Your motorcycle jacket is both your protection while you ride and a visible extension of your personality. It makes a statement about you and your ride. What do you want that statement to be? We’ve reviewed the best leather motorcycle jackets on the market to help you choose the best jacket that lets you make a statement. Moreover, you’ll always make the perfect first impression whenever you set out to ride. Check out what we’ve got for you.
COMPARISON CHART
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
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1. Roland Sands Ronin Leather Jacket
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2. Alpinestars Missile Air Leather Jacket For Tech Air Race
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3. Dainese Racing 3 Perforated Jacket
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4. Joe Rocket Classic ‘92 Jacket
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5. Scorpion EXO 1909 Leather Jacket
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1. Roland Sands Ronin Leather Jacket
Specification
| Armor Pockets | Yes |
| Leather Type | 0.99 cowhide |
| Lining | Poly-Satin |
| Closure | Zipper |
| Venting | Perforated sleeves |
| Size Range | SM-3XL |
Features
- Cafe racer style.
- Snap collar.
- Waxed 0.9 mm thick cowhide.
- Precurved & rotated sleeves.
- Poly-satin lining
- Electronics pocket with screen- safe lining
- Pocketed for shoulder, elbow and back protector armor.
The perfect balance of nostalgic looks and modern technology, the Roland Sands Ronin is as tough as it is good-looking.
WHAT WE LIKE
The ventilation for the Ronin is absolutely top notch. Whether you are idling at a light or moving at speed, you stay comfortably cool all day. The cut add style in combination with the precurved, rotated sleeves gives the Roning the look of a classic cafe racer jacket and the features of the latest cutting edge race wear.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
The hand warmer pockets zip up from the bottom instead of down from the top. That means if you snag a zipper on something it will pull the pocket open instead of keeping it closed tight. Accessory pockets could be a little roomier, too. The hand warmer pockets are fairly large, but the interior pocket and chest zipper pocket run smaller than I anticipated. Additionally, the sleeves trap more moisture when zipped than I’d like.
PROS
- Exceptional ventilation for all weather conditions.
- Stylish classic cut with cutting-edge features.
- Armor-ready pockets
CONS
- Handwarmer pockets zip up, not down.
- Chest and inside pockets are small.
- Internal sleeve lining doesn’t wick moisture as effectively with cuffs closed/zipped.
Where To Buy
2. Alpinestars Missile Air Leather Jacket For Tech Air Race
Specification
| Armor Pockets | Built-in armor, Snap-on back protector (sold separately) |
| Leather Type | 1.3 mm cowhide |
| Lining | Fixed poly-fabric |
| Closure | Zipper |
| Venting | Localized perforation along sleeves and underarms |
| Size Range | XS-5XL |
Features
- Compatible with the Tech Air Race Vest Airbag System, sold separately.
- Internal conduit system for airbags
- Sleeve-mounted LED airbag indicator for airbag system.
- Accordion stretch panels allow for free range of motion.
- Precurved sleeves.
- 3D construction comfort collar with snap closure.
- Built-in Alpinestars GP-R shoulder and elbow protectors.
High-tech materials and streamlining make this the ultimate vented racing jacket.
WHAT WE LIKE
My favorite features are the breathable lining along the sleeves and underarms and the optional airbag system. While the latter isn’t included in the purchase price, the ability to add a full upper-body airbag system and a snap-on back protector makes this an ideal racing motorcycle jacket. Additionally, the accordion stretch panels allow for a greater range of motion despite the added padding and armor panels. All in all, it makes for a protected, comfortable fit in any available size.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
The aesthetic is completely high-tech, so if you aren’t into the space suit look, this probably won’t be your first choice. Additionally, the integrated airbag system is nice, but if you don’t plan on purchasing it, you have a lot of interior space occupied by the conduits and airbag pockets. Speaking of pockets, the hand warmer pockets and interior pockets are not particularly roomy. That’s to be expected for this style of motorcycle jacket, but if you plan to put more than gloves in the hand warmers, this might not be the jacket for you.
PROS
- Integrated armor pads and thick cowhide construction.
- Excellent range of motion.
- Optional integrated airbag system and snap-on back protector.
CONS
- Space Age look isn’t for everyone.
- Airbag system takes up a lot of space if you don’t plan to purchase and install it.
- Pockets don’t offer much space.
Where To Buy
3. Dainese Racing 3 Perforated Jacket
Specification
| Armor Pockets | Co-injected shoulders with aluminum inserts EN 1621.1 Standard, pockets for double chest and back segmented protectors |
| Leather Type | Tutu cowhide leather, CE Category II – 89/686/EEC Directive |
| Lining | S1 Belastic fabric, Micro-Elastic 2.0, Nanofeel with silver ion treatment |
| Closure | YKK Zipper |
| Venting | Chest and side vents, aerated sleeves along the interior side |
| Size Range | XS-4XL |
Features
- Pockets for additional chest and back protector armor
- Vented chest and sides for optimal airflow
- Full leather collar
- Reflective inserts (sold separately)
- Soft inserts (sold separately).
- Thermoformed shoulders with Tutu cowhide leather.
