Dainese R-Twin Leather Jacket
4.3
5
16
16
R-Twin in a class of its own
I have been riding for close to 10 years and had a closet full of jackets (all textile). I was looking to get a leather jacket for sometime now but wanted something that didn’t scream boy racer and was leaning towards a more vintage look without compromising safety. I did try on the Roland Sands Jacket but in my mind was more of a everyday Leather Jacket that you could put armor in. I then tried on the R-Twin and for the most part it has lived up to all of my expectations.
First fit – I am 5’6” 155 lbs – I have board shoulders (40 short jacket fits like a glove) and a 32 inch waist (small V shaped torso). With the Liner in it fits me like a glove. I did have to tighten the wait area a little but the shoulder, arms and chest region are a terrific fit (I did try and 48 and it was almost a good fit accept the arm pit area was a no go with the liner in). As for the terrific liner - not only does the R-twin scream qualify on the leather, the stitching, the design but there is so much attention to detail on the liner as well you can see you are buying quality. Now, with the liner removed all those areas do become a “little” looser BUT very very acceptable.
The only real complaint I have and it really is a small one is the neck strap as it is not a fit I am used to however being leather I assume this will break in over time.
I did try the Dainese G2 back protector but I looked like a little turtle and didnt feel it gave me a lot of protection so upon returning to the store (I must if your in the Phili area) I was introduced to the D3O material and replaced the G2 with that. With the D3O in you don’t even know you have a Level 2 protector back there (highly recommend).
I have worn the Jacket in 60F and 70F w/o the liner and it is fine. In my estimation it can be worn 2 of 3 seasons (30F - 75F) and high heat in the summer is not one of them! There is little flow through the small chest vents but the arm area does have some provisions for flow. Bottom line like most other Jackets - once you get moving its not a problem. In the Summer I have another vented Jacket but for Spring, early Summer and Fall I can see the R-Twin will work nicely,
One of the areas I am still getting use to is the DAINESE letters on the back – I am usually not a brand kind of a guy and a small part of me says Dianese kind of overdid it with these letters. They do have two nicely done small patches on the shoulder and front which is all that I think is needed but I was assured by the GF that the letters on the back are so subtle and in her mind broke up the back area - and she in fact liked the name on back. The funny part of this was at the time I purchased this Jacket a guy on the internet purchased the R-Twin at the same time and he too had some reservations on the letters so he took a thread ripper to them and took them off. A bold move for sure and not that I am advocating that but I have to say that from the pics I saw you can hardly see the small holes. I may do this in the future but for now I will live with it.
As for value on the R-Twin - well thats a easy one - I have been looking for something unique and this was the jacket that screamed at me. The R-Twin will very likely be a Jacket I will wear / ride for a very long time so the upfront cost are there but over the life of the jacket very acceptable. I my mind they hit a home run with the R-Twin and I can see that over time it will break in nicely and keep looking better and better.
Ducati Monster
BMW R1150RS
April 29, 2013
Brown is always expensive
Just as most other Dainese jackets, you must purchase the back protector separately (reason for rating protection low). Without the liner, the jacket's interior is irritating, so use a base layer or long sleeve T-shirt for longer rides. This one was made in Belarus or other emerging Eastern block country, not made in Vietnam or China like lower price point Dainese leather.
The leather and shoulder/elbow protection does seem to be promising as protective gear. The neck adjustment only has two snaps, and is just workable for my neck. Sleeve diameter seems a tad too large, and the sleeve length is a shorter cut, like a sport bike jacket. It looks great and should protect well. Sizing is probably right on. I expected more for the price, however.
ZLA was great with a return from Tobacco to Brown color. The Tobacco color looked different in person. Brown rocks.
April 22, 2013
Amazing, Stylish, Comfortable, Protective and well... Just Perfect!
The only reason I put Good for the "Bang for the Buck" is because it was so hard to part with that amount of cash, but with that said, once plied out of my hands and forgotten about, I really love this jacket! In fact, I wear it out and about even though it is a bit cold for riding #I tell people I am breaking in the leather#. The fit is slim and tight. I had ordered a size 50 but returned it for a 52. I am 5'9" and 158 Lbs. with broad shoulders.
