Best Motorcycle Jacket for Protection in 2023 (Reviews and Comparison)

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When riding on- or off-road, you want to have the best protective gear possible. One of the most crucial items to ensure is of extreme protection is your motorcycle jacket. From the top features to the detailed specifications, we have put together a well-researched list of the best motorcycle jackets for protection.

COMPARISON CHART

IMAGE PRODUCT
Alpinestars Men's Atem v3 Leather Motorcycle Jacket, Black, 52 1. Alpinestars Atem v3 Jacket
  • D-ring waist adjustment.
  • Inner waterproof pocket.
  • External zippered pockets.
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2. Dainese Smart Jacket
  • MotoGP airbag technology.
  • Can wear over or under any outfit.
  • 26hr battery life
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Alpinestars Men's Bionic Pro V2 Protection Motorcycle Jacket, Black/Yellow, 2X-Large 3. Alpinestars Bionic Action Jacket
  • Has a Kidney belt for secure body protection.
  • Has a premium, auto-lock YKK zipper.
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Pilot Trans.Urban Jacket V2 (Black, Small) 4. Pilot Trans.Urban V2 Motorcycle Jacket
  • Membrane is breathable, water- and wind-resistant.
  • Thermolite liner sleeve length is removable.
  • The level 1 back pad is replaceable.
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Joe Rocket 1651-5003 Atomic Men's 5.0 Textile Motorcycle Jacket (Black, Medium) 5. Joe Rocket Atomic 5.0
  • Removable spine armor.
  • Zipper closure.
  • Cross Linked Ventilation
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1. Alpinestars Atem v3 Jacket

Alpinestars Men's Atem v3 Leather Motorcycle Jacket, Black, 52

Alpinestars Atem leather suits have had a huge success, and the Atem v3 Leather Jacket is continuing this success with its excellent riding performance. This jacket has a range of track-tested performance and protection innovations. It’s designed with premium leather and includes well-positioned stretch panels for an exceptional fit while providing flexibility and comfort.

Solid Build

The Atem v3 jacket is extremely durable with flexible leather aramid stretch panels on the back and chest.

Protection

The entire garment is CE-certified for rider safety and has been subjected to a series of tests that mimic crash-like conditions.

Style

It has 1.3-millimeter thick premium leather with 4-way stretch fabric.

Affordability

This jacket is affordable with a $100 reduction in its original price.

Pockets

There are external zippered pockets with inner waterproof pockets for the safe storage of items.

Venting 

The race-profiled, aerodynamic back-hump is ventilated for great breathability and cooling performance.

Liners 

The raised lining allows air to circulate inside the jacket. 

Climate

It offers optimized levels of climate control.

Riding Style

The removable CE-certified GP-R internal protectors provide lightweight performance.

Armor

This jacket has CE-certified elbow, shoulder and forearm armor.

Night Visibility

There are reflective accents for nighttime visibility.

Comfortable

The Hyper-Res Stretch Fiber inserts on the back and underarms make for excellent fit and comfortability.

Waterproof

It contains inner waterproof pockets for safe storage.

  • Brand: Alpinestars
  • Item Weight: 6.6 pounds
  • Size: XS-3XL
  • Fabric: Stretch/Premium Leather
  • Men/Women Options: No

PROS

  • Excellent protection.
  • Great airflow.

CONS

  • The matching pants come separately.

Where To Buy

2. Dainese Smart Jacket

The Dainese Smart Jacket is designed with an airbag system used in MotoGP™. It’s developed in more than 25 years of research on both the road and track. This convenient vest fits any road situation and monitors any activity around the rider 1,000 times a second. This provides the rider with maximum protection and freedom like no other motorcycle jacket will.

Solid Build

It contains a patented airbag with microfilaments.

Protection

The airbag offers chest and back protection for the rider, which is identical to seven Level 1 back protectors. 

Style

This is a vest that provides airbag protection, meant to be worn under jackets and other outfits.

Affordability

This smart jacket may be considered pricey to others, especially compared to regular motorcycle jackets. If the jacket is triggered, it must be sent back to Dainese for an airbag replacement that you’ll have to purchase. 

Pockets

N/A

Venting 

There’s a soft honeycomb Inside the shoulders of the vest which separates the inner and outer layers for advanced airflow.

Liners 

N/A

Climate

The advanced technology on the vest is able to withstand any downpour or weather conditions. 

Riding Style

The excellent airbag protection ensures an easy and free riding performance.

Armor

This vest has advanced airbag technology. 

Night Visibility

N/A

Comfortable

The stretch fabric makes for a comfortable fit and good range of motion. 

Waterproof

This vest is water-resistant.

  • Brand: Dainese.
  • Item Weight: 4lbs. 
  • Size: XS-XXL.
  • Fabric: Stretch fabric.
  • Men/Women Options: Both.

PROS

  • Excellent protection.
  • Contains data-processing sensors. 
  • Uses MotoGP™ airbag technology.

CONS

  • Not a jacket, but a vest.
  • Lack of a hard shell on the rider’s back.
  • Jacket does not protect you if you’re not in motion. 
  • Does not have a track setting.

Where To Buy

3. Alpinestars Bionic Action Jacket

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Alpinestars Men's Bionic Pro V2 Protection Motorcycle Jacket, Black/Yellow, 2X-Large

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Alpinestars Men's Bionic Pro V2 Protection Motorcycle Jacket, Black/Yellow, 2X-Large

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Alpinestars Men's Bionic Pro V2 Protection Motorcycle Jacket, Black/Yellow, 2X-Large

This Bionic Action jacket has a new, innovative outer shell grid technology that’s extremely lightweight and ventilated. This jacket is of CE certified protection with an engineered ergonomic design. It’s made from a durable elastane stretch mesh and can be combined with Alpinestars Bionic Neck Supports.