True racing style with integrated armor, the Dainese Racing 3 offers superior protection without compromising comfort.
WHAT WE LIKE
Dainese is best known for their high-end, racing grade jackets. The Dainese Racing 3 is a more affordable version with optional upgrades. The ability to add reflective panels and armor plates for the front and back of this jacket makes it an excellent value. This is especially true with the integrated aluminum and composite shoulder armor, a feature typically found only on much more expensive jackets. Best of all, the cowhide leather shell combined with the breathable, flexible liner gives the Racing 3 exceptional range of motion.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
The Racing 3 only has two hand warmer pockets, so if you tend to keep your phone or wallet in your jacket, this may not be the best choice. Additionally, forearm and elbow armor have to be added since they aren’t integrated. Finally, the collar is an excellent fit for most, but three is no snap closure to keep it from flapping at high speed.
PROS
- High tech integrated shoulder armor.
- Pocketed for segmented chest and back protectors.
- Excellent ventilation and range of motion.
CONS
- Lots of optional accessories for an additional cost,but very little is included.
- Only two pockets.
- No snap closure on collar.
Where To Buy
4. Joe Rocket Classic ‘92 Jacket
Specification
| Armor Pockets | Pocketed at the shoulders, elbow and back |
| Leather Type | 1.0-1.2 mm drum-dyed cowhide. |
| Lining | Polyfabric quilted zip-in full size |
| Closure | YKK Zipper |
| Venting | Underarm perforated leather |
| Size Range | XS-4XL |
Features
- Tailored for relaxed fit
- 2 inside utility pockets, 4 outer pockets
- Neoprene-lined, sweat-resistant adjustable mandarin collar
- All YKK zippers.
- External right-arm key pocket.
This blast-from-the-past motorcycle jacket has all the classic looks purists will love and all the high-tech safety features modern riding demands.
WHAT WE LIKE
As far as style is concerned, this is the epitome of the cafe racer jacket from the 1990s. Supple cowhide, mandarin collar with snap closure, and four generous zippered pockets. The key pocket on the right sleeve is a nice added touch, too. The ability to remove the quilted liner also makes the Joe Rocket ‘92 a motorcycle jacket for all seasons.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
As I see it, the classic style does have some issues that come with the look. For example, there is no sleeve or side ventilation. That means riding on hot sunny days is going to be a lot warmer even with the lining removed. Additionally, while it is pocketed for road armor, the panels are not included. Finally, while the leather is supple and flexible, the sleeves and elbows aren’t precurved and there are no flex gussets. It’s a great jacket if you want the classic look, but you are going to have to deal with the classic amenities, too.
PROS
- Classic retro style
- Generous pocket size
- Right arm key pocket
CONS
- Not well ventilated, even with the quilted liner removed.
- More limited range of motion.
- Sleeves and elbows are not precurved.
Where To Buy
5. Scorpion EXO 1909 Leather Jacket
Specification
| Armor Pockets | Elbow and shoulder Sas-Tec Level 2 Armor, rear pocket for optional back protector. |
| Leather Type | Soft distressed leather. |
| Lining | Removable EverHeat jacket liner with Kwikwick panels |
| Closure | YKK Zipper |
| Venting | Twin rear zippered vents, perforated underarms and sides. |
| Size Range | XS-3XL |
Features
- YKK Antique Brass zippers
- Leather elbow overlays
- 4 external pockets
- 2 internal mesh pockets
- Rib stretch panels
- Adjustable waist straps
- Comfortable padded collar
- Special edition brick-red racing stripe and accent panels.
A modern motorcycle jacket that pays a nostalgic tribute to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Affectionately known as “The Brickyard”, the speedway opened in 1909. It is this date and raceway that gives the Scorpion EXO 1909 its name and signature brick-red racing stripe.
WHAT WE LIKE
For a classic racing style motorcycle jacket, the Scorpion EXO 1909 has an extensive number of modern amenities. From stretchy rib panels to perforated leather venting and integrated armor, this jacket truly has it all. Pockets are roomy and plentiful, and the unique color and styling is sure to make you stand out in any setting.
WHAT WE DONT LIKE
As far as construction goes, the leather outer shell is not as durable as thicker cow hide jackets. Additionally, while there is a pocket for a back protector, the protector itself is sold separately. Finally, the back and sides are vented, but the sleeves are not, allowing moisture to become more easily trapped from the wrists up.
PROS
- Excellent side and back ventilation.
- Good range of motion.
- Integrated armor with optional pocket for back protector.
CONS
- Back protector sold separately.
- Soft leather shell is less durable than cowhide.
- Back and sides are ventilated, but not sleeves.
Where To Buy
Conclusion
After reviewing each of these jackets carefully, my first choice is the Roland Sands Ronin. It’s got the best of both worlds: high tech protection combined with classic style. It’s well ventilated where it matters, and the fit is consistently good across the range of sizes. For the money, the Ronin is the best value for the money. If you’re in the market for a new motorcycle jacket, definitely check out the Roland Sands Ronin first. You would be hard-pressed to find a better value with all the features and style of a much more expensive motorcycle jacket.
