Biker Lifestyle Articles

The History of the Motorcycle Jacket

Feb 6, 2014 Eagle Leather

The History of the Motorcycle Jacket March 27, 2013 The History of the Motorcycle Jacket How Schott’s ‘Perfecto’ Started It AllWhen you gear up for your ride, you throw your leather jacket on and don’t think twice about it. But how did the leather motorcycle jacket become such a wardrobe staple in the riding community and in every fashion niche that exists? It’s classic, timeless, quintessential—and it all started in Manhattan’s Lower East Side in 1913.Vice, an alternative news magazine that covers everything from tattoos to music, recently published an enlightening article about the history of the motorcycle jacket, invented as we know it today by the son of a Russian immigrant. His name was Irving Schott, and in 1913 he started a basement factory with his brother called Schott Bros. He achieved coat-making success by selling his hand-crafted sheepskin-lined rain coats door-to-door, branding his top-of-the-line leather creations ‘Perfecto.’It wasn’t until 1920 that Schott began creating outwear meant for motorcyclists. At the time, motorcycles were not hugely popular and had only just begun doing well commercially. Schott’s introduction to the motorcycle world came when he partnered with a member of the Beck family, one of the country’s most profitable Harley-Davidson distributors. Because riding a motorcycle was such a new fad, there was not a jacket on the market sturdy enough to be worn while riding. Furthermore, jackets back then did not use zippers, so the content of a rider’s pockets would fly out while riding. In 1925, Schott was the first person to put a zipper on a jacket.In 1928, Schott released what is now universally known as the motorcycle jacket. The diagonal zipper was purely meant for function over form. The angle of the closure worked to block the wind and prevented the jacket from bunching up when the rider mounted his bike. He gave his creation the Perfecto label, and the rest is history.As hard as it is to imagine, the original motorcycle jackets were seen as strange. That is, until they reached a symbolic status of “cool and rebellious,” thanks to actors like Marlon Brando in movies like The Wild One (1953). The jackets became enormously popular and cemented Perfecto as a name that would forever be synonymous with the leather motorcycle jacket.Schott NYC, the same company that created the original Perfecto riding jacket, is still in business today. In fact, they are celebrating their 100th anniversary. What’s even cooler is that they still make Perfecto motorcycle jackets today on the same equipment they used that many years ago. Many argue that you won’t find a better quality motorcycle jacket anywhere! But if you want one, be prepared to pay a pretty penny. What retailed in 1928 at $5.50 will now cost you $660! (Personally, we think our Eagle Leather line of traditional riding jackets is pretty great too, and this one retails at $299.99! Use this week’s newsletter coupon to save 20% through April 5.)Source: http://www.vice.com/read/the-first-wild-one-000211-v20n2

Diesel Powered Motorcycles by 2017

Feb 6, 2014 Eagle Leather

Diesel Powered Motorcycles by 2017 April 18, 2013 Diesel Powered Motorcycles by 2017?The EPA Pushes For Greener Fuel in the Coming Years.“I can’t wait! Diesel bikes are going to be so cool. The loud knock of the motor, the blue smoke out the tailpipe… I want mine with a kicker; only a real man will be able to kick over a diesel.”That’s what one rider posted on a recent About.com article that explained the EPA’s push for diesel-powered motorcycles by 2017. But another commenter wrote, “As far as I’m concerned, Diesels stink, they’re noisy, sound like a bucket of marbles…very utilitarian…not much fun or refinement.”But what do you think? The US Government has typically avoided any legislative pushes related to the motorcycle industry, but the EPA is currently lobbying to have 75% of all motorcycles run on clean diesel fuel by 2017. In a recent statement to motorcycle manufacturers and the Motorcycle Industry Council, the agency hinted, “An environmentally friendly, diesel-powered, 100 mpg motorcycle alternative is coming quicker than you think.” They argued that the pressure the American automotive industry to run on cleaner fuels should be equally applied to the motorcycle industry. Cars that have implemented clean diesel fuel technology can now average up to 40 MPG highway speed.The manufacturers were less than pleased with the EPA push. They rejected the idea, explaining that they are neither logistically nor financially prepared to engineer that sort of change in terms of engine parts and combustion technology. Ural, a Russian manufacturer was the only exception. They expect to have a diesel powered bike by the end of this year?What do you think? Are you ready for diesel powered bikes? Do you really believe that by 2017 75% of all bikes will be diesel powered? Do you think that government and EPA intervention takes the feeling of freedom away from riding? Or do you feel like riders should share more environmentally responsibility? We want to hear what you think on the Eagle Leather Facebook Page!Source: http://motorcycles.about.com/b/2013/04/01/epa-lobbies-for-diesel-powered-motorcycles-by-2017.htm

