Buying the right riding gear is just about as important as buying the right motorcycle. Choosing the right motorcycle jacket for your needs can be a difficult process. It’s no secret that you should buy the best protection that you can afford, but with so many different styles and types to choose from, how can you guarantee that you’re investing your money into the right product? Do you need a winter motorcycle jacket or a summer one? Do you need something sleek and aerodynamic, or are handy pockets and weather-proof accouterments more your thing?
While there’s no one motorcycle jacket to rule them all, there are plenty of excellent jackets out there that will suit your needs and budget. We’ve put together a list of ten of the best motorcycle jackets that we’ve seen, with jackets selected for different riders and different riding styles. Here are our picks.
10 Best Motorcycle Jackets For All Kinds Of Riding
Best Overall Choice
1. Dainese Racing 3 D-Air Leather Motorcycle Jacket
The Racing 3 D-Air leather jacket from Dainese is one of the best motorcycle jacket ensembles available. It’s not a cheap product by any stretch of the imagination. It’s a premium product with a premium price tag, but it’s worth every penny if you’re serious about your safety. It features the celebrated Dainese D-Air technology, but before we get to that, let’s talk about the construction of the jacket. Manufactured from high-quality Tutu cowhide leather and S1 stretch panels, the Racing 3 is tough and durable, with incredible freedom of movement. As for airflow, it features several vents to keep you cool when you’re out on the road.
In terms of protection, the Racing 3 comes equipped with Level 2 composite elbow protectors, Level 2 soft shoulder pads, thermoplastic shoulder protectors with aluminum inserts, and the legendary Dainese D-Air system. The D-Air system is a revolutionary airbag deployment gizmo that uses a series of sensors and GPS technology to inflate an airbag that will protect your chest and neck in the event of an accident. No less than three accelerometers, three gyroscopes, and one GPS unit work together to keep you safe. It’s such an advanced system that all D-Air products have to be registered with Dainese after sale for full factory support. It’s that advanced.
If you want the best motorcycle jacket on the market, this ticks all of the right boxes. It’s safe, it’s element-proof, it’s stylish, and it’s worth the money.
Top Features:
Durable and abrasion-resistant Tutu cowhide leather
Next, we have the incredible Spidi Sport SRL perforated leather jacket. This is an ideal summer motorcycle jacket, but if you need something to keep the cold out then you’ll be pleased to know that there’s also a full leather version without the perforations. We like the perforated version best. It’s built from a tough and durable full-grain cowhide leather with a thickness of 1.2mm, with perforated leather panels to let air flow through nicely and help the jacket breathe. The leather sections work with Tenax Flex joints in the most important places (shoulders, arms, and chest) to increase mobility and make your ride as comfortable as possible.
Since this is a summer jacket, it doesn’t boast much on the inside save for a mesh inner liner, but it can accommodate Spidi’s formidable H2OUT waterproof liner, and the brand’s own Thermo liner for colder weather too. In terms of protection, the elbows and shoulders are equipped with EN 1621 Force-Tech protectors, and there’s room for an optional Warrior Back Protector, and a compatible Warrior Chest Protector too, though these are sold separately. Other cool features include a smart Neoprene collar and reflective details for better visibility at night time. All in all, it’s a versatile jacket that can hold its own in different seasons.
Top Features:
Multiple straps for volume adjustment and tighter fit
360-degree zipper for mating with Spidi branded trousers
Full-grain cowhide level with perforations for maximum protection and airflow
Modern jackets don’t have to be covered in reflective piping and feature loud designs. The Ronin motorcycle jacket from RSD neatly bucks the trend by taking the best modern motorcycle protection and weaving it into a retro-cool café racer-inspired design. This hand-finished jacket is built from waxed cowhide and looks every bit like a jacket from yesteryear, but with more protective tech. Specifically, the pre-curved sleeves and neatly stitched back of the jacket hide clever pockets to accommodate RSD x Forcefield armor, which transforms this fashion-like jacket into a genuinely protective and authentic motorcycle jacket.
