Best Jackets For Bikers: Preparing For Different Weather Conditions

India has always been a delight for bikers to fulfil their never-ending appetite for thrill and adventure. Have you ever noticed how much scrutiny is involved in selecting the right bike for the right road? We check the tyres, engine condition, fuel tank capacity, and other things, but do we give enough time to think about what to wear on a bike trip? When it comes to adventurous bike trips, weather has a major impact and it is very crucial to pick on the right jacket. Since India is a country with extreme weather conditions, you'll have totally different experiences at different geographical locations. By the end of this article, you will have learned about different jackets suitable for different weather conditions: summer, winter, monsoon, and all-season riding.

Jackets for Summer Riding

For the scorching heat of hot and humid regions like Rajasthan, Chennai and Madhya Pradesh, etc., bikers need to ensure that the jackets are light in weight and breathable while also not compromising on safety. Your jacket should be abrasion-resistant and must provide adequate ventilation in hot regions to keep you relatively cool inside. Summer Jackets usually are designed with mesh panels that provide an easy flow of air which also helps to get rid of sweat easily.

Some of the top-selling summer jackets are: 

Royal Enfield Streetwind V3: Rs. 4,463/-

• This jacket is suitable for high temperature regions as it is made up of 90% abrasion-resistant mesh and 10% 600D polyester.

• Equipped with Royal Enfield Ergo pro-tech CE 2 protection at the elbow and shoulder which protects you from injury. 

• The comfort collar is cushioned to prevent skin chafing. 

• The jacket fits you from the chest and is comfortable for long journeys.

Rynox Air GT 4: Rs. 6,950/-

• This product is lightweight and has a sturdy 3D mesh with dual fold knits which makes it easier for air to pass through. 

• The presence of mesh panels at the armpits and chest provides much more ventilation. 

• The Rynox Air GT 4 has Cerros zero-G CE level 2 impact protection installed at elbows, shoulders, chest and back.  

• With the use of 600D dobby weave which is a strong and durable fabric, this jacket is abrasion resistant.

• The PU-coated polyester provides an extra layer of water and abrasion resistance.

• DWR-coated shell keeps you dry in light showers. 

• Retro-reflective panels and Hi-Viz trims(Orange and Green colorways) on the chest, arms, and back enhance visibility in low light and daytime conditions.

• The use of Soft neoprene trims on the collar and cuffs prevents the skin from chafing.

BBG Xplorer : Rs. 6,850/-

• This jacket is designed using Cordura and Mesh panels that make it durable, abrasion-resistant, and suitable for all seasons.

• BBG Xplore V3 has the latest CE-certified level 2 protection at elbows, shoulders, and Back.

• With a huge 3D mesh panel at the front and back, the airflow performance in this jacket is unsurpassed. 

• The presence of 3m reflective piping at the front and back enhances visibility during the night.

• The external separate rain liner protects from water.

• The inner thermal lining which is removable helps to ride comfortably during winters. 

These jackets are worth the money and are popular within the market for their durability and comfort. They are lightweight and have an adequate combination of mesh and impact protection which ensures air ventilation along with the safety of the rider. All these jackets use CE-certified protectors which means they meet the European standards in terms of protection and abrasion resistance.

Winter Riding Jackets

Planning a bike ride to a Himalayan region like Ladakh is always challenging due to the weather's unpredictability. It can be calm at one moment, and you can find yourself stuck in a snowstorm the next. Despite the varying weather conditions, ensuring your body is not put at risk is important. Winter jackets are equipped with removable thermal insulation, wind resistance, waterproof, and protective armour. These jackets keep you warm without being bulky. 

Here is a list of the most popular winter jackets:

Royal Enfield Nirvik v2: Rs. 17,950/-

• Manufactured from durable 500D Nylon fabric, this jacket is abrasion-resistant and durable. 

• Has D30 armors at elbows, shoulders, back, and chest. All the armors meet international CE standards for safety and protection. Chest armour is CE level 1 while the rest are CE level 2. 

• A rain liner is available to keep you dry while driving during rainfall.

• The jacket has mesh made zippered pockets at the front and backs to maintain ventilation. Other vents are designed at the centre front, chest, back, forearms, and side seams to keep air flowing.
  

Solace Sabre Pro v5: Rs. 12,500/- 

• This jacket has a relatively huge mesh at the back which provides enhanced air ventilation.

• It is equipped with a thermal/waterproof liner for different weather conditions.

• Impact protectors are installed at the chest, back, elbows, and shoulders. All the protectors are CE level 2 which meets the standards of safety and protection. 

• The outer shell is coated with 700D PU polyester which makes it abrasion resistant.

• This jacket has reflective panels which enhance the visibility of the rider. 
  

Rynox Storm Evo: Rs. 10,750/-

• This jacket is light in weight and perfect for minimalist adventure. 

• Impact protection is provided at the chest, back, elbows, and shoulders meeting the CE level 2 standard.

