Honda "Endurance" Jacket

[kingprawnokay]

This is not a true "review" as I do not have this jacket. I simply like the way it looks and if I was in the market this would be a contender.

Honda Endurance Jacket (made by Joe Rocket)

www.joerocket.com
Price: approx. $225

I like the style more each day.

[kingprawnokay]

I received the Joe Rocket/Honda Endurance jacket today. It was a late birthday gift (thanks to UPS). I took it out for a ride and am very impressed. It features vents in the arms and back, substantial forearm, shoulder, and back armor, many pockets, and is reportedly 100% waterproof. The primary reason for my liking this particular jacket is that the lining extends the entire length of the sleeves. My 5-year-old Joe Rocket Ballistic 1.0 jacket only has a vest liner. I am very impressed with the quality of the endurance jacket. It should be noted that the jacket does not look exactly like the advertised photographs. See if you can find the differences.

[Kempo-STer]

Kevin,

It looks really nice..
I have a Joe Rocket Ballistic Meteor 4..

Here are the thing I am particularly interested in your new jacket that I do not like in the one I have..

1. Sleeve/Cuff 'retention'. My jacket has velcro and it is getting weak and the contact area is too small.

2. Neck area...It has snaps that I never use. I don't like the feel of them rubbing back and forth on my neck when I am turning my head. So I tuck them into the jacket. However this only works when jacket is zippered all the way up. I wish there was a way to keep them in place when they are not connected because in the wind they fly all over the place

3. The zipper on my bicep vents are broke. I cannot zip it shut and I rely on the velcro which often opens up as well..

4. How does the liner attach at the sleeve cuff? Mine uses snaps that wrap around a loop sewn in the jacket. One loop on the jacket is broke.

On the plus side the jacket is warm, the liner works well. (17 degrees and not cold). Waterproof. Armor is very good.

[Louie Louie]

Nice jacket, thanks

[kingprawnokay]

Kempo-

I think you might prefer this jacket to the Meteor. Here are the answers to your questions. Keep in mind, I am still in the "honeymoon" phase with this jacket. It is the perfect jacket right now. There will probably be some nit-picky things that come up as I wear it more often. I haven't tested the "100% waterproof" claim yet, but I wasn't disappointed with my last JR jacket.

1. Sleeve/cuff retention is similar to the Meteor. However, there is a pretty large area of Velcro. Also, there is a small square of Velcro to be used when the cuffs are not tightened around the wrist.

2. The neck area is secured with a large area of Velcro as well, no snaps. The neck in this jacket is the most comfortable I have ever experienced.

3. This jacket also has zippered vents at the level of the bicep and in the back. I don't know of a better system (there probably is one). All the Jackets I've owned with arm vents have used zippers.

4. The liner attaches to the sleeves with Velcro! This is a huge plus in my opinion. My Joe Rocket "Velocity" jacket uses the button and loop system that you mentioned and the loop broke in one of my sleeves as well (an easy fix, but annoying). Also, the liner doesn't twist in the sleeves when it's attached with Velcro.

I've had good experiences with all of my JR products (Ballistic 1.0 Jacket and pants, Phoenix 1.0 jacket and pants, Velocity jacket, Power Trip winter gloves). JR products provide much bang for the buck, and, overall, the fit/finish is very high relative to cost. With production of the "Endurance" jacket JR appears to have raised the bar again.
:03biker:

[Wahrsuul]

My big problem with current riding jackets; I'm riding a black bike (ok, not by choice but that's a different deal) and I can only find black overpants. Do I really want a black or grey jacket too? I'm thinking not. I've seen some really nice setups, but I need something brightly colored.

I have a JR Phoenix mesh but I could use a good cold weather jacket. This looks like an excellent product, but again; I want something visible. Also I just like bright obnoxious colors. I'm considering a Tour Master/Cortech as it's one of the few I can get in yellow.

[Kempo-STer]

My big problem with current riding jackets; I'm riding a black bike (ok, not by choice but that's a different deal) and I can only find black overpants. Do I really want a black or grey jacket too? I'm thinking not. I've seen some really nice setups, but I need something brightly colored.

I have a JR Phoenix mesh but I could use a good cold weather jacket. This looks like an excellent product, but again; I want something visible. Also I just like bright obnoxious colorts. I'm considering a Tour Master/Cortech as it's one of the few I can get in yellow.

Agreed about the black...I may go on Kevin's lead here in the spring and pick up the red one..
My riding pants are black as is my jacket..A bit Darth Vader-ish to be sure..

Mellow has a black and yellow jacket that is a beaut you should check out...Kilamanjaro
Here is the thread...
http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1422

[EagleRider]

I've been looking at the Kilimanjaro jacket, but this one has my interest. One question though, how long is it. The current jacket I have, a JR Super Ego, isn't quite long enough. I love the fact that mine can switch with some ease between a mesh and a full leather jacket.

[kingprawnokay]

The "Endurance" covers my butt and zips into JR pants, so it stays down. I would call this a 3/4 length jacket.

Regarding color, I agree that visibility is very important and that bright colors are a very good idea. Grey is a little drab, but I have a 2003 Silver ST so it was a good choice for me. I will now be known as "The Grey Fog" everywhere I travel.:D :03biker:

[norton]

I received the Joe Rocket/Honda Endurance jacket today. It was a late birthday gift (thanks to UPS). I took it out for a ride and am very impressed. It features vents in the arms and back, substantial forearm, shoulder, and back armor, many pockets, and is reportedly 100% waterproof. The primary reason for my liking this particular jacket is that the lining extends the entire length of the sleeves. My 5-year-old Joe Rocket Ballistic 1.0 jacket only has a vest liner. I am very impressed with the quality of the endurance jacket. It should be noted that the jacket does not look exactly like the advertised photographs. See if you can find the differences.
------------------------------------
Does it ride "up" on you because of the lower part making contact with the seat?

[kingprawnokay]

Norton,

It does ride up on my Z1000, but I think that has more to do with the "up in the air" tail section. Also, I typically wear jeans on the Z (with Icon armor underneath) and can't zip the jacket into the jeans.

I haven't tried the jacket on the ST yet as I garage it in the winter. I'm really regretting garaging it this year as the weather has been great.

This jacket will zip into any Joe Rocket pants so riding up shouldn't be an issue. I'll let you know about how it feels on the ST in March when I take her out of storage.