Latest news with #DucatiMultistrada
Wales Online
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Wales Online
Motorcyclist dies after collision on busy Welsh road
Motorcyclist dies after collision on busy Welsh road A 27-year-old man died from his injuries at the scene, police confirmed in a statement on Monday The A40 Raglan bypass in Monmouthshire, where a motorcyclist died following a collision over the weekend (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) A motorcyclist has died following a collision on a busy road in Wales. The incident happened on the A40 in Raglan, Monmouthshire on Saturday, May 31, shortly before 11am. A 27-year-old man from the Kent area died from his injuries at the scene, Gwent Police confirmed in a statement on Monday. A spokesperson for Gwent Police said: 'Gwent Police is appealing for information following a fatal road traffic collision on the A40 at Raglan, on Saturday, May 31, at about 10.55am." They added: 'It happened on the southbound off slip, travelling onto the A449, and involved one motorcycle, a black Ducati Multistrada. 'The rider, a 27-year-old man from the Kent area, was pronounced dead at the scene. His family is being supported by specially trained officers. 'Anyone with any information, dashcam, or CCTV footage is asked to call 101, quoting 2500171600, you can send a direct message on Facebook or X, or contact us online." Article continues below The A40 in Raglan includes a central area in the road which cars have to use to cross the carriageway and which many locals have said is dangerous, although the circumstances around the latest incident on the stretch are not yet known. It follows a collision having also occurred on the A40 on Saturday, May 24. Raglan community council reported on that occasion multiple people were taken to hospital.
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- South Wales Argus
Male motorcylist dies following crash on A40 in Raglan
The collision happened on the A40 at Raglan around 10.55am. The rider was a 27-year-old male from Kent who was pronounced dead at the scene. 'A spokesperson for Gwent Police said: 'Gwent Police is appealing for information following a fatal road traffic collision on the A40 at Raglan, on Saturday 31 May, at about 10.55am. 'It happened on the southbound off slip, travelling onto the A449, and involved one motorcycle, a black Ducati Multistrada. 'The rider, a 27-year-old man from the Kent area, was pronounced dead at the scene. His family is being supported by specially trained officers. 'Anyone with any information, dashcam, or CCTV footage is asked to call 101, quoting 2500171600, you can send a direct message on Facebook or X, or contact us online:
Yahoo
06-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
The Very Best Motorcycle Jackets You Can Buy, According to Pro Riders
"Hearst Magazines and Yahoo may earn commission or revenue on some items through these links." This article was updated with new products and information in March 2025. As a wise man once told me, there are no fender-benders when riding a motorcycle. Without a steel cage surrounding you, bumpers to absorb incidental blows, seat belts to keep you in place, and airbags to cushion the impact, every accident is potentially fatal to a motorcyclist. The only way to protect yourself is to gear up, every time you ride. Next to a quality helmet, there is no piece of riding gear as important as an armored motorcycle jacket. Riding jackets come in all shapes and styles to suit the myriad types of motorcyclists on the road. Whether you're a sportbike rider who carves canyons on the weekends, a cruiser lover who takes their time and enjoys the sights, or an ADV enthusiast who explores the backcountry, there's a riding jacket that's just right for you. Which one should you get? To find out, we polled several professional motorcycle riders for their opinions on the best motorcycle jackets you can buy. More Motorcycle Gear: From renowned moto-journalists to international motorcycle tour operators, the experts I consulted for this article aren't your typical motorcycle riders. They're all professional motorcyclists—that is, they ride bikes for a living. All have ridden a variety of motorcycles in a wide range of conditions, many all over the world, so when they recommend a piece of riding gear, it's wise to listen up. When it comes to riding gear, style and comfort are subjective—what one rider wears daily another wouldn't be caught dead in. Your choice of motorcycle jacket depends largely on your riding style and personal preferences. After the product recommendations below, you'll find considerations on material, armor, functionality, and more. Much like the bike you choose to ride, your gear is an extension of your personality. So rather than naming a "best" motorcycle jacket, we've found options for all kinds of riders on all sorts of bikes. Each of the pros we spoke with below stressed that after safety considerations like armor and functional features like waterproofing, air vents, and pockets, your taste is the most important factor when shopping for gear. From zipping around El Mirage on a YZ-80 as a boy in Southern California to cruising the Catskills on Harleys and Indians to carving the Italian Alps on a Ducati Multistrada, I've been riding and writing about motorcyles and riding gear for decades.