Thinking About Motorcycling Wear Again - Jacket

I make no attempt to hide my enthusiast for riding jacket and pants. Maybe it is because I have no interest in day to day fashion and this riding gear has become my obsession. Or maybe it is because I think I ought to take care of myself when I am on the bike so I pay lots of attention to riding gear. Whatever it is, I am always talking about wear and looking at wear.

I haven't bought any riding jacket since year 2005 actually. I still wear that good old harley leather jacket. It is tough and cuts off the wind very well but it does not come with any protection at all. If it had the pads on.... that's what I always have on my mind. But we know thinking about it won't make any changes, if i want something with pads I will have to make it happen.

So I went ahead and bought separate elbow pads and back pad. They are good when worn in combination with the leather jacket. The downside is that they aren't convenient. Putting them on and off is an effort in itself although it doesn't take that much time at all. 

Wait a minute, I have bought myself a full racing suit as well. OK so my harley leather was the only riding jacket I bought, but I also have a full suit. :-)

Since getting myself the BMW I have ridden more miles than when I had my harley. I ride more often and for longer hours in a single ride and for much farther. As a result, I have faced a bigger variety of elements compared to the days when I was on the Harley.

It prompted me to rethink about gear. I need something that will give rain, abrasion, weather and crash protection. All functions in one piece of gear. That's why I want another piece of jacket but not the harley leather anymore.

I am looking at the so called Adventure Jacket. Naturally I am looking at the BMW line up because they are famous for it. I must say the price is very steep. A similar set up offered by Komine is almost half the price. But then I don't know how well the Komine stack up to long term abuse on the road.

The retail price for a BMW Dry Suit Jacket is about 650usd now. I know, not unrealistically expensive but nevertheless that's a lot of money. Perhaps if i saved up 100USD a month by year end I could get myself that long yearn jacket. :-)