Icon Accelerant Perf Jacket

[Seamus07]

Redundant from another thread: I've been away from motorcycling for about 15 years and have gone through the process of gearing up again. I picked up a leftover '07 Interceptor early this spring and have developed some opinions about the stuff I bought. Here's what I know about the Accelerant Perf jacket from Icon:

I bought leather because I trust it. Without a long story, I managed to slide across some asphalt on a gorgeous road in the beautiful Black Hills of South Dakota when I was younger and didn't really think it would happen to me. Leather did me some favors that day. Now I live on the other side of the state where the summers are hotter and much more humid. I wanted leather and hoped the perf would keep me from leaving home without good protection.

The Icon comes with a snap-out liner that negates the perf when installed. I rode this spring in mid-40 degree weather without problems. I wore a sleeveless fleece underneath for insulation, and that was comfortable. Now that it is warmer, I ride without the liner. The fit of the jacket with/without the liner is pretty similar. It fits comfortably either way. The jacket didn't require a lot of break in. The side panels are not leather and the leather itself obviously has some flex points (holes) built in.

Armored riding gear for everyday (not track star) motorcyclists wasn't around when I rode actively last. The adjustment to wearing it is a bit frustrating. The big external tortoise shell on the back can be felt through the jacket. It isn't a big deal, but I'm not accustomed to it and I wish it wasn't there. I bought the black model because I wanted low-key, and about everything else I considered seemed too flashy...not my style. That said, I can't really just wear this jacket around when I'm not riding. Its not that low-key. Also, the big "Icon" logo on the chest means something to the Supersport-riding guys I work with that it doesn't mean to me. They'll adjust.

How does the perf work? The arms work great! The outstanding wind protection from the bike keeps most of the air from hitting the chest area. Still, the jacket keeps cool as long as you keep moving. Disclaimer: this summer I'm riding with a backpack. I'll get hard luggage for Christmas. Until then, the pack probably restricts air flow through the body. The jacket is equipped with vents on the shoulders that should pull air through, but the pack straps block those. I'm pretty confident the jacket will operate better without the pack.

I didn't pay anywhere near MSRP for the jacket. I don't know if it is worth that much. I would buy it again, but my preference would be to take all of its good qualities and put it in a classy jacket without the billboard qualities of this one.

Here are some pics:

AccelPerfFr.jpgAccelPerfBa.jpg

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