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month

Feb 6, 2014 Eagle Leather

May is Motorcycle Awareness Month May 09, 2013 May is Motorcycle Awareness Month!Stay safe out there! May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in Washington and across the country. During this month, drivers of all other vehicles and all road users are reminded to safely "share the road" with motorcyclists and to be extra alert to help keep motorcyclists safe. Motorcyclists are reminded to obey traffic laws, wear DOT-compliant helmets and protective gear, and make themselves visible by wearing bright colors and using reflective tape. Most of the talking points for Safety Awareness Month are directed towards non-riders and how they can help keep motorcyclists safer by sharing lanes, checking mirrors and blind spots, always using signals, and keeping a greater following distance. But it is important for motorcyclists to take full accountability for riding safely too. We at Eagle Leather love riding and all the freedom and excitement that comes with it. But we are also conscientious when it comes to spreading the importance of safe riding. Take a look at these troubling statistics from 2011: Use of DOT-compliant helmets in decreased from 66% in 2011 to 60% in 2012. In 2011, 30% of all fatally injured motorcycle riders had BAC levels of 0.08 or higher, over the legal limit An additional 7% had BAC levels between 0.01 and 0.07. In 2011, 60% of fatally injured motorcycle riders and 49% of fatally injured motorcycle passengers were not wearing their helmet at the time of the crash. In 2011, 22% of all motorcycle riders involved in fatal crashes were riding with an invalid license. The NHTSA estimates that helmet-use saved the lives of over 1,600 riders in 2011. An additional 700+ lives could have been saved if all motorcyclists wore helmets. Motorcyclists can increase their levels of safety by: Avoid riding in extremely poor weather conditions Wear brightly colored protective gear and a DOT-compliant helmet Use turn signals for every turn or lane change, even if the rider thinks no one will see it Combine hand signals and turn signals to draw more attention to themselves Use reflective tape and stickers to increase conspicuit Position themselves in the lane where they will be most visible to other drivers Never drive while impaired For more useful tips like the ones above, check out Mike’s Safety Tip each week in the Eagle Leather Newsletter. Increasing safe riding and cooperation between all road users will help to reduce the number of fatalities and injuries on our nation’s highways. We’re glad that Motorcycle Awareness Month exists to educate drivers about motorcycles on the road, but remember that you are responsible for your safety as well!What do you think? Does Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month really make non-riders pay more attention to motorcyclists? We want to hear what you think on the Eagle Leather Facebook Page!