—Jon LangstonI get the opportunity to ride a number of motorcycles of various styles, and the Solano is my go-to riding jacket. It suits every kind of bike or ride I'm on, every time. I love the simple, minimalist styling that's mercifully free of gaudy branding and polarizing graphics. I've worn it in early spring, all through the summer, and well into late fall and can attest to its all-around versatility and comfort. It has plenty of pockets, a waterproof zipper, a removable thermal liner, and snap adjustments at the cuff and collar. Made from abrasion-resistant polyamide, the Solano comes with shoulder and elbow armor; its impact zones are reinforced with 600-denier polyester. It even has a sleeve for an optional back pad. Vented underarms will help keep you cool. Best of all, the Solano is super-affordable, considering it includes armor. If you want one jacket for all your rides, it's perfect. Being an older model justifies its low price point but also limits its size and color options, unfortunately. But Revzilla carries dozens of newer Alpinestars motorcycle jackets that are perfect for everyday riding. The Solano does fit a bit snug, so size up if you plan to layer, or use Alpinestars' Tech-Air autonomous airbag system underneath (see below). $179.32 at we asked our colleague Mark Vaughn from Autoweek which motorcycle jackets he recommends, he replied with two words: "Air bags!" Mark has written extensively about safety technology in motorcycling, so we trust his judgment on this one. The Dainese D-Air system was developed to keep MotoGP racers from experiencing catastrophic injuries while going upward of 200 mph on the track. Check it out: The Dainese D-Air is a cutting-edge safety gear option. With seven sensors, the jacket analyzes data at a rapid pace of 1000 times per second, ensuring the inner airbag vest is ready to deploy in the event of a collision. The system detects various types of crashes including low-sides, high-sides, and rear-end collisions, even when stopped. The internal battery offers a 26-hour battery life, and it boasts a stylish design, embodying the quality and features expected from one of the leaders in motorcycle gear. If you already own a riding jacket but like the idea of an airbag, check out Alpinestars' system, profiled below. It fits well under any riding jacket, as long as it provides some wiggle room and isn't super-snug. $899.95 at original Trench GTX was a fantastic choice for most riders in most seasons. The newer Trench 2 GTX improves on its proven predecessor. Ready to tackle all sorts of weather and terrain, it's one of the best waterproof motorcycle jackets you can buy. I've worn it in a thunderstorm on a scorching summer afternoon in the South and can testify to its waterproof capabilities while remaining comfortable and (relatively) cool. Another Gore-Tex membrane is bonded directly to the waterproof but breathable 400-denier Gore-Tex outer layer, adding zero weight or extra bulk to the Trench 2 GTX. In addition to the breathable membrane, the Trench 2 is also equipped with REV'IT!'s patented Aquadefence ventilation system, allowing the rider to let air flow or seal out the elements. Seeflex CE level 2 protectors at the elbows and shoulders add impact protection, while pockets at the back and chest let you equip additional armor. REV'IT! is one of the more renowned names in motorcycle gear for racing, adventure, urban riding, and more, and you can now find tons of REV'IT! riding gear at the company's official Amazon storefront. $639.99 at RevzillaBack in 2012, I was lucky enough to tour Ecuador's majestic roads with Ecuador Freedom. It's one of my favorite motorcycling memories; my only regret is that we never left the pavement. Since then, Ecuador Freedom has grown into the country's largest vehicle touring company, with 4x4s and dirt bikes that can take you even right up to the lip of a volcano. To find the best ADV (aka adventure or dual sport) riding jacket for this article, I reached out to my friend and tour guide, Sylvain Gallea, to get his take on his favorite ADV gear. Sylvain has ridden nearly every single-track and dirt road in South America, so I trust him to know the right kind of gear that can take a rider anywhere. Gallea and his partner Court Rand swear by the Klim Badlands Pro jacket—and matching pants—for ventilation and water repellence as much as protection."The beauty of Ecuador lies in its variety of terrain and weather," says Sylvain. "You can ride from the beach to the Andes to the jungle in a day. With long riding days and drastic shifts in climate, it's essential we have riding gear that can adapt, so we can keep moving. "The Badlands Pro features a three-layer Gore-Tex shell, abrasion-resistant 630-denier Karbonite ripstop panels in key impact and wear areas, 3M Scotchlite reflective material, D3O vented shoulder and elbow armor, a D3O vented back pad, adjustable internal kidney belt, 14 pockets, underarm gussets, and fit-adjustable straps on the biceps and forearms. It comes in six distinct colorways. For an updated version, opt for the newer Badlands Pro A3 ($1500 at Amazon). it takes one of the best riding jackets on the market to an entirely new level. $1199.99 at Cycle GearWhile its protective properties for motorcyclists are minimal, the "cool factor" of the classic black leather biker jacket cannot be denied. With its belted waist and offset front zipper, the Schott 118 Perfecto is about as perfect an example of the style as you'll find. It does not have