When I ordered the jacket, I asked for a back protector and the ForceField Pro made for Dainese was recommended, so I bought it. However, since the jacket is a nice snug fit, the ForceField Pro was 1.15 Inches thick and stuck out like a turtles back. I struggled with the back protector because I wanted a Level 2 protection but thickness was stretching out the jacket and was tight and really ugly from behind. After a week, I had called back twice about this issue and the second CSR suggested and recommended the Klim D30 Viper T5 Pro Back Protector. So I tried it. Amazing!!! It is 0.72" thick, much lighter and conforms to the jacket far better. Fits like a glove with no trimming required. The best part is that it too is level 2 protection. I am very happy with it and recommend this back protector with the Dainese R-Twin Jacket.
I got my bike out last week #End of March 2013# and have already taken three rides with the jacket. I wear an under garment by Tucano Urbano that is wind resistant and warm and combined with this jacket, I was not cold at all.
Although I think my Espresso Brown Vespa GTV-300 #cc# is really cool, I think that the jacket is getting more looks:)
I would recommend this and stay exactly true to the size in the measurement chart. I had tried on a 50 at a motorcycle show and the rep said that it was my size. They say that if you can zip it up, it fits. This is not true, not on my body anyhow. The size 50 cut into my bottom arm pits and I just could not imagine that it would stretch out. I am much happier with the size 52 which by the way is how I measure.
April 2, 2013
Beautiful Jacket.
Extremely well made and beautiful design.
With the removable liner it is good in all 4 seasons.
I would buy again. I have not seen a riding jacket with this much protection that also looks soooooo good off the bike. I want to just wear it all the time.
Fit is very european but that just makes you want to do some exercise so you can look good in this jacket. :)
March 18, 2013
I Love It
I do not feel that it's fair to write a review about a product after just taking it out of the box. I got to wear this jacket for about 8 months, from early spring to December. I think now is a good time to write a review.
I'm 5'9 150lb's
Bought a size 48 in the black
The fit is real nice. The sleeves are not over sized and baggy like some other "American Cut" jackets. This thing fits like a glove (with or without the liner). My first ride, I felt the collar digging into my throat and my first thought was " Oh S**t, is this going to be a problem?" No worries, after the first break in ride, that went away. The jacket just needs to adjust to your body. After all, it IS leather. The opening of the collar was not a problem either because once i'm in my riding position on the bike, it hugs my neck just right without choking me. Trust me, you do not want a thick leather perfectly fitting around your neck before you get into a riding position. Imagine how uncomfortable that could be when leaning forward, reaching for the bars. Trust me, Dainese knows what they're doing.
The shoulder and arm protection feels perfect. I hardly notice it's there, but feel better knowing that it is. One thing I wasn't crazy about is the back protector insert. It's oddly shaped and doesn't fit right. I went with an independent back protector (vest style) that fits under the jacket. That's a much better feel in my opinion.
Style wise, it's a pretty awesome looking leather. It is breaking in quite nicely. I look forward to wearing it for a long long time.
February 23, 2013
Such a disappointment!
I was waiting eagerly for my R Twin Dark Brown in the mail and when I finally got it I was perplexed. The dark brown color and the finish of the jacket is top notch.
I am 5'8" 162 lbs, 41.5" chest, 31" waist.
Jacket size euro52/us42
The fit is so awkward that I don't think it is functional at all for me. Basically my biggest problem is that the neck opening is massive. They have allowed about 20 inches for the neck. I want it closer to true size in the neck. Not tight but not so loose that my head just sinks in to the jacket neck opening. The shoulders and neck ride up so high I totally lose my neck.
The extra leather on the shoulders and the armor is superb but in riding position they bunch up and inward so you cannot turn your head more than 45 degrees in either directiong (like checking your blind spot).
The dedicated wave 2 Dainese back armor sits so low in the back armor pocket that in profile view the armor is sagging down towards the bottom of the jacket making my profile look the opposite of cool. This leaves my cervical spine completely unprotected.
The leather feels somewhat thin, rough, and dry as opposed to thick and supple like I was expecting/hoping. I suppose this is the vintage distressed look. Thats not a huge problem but for $700 I want this thing to look, feel, and smell like a full leather interior of a porsche 911.
The liner elasticated sleave cuffs are a great touch.
Whether you wear it with or without the liner the fit really didnt seam to change a great deal. Obviously slightly looser without the liner but it doesn't change the entire fit of the jacket.
The length of the jacket was fine even on my not so large frame.
Just for comparison I also tried the Dainese Zen Evo in size 52/42 and it felt like a much richer jacket even though its $200 cheaper. That one has supple feeling leather. Trying the R Twin has made me want the Zen Evo more.