• A combination of external metal sliders, DWR coating, 600D PU coated polyester, and INVISTA cordura gives a strong texture and makes the jacket abrasion-resistant.

• 3D mesh panels evenly spread on the front side not only maintain air ventilation but ensure all body parts are covered. 

• Retro-reflective panels are installed which help in visibility.

These jackets are excellent for insulation, protect you from harsh winds, and have safety pads installed for your protection. 

Monsoon Riding Jackets

Going on a bike trip around the monsoon season especially in places like Coorg or Kodaikanal can be thrilling but demands extra preparation. You can face heavy rain and drive on slippery roads. You need a jacket that is waterproof to keep you dry on the inside, has reflective elements to increase visibility, and is equipped with strong safety pads while ensuring smooth air ventilation. 

Although most of the jackets come with a waterproof liner, here is a list of the most popular jackets made especially for monsoons.

Rynox H2GO PRO 3: Rs. 1,450/-

• This monsoon jacket is made from a 15,000mm water-resistant nylon shell.

• The double ripstop nylon makes the jacket abrasion-resistant and prevents it from tearing making the jacket highly durable. 

• The nylon fabric resists water but is also breathable which prevents the water from going in but allows water vapor to pass through.

• The jacket maintains high vision so anyone can spot you easily in areas with fewer lights.

• Inverted rear vents at the shoulders throw the hot and humid wind out and keep you cool inside.
  

Royal Enfield Pondi: Rs. 3,000/-

• This jacket is perfect for daily non-adventurous trips.

• A 100% polyester construction effectively restricts water from going inside the jacket and keeps you dry inside.

• The seams are fully taped, and the hoodie goes comfortably with the helmet.

• Note that this jacket does not have protective armour and hence is not suitable for adventurous rides.
  

BBG Rainproof Jacket: Rs. 1,250/-

• This jacket is designed to protect you from rain and wind.

• It features fully seam-sealed tapes and waterproof elements.

• It has a full-length front opening zipper that provides higher waterproofing. 

• Suitable for night rides as the reflectors provide visibility.

These jackets will not let water get inside your clothes and will enhance your visibility to other drivers. The protective layers fulfil the international set standard of protection ensuring that your safety is not compromised.

Bonus Point

All the big brands provide a category of all-weather, all-season riding jackets. These jackets are versatile and can be used in different weather conditions which is ideal for regular bikers. Here is one of the most popular all-season jackets.

Royal Enfield Windfarer v2: Rs. 7,500/-

• It is a 2 layered product with a removable thermal/waterproof liner.

• The 600D polyester and polyester mesh make this jacket highly abrasion-resistant.

• Ipact protectors are present at the back, elbows, and shoulders and they meet the CE level 2 rating.

• The 610D cordura at elbows and shoulders adds extra safety.

• Mesh panels at the front of the jacket provide room for air to pass through which helps to keep you cool and dry off the sweat. 

Let's Wrap Up

This article addressed the need to find the right jacket for your bike adventure. Since weather is a major decider of adventure, it is necessary to consider it before picking your jacket. We discussed the important checkpoints in jackets for summers, winters, and monsoon seasons. There are many options apart from the ones we discussed, so before picking a jacket make sure it fits you well and you feel comfortable wearing it. Everyone has a different perspective and you should purchase what you like, but your safety is most important which must not be compromised. Make sure the protectors meet CE level standards, there are enough mesh panels in your jacket and it is comfortable. Stay protected, ride safe, and enjoy the ride.

FAQs

1. What are the key factors to consider when choosing a motorcycle jacket?

The key factors to consider when choosing a motorcycle jacket are the protection it provides like whether it is CE certified armors which protect your body mainly elbows, shoulders, chest and back, the comfort in the jacket, weather resistance depending on your riding conditions, consider factors like waterproofing, wind resistance, and breathability, and proper ventilation and space for air to flow.

2. Can I use a regular jacket for motorcycle riding?

No, a regular jacket does not provide the safety and protection you need while riding a bike. Motorcycles are safe but accidents can cause heavy injuries and hence motorcycle jackets have safety armors installed to keep you safe in case of unfortunate events.

3. How often should I replace my motorcycle jacket?

The bike jackets are made from strong fibre which is abrasion resistant and don't easily tear up even after accidents hence these are highly durable. Having said that, you should see if your jacket is significantly damaged which compromises the features, then you should change it.

4. What is the difference between a summer jacket and a winter jacket?

Summer jackets are designed to be lightweight, breathable, and provide ventilation to keep you cool in warm weather. Winter jackets, on the other hand, are insulated to keep you warm in cold conditions and often feature waterproof and windproof properties.

5. Are all motorcycle jackets waterproof?

No, not all motorcycle jackets are waterproof.  Monsoon jackets are made from fibre that does not allow water to go in but does not restrict air to flow through it. But many jackets come with an optional waterproof liner which goes with the jacket comfortably.