In the world of motorcycle jackets, when it comes to style and protection out on the asphalt, it's hard to beat the affordable Tour Master Coaster II.
In the world of motorcycle jackets, when it comes to style and protection out on the asphalt, it's hard to beat leather. We found a solid and affordable leather jacket option for riders in the form of the
Tour Master Coaster II.
Style-wise the
Coaster II isn't the most flashy of designs. For me this was a plus not a minus, as I'm not a big fan of the colorful, blingy jackets out there. I felt the plain and unassuming Coaster II fit my personality or "style." For the tube sock-wearing Joe Schmoe out there, whose fashion sense is sourced from Target and Wal-Mart sales racks, the Coaster II is an ideal option.
Appearance isn't everything, but I thought I looked pretty sharp in the Coaster II. In fact, there were times when I felt like the legendary Ron Burgundy. In Burgundy's words, "I look good. I mean really good. Hey, everyone! Come and see how good I look!"
Although our model had some cream-colored accents that made it stand out a little, high visibility isn't its greatest asset. A safety-conscious rider might want to throw on a fluorescent vest to get cager's attention on the road if they opt for the all-black version.
The simple style of the Coaster II matches its simple design, with two outer pockets, six vent openings, and a removable liner. Padded armor is positioned in the key areas where they are needed most - the elbows, shoulders and back. No crazy bells and whistles or weird drawstring adjustments, just put your arms through, zip it up and go.
I felt confident the thick leather and strategic armor would deliver adequate protection for all but the most disastrous of situations, in which case I'd be screwed anyway. I felt more secure and protected than I have in lighter textile jackets, that's for sure.
The air circulation on the
Tour Master design is excellent for leather. You're good to go once you open up the dual chest, sleeve and rear exit vents and motor down the road at a decent clip. During the sweltering summer months I broke a sweat a couple times, but it wasn't enough to complain about and I wasn't going to get heatstroke anytime soon. For extra relief, zippers at the bottom of the sleeves open up without the sleeve ends flopping around thanks to a Velcro seal. The same solution can be used lowering the front main zipper as well, with a similar Velcro strap sealing the neck collar.
The Tour Master Coaster II is a practical and affordable leather option for street riders, with the simple design providing a comfortable fit and ample protection.
The snug but comfortable fit of the Coaster II ensures that you can benefit from all this cooling airflow without looking like your jacket could double as the parachute brake for an NHRA funnycar. Velcro cinch straps on the side allow you to tighten up the bottom for an even closer-fitting feel.
Fit and finish on the Coaster II is great. I would have said superb or fantastic, but I snapped the main zipper handle in half during one of my long-distance treks. The zipper itself runs smooth, up and down, but I have to pinch down on a tiny piece of jagged metal to slide it up. Not the first coat or jacket I've broken the zipper on in my life, but worth noting and a definite irritation on the road when you've got your riding gloves on.
Zipper snafu aside, the stitching and leather materials are top line. The mesh polyester lining is comfortable and includes a pair of interior pockets and an eight-inch pants zipper attachment. I never made use of the removable insulated liner, which includes detachable sleeves, but it would help when the temps drop.
As a modestly wise man, I never pitted the Coaster II against direct rain, but I did wear it during a blustery three-day European tour through the Alps. With the vents zipped up and raingear saving me from the nasty wind and rain, I was warm and comfortable, as content as a Buddhist monk in deep meditation or Hef taking a soak in the Grotto.
Sorting through all the positives on this jacket, the price on the Coaster II is its high point. Although $220 isn't what normal folk like myself would identify as cheap, it's not easy to find a leather riding jacket this affordable. For my money, I'd say the Coaster II is a superb value.
Buy It Now: Tour Master Coaster!!
