Only time will tell if a design is a true classic. If an item or look holds up well against constantly changing tastes and fashions, then you know.

When it comes to motorcycle jackets I can think of only two I’d consider classic: America’s traditional, zippered, black-leather biker jacket, and England’s traditional, black waxed-cotton Belstaff jacket. Over the years, these two designs have been copied, modified, and adapted for various uses, but at heart, they are the only true classics.

In the NewCity jacket, BMW has taken the timeless Belstaff design and modernized it for today’s rider. While the cut and overall look is quite similar to the British waxed-cotton jacket — including the four front external pockets and waist belt — the BMW jacket is constructed of more modern, windproof, waterproof, breathable Cordura 500. And unlike the waxed cotton, it does not need to be rewaxed annually to offer protection from the elements.

So how else has BMW modernized the classic? For one thing, it added removable body armor at the shoulders and elbows; a zipped-in thermo liner; and reflective materials on the sleeves and the back for safety. BMW has maintained the adjustable straps at the collar and wrists as well as a full belt at the waist to keep out the cold and wet.

There’s a small zippered map pocket at the right wrist for those of us still without a GPS on our motorcycles.

The folks at BMW tell us the concept of body armor is to absorb as much of the harmful impact as possible so your body doesn’t have to. And its engineers focused on the three issues of comfort, safety, and ergonomics. BMW states these parts are designed to be as closely tailored as possible to specific parts of our bodies for improved protection and to help maintain position without shifting.

Like other BMW-branded products I have tested, this jacket is high-quality and well-designed. And the only way to know it’s from BMW is the small BMW roundel logo over one of the pockets and the subtle BMW stamped in each snap cover on the pocket flaps and down the front of the jacket. RB

SOURCES

BMW NewCity Jacket

$549

866/4BMW-GEAR

www.BMW-Riders-Gear.com