Why does real leather still win for touring?
Even with all the new fabrics out there, many riders still choose leather. There is a simple reason for this: it is incredibly tough. We use genuine cowhide that is between 1.1mm and 1.2mm thick. This thickness is important because it provides a natural shield against the road.
Leather has a natural ability to slide. If you fall, you want to slide across the tarmac rather than tumble. Tumbles are what cause broken bones, while sliding helps bleed off your speed slowly. A good leather jacket will stay together during that slide, protecting your skin from nasty road rash.
The importance of internal armour
While the leather protects your skin, the armour inside protects your body. Not all motorcycle jackets with armour are made the same way. Some cheap jackets use thin foam that does very little in an actual crash.
Our jackets come with five pieces of CE-approved armour. You get pads for your elbows, your shoulders, and a protector for your back.
- Shoulder and elbow pads: These are shaped to fit your joints perfectly. They stay in place so that if you land on your side, the pad takes the force instead of your bone.
- Back protector: This covers the middle of your back. While it is thick enough to offer protection, it is flexible enough that you can still move your body easily while riding.
Having this armour built-in means you don't have to worry about wearing separate pads underneath your clothes. It is all there, ready to go whenever you zip up.
Staying comfortable in the UK weather
We all know the UK weather is never predictable. You might start your ride in bright sunshine and end it in a freezing fog. Because this is a touring jacket, we designed it to be used all year round. Whether you prefer the classic leather feel or the lightweight flexibility of textile biker jackets, having gear that adapts to the seasons is essential for any serious rider.
Inside the jacket, there is a thermal quilted lining. On a cold morning in March, this lining keeps your body heat trapped so you don't get stiff from the cold. When summer finally arrives and the temperature rises, you can simply zip the lining out. This makes the jacket much lighter and allows more air to flow around you, keeping you cool.
Getting the right fit for the road
Buying a bike jacket is different from buying a normal coat for the pub. If a motorcycle jacket is too loose, the armour will slide around. In a crash, you need that elbow pad to stay exactly on your elbow.
When you first put on one of our motorcycle jackets with armour, it might feel a bit heavy or stiff. This is normal for high-quality leather. Over time, the leather will soften and shape itself to your body. It becomes like a second skin that is unique to you.
We offer a massive range of sizes to suit every rider, starting from Small (S) all the way up to 7XL. Whether you need a Medium (M), Extra Large (XL), or even the much larger 6XL and 7XL sizes, we have you covered. We know that UK bikers come in all sizes, and everyone deserves to be protected. The touring fit is designed to be slightly more relaxed than a racing suit, giving you enough room to move your arms and reach for the handlebars without feeling restricted.
Small details that make a big difference
When you are out on a long ride, it is the little things that start to matter. We have added several features to our jackets to make your life easier:
- Plenty of pockets: There is nothing worse than struggling to find your earplugs or your wallet at a petrol station. Our jackets have multiple pockets on the outside and inside, including a safe spot for your phone.
- Heavy-duty zips: We use strong zips that you can actually grab, even if you are wearing gloves. There is also a zip at the bottom that lets you connect the jacket to your trousers.
- Adjustable waist: Everyone is built differently. We included buckle straps at the waist so you can pull the jacket in for a tighter fit, which also helps stop the wind from blowing up your back.
- Padded collar: The collar is lined with soft material, so it doesn't rub against your neck while you are turning your head to check your mirrors.
How to look after your leather jacket
If you take care of a leather jacket, it can last you a lifetime. Unlike textile gear, leather needs a little bit of love to stay in top shape.
Every few months, it is a good idea to wipe it down with a damp cloth to get the salt and road dirt off. You can also use a leather conditioner to keep the hide from drying out. If your jacket gets soaked in a heavy rainstorm, don't put it on a radiator. Let it dry naturally away from direct heat so the leather doesn't go hard and crack.
Why should you choose Texpeed?
Buying gear online can be a bit of a gamble, especially when it comes to safety. At Texpeed, we are a local UK business based in Nottingham. We have been doing this for over twenty years, and we understand what UK riders are looking for.
When you buy from us, you aren't just getting a jacket; you are getting the peace of mind that comes with local support. If the size isn't right, you can swap it easily. We don't have the massive overheads of the big global brands, which is why we can keep our prices fair while still using top-quality materials.
The value of a good touring jacket
You will see jackets out there for three or four times the price of ours. While they might have fancy logos, the actual job they do is often the same. Our goal is to provide motorcycle jackets with armour that do the job without making you pay for a name.
For £109.99, you are getting genuine cowhide and tested armour. It is a solid investment in your safety. Whether you are commuting to work every day or planning a trip across the Highlands, this jacket is built to handle the journey.
Explore more from Texpeed with our range of motorcycle boots for men, distressed brown leather biker jacket and leather motorcycle gloves.
