Picked up one of these officially licensed HRC Racing Jackets (distributed by Tucker Rocky) at my local Honda dealer Saturday. It was on sale, I'm a sucker for fancy logos and I can't pass up a bargain plus I thought it would look cool when riding the CBR.

Big mistake! The jacket is a very light perforated textile material which I thought would be very cool for Texas summer riding with the waterproof inner liner removed and it's a full 1.6 pounds lighter than my Nitro jacket even with CE armor in the elbows, shoulders and back, so far so good. Well, I was right about the cool part, what I didn't count on was the aero drag and buffeting at high speed, it almost pulled me off the bike at 120 mph, felt like I was towing a parachute behind me. I could see in my rear view mirrors the fabric was rippling badly especially on the arms, apparently the large holes are allowing air to pass through rather than go around the jacket creating the severe buffeting. If I was consumer reports I'd give this jacket a failing grade......it SUX!! I only hope I can find my receipt and get my money back from the dealer. I would check this feature out before plopping down your hard earned cash on a light weight summer jacket.

Kruz

* Last updated by: Kruz on 6/9/2009 @ 3:34 PM *

So you didn't check it's speed rating.........LOL

I picked up a FirstGear Rush Mesh jacket to replace a Cortech textile for more air. Tons of venting to stay cool, comfortable armour, nice fit (tall size), and almost zero buffeting up to 160mph. Even less than my Cortech, and doesn't ride up like the Cortech either. Looks cool, and the red and black match my bike perfectly. Under $150, you should check one out.

Question?

Does the jacket fit properly? With it zipped up, if you can grab a handfull of jacket (chest area), the jacket is too big. A properly fitted jacket should not billow.

??

I use to have the same issue with Joe Rocket Gear the cut of the jackets are just too baggy. I have a few Alpinestars jackets and have never had a problem as they fit tighter in the arms and chest.

Most of the American made riding gear is cut very loose around the waist compared to European designs (all those supersized meals from McDonalds may be the culprit here) If I find an American made jacket that fits in the chest, shoulders and arms, it is invariably way too billowy around the waist. Anyway, that wasn't the problem here, the fit was OK, the arms were getting most of the buffeting and the fit there was very tight. Anyway, I picked up the Fieldsheer jacket below and it is much, much better. It is light and well ventilated but doesn't catch the wind like the HRC mesh jacket did. I've already been to 130 mph and no problems.

BTW, Alpinestars is European cut and offers a much better fit if you have a slim or athletic build.

Kruz

* Last updated by: Kruz on 6/15/2009 @ 8:25 AM *

kruz no more squiding for you in a sleeveless t-shirt and flip flops ... man what this world coming to

I've never owned a pair of flip flops in my life Rot, what teh heck you talkin about?

Kruz

I've never owned a pair of flip flops in my life Rot, what teh heck you talkin about?

squidly .. you know flip flops , shorts, and tee-shirt your normal riding gear ..

1st time we meet and rode you freaked out cause i had full race gear on ..lol

I did freak out cause you looked like you was headin out to the drag races or sumthin. Last time I seen that much leather a steer still owned it. Heck, as I remember we wuz just out for a little Sunday ride, I don't think we ever broke 120-130 maybe the whole trip, what's all the fuss? I don't remember the shorts and flipflops part though, I think that South Texas sun has baked the last of your brain cells.

Kruz

Last time I seen that much leather a steer still owned it

LMAO

Steven, you gotta understand, Rot's a big 'ol boy, we're talkin about a MOUNTAIN of leather comin at ya!

Kruz

I know he is. You just could not say it any better.