Solid Build

This jacket is constructed from a durable elastane stretch mesh with innovative outer shell grid technology.

Protection

Shoulder and elbow, back and divided chest protector are all CE certified.

Style

This jacket has an engineered ergonomic design. 

Affordability

You’ll find this jacket to be quite affordable compared to other motorcycle jackets.

Pockets

N/A

Venting 

The shells of the jacket are highly perforated and vented for maximum air ventilation and breathability.

Liners 

N/A

Climate

The mesh fabric makes it perfect for hot climates, but terrible for cold climates unless worn underneathe something.

Riding Style

This is designed for off-road riding. 

Armor

It’s designed with single-injected shells that are constructed with a back integrated grid structure. 

Night Visibility

N/A

Comfortable

This jacket is extremely lightweight with an ergonomic protection shell contour, which follows the natural curve of the back. This ensures an optimum fit while riding. 

Waterproof

This jacket is not waterproof.

  • Brand: Alpinestars
  • Item Weight: 3.5lbs. 
  • Size: S-XXL
  • Fabric: High performance polymeric blend.
  • Men/Women Options: No

PROS

  • Features a flexible thermoformed Chest Protector.
  • Constructed of slim-fit stretchable fabric.
  • Additional front arm and chest padding.
  • Has a height adjustable kidney belt. 
  • BNS compatible.
  • New Cell Technology back protector.
  • Water bladder compatible.

CONS

  • It isn’t designed for on-road use.

Where To Buy

4. Pilot Trans.Urban V2 Motorcycle Jacket

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Pilot Trans.Urban Jacket V2 (Black, Small)

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Pilot Trans.Urban Jacket V2 (Black, Small)

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Pilot Trans.Urban Jacket V2 (Black, Small)

The Pilot V2 Jacket is a lot like its original, but better. With the same design philosophy, it uses a permanent waterproof mid-layer with a removable thermal liner. It also has CE rated shoulder and elbow protection with the Pilot “Red Tab” system for better ease of finding the liner’s attachment points.

Solid Build

The outer shell is made from Pilotex NPF.

Protection

It has CE rated protection in the shoulders and elbows. 

Style

This is a three-season jacket designed for the heat of the summer. 

Affordability

This jacket is affordable with its very reasonable price.

Pockets

This jacket has: 

  • Chest pockets. 
  • Cargo pockets. 
  • Hand-warmer pockets. 
  • Interior pockets. 
  • Duplicate pockets. 
  • Arm and rear pockets.

Venting 

With ventilation, the use of the permanent waterproof mid-liner is literally a barrier to airflow. The REISSA liner is breathable, but can only let so much air through. However, large vents are provided in the upper area of the sleeves.

Liners 

It’s made with a removable thermal liner that uses Thermolite for insulation.

Climate

This jacket provides more coverage from bad weather.

Riding Style

This is a touring and adventure style jacket. 

Armor

There is Core Force Active Armor within the shoulders and elbows of the jacket.

Night Visibility

This jacket has 3M Scotchlite material configuration for improved night-time visibility.

Comfortable

Their well designed, high quality material makes for a comfortable fit. 

Waterproof

This jacket uses a permanently attached REISSA waterproof mid-liner underneath the main shell.

  • Brand: Pilot Motorsport
  • Item Weight: 4lbs
  • Size: S-4XL
  • Fabric: Poly/nylon fabric. 
  • Men/Women Options: Men

PROS

  • CE approved armor.
  • Waterproof liner.
  • Great pocket storage.
  • Removable Thermolite liner for cold weather.
  • Affordable

CONS

  • Currently not any women sizes available.
  • Thermolite Warmth liner may reduce the ventilation

Where To Buy

5. Joe Rocket Atomic 5.0

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Joe Rocket 1651-5003 Atomic Men's 5.0 Textile Motorcycle Jacket (Black, Medium)

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Joe Rocket 1651-5003 Atomic Men's 5.0 Textile Motorcycle Jacket (Black, Medium)

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Joe Rocket 1651-5003 Atomic Men's 5.0 Textile Motorcycle Jacket (Black, Medium)

This Joe Rocket jacket has the same basic functionality of the previous version. It includes even more functionality for true riding all year round. 

Solid Build

This jacket is constructed of waterproof treated and UV resistant RockTex outer chassis.

Protection

This has CE-rated elbow and shoulder protection with only a non-CE pad for your back.

Style

It’s designed with 360 degree Reflective panels and logos.

Affordability

It is listed at a very affordable price.

Pockets

This jacket includes a nice-sized pocket on the lower back, hand pockets and a Napoleon pocket inside the jacket.

Venting 

It includes extensive venting for summer.

Liners 

There’s an easy install and removable liner.

Climate

It has ​​a full-sleeve liner for cooler temperatures.

Riding Style

This jacket is appropriate for anything from touring to sport riding.

Armor

There’s shoulder and elbow armor with a removable HD spine pad.

Night Visibility

This jacket is of high visibility.

Comfortable

It has a comfortable fit with the arm-length perfect for sport bike riding and upright touring. 

Waterproof

This features built-in waterproofing.

  • Brand: Joe Rocket
  • Item Weight: 4lbs.
  • Size: S-5XL
  • Fabric: Hitena 
  • Men/Women Options: Both

PROS

  • CE approved armour. 
  • Made of hitena material outer shell.
  • Features variable flow ventilation system.

CONS

  • Inferior quality stitching.

Where To Buy

Conclusion

These may be our top chosen motorcycle jackets for protection, but our final recommendation is the “Alpinestars Atem v3 Jacket”. With its CE certified garment, high-quality material and extreme protection all throughout the jacket, we believe this to be the best choice. For more information, visit our website or contact us today.

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