While the biggest appeal of this jacket is the fact that you can wear it like a casual jacket when you’re off the bike and ride with peace of mind when you’re on it, there are some other cool features that really take this jacket to the next level. It’s fitted with a number of smart pockets to keep your possessions nice and secure in, such as stretch mesh cargo pockets, a zip-close interior pocket, and a handy electronics pocket with a super soft protective lining. What’s more, it comes in a black or brown leather finish. If you’re looking for a chic casual jacket that doubles up as a useful motorcycle jacket made by one of the biggest names in the industry, then give this Roland Sands number a go.
Top Features:
Perforated leather features for excellent airflow
Zippers for waist adjustment and cuff adjustment
Comfortable satin polyester lining with custom heat embossed details
Plenty of practical pockets and storage space
Accommodates shoulder, back, and elbow armor for serious protection
Be sure to combine this with a great pair of motorcycle jeans from our list!
If you like the sound of a Dainese jacket but don’t want to bankrupt yourself and your entire family in the process, consider the Dainese Hawker D-Dry jacket. It shares a lot of DNA with the company’s more illustrious race-derived apparel, but it has been toned down and reshaped into a smart and practical sport touring jacket that’s ready for action through spring, summer, and fall. It’s sportier than your average sport touring jacket but it offers the best in both worlds. It’s a textile jacket that features a nice blend of ventilation with sturdy inserts, which makes for a tough and durable, but completely breathable package.
Aside from the formidable outer shell, the jacket also features some outstanding equipment, such as separate pockets for an optional back and chest protector, thermoformed shoulders for added protection, adjustable cuffs, and Boomerang/Duratex fabrics throughout. On the inside, the jacket has a breathable perforated liner, and a removable D-Dry membrane liner with thermal properties. All in all, it’s a great jacket for all weathers apart from winter. The only complaint we have with this jacket is that the zippers could be a little beefier because they feel quite fragile.
Top Features:
2 practical outer pockets and reflective inserts
Pockets for additional protective armor
Removable D-Dry membrane liner for excellent waterproofing
If you’re in the market for a tough, durable, and reliable motorcycle jacket that can take you across continents or across town (and excel at both) then the KLIM Badlands Pro is worth your attention. For real adventure touring, it’s a great choice.
This textile jacket is made from an outer shell comprised of SPL200, FPL 400, and Karbonite ripstop, all of which is held together with a tear-resistant Superfabric that offers excellent durability where you need it most. The jacket also features a fully waterproof and breathable Gore-Tex Pro membrane to keep the elements out, but with plenty of ventilation to keep you from overheating.
This is bolstered by the interior lining, which features a mesh lining to increase the overall breathability of the jacket and also comes with moisture-wicking technology to keep the humidity down. In terms of protection, the KLIM Badlands Pro comes with incredibly advanced D3O Aero Pro protectors which are CE Level 2 approved, an integrated back protector, and a kidney-belt loop that wraps around your middle, taking the weight of the jacket off of your shoulders and back and on to your hips, making for a more comfortable ride. If you’re an adventure rider, this is what you’ve been looking for. Bonus: it’s compatible with a lot of KLIM’s other products too.
Top Features:
Gore-Tex Pro shell for maximum weatherproofing
Smart Tri-Component ventilation system
Advanced Aero D3O shock-absorbing armor
Clever hidden pockets for keeping documents safe
Abrasion-resistant Karbonite Ripstop textile
If you’re looking to get all your riding gear ready, you may also like to check out our guide to the best motorcycle goggles.
If you need a motorcycle jacket that offers excellent protection, can withstand the elements and comes in at an affordable price then consider this gem from Joe Rocket. It’s at the budget end of the spectrum but don’t let the low price tag put you off. That low price tag is the main reason it’s high up on this list, but in terms of value for money, it’s hard to beat.
