About Our Leather Motorcycle Jacket Recommendations
Founded in 2000, our team at wBW has collectively tested more than 2,500 helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, accessories, and more. We do not fluff reviews. A riders safety is heavily dictated by how they ride and what they wear while doing so. Our goal is to help riders make informed decisions about the gear they invest in to protect themselves.
wBW is funded by our audience. Our recommendations and reviews may contain affiliate links that earn us a small comission if you make a purchase after clicking them. This is the primary way we fund our website and pay our review team (and comes at no additional cost to you). We disclose our relationship with brands or manufacturers for transparency. For more information about our extensive review process, see our review policies.
Best Sportbike Leather Jackets
See more sportbike jacket recommendations.
Alpinestars Missile V2 Ignition
Why?
Packed full of the latest tech from Alpinestars, the Missle V2 features the newly developed level 2 Nucleon Flex Pro armor. This jacket fits like a second skin and moves beautifully with the rider and is Tech-Air® ready and can accommodate the new Tech-Air® 5 Airbag System.
Performance, protection, and style an excellent offering from Alpinestars.
Key Specs
DFS armor delivers optimal resistance against impacts and abrasion, and offers exceptional friction control.
HRSF stretch inserts for optimal abrasion resistance while ensuring enhanced freedom of movement.
Dedicated ‘Ignition’ graphic for a striking racing-inspired aesthetic.
Sport fit – highly pre-curved body and arms for enhanced performance.
Premium bovine leather for superior abrasion resistance.
Chest compartments can accommodate the Nucleon chest inserts (available as an accessory upgrade).
Back compartment can accommodate the Nucleon back inserts (available as an accessory upgrade).
Snap connection system allows integration of the CE-certified Nucleon Race Back protector.
Protection & Safety
Protective and comfortable Nucleon Flex Pro armor is highly flexible and breathable and has a thin profile for optimum rider comfort.
According to European statutory law, the CE mark is a conformity requirement for the marketing of this product.
Fully CE-certified riding garment to CE – Category II prEN17092 standards – AAA class.
Sedici Corsa Perforated
Price: $320
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
For $320, you really can’t do much better!
The Corsa Perforated Leather jacket from Sedici brings the combination of street and race track closer together than ever before.
On the street, you have 1.1 to 1.3 mm thick race-grade cowhide leather, perforated at high heat zones to allow airflow to keep you cool. For the track, you have removable PU elbow sliders, aramid fiber reinforcement for the elbows and forearms, CE level II armor at the elbow and shoulders, and space for a back protector provided.
For both, you have a moisture-wicking mesh liner, tapered wrists to fit inside gauntlet gloves, and all zippers are the highest quality YKK.
Key Specs
1.1mm-1.3mm race-grade cowhide construction
Double and triple safety stitching with an aggressive sport fit
Localized perforation at shoulders chest, torso, and back for maximum airflow
Aramid reinforcement at forearms and elbows
Neoprene and Amara suede inner collar for comfort
Pro racing-derived printed logos and graphics keep weight to a minimum and keeps leather flexible
CE level 2 certified armor at elbow and shoulders
Pocket to add CE back protector (sold separately)
Moisture-wicking anti-microbial mesh liner with 3D air mesh panels
Vented ergonomic shoulder protector with leather insert
Reinforced 4-way stretch inserts at arms and chest
2-piece ergonomic TPU elbow protector with replaceable low friction polyurethane slider
Tapered neoprene wrist cuff with auto-locking YKK zipper
Elasticated leather stretch panels at the shoulders, upper arms, and elbows to reduce fatigue
Short and full connection zipper to attach to leather riding pant to form 2-piece suit
Dual adjusters at hips
Reflective details
YKK zippers used throughout
Protection & Safety
Race grade cowhide is designed to survive slides at speeds over 160 MPH
Removable PU pucks on the elbows give you both track day slide protection, and everyday comfort when removed
CE Level II armor for elbows and shoulders
Aramid (Kevlar) reinforced lining for forearms and elbows, the most likely slide and tumble zones for the upper body on a track
REV’IT! Quantum 2 Pro Air
Price: $320
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Loud, proud, and loaded with aggressive MotoGP energy, the Rev’it Quantum 2 Pro Air performs even better than it looks.