Motorcycle Fuel Efficiency

Feb 6, 2014 Eagle Leather

Motorcycle Fuel Efficiency May 16, 2013 Motorcycle Fuel EfficiencyThe Royal Enfield tops this listAs we referenced in our April 16th newsletter, the EPA is currently lobbying to have 75% of all motorcycles run on clean diesel fuel by 2017, with 100 mpg coming “quicker than you think.” Most manufacturers are less than pleased with the EPA push, but some are already putting out motorcycles that already earn anywhere from 60-90 mpg. Gas prices are high at the pump, and there doesn’t seem to be any relief in sight. A vast majority of prospective motorcycle buyers, especially first-timers, cite fuel efficiency as the #1 reason for trading in their car or truck for a bike. Even the worst gas guzzling motorcycles still get better mpg than the most fuel efficient cars and trucks. With advances in engine technology, fuel-injection technology, and tire technology, some bikes are becoming really efficient… we’re talking about 60+ mpg. Let’s take a look at ten of the best fuel efficient motorcycles: 1. Honda NC700X – delivers up to 64 mpg and some owners are reporting even higher. 2. Honda CRF250L – giving riders a reported 73 mpg according to American Honda. 3. BMW F650GS – a larger street bike with little-bike mileage, a reported 63 mpg. 4. Yamaha V Star 1300 – this touring bike has a big footprint, but a small appetite for fuel - 78 mpg. 5. Suzuki TU250X – earning nearly 80 mpg according to some reports. 6. Kawasaki Ninja 250R – a smaller version of the popular Ninja racer with a reported 77 mpg. 7. Kawasaki KLX250S – this dual-sport bike performs at 70 mpg. 8. Honda CMX250C – popular with younger and female riders, this puppy gets 84 mpg. 9. Royal Enfield – the 250cc single-cylinder bike gets a reported 85 mpg, the highest on this list. 10. Suzuki DR200SE – good both on-road and off-road, this bike gets an estimated 68 mpg. If fuel efficiency is at the top of your list of motorcycle “must haves,” you might want to give one from the list above a try! What do you think? Is motorcycle fuel efficiency important to you? Or does the fact that bikes are already much more efficient than cars satisfy you? We want to hear what you think on the Eagle Leather Facebook Page!

A Man of Honor -- Happy Memorial Day!

Feb 6, 2014 Eagle Leather

A Man of Honor – Happy Memorial Day May 23, 2013 A Man of Honor – Gary WetzelAbove and BeyondGary Wetzel is a Congressional Medal of Honor recipient, awarded for valor, the highest honor a soldier can receive. He received the commendation after his heroism during the Vietnam War. His story is unbelievable and makes you wonder, “How could anyone do that?!” After losing his left arm and suffering life-threatening wounds to his right arm, chest, and left leg, Wetzel staggered back to his gun-well and eliminated enemy automatic weapon fire, saving the lives of countless Americans. After eradicating enemy gun fire, Wetzel stumbled over to his injured aircraft commander and helped drag him to safety, passing out twice during the task due to a loss of blood. Nowadays, Wetzel is an advocate for his fellow veterans, fallen heroes, and the POW/MIA. Since 1989, he has been involved with Rolling Thunder, the annual POW/MIA awareness parade in Washington D.C. held on Memorial Day Weekend. Wetzel has been the lead bike in 16 of the last 22 rides. At home, Wetzel is a heavy machine operator. When he’s not working or on a ride, Wetzel spends many of his weekends on the road advocating for veterans. He asks only for his travel expenses to be paid for when attending speaking engagements and appearances. He takes these rides on “Ruby,” his 1993 Harley Davidson Electra Glide Classic that has nearly 140,000 miles on it and is not modified to accommodate his prosthetic arm. Wetzel says he designed his arm to be able to pull his clutch in and out and take off. He gets a kick out of people asking him at red-lights, “How are you riding that bike?” He says, “Me and God.” Do you have a veteran rider in your family or riding group? Do you have a story about a fallen hero you want to share this Memorial Day? Tell us about your special soldier on the Eagle Leather Facebook Page. We honor and remember the sacrifices of those who serve and protect our freedom. Thank you.

Tips to Make the Most of Summer Riding

Feb 6, 2014 Eagle Leather

Summer’s here, bringing long rides and hot days. But high temperatures come with challenges like sunburn, heat stroke, and dehydration. To help you stay cool and comfortable, this article offers essential summer riding tips. Learn the importance of staying hydrated, understanding the heat index, using sun protection, gearing up right, maintaining your tires, planning your route, and more. Plus, read real road stories from fellow riders who share their experiences and tips for beating the heat. Stay safe and gear up for the ride with our comprehensive guide!