Advertised as an all-weather motorcycle jacket, it really excels in winter rather than other seasons but we’ll get to why in a minute. This is a textile jacket with a number of interesting features. It offers a clever ventilation system, CE-approved armor (and pockets for additional armor), a custom adjustment system that guarantees a tight fit to any rider, and an insulated full sleeve liner.
Despite being quite an advanced jacket on paper, the ventilation system isn’t that great and the liner will leave you sweating. Now, if you live in a colder climate, this is a very good jacket to get. In wintery conditions, it will keep the cold and the wet out, which is great. In summer, however, it will keep all that heat and all your sweat locked in. It’s not as all-season as it suggests but for the price it’s hard to complain. It’s comfortable, has lots of pockets, and has room for better armor if you feel like buying some extra bits and pieces. For a new rider, this is a great and cost-effective jacket. Just be sure to find a more summer-appropriate one for the hotter months.
Top Features:
Very affordable price tag
CE approved armor comes as standard
Durable liner keeps out the elements
6-point SureFit custom adjustment system for a tight fit
Next up, we have a versatile riding jacket from Rev’It. Great for both hot and cold environments and perfect for both casual urban riders and those who prefer to live life in the fast lane, the Rev’It Convex jacket has something for everyone.
It’s a high-performance jacket from a company known for delivering high-quality and safety-conscious products. Borrowing Rev’It’s own race-spec DNA, this jacket features a Monaco cowhide shell, Neoprene, Lorica, and heavy-duty stretch PWRIshell outer layer with a 3D air mesh that offers ultimate protection with the added bonus of excellent ventilation. It’s tough, has plenty of abrasion resistance, and it’ll keep you cool on even the hottest of days.
For colder days, the jacket features a removable thermal liner that keeps the cold at bay and offers a snug and comfortable fit. The armor that comes as standard features Level 2 rated Seeflex armor for the elbows and shoulders, with thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) shoulder protection for extra safety. There is a dedicated sleeve for a back protector insert, as well as ample room for a chest protector. The jacket itself has a tight race fit with curved sleeves for the ultimate sporting look and feel, along with Velcro fastenings at the wrist and waist, and a sturdy zipper. This is a great all ‘rounder, but it’s definitely a better summer motorcycle jacket than a winter one.
Top Features:
Reflective details for added visibility
Localized perforation for efficient ventilation
Comfort fit cuffs and Velcro waist adjustment
Race-inspired shape with curved sleeves
Available in all black or black and white
For more amazing racing products like this one, check out our list of the best motorcycle race suits.
This jacket is from the Oscar line by Alpinestars, and it’s the perfect jacket for urban riders looking for a decent motorcycle jacket that offers outstanding protection and a fashionable aesthetic at the same time.
Made from tough full-grain leather with excellent abrasion resistance that’s durable enough to withstand a crash but comfortable enough to wear on a day-to-day basis. It’s fitted with pre-curved sleeves for comfort, slim-fitting CE-approved shoulder and elbow protectors, a removable flannel lining for cold-weather riding, and featured a pocket that accommodates a number of different types of back protectors. It’s a functional jacket that offers great protection for daily riding – but if you want to kick it up a notch, it has even more to offer.
This Oscar Charlie motorcycle jacket is fully compatible with Alpinestars’ unique Tech-Air airbag system. If you want more protection, simply upgrade to this fantastic airbag protection product and slip it into your jacket. The jacket is cleverly designed to accommodate it, and thanks to well-designed stretchy parts of the jacket, the airbag can fully inflate without damaging the jacket or compromising the seam strength. With the Tech-Air system installed, the jacket sleeve also shows an LED display that tells riders the status of their airbag, connecting directly to the airbag’s ECU. But even if you’re not planning on upgrading to the full airbag package, this jacket is still a winner. It fits great, it looks great, and it offers exceptional value for money.
