Vetter Sedona Jacket

VETTER SEDONA JACKET

CW EVALUATION

Cool comfort

INTERSPORT FASHIONS WEST'S NEW LINE of bargain-priced riding wear is marketed under the Vetter name, a name you'll recognize if you've been around motorcycles a while. The goal with the Vetter line is to provide genuine heavy-duty motorcycle gear at an affordable price.

The Sedona jacket tested here is made in India, from medium-thick, top-grain cowhide. Most of the Vetter products come in either men's or uni sex S-XXL sizes. Our classically styled Sedona is a men's small. On our 5-foot, 7-inch, 150-pound tester, the jacket's sleeves are the right length, the cor duroy-lined collar is non-abrasive, and the dropped back and accordioned sides keep out drafts-all good.

Girth-wise, things are not so rosy. Our tester's chest is 38 inches, but the jacket's chest and shoulders are cut big enough to fit someone much burlier. That's a good thing in chilly weather, when you want to layer clothes under neath, or if you ride behind a fairing, or if you are built like a fireplug. But on an unfaired bike, all that excess leather in the chest and shoulders bil lows and flaps and acts exactly like purpose-built bike gear shouldn't.

The positive side of that interior roominess, combined with the Se dona's patented zipper-operated ven tilation system, is a jacket that does

flow a lot of cooling air. There are two long zippers on the fronteasy to adjust while riding-and two shorter ones on the rear, which open to reveal Swiss-cheesed leather pan els. In conjunction with its polyester mesh lining, the Sedona does allow air to move through it. There are hand-warmer pockets hidden in the bottom of the front zipper panels, and a single breast pocket located inside the left side.

Nobody at Intersport Fashions (333 S. Anita, Suite 205, Orange, CA 92668; 714/978-7718) claims the Se dona jacket is race wear, but for com mon street mishaps, the jacket looks as if it would hold up well, even though there's no padding or double leather at the elbows and shoulders.

Intersport likes to let its dealers set prices; the Sedona jacket should retail for "less than $245." For around $200, we'd say the Sedona is a good deal-if you find one that fits, and if you're more a cruiser than a canyon missile.