Okay, I admit… leather is cool-looking, keeps a biker warm, and provides good protection if involved in a crash. However, traditional black leather is not that visible, especially in the dark.

Another rider who regularly reads this blog saw my post titled “see and be seen” (March 8, 2014), where I showed some new, bright halogen beams that my spouse bought for me and I had installed on my motorcycle. This rider wrote to me and asked, logically,

“If you’re all about safety – see and be seen – how do you explain wearing all that black leather?”

Ya know, he was right.

For several years now, I have been seeing more motorcycle gear made for regular riders (not racers) that have “hi vis” (high visibility) elements in their construction — bright color and reflective material. Built-in protective pads in the shoulders, elbows, and even a kidney belt.

Last night, I took advantage of a great sale as well as a $100 gift certificate and got myself a great “hi vis” jacket by Rev’It. One of the great features of the jacket is that you can remove the lining and wear it for warm-weather riding. It is vented and keeps you cool, while remaining highly visible.

So there you go, V, I’ve gone “hi vis.” How do you like it? [Note: Looking at this photo, I am convinced now that black leather jeans would look much better with this jacket than denim jeans. Switching!]Life is short: keep up with the times — see and be seen!