Top Features:
Specially treated full-grain leather outer shell
Removable thermal insulated flannel liner for riding in colder climates
Full compatibility with Alpinestars’ protection products
Zipper and snap cuff fastenings for a truly personalized fit
The understated design makes it ideal for day to day riding and commuting
The Scorpion XDR Yukon is an off-road-focused adventure touring motorcycle jacket that is literally prepared for any situation. If you’re looking for one jacket that does it all, then this may be the one for you.
Constructed from 500 denier nylon and 1680 denier with a fully waterproof but breathable membrane, this jacket is element-proof in every single way. When the sun’s out, however, all you have to do is open a few of the jacket’s numerous vents (in over six locations) and you’ve got a smart and air-conditioned jacket. And when the weather’s bad, no worries: thanks to a Nappa calf leather-trimmed collar and neoprene cuffs and a very cool removable storm collar for extreme cold, you’ll be warm and dry inside.
Inside, the jacket comes equipped with Sas-Tec CE-approved viscoelastic armor, which is adjustable in places thanks to a Velcro closure system. There’s a Sas-Tec level 2 back protector, and CE-certified chest protectors as well. As for pockets and practicalities, the Yukon boasts four external and totally waterproof pockets, two forearm pockets, and an extra-large cargo pocket at the back. There are four mesh pockets on the inside and a hidden money pocket for your valuables. NightViz reflective details help you keep visible at night, and a series of belts and straps offer support and a tight fit to keep your ride as comfortable as possible.
Top Features:
Tough YKK zippers with a urethane and Black Oxide coating
Sas-Tec CE-approved armor for ultimate protection
Moisture-wicking mesh and taffeta liners to resist wear
Adjustable compression kidney belt for better support and fit
Heavy-duty Exo-Stich Safety Seams for added durability
For more must-have products to complete your motorcycling gear, check out our list of the best motorcycle backpacks.
Alpinestars’ race suits are the mainstay of many motorcycle apparel top lists and for good reason: they set a high benchmark for quality. The same can be said for their jackets, and the GP Plus R Air V2 borrows the very best features from the company’s race suits and translates them into street-riding form. Constructed from an incredibly tough 1.3 mm thick cowhide leather complemented with perforated leather panels, advanced poly stretch inserts across the chest, zippered vent inlets, and accordion leather panels across the elbows, the GP Plus offers exceptional protection, freedom of movement, ventilation, and comfort.
The inside layer is made up of a mesh liner that offers breathability and comfort, with multiple internal pockets with Velcro fastenings, and a waterproof compartment for valuables and documents. In terms of protection and armor, the GP Plus features race-derived, CE-certified shoulder and elbow protectors, external TPU molded shoulder guards, and pockets and sleeves to accommodate separately sold back and chest protectors, with a special adjustable snap-button system for those looking to upgrade their back protection to an Alpinestars CE-approved Level 2 Nucleon model. Other cool features include 3D mesh collar and cuff edging, reflective details, and Velcro and D-ring fastenings. What’s more, you can zip this jacket to Alpinestars’ racing pants for a full racing suit experience if you need it.
Top Features:
Large front pockets for practicality
Tough CE-approved armor and padding
Advanced Velcro fastenings and D-ring waist adjustments
Snap buttons and zippers ensure a personalized fit
Can be zipped with trousers for a full race-suit
Motorcycle Jacket Buying Guide
Now that you’ve seen some of the best motorcycle jackets currently available, which one would be the best fit for you? At the end of the day, all you really need from a motorcycle jacket is something that protects you, but thanks to modern production standards almost every jacket on sale will meet the minimum safety requirements. Should you be content with the minimum though? And since you’re paying a lot of money for a jacket, you should want it to be the best it can be. Though the level of protection a garment offers you should be the most important feature you shop for, searching for something comfortable, weather-resistant, practical, and stylish should also be high up on the list.
Here are a few specifics you should consider when shopping for a new motorcycle jacket.