History of the Motorcycle

Feb 6, 2014 Eagle Leather

History of the Motorcycle August 03, 2013 History of the MotorcycleSummer riding season is in full swing, but do you know how the iconic image of the motorcycle came to be?Let’s take a brief look at the history of the motorcycle: 1867 (approximately)A 2-wheeled contraption looking like a bicycle called the “Steam Velocipede” is unveiled. This design did not catch on with the public. 1885The first “true” motorcycle is introduced, consisting of a single-cylinder internal combustion engine mounted on a wooden frame with iron and wooden wheels. 1889The first air-inflated, pressurized tire is invented. 1895A French automobile manufacturer introduces a lightweight, 4-stroke engine that makes mass-production of the motorcycle possible. 1899Bicycle maker Charles Metz creates the first production motorcycle. Metz is also given credit for coining the word “motorcycle.” 1901Indian Motorcycle Company begins production of their motorcycle, becoming the world’s best-seller up until WWI. 1903The Harley-Davidson brand is launched and starts producing bikes with their signature V-Twin engine. 1914The US military relies on motorbikes to gather reconnaissance and deliver messages during World War I. 1920s-1930sAmericans and Europeans embrace the motorcycle, creating a boom in the 1920s; however the Great Depression forces many manufacturers out of business. 1953The motorcycle becomes a symbol of rebellion due to the motorcycle gang in the classic biker movie “The Wild One.” 1958 Yamaha begins selling bikes in America. 1960s-70sBaby boomers take up motorcycling, creating the biggest sales boom in motorcycle history. 1968The first full-face motorcycle helmet is introduced. 1969Honda unveils a revolutionary 4-cylinder, single overhead cam engine, and is considered the first “superbike.” 1998EMB, Inc. introduces the world’s first commercial electric motorbike, the Lectra. 2009The world’s first production hybrid motorcycle, the Eko ET-120, goes on sale in India. Source: http://blog.esurance.com/a-brief-history-of-the-motorcycle-from-boneshakers-to-superbikes/#.UfVlu40snng

The Samurai Adventure Rider - Jasmine Cardwell

Feb 6, 2014 Eagle Leather

The Samurai Adventure Rider - Jasmine Cardwell August 07, 2013 The Biker Samurai GirlHave you ever dreamed of being an Adventure (ADV) Rider and or riding your bike across the U.S.? Well, Jasmine T. Cardwell from California is “Living Her Dream” doing just that. Jasmine stopped into Eagle Leather last month and talked with our Operations Manager, Damien about her story. Jasmine describes an ADV rider as a rider who travels in all weather conditions, at all locations, all while carrying everything you need to live on your motorcycle, including your dreams and desire for adventure. She became interested in riding after meeting her future husband and ADV rider Michael in March, 2008. She rides a BMW F650GS and loves it! Jasmine’s first big ADV ride was in 2012 from May-July. She rode for 70 straight days, 22 states, and 9,000 miles. Now she is at it again. It’s been over 40 days since she started her last ride, and she writes about her journey monthly for the Japanese motorcycle magazine Girls Biker. Her stories have also been featured in BMW Bikes. Her most recent article, published in July, discusses riding through Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, and staying at American campgrounds. Her personal insight and honest voice as a new rider gives her Japanese readers a glimpse of what riding in United States is like—in every region! We want to know about the adventures of all members of the Eagle Leather Riding Community. What was the last great riding adventure you took? What adventurous riding plans of your own do you have? Tell us everything on the Eagle Leather Facebook Page! You can follow Jasmine on social media sites like Twitter and Facebook, where she is very active keeping her followers up-to-date with her adventures. She maintains her website samurai-rider.com in both English and Japanese, her native language. Want to keep up with Jasmine? You can follow her on her trip across the U.S. here. Source: http://www.samurai-rider.com/