Behind the colorful graphics and aggressive design, one of the most striking features is the new PWR|Fuse air mesh technology. This fabric construction provides ample airflow and has been applied to the top panel of the speedhump, going all the way over the shoulder. It’s like you’re wrapped in a blanket of air.
SEEFLEX™ CE-level 2 elbow, shoulder and back protectors easily surpass the new norm without sacrificing wearer comfort.
Key Specs
Fit: race fit | tight
Adjustability: adjustment strap
Ventilation: ventilation panels | partly perforated outer shell
Features: comfort cuffs | jeans loop | short and long connection zipper | comfort collar | speed hump | stretch fabric | stretch lips
Pockets: inner pockets | slit pocket
Protection & Safety
SEEFLEX™ Level 2 CE protection
Dual compound protective parts at shoulders
Safety seams
TPU protection at shoulder
Prepared for Divided Chest Protector SEESOFT™ CE-level 1 (sold separately)
Prepared for SEESOFT™ CE-level 2 back protector insert – Type RV (sold separately)
Type RV / Size 03 fits 46-48
Type RV / Size 04 fits 50-54
Type RV / Size 05 fits 56-58
Visibility: laminated reflection | laminated reflective logo
REV’IT! Apex
Price: $700
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The REV'IT! Apex Jacket is a road-ready version of its one-piece suit sibling. It features dual comp hard parts at the shoulders and elbows, CE Level 2 shoulder and elbow armor, and strategically placed stretch components for a body-hugging fit.
The Apex Jacket also includes a detachable body warmer, making it ideal for multi-season use. The partially perforated leather outer shell allows for airflow on hot-weather rides.
Key Specs
Outer: cowhide, neoprene, 3D air mesh
Fit: Race fit
Adjustability: adjustment tab
Ventilation: Air inlet, air outlet, ventilation panel, partly perforated outer shell
Features: Comfort collar and cuffs, cuff zipper, soft edge at collar
Pockets: Napoleon pocket and inner pockets
Protection & Safety
SEEFLEX™ Level 2 CE protection
Dual compound protection on shoulders
Safety seams
Pocket for CE Level 1 Divided Chest Protector
Pocket for optional CE level 2 Type RV back protector
Visibility: reflection
Dainese Super Speed 3 Perforated
Price: $850
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The Dainese Super Speed 3 Perforated jacket is a performance motorcycle jacket made for warm weather riding. Featuring a perforated leather outer shell, a removable thermal liner, and Dainese's D-DRY waterproofing technology.
The jacket has CE-rated armor at the elbows and shoulders, and a pocket for a back protector. Dainese jackets are known for their comfort, fit, and protection, while still having excellent ventilation. The jacket is a high-quality option for riders seeking a warm weather riding jacket with premium features and protection.
Key Specs
D-skin 2.0 full grain cowhide leather
S1 bielastic fabric
Air vents on both sides
Waist adjustment
Jacket-to-pants fastening system
Air vents on chest and sides
2 outer pockets
Reflective inserts
Replaceable elbow sliders and shoulder plates
Protection & Safety
Level 2 shoulders and elbows
Seamless aluminum plates on elbows
Pocket for chest protector
Pocket for back protector
Best Cruiser-Style Leather Motorcycle Jackets
See more Cruiser-style jacket recommendations.
Scorpion 1909
Why?
The 1909 is one of the best examples of a classy, modern take on vintage style. The 1909, as you can plainly see, is a good-looking leather jacket that features distressed top grain leather. It pays homage to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which opened in 1909 and helped cement America’s love for auto racing.
The 1909 comes with Sas-Tec CE level 2 armor in the elbows a shoulder and a removable inner-liner that makes the 1909 very comfortable for 3-season riding.
