I've been riding for 8 years. Here's the gear mistake I see beginners make constantly.
They buy a jacket that looks cool in the parking lot but falls apart the first time it actually has to do its job. Thin leather, no armor, no waterproofing—basically a fashion statement with a zipper.
I made that mistake too. Then I got caught in a rainstorm on a mountain pass and spent 3 hours freezing in a jacket that soaked through in 20 minutes.
Now I ride with the Men's Waterproof High Vis Armored Motorcycle Jacket from Frishay. It's got everything I learned to look for:
I'm not saying it's the only good jacket out there. But for the price, with daily deals and worldwide shipping from Frishay, it's hard to beat.
Don't learn the hard way like I did. Buy armor first, style second.