I just ordered this bad boy http://www.allaboutleatherjackets.com/product/XPM286-NKDZ
http://www.allaboutleatherjackets.com/files/2177660/uploaded/XPM286NKDZ.jpg to replace my Leather Gear biker jacket, which is coming apart in some small spots . I tried it on at a local store and it's a really nice jacket. I've got a similar looking one now, but the pocket liners are starting to detach. I'll get it fixed for a back up.

This Xpert jacket seems to have really nice venting (haven't ridden with it yet) and storage. The outside has 2 zipper pockets (vented) just behind the 2 snapping pockets. It comes with soft and hard pads, and it looks totally bitchin'! To me, this "traditional" biker jacket looks best on someone riding a cruiser. I've got a racer style that I like, but I don't wear it much.

I looked into a Schott Perfecto, but their prices scared me. If you want to go all out, and have the money, the Perfecto is the real deal.

 

I'd go for the classic leather look. I'm not sure how well other mesh jackets do, but I bought a Field Scheer mesh jacket last season, and after only that 1 season (April thru November, roughly 9000 miles) it looked well worn, with frayed spots and threads everywhere, even though I religiously put it on a hanger every time I came through the door. And even then, through July and August (don't scold me) I didn't even wear it at all. It was nice, fit well, had well placed removable armor, and a removable cold and/or rain liner, but just didn't hold up well at all.

 

I got this one from leatherup.com and it fits real nice. Lots of ventilation and very comfy. Just order a size larger than normal.

http://www.leatherup.com/p/Mens-Mot...ts/Xelement-Silver-Igniter-Tri-Tex-Fabric-and-Mesh-Motorcycle-Jacket/51267.html

 

I recently went through this after I crashed and needed new riding gear. Although leather has the "cool" factor, it's not really all-season and the synthetics tend to provide as much or more abrasion resistence. Many have thermal liners for when it's cold but struggle to allow you to stay cool when it's hot. What I went with at the end of my search (and I'm thrilled with it) is the Tour Master Flex 2 Jacket (and pants).

Reasons are as follows:

• It's a mesh jacket with body armour in it at likely contact points
• It has a zip-in thermal liner for when it gets cold
• It has a "zip-on" rain liner for when it gets wet (or really cold >35 degrees

The zip-on rain liner was the big selling point for me. Both it and the thermal liner fold up nicely for compact storage so they are always with me. Should I get caught out in the rain, I simply zip the rain liner to the outside of the jacket. This is a great feature because if I were to put a thermal liner and and rain liner on the inside of my riding jacket there wouldn't be enough room left for me. It also means that the jacket stays dry because the rain liner is on the outside of the jacket vs the jacket getting wet but you staying dry because the rain liner is on the inside of the jacket. Same goes for the Flex Riding Pants if you're so inclined.

 

I have bought the retro brown leather jacket from Leatherup.com located here. I absolutely love it. The jacket is great quality and feels very durable. Don't forget to Google coupon codes to get either 10% off or free shipping.

 

The jacket I wear is Viking Cycle Angle Fire Classic Cowhide Leather Motorcycle Jacket. The good thing about this jacket is it abrasion resistant and has zipper pockets. This jacket is a great to wear for resisting all weather conditions.

 

My jacket is much more of a match for my Z900 than the Vulcan S however I feel if I were looking for a jacket to match any model Vulcan a classic looking leather would be most appropriate. I wear a Joe rocket atomic 5.0 textile jacket in blue and black color. This is a good multi season jacket, I have worn it in as low as 40F since I purchased it and feel it would be comfortable in hotter weather too. There is a pocket at the bottom on the back that can fit the removable liner which is really convenient. The shoulder and elbow armor feel adequate however the back protector is just a foam pad, waiting for the back armor I want to replace it with to be back in stock. Again probably wouldn't be the best matching style for a Vulcan but I wear it on the S and don't really care if anyone were to think it looks out of place, it's comfortable and I feel well protected.