Top 8 Best Motorcycle Jackets Review & Buying Guide 2022

If you ride a motorcycle, then you’re almost certainly going to need a motorcycle jacket. The needs of each individual may vary to some extent. However, the core requirements of having something to keep you warm, dry, and safe in the event of an accident are usually constant.

These days the choice of motorcycle jackets has never been better. To help narrow down the search, I’ve compiled a list of some of the best motorcycle jackets currently available to find one that’s right for you and your motorcycle. So, let’s get to it and take a closer look…

Top 8 Best Motorcycle Jackets on the Market in 2022 Reviews

1 Adventure/Touring Motorcycle CE Armored Waterproof Jacket ADV 4-Season – Best Rated Motorcycle Jacket

This jacket will give you a lot of features and quality for a very fair price. It comes in a choice of three colors and is available in sizes from a small to an extra extra extra large. It’s not a bad range, but we’d have like to see an extra small in there as well.

The jacket is made from 600D Cordura fabric and comes with reflective strips on the HWK logo and piping. It’s waterproof, yet thanks to its Reissa inner membrane, it still retains a good level of breathability. To further helps keep the air circulating, there are air vent panels at both sides of the jacket. This makes it very much an all-seasons motorcycle jacket.

But that’s not all…

It’s well made and features strong quality zips. The cuffs and the waist also have adjustable Velcro fasteners to ensure you get the best possible fit. Plus, the neck has a neoprene-lined collar to keep the water out and keep you dry and comfortable.

The back, shoulders, and elbows have removable body armor panels. These can be taken out and replaced if needed. They are all CE certified but only to level 1, so the quality could be better.

More positively…

There’s no doubt that this is one of the best motorcycle jackets for pockets. It got loads of them, and they’re all well sealed from the elements. The zips also make them easy to access. One final useful feature is the connection zip at the waist. This allows you to zip on a pair of motorcycle trousers and is a great way to keep yourself extra warm and dry.

It’s a very convincing package that also comes with a five year guarantee that’s found on all HWK products. Now that’s a lot of confidence in your product and something we always like to see.

2 LEATHER ARMOR BIKER MOTORCYCLE JACKET – Best Leather Motorcycle Jacket

One thing we can say for sure is that if you buy this, it will never go out of style. This kind of leather biker jacket has been around for over 60 years and will doubtless be around for 60 more.

It looks fantastic…

It’s made from genuine leather and has a café racer-inspired style. The cuffs and the waist are adjustable to help you achieve a snug fit. You also get plenty of zipped pockets. What’s more, these are genuine YKK zips, which is impressive given the low cost. Additionally, the rust-free buttons are a nice inclusion at this kind of price.

Other features include a concealed carry pocket built-in for carrying a firearm. A more modern inclusion is a pocket for your mobile phone. Presumably, this means you can shoot someone and then quickly call for an ambulance and the cops.

But how does it hold up in bad weather?

The jacket is suitable for most weather conditions. It has a removable thermal liner and a breathable micro-mesh liner. It’s advertised as an all-season jacket though quite frankly, we think that’s a little optimistic. In the middle of winter and during heavy downpours, it’s likely to be found somewhat wanting.

For your safety…

You get removable body armor for the shoulders, elbows, and spine. The back protector also features extra spine protection. All of the armor is CE certified, and although it’s not the very highest quality, it still offers much better protection than most leather café racer jackets.

Finally, it comes with a lifetime warranty. Admittedly, for you, this might not be very long since you’ll be busy riding at 100mph and shooting people. However, it’s still worth hanging onto that receipt just in case.

3 Motorcycle Jacket Motorbike Riding Jacket Windproof Motorcycle – Best Mid Range Motorcycle Jacket

This stylish jacket comes in a choice of either black, blue, or red. All of them have a large reflective strip on the front and back to help you be seen. You get a choice of sizes ranging from medium to extra, extra-large. In our opinion, this is a very limited range and should be a lot better.

It’s made from 600 denier Polyester. It’s tough and hardwearing though unfortunately, it’s not completely waterproof. More positively, it’s windproof and also comes with a warm and removable cotton liner.