Why Protection Is Important
Many motorcyclists are happy to spend thousands on a fast bike but can be reluctant to spend a couple of hundred dollars on decent protective gear. It doesn’t make any sense but we’ve all done it. It’s a mentality that needs to change. Proper riding gear will help to save your life in the event of an accident. No one likes crashing, but it’s more tolerable with protective gear on. Hitting the asphalt hurts at 5 miles per hour, so imagine what it’s like at 50 and above.
Abrasion-resistant fabrics, good padding, and well-engineered armor are essential, but a good motorcycle jacket will do much more than simply protect you if you have a crash. A good jacket can even prevent a crash from happening. If you’re getting wet and cold your concentration will wander, possibly leading to an accident. Loose straps could flap around and distract you. An uncomfortable jacket might have a bad fastening that’s always digging into your side, taking your mind off the road, and putting you into a vulnerable situation. These might seem like exaggerations, but anything that takes your attention away from the road is a potential killer – of yourself and other road users.
What Kind Of Motorcycle Jacket Do You Need?
Motorcycle jackets come in a wide range of different shapes and sizes to meet the needs of a variety of riders. Sports riders, regular commuters, hardcore adventure tourers, and laid-back cruiser riders all have different needs, so there’s a jacket out there for everyone. Since protection should be your main priority, you should assess how you ride and what kind of riding you do to find a jacket with the best protection for you. A sports rider who likes to ride fast on the roads and occasionally unleashes hell on the track might want a sports jacket with serious back and chest protection, with aerodynamics in mind, and a 360-degree waist zipper that can attach to a set of leather pants.
Similarly, an adventurer tourer will want something that’s dry and comfortable whatever the weather, with plenty of protection for on and off-road environments, with plenty of pockets for the easy retrieval of important documents and papers for crossing borders.
Cruiser riders will benefit from more casual-looking attire, with apparel that provides excellent freedom of movement for their arms, chest, and shoulders, but with plenty of protection tucked away in case things go sideways.
Are you thinking of riding a lot at night? Then you might need plenty of hi-viz reflective detailing. Do you live in a hot climate? Perforated leather or mesh jackets might be the best fit for you. What about cold weather? Get something with a thermal layer that keeps the chill out. Will you be riding in the rain? Consider something with Gore-Tex technology or a solid waterproof liner. Is this jacket just for riding, or do you need it to double up as a fashion jacket too? There’s a lot to think about, isn’t there? Material, fit, practicality, versatility, climate, comfort – all of these things need to be considered before you part with your hard-earned cash.
Different Jacket Materials
One of the most frequently asked questions out there is about the differences between leather and textile motorcycle jackets. They both have strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a brief overview of each type, what they’re good for, and what the pros and cons of each are.
Textile Motorcycle Jackets
Textile motorcycle jackets are becoming more and more popular these days. They’re tough, practical, incredibly versatile, and come in a remarkably wide range of styles. The strength of a textile jacket is measured in the thickness, or denier, of the main construction material, with the higher number denoting a stronger material. The materials choice range from sturdy natural fabrics such as denim and waxed cotton, to more modern marvels such as Cordura and Gore-Tex. Generally, textile jackets offer superb protection, with advanced construction methods, in a huge range of styles, for very reasonable prices – this is why they’re so popular.
Compared with top-of-the-range leather, textile jackets offer similar protection at a much more affordable price point. At the bottom end of the scale, cheap is cheap whether you go for leather or textile, but above a couple of hundred dollars, your dollar definitely buys more protection and features from a textile jacket than a cheaper leather one. The secret to the success of the textile motorcycle jacket is the fact that you can mix and match technologies to create interesting products. Fuse a tough Cordura outer shell with a Gore-Tex waterproof layer, and you have a tough, sturdy, and element-proof jacket. Throw in a mesh textile to make it breathable. Use some abrasion-resistant Ripstop nylon or Dyneema. The possibilities are endless.
It’s the weatherproofing that most people love about textile jackets. For the reasons mentioned above, they’re excellent at keeping the elements out but also keeping the rider cool too. They’re excellent for both cold and hot climates, making them great all ‘rounders.