armor, nor does it have pockets for it. But if you're looking for timeless style on or off the bike, you can't go wrong with Schott. "There's something about the classic leather makers like Schott that feels so permanent," says Morgan Gales, a former editor at both Cycle World and Motorcyclist and one of my favorite riding buddies. (Morgan has also contributed to Road & Track.) "You break it, then you've earned it, and it's yours forever. I wear mine riding around LA all the time." The 118 Perfecto jacket is 26 inches in length and features a belted front, bi-swing back, several zippered pockets, zipper-adjustable sleeves, and an insulated, non-removable, nylon quilted lining. It does not, I must reiterate, contain any riding armor. We know this price point is daunting, but we've seen great deals on Schott gear at eBay. $900.00 at jacket is a fantastic answer for 'what to wear' when heading out for an overnight adventure or long day ride," says Matt Kopec, a former art director at American Iron magazine who's now the editor and publisher of the popular motorcycle website Rides & Culture. "You can shed layers to adapt to anything the spring or summer forecast throws at you." Matt specifically touted the Airglide 6's breezy mesh outer shell, wind- and waterproof rain liner, and thermal insert. Made of high-density 1000-denier Cordura with CE armor in the elbow, shoulders, and back, there's little doubt the Airglide 6 is one of the most versatile motorcycle jackets on the market. Better still, it's relatively affordable. $189.99 at Cycle GearSummer motorcycling is always a dilemma. You know you need to gear up and protect yourself—but it's so damned hot outside! What's a responsible rider to do? Andrew Cherney, former editor of Motorcycle Cruiser and a freelance writer for Cycle World, Motorcyclist, and more, opts for a breathable textile option. "My go-to summer riding jacket is Rev It!'s Eclipse 2. It's nice and light yet still has the CE-certified shoulder and elbow armor. The front-facing mesh panels are huge, which makes airflow tremendous. It wears light and breathes well, and if you're smart about layering it becomes super versatile. It also packs down fairly small, making it easy to tuck into a saddlebag or backpack if it gets too hot." The Eclipse 2 comes in five colors, including fun shades like blue and white, in sizes up to 4XL. $189.99 at motorcycle journalist Bryan Harley is one of America's leading cruiser and custom-bike culture journalists. Bryan has written for Motorcycle USA, American Iron Magazine, and many more over the decades, and now contributes to eBay Motors. "I've tested many jackets from Roland Sands Design and have always come away impressed with the quality of materials and how durable their gear is," he says. "It's always super stylish, too." Harley tabbed the RSD Clash as his favorite cruiser jacket. "The Clash is constructed of a specially developed and exclusive GT Racer leather," he said. "It comes with flex armor in the elbows and shoulders and has styling that rocks on and off the bike." Available in black, Oxblood (shown), or Tobacco, it features double- or triple-stitched seams everywhere and oozes that cafe "rocker" style, with a shorty snap collar and offset zipper. Ace Cafe, here we come. $750.00 at Rocket has made a name for itself among motorcyclists for decent, affordable protective riding gear. You may not win any beauty contests, but if you're looking for a lightweight and protective daily riding jacket at a fantastic price point, it's a solid brand. I recommend the Dayride. With its 6-point fit-adjustment system, it's one of the most comfortable riding jackets I've worn, at any price. Made with a Hitena, Rock Tex 600, and mesh hybrid outer shell for maximum impact resistance, it features mesh panels in the underarms, shoulders, and back, plus articulated expansion panels at the elbows. Better, it offers CE-approved armor in the shoulders and elbows and removable spine armor. Even at this price, it features quality YKK zippers throughout and a removable insulated vest liner. If the Dayride isn't your style, check out more affordable options at the Joe Rocket storefront on Amazon. $106.54 at riders have different needs when it comes to their gear. Most men's jackets are too bulky and boxy to provide protection, let alone look good, so feminine cuts and styling are essential. When asked about her preferred women's riding jacket, Tricia Szulewski, an editor at Women Riders Now, touts her Klim Artemis jacket as her favorite."I've been wearing my Artemis for almost two seasons, and it is basically the only jacket I need," Trish told Road & Track. "When it's cold outside, I wear a thermal base layer underneath. When it's hot, I open all the vents, unzip the sleeves and collar, and I'm good to go." Klim focused on female-specific features here, such as cross-core vents and a springless collar adjuster to avoid hair snagging. This versatile jacket features abrasion resistance, functional storage, excellent mobility, and optimal ventilation. Adjustable gussets in the collar, biceps, forearms, waist, bottom hem, and hip let ladies dial in that perfect fit. Matching pants are also available. $769.99 at cotton is one of the trendiest styles of motorcycle gear, and the British company Belstaff is often lauded as the brand that started it all. Made from lightweight and breathable 10-ounce waxed cotton, the classic British design includes