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Here’s why you shouldn’t use just any jacket when riding a motorcycle

Motorcycle-specific jackets exist for a reason, and that’s to keep you safe.

EJ Punsalang EJ Punsalang on May 30, 2022
Here’s why you shouldn’t use just any jacket when riding a motorcycle

Swinging a leg over your motorcycle and going for a ride in just any old jacket, a pair of jeans, and some sneakers might be quite enticing. While you can get away with riding a motorcycle in the Philippines with just a helmet and closed shoes, we strongly advise against taking to the open road on your two-wheeler without a proper riding jacket.

Motorcycle jackets are designed to keep you safe incase of a collision. They can also keep you warm and comfy, especially this rainy season, even if there are no mishaps. Motorcycle jackets have tons of tech and R&D loaded into them specifically to keep you safe. With that said, here are some reasons why you should think twice about going on a ride without a motorcycle-specific jacket.

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Dress for the slide, not for the ride

Here’s why you shouldn’t use just any jacket when riding a motorcycle

It’s often said that you should dress for the slide, and not for the ride. This basically means wearing the proper gear that’ll keep you safe in the event of a crash, as opposed to skipping out on some protective equipment for the sake of comfort and style. Besides, fancier riding jackets come chock full of style, and can perfectly complement your motorbike. This is all just a bonus, though, as the real benefit of wearing a high-quality riding jacket is the peace of mind you get from knowing you’re wearing gear that’ll keep you safe no matter what. 

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An ordinary jacket will do nothing to protect you

Here’s why you shouldn’t use just any jacket when riding a motorcycle

A motorcycle jacket has back protection, shoulder and elbow protectors, and occasionally even chest protectors as standard. Furthermore, quality jackets are made out of sturdy, abrasion-resistant materials. Naturally, it’s incredibly important to protect your torso from injury, as your lungs, stomach, and even heart are all contained within one mass in the middle of your body. Unsurprisingly, even a minor bump or nudge in this area of your body can cause significant discomfort and even serious injury. What more if it was a major motorcycle accident?

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It’ll keep you safe from other hazards associated with the open road

Here’s why you shouldn’t use just any jacket when riding a motorcycle

Sometimes, no matter how careful you are, uncontrollable variables on the road inevitably get in our way. It’s especially true here in the Philippines, where our roads are far from ideal. It can be all too easy for other vehicles to fling up road debris, garbage, and even loose components like nuts, bolts, and other projectiles. Wearing a riding jacket puts a valuable layer of protection between you and the elements. This ensures you’re kept safe and are able to enjoy your ride to the fullest. 

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