Motorcycles Saving Lives

Feb 6, 2014 Eagle Leather

Motorcycles Saving Lives August 15, 2013 Motorcycles Saving LivesFrom Utah to Israel, Emergency Responders Are Arriving Faster on MotorcyclesWhen something terrible happens and you need the help of an emergency responder, seconds can make the difference. But with the streets and highways of the world getting more and more congested with traffic, ambulances can be held up and prevented from reaching the scene in time. That’s why EMTs from around the world have turned to motorcycles to help them reach emergencies faster.TEDTalks, a well-known speaker series known for showcasing modern innovators and forward thinkers, recently featured an EMT named Eli Beer. Born in Jerusalem, Beer witnessed a bus crash as a child that inspired him to become an EMT at the age of 15. After noticing that traffic was preventing ambulances from reaching emergencies, he founded United Hatzalah (United Rescue). Utilizing, “ambucycles,” motorcycles equipped with emergency equipment, Beer and his fellow EMTs are able to decrease emergency response times to just three minutes. Once they arrive at the scene, they can stabilize victims and care for them until an ambulance arrives to take them to a hospital. The ambucycles are equipped with everything an ambulance would be except a gurney. To date, the ambucycles have saved over 200,000 lives in Israel.A similar program in Davis County, Utah has equipped its paramedics with motorcycles. Their program was inspired by another motorcycle paramedic program in Miami-Dade County, Florida that decreased its emergency response time from 15 to 3 minutes. Motorcycles help the paramedics maneuver through traffic more quickly and traverse dirt roads and bike paths with greater ease. "We can carry everything we need to treat a critical patient and a regular patient immediately, and then we have a partner that shows up in a regular SUV with full gear in the next few minutes,” explained David County Deputy Christopher Pope. Among a multitude of lifesaving gear and medical equipment, the motorcycles carry IVs, an oxygen tank, breathing tubes and pain medication. Most recently, the motorcycle paramedics saved the life of a woman having a heart attack. They bypassed the ER and had her transported straight into surgery, after which she made a complete recovery.We love to hear stories about motorcycles being able to help people around the world and around the country. Tell us your thoughts about motorcycle paramedics on The Eagle Leather Facebook Page! Source: http://www.autoblog.com/2013/08/02/tedtalk-fastest-ambulance-motorcycle-video/Source: http://www.ksl.com/?sid=26022206&nid=148

A Rider's Proposal

Feb 6, 2014 Eagle Leather

A Rider's Proposal March 20, 2014 50 Motorcycles and A DiamondMan Plans Unique Proposal for Motorcycle-Loving Girlfriend Most guys (and gals) spend hours agonizing over the right way to propose to their lovers, but TC Sorensen thought of his idea in just a few minutes at two o’clock in the morning. All he needed was 50 motorcycles! TC and his new fiancée, Sarah Moore, began their relationship with a bike ride to a shrimp festival in Illinois. Several years later, that ride led to another ride on an airplane to “look at a piece of property.” That was the little white lie TC told Sarah to coax her onto the airplane without alerting her to the surprise he had planned. As they flew over the Ohio river, Sarah looked down to see over 50 motorcycles positioned in a parking lot spelling out the question, "Marry Me?"TC came up with the idea the previous week on his way back from a business trip. He said “The idea just came out of nowhere. I sent out a couple of text messages and everyone said, 'No, you can't do that.’” That’s when long-time friend Michael Brown chimed in saying, "No problem!”Michael thought it was a great idea and tapped into his network of riders and was able to get the 50 bikes needed to pull off the stunt. When Sarah saw the display of bikes from overhead, TC pulled a ring box out of his pocket and popped the question catching Sarah completely off guard. TC says he felt bad lying to Sarah about why they were taking the plane ride, but Sarah said the lie was totally worth it… because she said, “Yes!”The happy couple plans to get married in late September or early October.Do you have a romantice motorcycle story? Share it with us on Eagle Leather Facebook Page!Want more ride info? Plan your entire riding season with The Ride Guide!Source: http://www.ksdk.com/story/news/nation/2014/03/11/indiana-flight-motorcycle-marriage-proposal/6286129/