Key Specs
Top-grain leather construction
Removable EverHeat internal liner
Pant zipper/belt loop attachment tab
YKK zippers
Protection & Safety
Soft distressed leather
Sas-Tec Level 2 armor at elbows and shoulders
Pocket at back for optional Sas-Tec back protector (sold separately)
Perforated panels underarms and sides of torso
Two zippered rear vents
Leather overlays at elbows
4 external pockets
Rib stretch panels as side hems
Rear waist adjustment tabs
Zipper closures at wrists
Antique Brass YKK zippers throughout
Padded comfort collar
Two internal mesh pockets
Removable EverHeat jacket liner with Kwikwick panels
8” jacket to pant zipper and rear belt loop attachment tab
Merlin Gable WP
Price: $599
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Merlin refers to the Gable jacket as their “most innovative leather jacket yet!” This claim stems relates to their use of laminated waterproofing on a traditionally-styled leather jacket. The waterproof membrane is laminated directly to the outer shell of the jacket to stop water soaking through, leaving the leather (and the rider) completely dry.
A removable 125g thermal full-sleeved liner is included too for when the temperature really drops.
A five-piece D3O armor set is pre-fitted, and the Gable overall receives the top-level triple-A CE rating.
Key Specs
1.3-1.4mm Tape Seamed Single Layer Waterproof Two-Tone Cowhide Leather
Fixed Mesh Inner Lining To Aid Breathability
Detachable 125g Thermal Full Body Lining
YKK® Zippers Used Throughout
Protection & Safety
D3O® LP1 Shoulder And Elbow Protectors Pre-Fitted (CE Compliance To EN1621)
D3O® Viper Large (CE Compliance To EN1621)
CE EN17092 AAA
Roland Sands Clash CE
Price: $750
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
I love the way RSD does modern, retro, classy, and badass all in a single garment. I guess that just makes sense when the CEO is a former racer and design whiz.
Made from premium grade cowhide, the details in the Clash jacket are everywhere. Beautiful quilting at the shoulders and lower back, unique coffin stitching area on the elbows and the asymmetrical designed front zipper keeps that unmistakable rocker look.
Don’t let the looks of the Clash fool you, underneath that rocker styling is a true performance riding jacket. All seams have been double, or triple stitched and include innovative, low profile CE level 1 armor by SAS-TEC. The Clash CE looks the part and performs even better.
Key Specs
GT Racer premium full grain cowhide leather (1-1.2mm thickness)
Detailed rocker style with shorty snap collar and offset zipper
Aggressive riding fit with rotated, pre-curved sleeves
Dropped back length and relaxed collar opening
Quilted shoulder and lower back accents
Reinforced riveted elbows
Perforated leather interior trims
Zip sleeve pocket, side waist adjust, front pockets and interior chest pocket
Satin poly lining with custom RSD repeat “numbers” heat embossed branding
Soft lined electronics security pocket
Stretch mesh cargo stuff pockets
Protection & Safety
Includes CE EN 1621:2021-1 certified SAS-TEC flex elbow and shoulder armor
Armor ready back protector pocket (back protector sold separately)
CE approved to CE EN 17092:2020 as a Class AA garment
First Manufacturing Vendetta
Why?
Is there a better classic casual look than a well worn leather jacket over a hoodie? No – there’s not, and First Manufacturing has that look nailed with the Vandetta jacket.
Lightweight distressed sheepskin makes the perfect shell over the full sleeve, zip-out, insulated thermal liner. The jacket is fully vented with zippered chest vents. Concealed pockets keep phones and wallets safe, and optional CE 1 armor (sold separately) can provide added rider safety.
It just looks totally right – to wear this jacket when you are gripping some mini-apes.
Key Specs
Generous American cut
Lightweight distressed sheepskin
Mandarin collar
Removable zip-out hoodie
Chest pockets
Two chest vents
Fully vented
Two snap slash pockets
Zipper on each sleeve
Permanent mesh liner
Action back
Full sleeve, zip-out, insulated thermal liner
Concealed carry pockets with tapered holster for a more stable fit
Protection & Safety
Pockets for optional CE 1 armor (sold separately)
Lifetime warranty on hardware and zipper
Best Touring Leather Motorcycle Jackets
See more adventure/touring jacket recommendations.
Joe Rocket Sprint TT
Price: $319
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Made from premium 1.0 to 1.2mm cowhide, the Joe Rocket Sprint TT is a durable and comfortable jacket for the adventure touring rider.
The thermal liner can be removed for when weather temperatures start to go up to help you stay cool. There are pockets for optional shoulder, elbow, and back armor. Its tailored relax fit is an excellent option for touring riders who want protection, style, and comfort on the go.
