As we ride our motorcycles into autumn with fallen leaves swirling around us—and occasional bursts of cool or warm temperatures (depending on what part of the country you live in)—a jacket that can handle change is essential.With a variety of features, these new styles of womens motorcycle riding jackets from Alpinestars, Joe Rocket and Harley-Davidson can transition from keeping us warm to cooling us down.
Classic Looks, Functional and Waterproof!
You’ll look sharp in the Alpinestars Stella T-Fuel Waterproof Jacket, made of an abrasion-resistant polyester/nylon blend that’s soft to the touch but tough enough to touch the pavement. Leather trimming across the front and back adds style. Sportbike and cruiser riders alike will appreciate all the function built into this good-looking jacket.
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The Alpinestars Stella T-Fuel Jacket has a classic look, with a 1.5-inch-wide white leather trim that stands out on the black textile background. It comes in black only, with sizes that range from XS–2XL. Price is $219.
Precurved sleeves make break-in easier and allow the arms to bend easily while holding the handlebars. Adjustment straps at the waist help with fit, and the protective CE-certified armor at the elbows and shoulders is so slim you’ll barely know its there. Optional back and chest protectors are also available.
As cooler temperatures hit later in the day, you can zip in the long-sleeved liner and zip up the vents in the upper arms. The soft neoprene collar tapers from 1.75 inches tall in front to 2.25 inches in back to keep wind from blasting down your back when youre leaned over on the motorcycle.
Look for a full review of the Stella T-Fuel Jacket on Women Riders Now (WRN) soon. Visit AlpineStars.com for more information.
On the Radar in Leather and Mesh
You’re sure to be on someone’s radar (in a good way) with Joe Rocket’s functional, come-hither-looking, form-fitted Ladies Radar Jacket. The tailored Radar’s FullFlex system combines leather and pliable mesh for a nonrestrictive jacket that’s comfortable whether you’re sitting upright on a cruiser, leaned over on a sportbike, or anything in between.
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The leather and mesh Joe Rocket Radar Jacket lets air flow through. When temps cool down, zip in the windproof and water-resistant liner and you’ll be toasty warm. Available in three color choices for $299.99.
Mesh segments in the front and on the back at the shoulder blades are sewn into the 1.2mm leather at the chest and ribs, shoulders, back, elbows and forearms. CE-approved armor covers impact areas—shoulders and elbows—and the included spine pad can be upgraded to Joe Rocket’s Speedmaster 2.0 CE level 2 spine protector.
Expansion gussets, located in the back above the elbows and below the shoulder blades extending under the arms, add mobility while riding. Joe Rocket’s four-point SureFit custom adjustment system allows you to customize the fit with hip zippers and two buckles in back that cinch up the waist. A soft, low-profile collar snaps closed, and reflective piping gets you noticed at night.
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The Joe Rocket Radar Jacket also comes in these black and purple colors.
When it gets chilly and you want to close off the airflow through the mesh, slip in the long-sleeved windproof and water-resistant comfort liner. The jacket also features two handwarmer pockets and an inside pocket. At the base are belt loops with snaps, meaning the jacket can be attached to Joe Rocket pants.
The Radar comes in three colors: Black (sizes XS–2Diva), Purple/Black (sizes XS–XL)and White/Gun Metal(sizes XS–XL). All colors retail for $299.99. Visit JoeRocket.com for more information.
“Two” Cool in Modern and Vintage
There’s no denying that Harley-Davidson motorcycles are just plain cool, and the same goes for the company’s womens apparel. These two new jackets from Harley work for warm- and cool-weather riding.
The Sidewinder RCS Functional Jacket is part of Harley-Davidsons Rider Comfort System (RCS) collection. The waterproof nylon shell has a mesh lining, two shoulder intake vents, and a horizontal back exit vent. This jacket also has a main two-way zipper, precurved sleeves, and body armor pockets at the elbows, shoulders, and back. There’s a stretch panel under the arms and at the sides and an elastic cinch at the wrists. In front, a small H-D logo is on the left side and “Harley-Davidson” is embroidered on the back. Price is $195–$205 in this colorblocked color.
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The waterproof Sidewinder Functional Jacket is part of Harley’s three-part Rider Comfort System (RCS) collection.
The Sidewinder RCS Soft Shell Jacket, the middle layer for the Functional Jacket, is made of polyester with fleece for extra insulation. It has a mock neck with a snap-down removable hood and can be worn as a jacket off the bike. An under-sleeve panel with a thumbhole cuff works to cover your hands and block wind from blowing up your sleeve. The Soft Shell Jacket is available in black for $160–$170.
As a base layer that looks good and is also made of moisture-wicking polyester, the Sidewinder RCS Layering Top fits snugly to your body. There’s elastic at the wrists and contrasting stitching on this stylish off-white top, and it has an embroidered H-D graphic on the chest. Princess seams on the front and back make it more comfortable for layering. The price is $75–$85.
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The Sidewinder RCS Functional Jacket, RCS Soft Shell Jacket and RCS Layering Top are available in sizes XS–3W.
The mesh-lined Distressed Miss Enthusiast Jacket, also from Harley-Davidson, is styled to look like a jacket you’ve been wearing for years, just like your favorite jeans. It has two zippered shoulder vents, where black leather meets off-white leather, and two vertical vents in back. The words “Harley-Davidson” are embroidered across the chest, and the H-D logo fills half the back.
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The Women’s Distressed Miss Enthusiast Jacket is available in black (with off-white sleeves) for $375–$415, depending on size.
The main zipper and the zippers at the wrists are two-way, which allows you to regulate airflow. There are two zippered handwarmer pockets and two interior pockets. Sleeves are precurved for comfort, and there are body armor pockets at the elbows and shoulders. The jacket’s mandarin collar snaps closed.
See your Harley-Davidson dealer for the Sidewinder Collection and Distressed Miss Enthusiast Jacket. Visit Harley-Davidson.com to find a dealer.
Too bad the Joe Rocket purple/ black does not come in a larger size. I would order one today.
The Lady Radar jacket has very generous sizing going from extra small all the way up to 2 Diva with bust size 45-48 inches, waist 37-39 inches, and hips 46-49 inches.