One Step Closer to Red Light Reform for Riders

Feb 6, 2014 Eagle Leather

One Step Closer to Red Light Reform for Riders March 25, 2014 Senate Bill 5141 PassesWashington Motorcycles Will Be Allowed to Run Faulty Lights Imagine you’re on your motorcycle, and there are no other cars on the road. You approach a red light and wait, and wait, and wait, and wait… because you alone with your bike are not enough to trip the sensor on the pavement that triggers the light to turn green. Your only option is to turn right.It’s a safety hazard and an annoyance for riders across Washington. We at Eagle Leather know how important this issue has been to the members of our riding community. So when Senate Bill 5141 was proposed to allow Washington motorcyclists to run red lights at empty intersections when the sensor fails, we paid attention. We've been following the progression of this law since last year, and we even collected a list of faulty traffic lights from you--our loyal readers—to send to WSDOT. Now it seems that progress is finally being made in the state capitol. The bill passed the Senate on February 10 with a 46-2 vote.Sen. Jim Hargrove, D-Hoquiam, expressed concern about the lack of detection by some traffic lights as a potential hazards for riders and drivers alike. “It becomes quite dangerous because you have cars piling up behind you, they start honking at you, then they start going around you,” Hargrove said during a Feb. 10 debate on the Senate floor. Others expressed concern about car drivers seeing motorcyclists running red lights and thinking they could do the same. "What's to stop a car from going through a red light if they see a motorcycle doing it?" Ken Barnes of White Center asked.The passed bill was delivered to the governor on March 13, where it is expected to be signed into law. We want to hear more of your thoughts. Tell us what you think of the bill now that it’s passed in the state Senate. Sound off on the Eagle Leather Facebook Page. Click here to read the legislative history of the bill.

Happy Memorial Day from Eagle Leather

Feb 6, 2014 Eagle Leather

Happy Memorial Day from Eagle LeatherMay 21, 2014Memorial Day – The Start of Summer, a Time to ReflectMore than just another holiday, Memorial Day is a time to reflect on the true meaning of the day. It is a day where the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces are remembered. We at Eagle Leather understand and appreciate what it means to enjoy freedom in our great country. Riders, by nature, want to be free. It’s easy to feel like the open road is ultimate freedom, but the truth is that living in the USA is the ultimate freedom. Eagle Leather honors our military service men and women--and always has--by offering a military discount for over 18 years. To those who serve and to the families who have lost loved ones who served: Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.Memorial Day also typically marks the start of the summer vacation season – and for Eagle Leather, that means the start of our summer BBQs! Ride in and grab a frank fresh off the grill. No need to bring anything but your bike and an appetite. While you’re here, come inside and check out our Memorial Day Sale. We have hundreds of products on sale, including helmets, jackets, headsets, sunglasses, pants, boots, and much more! Plus - we’re offering a special coupon to help you save on items that aren’t on sale!If you’re looking for a way to honor our service members on this Memorial Day, consider joining The Olympia Thunder Run, beginning at Eagle Leather Lakewood on May 26 at 9:30 a.m. According to the ride's Facebook page, the "Olympia Thunder Run is a motorcycle ride to the Vietnam Memorial Wall located on the grounds of the Washington State Capital in Olympia. The purpose of the ride is to raise money for the Fisher House located on Joint Base Lewis-McChord." The suggested donation is $10 for a single rider and $15 for a couple.Do you have a veteran you’d like to recognize over Memorial Day weekend? Tell us about him or her on the Eagle Leather Facebook Page!

Product Comparison
Price

Brand
Product variants
Type
Description
Availability
Savings
Rating
Helmet style
Safety certifications
Head shape
Retention system
Internal sun visor
Pinlock ready
Communication-system ready
Intended use
Configuration
Designed for
Waterproofing
Liners
Ventilation
Armor included
Armor pockets
Abrasion materials
Abrasion coverage
Reflective features
Concealed-carry pockets
Length options
Knuckle protection
Palm protection
Touchscreen compatible
Lining
Season
Upper materials
Boot protection
Outsole
Boot certification
Shield type
Tint
Coatings

Rider Favorites

Choose your option

Choose your option

Choose your option

Choose your option

Choose your option

Choose your option

Biker Lifestyle Articles

More topics

Store Hours

Call Us

Email Us

Visit the Store

Visit our Lakewood, WA Location

Your cart (0)

Motorcycle Riding Gear

Order note

Shipping rates

Discount code

Product Comparison

Your cart