quilted shoulder patches, a checked lining, two patch pockets on the chest, and zippered lower pockets. A short cut keeps it comfortable while in the saddle, and brass snaps complete the classy look that's always in style whether you're on or off the bike. The Brooklands 2.0 (even the name sounds quintessentially British) features stylish and practical diamond-stitched exterior panels that mirror its internal EVO X impact armor at the shoulders and elbows. if you're going to rock the waxed cotton look, why not go with the original? $650.00 at BelstaffIf you already own a motorcycle jacket but like the security of airbag protection while riding, Alpinestars' Tech-Air 5 system is designed to be worn under virtually any riding jacket. In the event of an accident, it will provide upper body protection, covering the rider's shoulders, chest, ribs, and back. The Tech-Air 5 features six integrated sensors (three gyroscopes and three accelerometers) to monitor the rider's position continuously. An algorithm developed closely with MotoGP race data and data from over 2000 lab-simulated crash scenarios determines when and how the system deploys. The airbag has a maximum inflation time of up to 40 milliseconds, decreasing impact force by up to 95 percent compared to a passive chest or back protector. In addition, the vest will protect stationary riders in the event of a rear-end collision. Note: The Tech-Air 5 Vest is designed to be worn under any properly fitting textile or leather riding jacket, providing there's 4.0 cm of additional space around the circumference of the entire body to accommodate the expansion of the airbag in the event of a crash. $649.99 at it comes to protective motorcycle gear, its form often follows its function. Many riders care more about material, construction, and performance factors such as breathability, and water resistance than how a jacket looks. Others want protection combined with comfort and style. Some just want to look cool—but if that's your main concern, there are ways to achieve it without sacrificing your safety. There are plenty of fantastic-looking motorcycle jackets on the market that offer both protection and style. All the professional motorcyclists we consulted above said they owned multiple riding jackets, to suit both their bike and ride. Choose a jacket—or jackets—that best suit your taste and style. Are you a sportbike rider who dons full leathers and pushes your bike to its limits? Or perhaps you're an adventure or dual-sport rider who heads out of town to wander the trails. Maybe you're a cruiser who just wants to look and feel good. The style of bike and riding you prefer will determine the best motorcycle jacket for you. In general, sportbike jackets are snug-fitting, lightweight, and feature CE-certified protective armor in the shoulders, elbows, and back. Adventure jackets have armor too but are more versatile, ready to tackle almost any weather or road fitting for all-day comfort, ADV jackets usually offer zippered vents, fit-adjustment straps in the waist and on the arms, and are generally made of high-tech synthetic textile materials that not only breathe but often resist or repel riders often value comfort and style over form and function—but that's no reason to sacrifice safety. These days, the iconic "leather motorcycle jacket" is as much a piece of fashion as it is a protective piece of gear, but there are plenty of cool and comfortable cruiser-style leather jackets that offer rider protection and armor. Always opt for a motorcycle jacket that offers, at the very least, elbow and shoulder armor. A back pad/spine protector is also recommended. If the riding jacket you're considering doesn't come with armor, make sure it includes pockets to support aftermarket armor inserts; D3O makes the most recognized aftermarket riding armor. The leather motorcycle jacket is a classic look—but is leather the best option for most motorcyclists? The Schott Perfecto featured above will probably protect you from road rash in a slow-speed crash if you're willing to take that risk, but remember: there are no fender-benders in motorcycling. Plenty of leather riding jackets include armor or offer pockets for adding aftermarket armor; we recommend choosing one of those for you're in the market for a leather riding jacket, look for leather that's thicker than 1.0 mm. A thickness of 1.2–1.4 mm should be thin enough to move around in but still allow for moderate protection and durability. Modern manufacturing technologies and materials have made textile riding jackets safer and better than ever. They're generally lighter, offer better protection from the elements, allow for vastly improved air circulation, and often cost less than a leather jacket. Many modern jackets are constructed from a hybrid of leather and textiles to offer you the best of both likely seen references to "denier" when shopping for textiles such as backpacks. Denier refers to the thickness of the fibers that make up the threads of the fabric; the higher the denier count, the stronger the counts usually come into play with items such as outerwear and luggage that see plenty of wear and tear; a nylon ripstop windbreaker is around 70 denier. When shopping for a textile motorcycle jacket, look for denier counts that are well above 500. Cordura comes in up to 1000 denier; ballistic nylon boasts a 1680-denier look for extra protection at stress points. Many modern