Motoport Madison Jacket

MOTOPORT MADISON JACKET

CW EVALUATION

A jacket for all occasions

A VIATOR-STYLE JACKETS HAVE LONG been a traditional part of the motorcyclist's wardrobe. And thanks to films like Top Gun, Memphis Belle and Hot Shots, fashion-conscious movie-goers have picked up on the stylish look, as well. But, as popular as patch-covered leather jackets may be, few meet the real-world requirements of today's motorcyclist.

The Madison from Motoport (7720 B. HI C amino Real. Suite 504. Rancho La Costa. CA 92009; 800/ 777-6499). on the other hand, is a fashionable and functional version of the bomber jacket. Cut from soft, top-grain cowhide, the Madison is double-stitched at all junctures and features double layers of leather at the shoulders and elbows. A thin layer of insulation is used throughout the garment, and simulated packing labels adorn the nylon inner liner.

The problem of wind intrusion is addressed by a 4-inch, stand-up collar that can be tightly secured with a snap-down leather strip and a threesnap storm flap running the length of the jacket's front zipper. These solutions are effective, but drafts at the cuffs remain a problem; A single snap on each cuff doesn't allow for different wrist sizes. Our jacket leaked enough air through its cuffs to cause discomfort in mildly cold weather. Wearing gauntlet-style gloves solved the problem, but adjustable cuffs would be nice.

Two hand-warmer pockets are complemented by a pair of' zippered breast pockets and two inside pockets. Two exterior snap-down flaps give the impression of additional pockets, but are only decorative.

Such styling cues may seem unnecessary to the function of a motorcycle jacket. But. in fact, those styling exercises make the Madison an excellent all-around, wear-anyplace garment. Available from motorcycle dealers in distressed tan or black, in men's sizes from M to XL. the $279 Madison will easily pass for a designer jacket while providing the abrasion resistance and weather protection a motorcyclist needs. f<3