The Design Flaw Baked into Motorcycle Jackets

[Alun]

I've just posted up this feature, which some may find useful.

Nice to know we've all been sold kippers, eh

[P4ulie]

mmmm kippers

Telling it like it is Alun, excellent.

I happen to have one of them fancy gore tex Rukka jackets but I still throw a waterproof over the top when I know it will pee it down. Nothing dries slower than a soaked bike jacket no matter whats bonded to it.

I also consigned the alleged thermal liner to the cupboard & wear a puffa underneath when the hoodie isn't enough.

I commute all year round & then spend most of my day outside so learnt the hard way regarding layering

[scouse]

Actually with my jacket the dropliner is there to be wind & waterproof as the material of the jacket is designed to let air flow through ... I always have a waterproof jacket to sling over the top as no fabric jacket is 100% waterproof when it get used as often as mine do anyhow

[Alun]

Actually with my jacket the dropliner is there to be wind & waterproof as the material of the jacket is designed to let air flow through ...

Well placed vents with water-resistant zips can do just as good a job.

[Chris S]

Great article Alun. I was also baffled when I discovered jackets had gone to separate membrane liners while researching AMH6. If the membrane works as it should there should be no need to remove it. As you explain, it's cost saving measure which just makes the garments more bulky and fiddly as I found reviewing this jacket; one generic membrane liner fits all and the outer can be stitched without tapping seams and so on.
Like you say, climbers and outdoors folk would have never accepted such a dumb idea.

Chris S

[Bianchi]

I think it's always a compromise with a single skin waterproof jacket
With all your protection in it you have nothing to take off when it's just
To warm . When I was walking/climbing and the weather is good
The first thing to go is the waterproof outer shell

When I am away on the bike and its 35c the last thing I want on
Is a water and wind proof outer shell .

We don't always need a waterproof jacket so with a
3 in 1 you get an option what you want to wear on the day ..

Cheers

Dave

[Alun]

We don't always need a waterproof jacket so with a
3 in 1 you get an option what you want to wear on the day ..

Cheers

Dave

And you'd be right, but as I've said above, a well designed and vented waterproof outer will be just as cool running.

[Bianchi]

We don't always need a waterproof jacket so with a
3 in 1 you get an option what you want to wear on the day ..

Cheers

Dave

And you'd be right, but as I've said above, a well designed and vented waterproof outer will be just as cool running.

I have never felt a waterproof shell with some vents cool running
In a Spanish summer but each to there own
I hardly think its a design fault that company's are still making
3 in 1 suits

Cheers

Dave

[Alun]

If the membrane works as it should there should be no need to remove it.

Nice review Chris.

My next instalment will be on breathability. Is it a myth or the best thing since the Emperors new clothes

[Tramp]

My thoughts..
Gortex is great when clean but cover it in mud and road grime and the pores block reducing its breathability greatly..also as a under jarment it stays cleaner longer but then the top layer wets out and get heavy..not good in a morning after a full days wet riding...

so its layers for me..windbloc running top under protective jacket and cheap wateerproof top for the rain..easy to dry and helps cut down on cold winter winds..also keeps the jacket cleaner in winter commutes...

good idaes are fine but technology advances..sometimes not for the better..but that klim stuff is good..but darn expensive.