Premium textile jackets can match leather in terms of abrasion resistance, but cheaper jackets aren’t as good. Textile products don’t offer the same level of impact or shock resistance either. However, textile jackets aren’t really marketed toward the more vulnerable sports bike crowd.
As for the looks? Well, they come in a million different shapes and sizes, from short and sporty, to longer with a ton of useful pockets. Bright colors? Yep. Black? Certainly. There are lots to choose from, but compared with leather jackets, they don’t offer the same wow factor. There are many leather motorcycle jackets that can double up a fashion jacket that you can wear out to a bar. Textile jackets aren’t really made for that kind of use.
Leather Motorcycle Jackets
When you visualize a motorcycle jacket, you immediately conjure up the image of a classic leather motorcycle jacket. And for good reason. Leather has long been the most popular choice for motorcycle apparel whether you’re riding a Ducati or a Harley-Davidson. Why? Because leather is tough and offers exceptional protection. It has excellent abrasion resistance, it can soften impact shocks, and it fits nice and tightly to the body. There’s a good reason why all MotoGP riders wear leather racing suits.
For those in colder climates, a leather jacket will offer superior warmth and protection against wind chill. They’re not as comfortable in hot weather but perforated leather jackets are becoming popular. They offer the same protection while improving airflow and breathability.
While leather jackets offer better protection than their textile brethren, they do lack some of the excellent features that make textile jackets so appealing. Leather can be waterproof, and with the above-mentioned perforations they can have better airflow too, but they’re still not as good as textile jackets when it comes to weatherproofing. They will never be as breathable as textile products, and they’re not that great for off-road riding either. If you’re planning an off-road cross-country tour, then a textile jacket will be a superior option. If you want to open the throttle as wide as you can on the race track though, there’s only one type of jacket you want to be wearing: and that’s leather.
Leather jackets also have the added benefit of being stylish. There’s never been a time in the history of the motorcycle jacket that a leather one hasn’t looked the business. Even modern sports jackets with pre-curved sleeves and a hump on the back can look cool, though they will look more out of place in a bar than a sleek café-racer zip-up or a nice collared Harley-Davidson motorcycle jacket. The problem is this though: a good leather motorcycle jacket is expensive. And it should be. High-quality leather should be expensive, and advanced construction and design shouldn’t ever be cheap. What this means is that there are a lot of so-called protective leather jackets out there that have no business being worn whilst you’re riding a motorcycle.
These fashion leather jackets are best avoided unless you want to take a car to your destination.
In summary: pay more and you’ll get more.
What About Hybrid Motorcycle Jackets?
For those looking for the best of both worlds, there are jackets that produce textile jackets with leather features, offering the versatility and practicality of a textile shell that’s reinforced with solid leather strips and inserts for increased crash resistance and impact absorption. These can make for great compromise jackets, though they tend to be less good than all textile or all leather motorcycle jackets. While we’re on the subject of alternatives, there’s at least one company out there making vegan leather jackets and racing suits using leather that’s 100% vegan. We haven’t tested it, but it sounds very interesting.
Important Things To Consider
Apart from the material, level of protection, and weatherproofing, there are some other points you should think about before investing in a new jacket. Does it have enough pockets for you? Can you fit a hoodie or your work clothes underneath it when you’re wearing it? Is there enough high-visibility detailing or reflective piping on there to keep you safe at night? Can you open the fastenings you’re your gloves on? Are the zippers big enough or sturdy enough? These might seem like minor things, but if you’re paying $1,000 for a jacket, you’re going to want it to be the best that it can be for your lifestyle.
