Z Custom Leathers Black Lightning Jacket

Z Custom Leathers Black Lightning Jacket

CW EVALUATIONS

Wash ‘n’ wear cowhide?

POP QUIZ: WHAT DO YOU, THE ABOVEaverage motorcycle nut, want in a leather jacket? It all depends, you say? Well, what we have here, according to the folks at Z Custom Leathers, is the all-season Black Lightning Jacket, designed as the result of their going to the races, rallies, etc., and asking riders what they like and don't like.

The most radical feature has to be the lighter-than-competition-grade, washable leather. No kidding. Thanks to a patented process, this jacket can be chucked into the washer and even the dryer and presto, no more bugs or grime.

Next, there are ballistic-nylon panels across the shoulders, chest and upper back, the better to make this more of an all-season jacket. Plus, the panels are woven with Scotchlite reflective material for more visibility at night. The sleeves and shoulders contain molded pads to protect elbows and collarbones, just in case. There is a vented lining, an inside pocket for your wallet or whatever, two standard handwarmer pockets and cooling vents, with easily accessed zippers in the front.

DETAILS

Z Custom Leathers

$695

Sizing is generous, so although the jacket doesn't flap when worn over a T shirt, there's enough room for layers, as in shirt, sweater, etc. This way, the rider can control the heat vs. cold from 60 degrees on up to 90-plus, making this about as all-season as a jacket can get.

While on the subject of cold and wet, the jacket was tested by the chap whom it fit best, a man who has had his best leather jacket ruined by rain. It was with noW small reluctance, then, that he set the washer to the delicate cycle and submitted the jacket to the machine. And when that was over, it went to the dryer, on permanent-press setting as instructed.

Darned if it didn't come out just as it went in. Cleaner, of course, and you sort of have to push through the sleeves to untangle the lining. But the washability is as advertised.

The fit (or shape) is something of a gain/loss because the padding and cut are for a rider in a crouch, with arms outstretched, elbows bent. This means that on the bike, the sleeves are long enough and so is the rear panel. But off the bike, the jacket is still in a crouch even though the occupant is seated in the grandstand or promenad in~ the mall.

Okay, you didn't come on the bus. This jacket fits, it works well, does everything a rider can ask for, plus it's well made, in the U.S., and looks ready for years of service. What more could you want?