manufacturers utilize Kevlar in contact areas like shoulders and elbows as added protection against abrasion and road rash. Revzilla has a fine explainer on the pros and cons of leather versus textile riding jackets here, but remember: The riding jacket you choose will be purely subjective. It's up to you. Keep your options open when it comes to material and construction; you may be surprised by what you like to ride in. Staying dry and comfortable in the saddle is critical to riding safely. That means water resistance, if not waterproof-ness, is a factor for most of us. Think about your riding habits and the climate you're riding in, and choose a jacket that allows you to be ready for anything every time you throw a leg you ride in Arizona, for example, rain protection likely isn't much of a factor when choosing a jacket to ride in. If you live and ride in Portland or Seattle, though, waterproofing is essential. If you ride in Florida, you need a riding jacket that's versatile and adaptable throughout the of today's riding apparel is water-resistant, if not completely waterproof, and depending on where you ride regularly that can suffice. Some jackets claim to be waterproof but feature a waterproof liner to keep the rider dry. However, these can be stifling in hot and humid summer temperatures and the jacket's shell still gets soaked—a nightmare on overnight is another reason to consider owning more than one riding jacket. If your riding jacket isn't waterproof and you rarely encounter rain, a rain jacket or suit can keep you dry in the saddle if you happen to get caught in a downpour. On a gray day or at night, a motorcyclist dressed in a black helmet, black pants, black boots, and a black jacket is easily overlooked. Real riders appreciate how important it is to be conspicuous when riding in traffic, and a brightly colored jacket can go a long way toward being seen on the road. Many modern motorcycle jackets use hi-vis yellow or bright graphics to attract attention. Next to your riding ability, your riding gear is the only defense you have against potentially catastrophic injury—or death. Are you really willing to risk it all just to save a few bucks? As the famous slogan says, "If you've got a ten-dollar head, wear a ten-dollar helmet." Same goes for your riding jacket. Yes, premium brands like Klim, Aether, Dianese, and Alpinestars cost more than knock-off brands—for good reason. You can't put a price on the safety and security you get from a renowned label that uses top-quality materials and manufacturing processes and then tests its gear to the highest standards. While there are a number of cost-friendly brands that make decent, serviceable gear—brands like Joe Rocket and Cycle Gear's BiLT line come to mind—you usually get what you pay for when it comes to motorcycle gear.A motorcycle jacket with shoulder and elbow armor can run anywhere from $75 to $1000 or more. It's important to remember that, as with most motorcycle safety gear, the more you spend, the more you (usually) get. If you're trying to buy on a budget, look for deals on name brands you recognize and trust; the sale page at Revzilla is always a great place to shop for a deal on reliable motorcycle gear. There are basically four distinct types of riding jackets for the various styles of on-road riding: Street jackets, Sport jackets, ADV or Dual-Sport jackets, and Cruiser jackets. Of course, motocross has its own style of riding gear as well, but the various types will offer rider-friendly features that appeal to each type of riding discipline. Either leather or textile fabric is the best material to look for in a motorcycle jacket. Modern textiles generally offer weather protection and a lighter weight; leather looks great and offers great protection, but it weighs more and can be susceptible to moisture. For leather, opt for thicknesses in excess of 1.0 mm; if shopping for a textile jacket, look for high denier counts in excess of around 700. "CE" is an abbreviation of the French phrase Conformité Européenne, which means "European Conformity." Unlike in North America, motorcycle gear in Europe is considered Personal Protective Equipment, or PPE. Therefore, it must meet stringent standards for impact resistance and other factors. In short, CE certification means that the garment has been tested to meet minimum safety requirements for things like impact abrasion resistance, tear strength, seam strength, and dimensional stability: CE Level 1: approved for everyday street riding CE Level 2: meets track specs (For more information on CE certification, check out the D3O website for an excellent in-depth explainer.) Road & Track and its sibling publications at Hearst Autos represent three of the most influential automotive publications in the world. We rely on decades of experience in the automotive and gear spaces to help readers make informed purchasing choices, bringing reviews and evaluations of automotive gear and accessories such as Motorcycle Helmets, Sim Racing Cockpits, and Motorcycle Phone Mounts to our readers. With the legacies of Autoweek, Car and Driver, and Road & Track behind us, the Hearst Autos Gear Team is more concerned with the trust our readers have in us than our bottom line. We won't tell you to buy something if we wouldn't buy it ourselves or recommend it to our friends, and we'll never claim to have used or tested something if we haven't. Read more about our testing process here.
