muscle stiffness and soreness, particularly in areas heavily used during rides such as the wrists, shoulders, and legs.
- Incorporating exercise stretch bands can enhance stretching routines, offering resistance that can help improve overall flexibility.
Comparison Table: Stretching vs. No Stretching for Sportbike Riders
Criteria With Stretching Without Stretching Flexibility Improved Decreased Muscle Soreness Reduced Increased Injury Risk Lowered Elevated Riding Comfort Enhanced Compromised Recovery Time Shortened Lengthened Why Stretching is Crucial for Motorcycle Riders
Before delving into the specific exercises, it’s important to understand why stretching is so beneficial for motorcycle riders. Stretching can improve range of motion, decrease the risk of muscle soreness and injuries, and enhance your overall riding experience by keeping the body flexible and prepared for the demands of riding.
Best Stretches for Motorcycle Riding
- Wrist Extensor and Flexor Stretches
- Purpose: Alleviates wrist stiffness and prevents arm pump.
- How to Do: Extend your arm, palm down, and gently pull the fingers towards your body with the other hand. For the flexor stretch, extend your arm, palm up, and pull the fingers towards your body.
- Shoulder and Chest Openers
- Purpose: Opens the chest and shoulders, counteracting the forward-leaning posture.
- How to Do: Interlace your fingers behind your back, straighten your arms, and lift your chest upwards, feeling the stretch in your shoulders and chest.
- Hip Flexor Lunges
- Purpose: Loosens the hip flexors, crucial for maintaining a comfortable riding position.
- How to Do: Step forward into a lunge, keeping the back leg straight and the front leg at a 90-degree angle. Push your hips forward.
- Quadriceps Stretch
- Purpose: Stretches the front thigh muscles, which can become tight from the riding position.
- How to Do: Standing on one leg, pull the other foot towards your buttock, keeping the knees together.
- Seated Hamstring Stretch
- Purpose: Increases flexibility in the back of the legs.
- How to Do: Sit on the ground, extend your legs, and reach towards your toes.
- Glute and Piriformis Stretch
- Purpose: Relieves tightness in the buttocks and lower back.
- How to Do: Sitting on the floor, cross one leg over the other and gently pull the knee towards the opposite shoulder.
Incorporating Stretch Bands for Enhanced Flexibility
Exercise stretch bands can be a valuable tool for motorcycle riders looking to enhance their stretching routine. They provide resistance, increase the effectiveness of stretches, and help improve overall flexibility. Here are a couple of stretches using exercise bands:
- Band-Assisted Hamstring Stretch: Lie on your back, loop a band around your foot, and gently pull back, keeping the leg straight.
- Shoulder Stretch with Band: Hold a stretch band in both hands, lift your arms over your head and behind your back, stretching the shoulders.
FAQs on Stretching for Motorcycle Riding
- How often should I stretch?
- Ideally, before and after each ride to warm up and cool down the muscles.
- Can stretching improve my riding performance?
- Yes, by enhancing flexibility and reducing muscle fatigue.
- Are there stretches to prevent lower back pain from riding?
- Yes, hip flexor stretches and lower back stretches can help alleviate and prevent lower back pain.
- Why is stretching important for motorcycle riders? S
- tretching improves flexibility and reduces the risk of muscle stiffness and injuries, making riding more comfortable and enjoyable.
- How often should I stretch for the best results?
- Ideally, before and after each ride to prepare your muscles for the ride and to aid in recovery afterwards.
- Can stretching help with lower back pain from riding?
- Yes, specific stretches targeting the lower back and hip flexors can alleviate and prevent lower back pain.
- Are exercise stretch bands beneficial for riders?
- Yes, they add resistance to stretches, effectively improving flexibility and strength in key muscle groups.
- What are the best stretches for sportbike riders?
- Wrist, shoulder, hip flexor, quadriceps, hamstring, and glute stretches are highly beneficial.
- How long should each stretch be held?
- Each stretch should be held for at least 30 seconds to maximize its effectiveness.
Conclusion
Incorporating these stretching exercises into your routine can significantly enhance your motorcycle riding experience. Not only do they prepare your body for the ride, but they also help prevent post-ride stiffness and soreness. Remember, consistency is key to seeing improvements in flexibility and to enjoy a more comfortable and enjoyable ride.
For more tips on fitness and motorcycle riding, check out our Fitness Blog at RunTheCity. Whether you’re a seasoned rider or just starting, understanding and practicing these stretches can lead to a healthier, more enjoyable riding experience.
