Just wanted to share a few of my favorite pieces of gear. I ride a cruiser, a Triumph Speedmaster. Stylistically there does seem to be a more limited selection of gear for us cruiser riders. But honestly, I think the style is more badass without the sportiness. It's more rugged and less decked out with funky designs and patches.
I have one leather jacket for cooler days, and one mesh textile jacket for when it's really hot. I prefer to always wear a jacket, because you never know when the sudden need for an adrenaline rush will kick in. But lately I've been doing the tee shirt thing if I'm just running for a coffee or something. I always wear long pants and boots though. Pipes are hot and road grit and gravel is slippery for most shoes. With a 500lb bike, you don't want to deal with laying it down.
So here are my top choices:
My leather: Roland Sands Design Ronin Jacket in "smoke." Full grain leather, optional CE2 armor inserts (sold separate) gold satin liner, internal pocket that is the exact size of an iPhone. It's pretty windproof but there is perforated leather where the airflow is needed to get rid of sweat. Thick, heavy, retro and beautiful. I've had one "off" since owning it. Not only did I not feel a thing, but the scratches only made it look better.
Notice the sweet rear tab with grommet. Jacket looks awesome when hanging from a nail in the garage.
http://www.rolandsands.com/products/ronin-jacket-smoke
And for warmer days I have a Dianese Air Frame in all black. It is almost totally mesh except for around the armor and has EN 1621.1/97 armor on the back shoulders and elbows. Once you're moving, the air goes straight through the mesh. There's a windbreaker lining which is great for cooler mornings or if you ride out to far and have to book it home during a cool night. Great lines and reflective detailing. Just a solid piece of Italian bike gear.
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/dainese-air-frame-textile-jacket
