2003 Cortech Jacket
Groovy, I thought, when the new Tourmaster GX Cortec jacket showed up in the schwag pile in MO's sumptuous fleet garage. Not a moment too soon either, as my old Cortec 3/4 length jacket purchased way back in 1998 was getting seriously grungy and frayed. I wanted to see how Tourmaster, arguably one of the first moto-gear companies to offer a lightweight, affordable fabric riding jacket alternative (I'm not counting pricey Aerostitch stuff here) to the heretofore leather-clad motorcycling world, had evolved the Cortec since its first iteration.
I really love my old Cortec for its roomy pockets and versatility; plus, you can ride in every season, from broiling hot SoCal summers to chilly, damp winter evenings, simply by inserting or removing the liner and opening or closing a few vent zippers. It's lightweight and easy to carry when you arrive at your destination, unlike some full riding suits out there. I've even crash-tested it, albeit at low speed when I highsided my TL1000. The jacket's armor inserts kept me roadrash-free in that minor mishap (though I doubt it'd help very much in a crash at highway speeds).
The GX can be snugly closed against wind via Velcro straps securing the cuffs, waist and collar areas. Tourmaster claims it's "water-resistant" though I wouldn't want to test that claim in a downpour. The jacket cuts a sporty line with its silver and black panels, and the highly reflective white Scotchlite panels are a great safety feature for night riding.
So, fellow Mofos, how much would YOU pay for this jacket? The Cortec GX lists for about $270, which isn't what I call cheap and is, strangely, $27 more expensive than the better-designed 3/4 length version. I don't get it.... However the GX is still a bargain when you realize the cost of a similar sport jacket in leather could set you back $500 or more (until you figure in the superior durability and abrasion resistance of real leather, and the price of skin grafts...).
More by Jason Roberts
Comments
Join the conversation