Unlike a lot of liners…

This one includes full-length sleeves. Together with the thick, high-quality jacket fabric, it’s good enough to keep you warm on even cold winter days.

The jacket can be adjusted at the waist and cuffs. It has zipped pockets at the front. Frankly, these could be bigger, and we’d have liked to see more pockets. This would ideally include a dedicated pocket for a mobile phone.

One of the best features…

What we really loved was the specially designed armor pockets. The jacket comes with removable armor, which is already a better standard than most. If you want to switch the armor out pockets, make it a quick and easy process.

The jacket is made from a highly abrasion-resistant fabric. This means that together with the addition of the armor, you have a chance of walking away from an accident relatively unscathed. We’re sure you’ll agree a very positive feature.

4 Alpinestars Men’s Viper V2 Air Motorcycle Jacket – Best Value Motorcycle Jacket for the Money

This is a well-known quality brand that produces a range of motorcycle apparel. The jacket represents a significant crease in cost over the other motorcycle jackets in our review, but the price differential is more than justified.

Here’s what you get…

This has upgraded styling and is an updated version of the outgoing Viper V1. Sizes range from a small to a 4XL. The size and cut are more European than American. The sizes run very much true, and if you follow Alpinestars size-chart, you should get a good fit.

It’s made from a combination of 400D and 600D material on the impact zones. The rest of the jacket is put together using a double mesh which helps to enhance airflow and improve breathability. Most of the front of the jacket uses double mesh, which promotes huge air movement and rider comfort.

Strength and comfort…

The armor on the shoulders has been upgraded to CE-certified level 2. This is stronger and also more comfortable in comparison to level 1 armor. It should be noted that no back protector is included with the jacket, so you should source one before thinking of going out for a ride.

The sleeves have simple but effective Velcro fasteners. There are also Velcro fasteners at the waist. Both are easy to use, even when wearing gloves, and they don’t lose their grip over time.

But you should know…

There are just two zip pockets at the front, which is sufficient but could be better. However, the rear of the jacket, on the left-hand side, has an all-new rabbit pouch. This is made for storing the removable windproof liner. Another pocket can be found on the inside. This is fully waterproof and is a great place for storing your phone when it’s raining.

5 ALPHA CYCLE GEAR BREATHABLE BIKERS RIDING PROTECTION MOTORCYCLE JACKET MESH CE ARMORED – Best Budget Motorcycle Jacket

This is an inexpensive but well-made motorcycle jacket. It’s possibly one of the best motorcycle jackets for the budget conscious rider as-is offers lots of quality and features for not a lot of money.

It comes in a choice of six sizes and five colorways. To help you achieve the very best fit, it’s adjustable at both the waist and the cuffs. Plus, you can tighten up any loose material at the forearms and biceps to stop the excess material from billowing around.

But that’s not even the best part…

It comes with fully removable armor at all the important impact points. These are at the shoulders, elbows, and back. The armor is all CE certified, though like most armor at this price point, it’s only level 1 certified. For your further protection, the jacket has 1000D Cordura at all the impact points.

There are plenty of pockets. It has two on the outside, with YKK zips and one on the inside for your phone. Additionally, there are two hands warmer pockets. Plus, there’s a concealed carry pocket to make it easier when you want to shoot someone.

Surprisingly…

For a jacket at this kind of price, you get air mesh fabric at both the front and back to keep you nice and cool on warmer days. On colder days, things may get chilly as there’s no removable thermal liner.

Finally, you even get ten years warranty against any defect. That makes this already affordable jacket just that little bit better. It’s a great deal in our opinion.

6 JYG Men’s Faux Leather Motorcycle Jacket – Best Faux Leather Motorcycle Jacket

This looks like a real leather jacket but comes at a fraction of the cost of the real thing. It comes in a choice of five great colors, and we’re pleased to say that they all look very, very similar to real leather jackets. You have to look very closely to tell the difference.

It is styled in a contemporary rather than retro style. The removable hood undoubtedly gives it a much more modern feel. The hood is also a welcome addition for keeping your head nice and warm when you’re walking around without your helmet on.

And the best part?

It has plenty of pockets which include two zipped ones on the front. Additionally, there are hand-warming pockets. Plus, there’s a flap pocket on the chest, secured by a stud, for keeping your phone, wallet, and keys.