January 24, 2013
The Ultimate Cafe Jacket
So let me start off by saying I first strayed off and bought the Roland Sands Ronin Jacket in tobacco (mind you I'm a loyal Dainese guy). I just wasn't satisfied with the cut/"the American fit". In fairness to Dainese I had not seen the dark brown and was put off by the tan color originally and that made dismiss the R-Twin.
After trying on the Ronin jacket and realizing it wasn't for me I browsed the Revzilla site a few more times and found that the Dainese R-Twin was also made in dark brown, and the rest as they say is history.
It's currently in the teens here in NY so you'll have to understand why I haven't had a real ride test with this jacket. However I don't need a ride to tell you haw this baby feels. I normally wear a 52 in one piece suits and jackets from Dainese, but I decided to go with a 50 (partly due to the fact that it was the only size available in dark brown at the time). Lets just say it is spot on. With the liner (which can be zipped out in seconds and looks to be top quality may I add) the fit is a little tight but still comfortable. It really should not affect me since I plan to primarily use this jacket without the liner (mostly spring/summer and early fall). So the fit like any Dainese gear is just awesome. You feel hugged and quite honestly like the jacket was tailored to you.
For reference I should mention that I'm 5'9, with between a 39-40 inch chest. As mentioned earlier I wear a size 52 in most Dainese gear but can get away with a 50 depending.
The look once again is something I feel only Dainese can pull off. A nice vintage feel to the leather, combined with the newest features of the Dainese line (elasticated leather in the back shoulder) and stretch fabric in the arms. That's not something you would associate with a cafe style jacket, but it works very well. As far as I am concerned, Dainese is the best at seamlessly integrating armor in jackets and leathers. That's just something I really felt was lacking in the Roland Sands jacket. The armor which was purchased separately and removable, just didn't feel the way the armor in the R-Twin feels.
If you're looking for a cafe or even just a stylish city cruising jacket, this is definitely a great option. A bit pricey like much of the products in the Dainese line, but well worth it when you consider the style, the quality of the leather and manufacturing. You truly feel like I have a one off jacket but it happens to be off the rack. It's gonna go perfectly with my Bell Custom 500 and Triumph Thruxton. Really superb!!!!
January 23, 2013
Looks incredible, but very expensive
The greatest thing about the R-Twin is that it looks great. The styling, the leather itself, everything about this just screams "vintage jacket that will look fantastic forever." The pictures do not do the finish of this leather justice. You have to see it in person to fully appreciate it.
I would say that the R-Twin fits true to size, but if you're buying it more for winter riding and plan to layer much more than the thermal liner underneath it, you could stand to size up one size and not worry too much about looseness, since the concept of the jacket, in my mind, is that it's designed to blend into more casual situations off the bike, when you might like a looser fit, although that said, it's not designed to fit skin tight when it's correctly sized. If you do size up, and want to take the extra fabric in, you can always put a Shield Air G back protector in, which will make a jacket fit about a half size tighter.
A note on the fit: Dainese jackets tend to fit me a little tighter across the shoulders than other brands. Even in a properly sized, or even oversized jacket, there's a limited flexibility in how far above my shoulders I can raise my own arms without deforming the jacket (with or without shoulder armor), and I can't put my arms straight out forward without experiencing tightness in the shoulders. It may be a protection feature designed to keep the arms close to the body in a spill, it may be that my shoulders are disproportionately wider than my chest, or even that I just need to size up a lot more than I have, but since other people are talking about the fit, I thought I'd share that. My Cage Pelle has the same "problem," which, since I ride a cruiser, isn't really a problem for me, but can make the jacket feel tight when I'm wearing it off the bike.
From a protection standpoint, you can put back armor into this (though not thorax armor) and have a highly armored riding jacket. However, the sleeves aren't going to be as snug as the racing-oriented jackets, especially without the thermal liner, meaning the elbow armor might move around a little bit in a crash, especially if you're not wearing the thermal liner. I kind of wish Dainese had included some straps across the arms to tighten the elbow armor there, which would alleviate this, my main complaint about this jacket.
A note on the leather itself: looking at the raw piece of leather in the end-of-sleeve gusset, with my untrained eye and the feel between my fingers, the Dainese "vintage leather" appears to be just a touch lighter weight than their standard "cowhide" that's used in my Cage Pelle. That said, the vintage leather has a relatively hard surface finish, and I think it would be more likely to slide over grit than snag on it in a way that might open up a hole, so the two components, thickness and hardness of finish, might equal out in terms of abrasion resistance. In any case, this really doesn't bother me.
January 20, 2013
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