Why Are These Motorcycle Jackets Safer And Sexier?

We all know that motorcycle leathers are beautiful and sexy. You see it every day in magazines and movies. However beauty isn't the most important thing to consider.

When considering the best motorcycle leathers there are many things to consider. While we like the beauty it's the protection that's most important. When purchasing motorcycle apparel, be sure that it provides superior protection to the areas that are to be protected. Usually, they are made to protect the part where the bone is just underneath the surface of the skin like the ankles, knees, hips, shoulders, knuckles and the like.

All leather is not the same. In this article, I will attempt to address the choices that a biker faces when purchasing motorcycle leathers. We will explore the different types of hides available, the different tanning processes and how to tell the difference.

Good quality leather products always begin with the leather itself. Your highest quality products will be made from large pieces of leather that have been graded for blemishes, thickness and uniformity of grain. Most all leather has blemishes. The severity and number of blemishes determine what type of product it will be used for and for what price.

This is why the products made with naked leather are so much more pliable and expensive - because they use a higher grade of leather with few blemishes. Leather is naturally tough keeps you warm and provides a layer of protection between you and the ground. Leather has proven to be the ultimate for biker leather.

Most of all we want thick heavy leather not thin patched together scraps. There are basically two hides that you will run across when looking for motorcycle leathers: buffalo, and cowhide. You may at times find such hides as lambskin, sheepskin etc. Just make a note that these hides are inferior and should not be considered riding grade leather.

Buffalo hide is a high quality leather second only to cow hide in toughness. Buffalo hide is very thick and can be tanned as top grain or naked leather. Most of the buffalo hide leather jackets are imported but are very high quality. These are not the same buffalo as the Bison common in America.

The most common and we believe best material used for motorcycle leathers is cowhide, chosen for its strength and durability. It is anywhere from 1-1.3mm thick, depending on the tanning process, is naturally warm, and will afford the utmost protection against road scrapes and scratches. Cowhide is the ultimate in riding grade leather it is the choice of riders everywhere.

Full grain or naked Leather is the ultimate in leather for the motorcycle Rider for several reasons. It will wear better than other leathers and will actually improve with age. These are made with choice thick hides and only dye is added. Full grain naked leather doesn't require a break in period.

Top grain leather has been sanded to remove scars and imperfections, then sprayed or pasted for a uniform look. The smooth side is where the hair and the natural grain used to be. Top grain is probably the most common material found in motorcycle leathers. It is not the best leather available, but with a medium price range, and thicknesses of 1 to1.2mm, top grain leather is considered to be a tough and strong riding gear.

While there are some biker leather articles made in the US most are very expensive. Most of the best buys are imported. Unfortunately US companies can't compete with the low labor rates overseas.