Njk Ghost Jacket

NJK Ghost Jacket

CW EVALUATIONS

Leather that can handle the heat

YOU MAY NOT HAVE HEARD OF NJK Leathers, but the small Californiabased company has been making custom racing leathers for more than two decades. Having catered to the speedway crowd for years, NJK recently ventured into the world of roadracing. Now it is expanding into street apparel with a line of jackets that combines function and protection with a touch of flair.

We sampled the leather Ghost, which also is sold in a textile version. Constructed of 1.4-1,6mm drum-dyed cowhide, it is available in four colors: red, blue, gray or black. Quality construction includes the use of brass zippers for all closures. Lour mesh-backed vertical vents, two in the front and two in the rear, push cooling air through the jacket on hot summer days.

With its narrow chest panel, broad back and forward-rotated arms, the Ghost is perfectly suited to a sportbike riding position. Non-allergenic polyester mesh lining keeps the jacket from sticking to bare arms on hot days, and a fleece-lined

collar ups comfort around the neck. Kevlar stretch panels run along the inside of the arms, and the tail hangs well over the rider’s beltline, reducing wind drafts up the back. Hook-andloop adjusters snug up the waist.

DETAILS

NJK Leathers

1040 Calle Cordillera #101 San Clemente, CA 92673 949/481-3005 www.njkleathers.com Price...$290

PS

A Quality craftsmanship A Excellent ventilation; for max airflow, NJK offers the mesh Stealth ($150) A Long tail eliminates “plumber’s crack”

Downs

▼ Flames not your thing? Go full custom Bulky elbow armor

No thermal liner for cooler conditions

Protection-wise, the Ghost features removable CE-approved armor and a second layer of leather at the elbows and shoulders. Safety Glow reflective piping greatly enhances the wearer’s ability to be seen at night. As for the “touch of flair,” stylized flames are prominently stitched around the waist and on the back of the jacket.

We like the Ghost. It’s comfortable, hard-wearing, protective and reasonably priced-exactly what most of us are looking for in a riding jacket. So what if you don’t immediately recognize the name on the sleeve. □