Motorcycle Jackets – Protection, Fit, and Style for Every Rider

With over a million motorcycles registered in the United Kingdom, motorcycle riding maintains widespread popularity as a hobby and a primary mode of transportation. However, the exhilarating feeling of freedom on a motorcycle does not come without risk.

Motorcycle riders are significantly more vulnerable on the roads than passengers in enclosed vehicles. According to research by the USA’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are about 24 times more likely to die in an accident per vehicle mile travelled compared to car passengers.

Motorcycle Jackets Guide

Wearing the proper motorcycle jacket is one of the most critical ways riders can protect themselves in a crash. While laws vary by state, at minimum, a durable long-sleeve jacket, full-fingered gloves, long pants, and sturdy over-the-ankle footwear are highly recommended motorcycle gear for street riding.

Good motorcycle jackets should be made of abrasion-resistant materials with impact-absorbing armour that maintains rider mobility while guarding against road rash. Most jackets also include removable thermal liners to provide insulation in colder weather.

Beyond accident protection, motorcycle jackets also serve more basic functions, like shielding the rider from sun, wind, rain, and flying debris.

Breathable fabrics provide ventilation on hot days, and waterproof membranes keep the rider dry on stormy rides. Reflective materials and brightly coloured surfaces additionally improve visibility to other motorists.

With the right motorcycle jacket, the rider can feel comfortable facing the elements so more attention stays on the road ahead.

Choosing the Right Motorcycle Jacket

With so many options on the market, selecting the best motorcycle jacket for your needs deserves careful consideration:

• Type of motorcycle (sport bike, cruiser, adventure touring bike, etc.)
• Types of roads travelled (highways, backroads, off-road, etc.)
• Regional climate and weather patterns
• Preferred fit (race, standard, relaxed, etc.)
• Ventilation preferences (mesh, perforation, waterproof membranes, etc.)
• Aesthetic preferences (colour, style, branded, etc.)
• Optional features (pockets, vents, hood, thermal liner, etc.)
• Safety ratings (CE-approved armour, airbag compatibility, high-vis materials, etc.)
• Budget

Here is an overview of popular motorcycle jacket types to consider:

Leather Motorcycle Jackets

The long-reigning gold standard leather motorcycle jackets continue to deliver maximum abrasion resistance and a timeless biker look. Full-grain cowhide or kangaroo hide tends to offer the most protection.

Modern leather jackets often incorporate stretch panels to ease movement. Perforations provide ventilation, but leather still tends to trap heat on sweltering days. Top-grain leather jackets offer affordability over full-grain with only slightly reduced durability.

Considering its natural insulating properties, leather performs well across three seasons in temperate climates. Prices range widely from around £200 to well over £1,000.

Textile Motorcycle Jackets

For riders favouring greater breathability, textile motorcycle jackets offer versatility across various riding conditions. Blends incorporating ballistic nylon, Cordura, and Kevlar provide nearly as much abrasion protection as leather but with enhanced airflow from perforated, mesh, and waterproof membrane panel designs.

Many textile motorcycle jackets incorporate detachable insulated liners designed for zip-in waterproof integration. Unzip the liner to comfortably ride 20 degrees cooler on a summer day, or zip it in to make the jacket warmer for spring and fall riding.

Textile jackets typically run £100-500, with high-performance racing and adventure touring models reaching upwards of £700.

Armored Motorcycle Jackets

Focusing specifically on impact protection, armoured motorcycle jackets utilize extensive shields combining soft and rigid armour inserts made from polycarbonate, carbon fibre, or composite polymer blends.

Positioned to protect the shoulders, elbows, back, and chest, this armour absorbs and distributes energy from crashes, effectively preventing or reducing injury. Unobtrusive armour maintains flexibility, while removable panels allow customization of protection levels.

Highly ventilated designs aid in the cooling required to wear heavier jackets. Models range from around £250 to over £600 for top racing lines.

Mesh Motorcycle Jackets

For riding in the hottest summer conditions, mesh motorcycle jackets maximize airflow for the ultimate ventilation. Open panels woven from abrasion-resistant synthetics like ballistic nylon or polyester look like netting.

Perforated leather or textile panels provide structure and impact absorption on key vulnerable zones while maintaining cooling airflow. Removable insulated liners allow mesh jackets to work across into cooler temperatures.

Lightweight and packed down small, they make excellent hot-weather riding companions. Budget-friendly mesh jackets under £200 can offer ample safety and cooling comfort.

The Importance of Proper Fit

To provide adequate protection, motorcycle jackets must fit appropriately while riding. Jackets should contour contact points across shoulders, elbows, back and chest without restricting movement or comfort.

Armoured jackets, in particular, depend on precision fitting components for proper impact absorption. Keep the following fit tips in mind when evaluating motorcycle jackets:

• Try on jackets while riding to test mobility and coverage across riding stance arm/torso movement.
• Press into armour plates; minimal shifting ensures proper positioning over vulnerable zones.
• Snug fits improve protection; loose jackets can ride up and expose lower back and forearms.
• Sleeves should reach past wrists while in riding position.
• Don’t size up just for layering; look for jackets with zip-in liners for customizable insulation.

With the right motorcycle jacket, riders can confidently push on in their adventures. Just be sure to choose motorcycle jackets that offer a balance of safety, versatility, comfort, and style tailored to each rider’s needs.

With critical protective factors addressed, riders gain peace of mind to blur the lines of the road ahead.