Motorcycle Jackets Summary: Our Top Pick
As we said before, there is no magic wonder jacket that is the perfect fit for any rider, all-weathers, and for any type of riding. However, we do have our favorites. For those who like sports riding or commuting, then the Dainese Racing 3 D-Air leather jacket is one of the best you can buy. It offers comfort, ergonomics, aerodynamics, and one of the most sophisticated protection systems available in the industry. It’s tough, durable, and incredibly high-quality. Unfortunately, it is a little bit on the expensive side but if you like the sound of it, Dainese offers other exceptional products with a more affordable price tag.
Still, if Dainese doesn’t impress you, any other established motorcycle jacket manufacturer will have a product that suits you and your life and riding style. Ride smart, ride safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
How should a motorcycle jacket fit?
In short, it should fit well. By that, we mean it should comfortably hug your body. Don’t buy a jacket too small, or too large. The wrong size fit could leave you exposed in an accident. A close fit is the best but only if it doesn’t restrict your movement.
If it’s too large and flaps around in the wind, it will distract you from your riding. Get the tape measure out and measure yourself properly before placing an order. Follow the manufacturer’s sizing guides to the letter if you want the best fit for your body type. Also, pay attention to reviews from previous buyers for a good idea of how well a product truly fits. The right fit is crucial, so spend time getting it right.
What is the best summer motorcycle jacket?
A good summer motorcycle jacket will offer excellent protection with great airflow and breathability. Most textile jackets make for great summer riding jackets, but don’t discount leather altogether. Thanks to new perforated leather designs, it’s possible to have a hardy leather jacket that won’t suffocate you on even the hottest days. Providing that you’re buying a summer riding jacket from a reputable brand such as Dainese, Spidi, Rev’It, and others, you will find a jacket that suits you perfectly.
How to care for leather motorcycle jacket?
Caring for leather isn’t a dark art as some would have you believe. Simply put, leather is skin. It’s important to keep it well-maintained, moisturized, and hydrated in order for it to have a long and healthy life. Luckily, there are plenty of leather care products out there; most of them are simple chemical solutions that you work into the leather with a cloth. It can be as simple as that.
Textile jackets are much easier to take care of in general, and can usually be maintained and cleaned with a wet cloth and a bit of elbow grease. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions before taking any risks.
How long do motorcycle jackets last?
A well-made motorcycle jacket that has been well looked after and properly maintained can last decades. Unfortunately, due to wear and tear many jackets won’t last as long as they should. Fastenings can stick and stitching can fray. If your jacket gets damaged in any way then it’s imperative that you replace it with a new one.
A jacket that has been in an accident is no longer effective. Even a loose seam could compromise a jacket’s ability to protect you. Even if your jacket is looking pristine, consider upgrading it every five years if you can afford to. It helps you keep on top of the latest technology, giving you a safer riding experience.
Can I wear my leather jacket as a motorcycle jacket?
Unless it was built specifically for the purposes of riding a motorcycle we’d say no. There are many fashion leather jackets that call themselves motorcycle jackets. However, these offer no protection at all. That being said, it really does depend on the quality of the jacket, the thickness of the leather, and what protection it will honestly offer. Some jackets with thick leather may offer a degree of protection but it’s not a gamble that’s worth taking in our opinion. It’s up to you whether you want to take that risk, but we advise against it.
Why do some motorcycle jacket manufacturers have jackets with pathetic zippers?
It’s a question we’re always asking ourselves. It’s all very well having heavy-duty cowhide and advanced padding and protection, but if the zip breaks after two wears, or you can’t unzip it with your gloves on then it’s no good to anyone. Fortunately, we’ve found a workaround. Simply put a split keyring on every zipper that’s giving you grief. The wider pull-tag makes it easier to use with gloves on. This trick makes using small and flimsy zippers much simpler. It works, trust us.
Joe is a motorcycle industry veteran who has not only been paid for his words on the industry but also to throw a leg over a bike on the track. Besides riding, and occasionally crashing motorcycles, he also likes to build up older bikes in his garage in Germany. He says; "I like what I like but that certainly doesn’t make my opinion any more valid than yours…" We like Joe's educated opinion and hope you do too.