Key Specs
1.0 to 1.2mm natural cowhide
Tailored, relaxed fit
Quilted detailing at shoulders and elbows
Quilted, removable thermal vest liner
Inside storage pockets
2 hand zippered hand pockets and 2 exterior zippered chest pocket
Mandarin-style collar with snap closure
Zippered cuff opening
Double buckle adjustments at waist
YKK zippers
Subtle stitched Joe Rocket branding
Protection & Safety
Pockets for optional armor at shoulders, elbows and back (sold separately)
Roland Sands Walker
Why?
Leather is not an ideal material for adventure/touring riding, but if you’re doing less “adventure” and more “touring,” you’ll find this Roland Sands Design option a good fit.
First, it does not come with armor so if you want it you’ll need to add it after the fact (around $100 or so all-in). The fit is more relaxed, making it comfortable for long-term wear and riding. This is a two-season jacket, suitable for spring and fall riding.
We picked it because it’s a solid no-frills option with extra length on the back, which helps with riding in “weather.”
Key Specs
1.0 – 1.2 mm buffalo leather
Classic riding fit with lower back length
Protection & Safety
Genuine top-grain 1.0mm-1.2mm buffalo leather
Classic riding fit with rotated, pre-curved sleeves, dropped back length, and relaxed collar opening
Zippered pockets and cuffs
Side adjustable waist tabs
Satin poly lining with custom RSD numbers heat emboss
Soft lined electronics security pocket
Stretch mesh cargo stuff pockets
Armor-ready shoulder, elbow and back protector pockets (armor sold separately)
First Manufacturing Street Cruiser
Why?
This one is a pragmatic choice. The Street Cruiser includes a removable interior liner and hood, both of which add to the Street Cruiser’s 3-season disability factor.
It’s also got a more relaxed “American” fit, with more material around the waist, back, and arms. On long rides, you can choose your level of comfort: liner in/hood on, one or both removed, and so on.
Key Specs
1.0 mm cowhide leather
Chest and back vents
YKK zippers
Protection & Safety
Generous American cut
Soft naked cowhide leather
Concealed gun pockets
Removable hood
Single snap mandarin collar
Vented zipper chest pockets and two lower snap pockets
Grommets for vented underarm comfort
Two inner pockets
Perforated action back
Full sleeve zip out liner
Pockets for optional armor (sold separately)
Other Best Jacket Lists
See all our recommended riding gear.
What To Look For In A Cruiser Motorcycle Jacket
Leather requires more care than a textile material, but its abrasion resistance is top-notch and the small tradeoffs are worth it. However, not every jacket is made equally and there are a few considerations you’ll want to look for when making your pick.
As With Any Jacket, Look For
Material – Cowhide. Buffalo. Goatskin. There are a lot of types of leather, each with their own perks and quirks in terms of look and feel. We recommend Cowhide or Buffalo.
Grade – Not all leather is created equally. “Genuine leather”, for example, is the lowest form of leather that is allowed to be called leather. Look for top or full-grain leather, which will be a bit softer to the touch but uncompromising in terms of durability and abrasion resistance.
Use case – A jacket that you intend to wear in the spring or fall is going to need to be warm, while the inverse is true if you spent your seat time underneath the hot Arizona sun. If you are going to be hot when riding, make sure you have adequate venting.
At WBW, “Best” Actually Means Something
Remember when you could open up a review of something, and when the publication—magazine, car show, whatever—said “best” they stood behind it? Yea, we remember, and we’re bringing it back.
Here’s how we do things:
We disclose our affiliate relationships—We make money via advertising and affiliate relationships on our website. It’s how we pay our team and invest in things like sending Jim to Italy. And Japan. And France… wait… why do we always send Jim places?
We obsessively hands-on test—We wear and ride with gear before reviewing it, and we update reviews down the line if our opinions change. We look at real-world situations because that’s the world we live in.
We’re objective—Good gear is good gear, regardless of who made it.
We’re value-focused—Why pay $500 if something for $250 is just as good? Our review scores and recommendations reflect best value. Brand only goes so far—the gear has to stand on its own.
