Modern Vespa

Hi looking for any advice on a winter jacket as its turning Autumn now and cooling down, not a heavy rain rider but still need waterproof, looking at Revit, Oxford and Richa models but hard to choose given wider range and prices

I love my Oxford Rain Shield hi viz "overjacket" ....worn over any armored jacket.
O.S.

I've never had a waterproof riding jacket, but I've been plenty comfortable putting a Goretex shell over the top of my everyday riding jacket.

Helps for wet but also for cold.

It is nice to be able to mix and match layers in your wardrobe (e.g. have a waterproof jacket that's not only good for riding). You also have more choices if you make the waterproof jacket decision separate from the riding jacket one.

I have owned a FirstGear Kilimanjaro that was warm and waterproof.

I had to google yearly weather in New Zealand ...seems your worst is quite like my late Spring/ Early autumn.

Things to check:
-proper collar. This is a typical point for 'leaks' of cold wind...the more serious attention given to this by the manufacturer, the better
-proper cuffs. See above.
-placement of adjustable vents. The more indirect they'll appear, the better change they'll be usable without causing the feeling of draft. The more, the merrier = more flexibility when the weather changes.
-Waterproof, windproof, of course.
-detachable inner thermal layer migth be worth it for your weather...I'll give up my season around 6-8 Celsius and already then use the additional layer.

Having proper cold weather gear is expensive, but comfy and functional if you'll really use it quite a lot. I use my warm weather gear about 2/3 of the season and cold weather gear 1/3 of the season. Definitely worth this.

In addition, I have a leather outfit,mostly because that's what I used to use before all these wonderfull super-duper textiles - leather is not bad for dry, cold weather either, but looses to the best textiles and cuffs & collar both are typical weak points.

I recently got a Merlin Kurkbury. I love the old skool waxed cotton look.

https://www.merlinbikegear.shop/products/kurkbury-jacket?variant=39801897910453

Before winter season I bought a Helly-Hansen Workwear Alta jacket ($120). I wanted Hi-Viz and this more than fits that description. It is lined and insulated. Comes with a hood, but it zips off. When it is colder out (35-40 or so) I use a 7.4V insulated vest under this.

I posted this before and got a lot of grief about the jacket not being armored, so I later got a Bohn armored shirt ($175) to add to the combo. Great thing is I will use this shirt for summer riding. It is just mesh..so very breathable. As a note, by their measurements I was borderline between M and L and picked a L. It is still snug (I am 190 lbs, 6 ft, 45" chest).

I suppose you can get an armored winter jacket, but it would be at least as much $$ as my combo, if not much more, and not as versatile. Sort of the layered approach we have all used for hiking, skiing, and camping for years.

For the heated vest, I took a chance on a brand that had popped up on-line because it was less expensive than name brands, but still not so cheaply priced to be of questionable quality. It has been performing very well, though the battery doesn't last as long as I would like. I have to charge every night. https://venustasofficial.com/products/mens-heated-fleece-vest-7-4v?variant=37208665325725

I wear a First Gear Kilimanjaro jacket that I purchased in November of 2014. I wear it anytime the temperature drops below 70F and have used in (with layers) well below 0F. It offers me great utility and protection from wind and rain.

It is the second Kilimanjaro I owned. The first lasted 11 years. First Gear continues to improve the design and materials and for me the jacket is well worth the investment. Less expensive than a KLIM, Aerostich, or Olympia equivalent but just as durable and functional in my opinion.

My only complaint right now when looking at it on Revzilla is they aren't offering a Hi-Viz version. It could be a stock issue.

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/firstgear-kilimanjaro-jacket

Here's a link to my review of it on Scooter in the Sticks:

https://scooterinthesticks.com/2014/11/first-gear-kilimanjaro-jacket-review/

Thanks for all the good advice couple more payday's and I can start trying some on cheers

I have a Tourmaster three layer jacket. It can actually be worn in many temps by inserting or removing the linings. The outer jacket is an armored mesh, worn alone when it is warmer. The second layer is waterproof/windproof and the third layer is down. With all three in it is quite warm and while I have not worn it in AZ, back in Chicago I did wear it a lot and it was quite good. Also it was not very expensive, I actually bought it at the Motorcycle Show in Rosemont a number of years ago. In AZ I have a much lighter jacket. Good luck finding something.

I did something similar years ago for my very cold (down to 5°F) work commuting and leisure rides in the winter..
Occunomix hi viz lined Class 3 bomber jacket ......


worn over this leather ICON "Sanctuary" jacket armored with 5 pcs of orange D-30 armor


Only black avail. in my size....in the spring I wear my "POLITE" hi viz vest over this black jacket.

some day I'll weigh this combo of jackets - it is quite substantial!

O.S.

Thanks all for the comments finally went for a Merlin Edale jacket a good fit and warm with old school vibe
https://www.merlinbikegear.com/product/edale-cotec-jacket/

That looks classy, good specs too!

I suppose it needs waxing similarly as normal waxed cotton jackets do?

My wife's Barbour jacket lasted forever, many, many years...until she repeatedly 'forgot' to wax it and the surface started to first crack and finally developed holes in it...but with regular waxing it was just superb.

That was my 2nd choice. Great looking jacket, I just wanted the extra length.

I think it needs less waxing as it is a different material and doesn't feel like wax but there is treatment you can buy to reproof for water tightness will see how long that lasts

iwani,

Looks like you made a good jacket pick. On occasion, when it is cooler,
I put my Frog Toggs waterproof riding jacket on over my normal riding
jacket.

Here in MInnesota we do get a measure of cold snaps even in the Summer.
Also, the weather can change in an instant with a brief rain sprinkle.
My riding group pulls over and we quickly pop on the Frog Toggs Top.
If the rain looks to becoming in heavy, we also put the Frog Toggs pants on.

Bob Copeland

I got a Frogg Togg similar to that and my main issue is that their zippers suck. I returned the 1st jacket on warranty because the zipper failed after about 1 month, then the replacement failed in about 8 months.

I took it to a tailoring shop and they replaced it with a quality zipper that had larger teeth. Though I am not sure teeth size was the problem because the cheap non-woven Frogg Togg jacket I have (with large tooth zipper) is failing too.

I have since moved on to other jackets. One for winter that is lined that I wear an armored shirt under and another general use armored jacket with zip out lining.

The old jacket is on a hanger.

Goob,

I expect they are keeping the rain jacket price down with the cheap
zipper. I usually throw it away every two years and get a new one.
The top is priced at about $44 - just a thin water proof - not really a
long lasting ridable jacket.

My FirstGear riding jacket is suppose to be water proof - but I do not
trust it. I should probably breakdown and buy a top quality jacket that
is actually waterproof.

I seem to get by layering warm sweaters, lighter riding jacket and then
popping on the Frog Toggs when needed. I seems we do allot of removing
and putting on layers as the weather dictates here in Frostbite Falls.

Example, cold early am when ride starts, layering off by first rest stop or
lunch as it warms up. Same day, could be down to a T-Shirt in the afternoon.


Bob Copeland