Best Leather Motorcycle Jacket
Leather is one of the top choices when looking for motorcycle jackets, gloves, and pants. A jacket is essential riding gear designed to keep you warm during cold weather and breathable in the summer. Most motorcycle jackets also feature advanced construction and impact protection. However, with so many options, choosing the best first leather jacket can be a daunting process. You’ll probably own more than one but need to ensure basic protection and features are part of your first choice. Here’s a quick overview of the ten best leather motorcycle jackets.
Riders of classic motorcycles will love the Yorkton Jacket from Rukka. It is made of cow leather with a quilted shoulder and elbow stitching for an iconic look and feel. The jacket also features D3O elbow and shoulders for impact armor and abrasion-resistant construction. Other specs include a back protector and elastic back panels that let you control the handlebar without feeling constrained. The Rukka jacket has two inner pockets, two outer pockets, and an adjustable hem with snaps. If you wish, you can purchase the optional Rukka 3DO all-back protector.
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Pros:
- Comfortable and breathable
- Enhanced impact protection
- Stylish, iconic look and feel
Cons:
- Costs more than $500
If you don’t mind paying in excess of $1,000 for a motorcycle jacket, the Leather Airbag from Helite is one of the premium options you’ll encounter online. The jacket features an airbag that fully inflates in less than a tenth of a second. It is designed for wearing on the roads with its protective airbag system, removable level 2 back protectors, free-air mesh vents, open soft collar, and wrist fasteners. The 1.3mm cow leather is abrasion-resistant and removable 100% polyester thermal liners provide insulation when you need it.
Pros:
- Comfortable and ergonomic
- High-quality leather construction
- Advanced protection for street riders
Cons:
- Features no waist adjustment straps
The Reax Jackson offers everything a rider looks for in leather motorcycle jackets. It features matte buffalo leather, strategic perforations, elbow and shoulder armor, reinforced super fabric inserts, articulated sleeves, adjustable waist, and zippered cuffs. Other features include arm and shoulder stretch inserts, pre-curved design, waterproof device pocket, cargo pockets, moisture-wicking mesh lining, and neoprene collar and cuff inserts. The jacket is built for the roads with SAS-TEC CE level-2 impact protection.
Pros:
- Durable matte buffalo leather
- Minimalistic lightweight design
- Breathable to keep you cool in the summer
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
Cons:
- The fit is a tad tight
The Dainese Fighter leather jacket offers track-level protection with composite armor and aluminum inserts for your shoulder. Its set of removable protectors complements a resilient D-Skin 2.0 leather and S1 bi-elastic fabric for superior protection on the roads. The jacket is also built for comfort, featuring removable thermal liners, jacket-trouser closure system, elastic collar inserts, waist adjustment, elastic fabric, and inserts. Other specs include seamless thermoformed inserts, internal and external pockets, and optional pockets for chest and back protectors.
Pros:
- Tough leather construction
- Built for sports ergonomics
- Perfect for warm and cold weather
Cons:
- Available in black color only
The Faster Airflow V2 comes with significantly improved features, depicting superb protection, comfort, and flexibility from Alpinestars. It offers premium racing leather with pre-curved sleeves and body for optimal riding. Other specs include accordion stretch panels, elongated rear, TPU shoulder guard, shoulder and elbow inserts, shoulder ventilation inlets, and perforated padded panels.
Pros:
- High-performing materials and construction
- Offers increased airflow
- Padded and comfortable
Cons:
- Not as stylish as other jackets
Alder from BILT is one of the best leather motorcycle jacket designs if you are looking for a more affordable option. At around $150, it features full-grain leather, a classic square-cut design, perforated panels for airflow, detachable quilted liners, and CE-certified shoulder and elbow armor. Its vintage look is perfect for the road, featuring antiqued metal zippers and zipped external chest and handwarmer pockets.
Pros:
- Removable warmers for colder days
- Durable leather construction
- Classic, stylish look
Cons:
- No back padding
Sedici Podio is a sporty-style riding jacket with a 600D Oxford chassis and doubler-layer reinforcements for your elbow and shoulder. The leather jacket features full mesh airflow lining, neoprene rolled-collar comfort, CE level-2 elbow, and shoulder armor, jacket-to-pant connection zipper, and a removable waterproof inner liner. It is designed for hot weather performance but features adequate removable padding to keep you warm. Other features include optional back protector pockets, hook and loop waist adjustment, and YKK zippers.
Pros:
- Perfect for summer riding
- Lightweight and ventilated
- Strong leather construction
Cons:
- Less protection and armor
The Ronin leather jacket from RSD captures modern functionality and on-road protection, a harmony every motorcycle rider needs. It is made of waxed cowhide leather outer and perforated leather interior trims. The jacket features sleeve venting, shoulder and elbow armor, pre-curved sleeves, and elongated back length. Interior chest pockets, device security pockets, satin poly lining, and side zipper waist adjustment are also part of the design.
Pros:
- Resilient leather construction
- Pre-curved fit optimized for riding
- Ventilated and perforated for improved breathability
Cons:
- Arm perforations get cold below 60 degrees
The Aramos Corium + Platinum is one of the best leather jacket designs from Rukka. It features perforated aniline leather that’s windproof and waterproof. The design also boasts zippered vents along the torso sides for airflow control and stretch panels for movement freedom. Other specs include removable thermal liners to keep you warm under cold weather, waterproof external pockets, jacket-to-pant zippers, and D3O shoulder, elbow, and back armor. The jacket is also very comfortable and flexible.
Pros:
- Advanced harsh weather and impact protection
- Pre-curved optimal riding design
- Removable insulation and stretch collar
- Backed by a 5-year warranty
Cons:
- The size runs small
This is another excellent leather motorcycle jacket from BILT. It is made using full-grain leather, paper-punch perforations, and airflow mainlining. Other features include inner sleeve stretch panels, quilted, detachable lining, leather stretch elbow panels, zip entry pockets, and a mobile phone pouch. The jacket also has a stretch neoprene cuff cut-out and removable memory foam back pad.
Pros:
- CE approved armor for better impact protection
- Improved airflow and ventilation
- High-quality, anti-abrasion leather construction
Cons:
- Cuffs and collar aren’t 100% neoprene covered
How to Choose the Best Leather Motorcycle Jacket
Motorcycle jackets are just as essential as helmets, leather gloves, and pants. Most leather jackets are designed to protect riders from harsh weather, impacts, and other elements. However, each design is optimized for unique riding conditions. Here are some of the things to consider when choosing the best leather motorcycle jacket:
Size and Length: You should find the perfect size for your body and riding position. Some models are pre-curved, while others offer smaller or bigger fits.
Armor and Protection: The best leather motorcycle jackets offer impact protection and certified armor to prevent injuries in case of an accident.
Construction: The design and construction are vital if you spend more time riding. Double-stitched and triple-stitched seams offer more durability. Other properties, such as oil resistance, back protection, padding, and comfort are also important.
Ventilation: Choose jackets with perforations and improved airflow, especially if you ride under hot conditions
Waterproofing: You should buy a waterproof jacket with protected pockets and linings, especially if you ride during the rainy season.
Visibility: Find jackets with reflective properties on the back and front to increase safety on the roads. Piping, inserts, and panels are also essential for impact absorption.
Summary
We have provided a list of the ten best leather motorcycle jacket options to help you find one that suits your needs. Some are perfect for winter, while others offer increased airflow for hotter seasons. You can also find cheap and premium options, so it all boils down to your preferences. Note that there are many other reliable riding jackets on the market.