Sadly, there are no pockets on the inside which we feel is a bit of a miss. More happily, the inside does have a soft-touch lining. However, there’s no thermal lining, so it’s not going to be best for wearing in the warmer months.

We must warn you…

The jacket claims to be waterproof, but we’d not like to put it to the test in a heavy downpour. We also wouldn’t like to put it to the test on hot days and long rides since there’s very little to help circulate the air.

Another issue is that that there’s no body armor or place to insert it. We would therefore only recommend this for low speed and occasional riding. It’s probably best suited for riders with scooters or small-sized motorcycles.

7 FLY Racing Terra Trek Adventure Motorcycle Jacket – Best Premium Motorcycle Jacket

This is the most expensive on our list and one of the best motorbike jackets you can buy at this price point. It offers superior quality, features, and protection in comparison to a lot of similarly priced jackets.

So, is it worth the relatively higher cost?

We think so. Here’s why.

The jacket comes in an excellent choice of sizes that also enables you to specify a standard or long tail. It is made from an advanced poly-fabric that provides high levels of waterproofing, insulation, breathability, and windproofing. These qualities make it ideal for touring and all-weather riding.

But that’s not all…

The fabric is also super-resistant to ripping and tearing, which is very welcome in the unlikely event of a crash. Other features designed to protect you include the inserted high-quality removable armor. The jacket is anatomically designed to reduce fatigue on your arms and shoulders on long rides.

It’s also multi-adjustable to ensure you achieve the very best fit. Both advanced and welcomed pieces of design.

A place for everything…

It has an excellent selection of pockets on the outside and inside. All of the zipped pockets have aqua guard zips to keep your things dry. There is also a zip attachment for motorcycle trousers should you choose to wear them.

Other features include a removable thermal liner, neoprene collar, and a collar container. All in all, this is a high-quality jacket that uses some of the best materials and production methods.

8 Cuber Motorcycle Mesh Jacket Riding Air Biker Jacket – Best Motorcycle Jacket with Armor

If you live in a hot country or an area with a hot climate, or if you live in a region where the summers are very warm, then we have exactly the right jacket for you.

Most best jackets for motorbike concentrate on providing a high level of insulation against the cold, wind, and rain. We get that. In the majority of circumstances, these are highly desirable features. However, in better weather, these kinds of jackets can be overly hot and restrictive. And that’s even if they’ve had their removable insulated liners taken out.

The Cuber Motorcycle Mesh Jacket is different…

It is designed with only hot and summer days in mind. The majority of the jacket is taken up with wide mesh panels. These almost entirely cover the front, rear, and sleeves. It’s also lined, and this is again made from a highly breathable material.

A motorcycle jacket is nothing without built-in protection. The Cuber jacket, thankfully, has you covered on this score. All the major points of impact are made from 600D Cordura. Additionally, you get removable CE-certified armor at the shoulders, elbows, and back.

White is the new black!

The armor is only level CE 1 certified, which we’re sure you’ll agree could be better. However, it can be easily switched out for something stronger. It might also be worth considering getting white armor if you choose the white jacket. This is because the darker armor supplied with the jacket shows through and kind of spoils its sharp lines.

All in all, this is a highly stylish jacket, and we believe one of the best jackets you can buy for riding in the summer or hot weather. It looks super cool too!

Best Motorcycle Jackets Buying Guide

Jacket Material

600D Cordura

One of the most popular choices of material for a motorcycle jacket is 600D Cordura, and for good reason. Firstly, it’s tough and hardwearing, but more importantly, it’s highly tear-resistant, which is imperative in the unlikely event of an accident. Another great quality is that it’s waterproof. Plus, it’s wind-resistant too.

Leather
Leather is the second most popular choice. Good quality leather will undoubtedly offer great resistance against tearing. It will also keep the wind chill down. However, it’s second-best when it comes to its ability to keep out the rain.

Faux leather
Faux leather motorcycle jackets are less popular but still have their place. These days, they can look so convincing that you’d be hard pushed to tell them apart from a real leather alternative. However, although they look the same, they won’t perform as well in keeping out the cold or protecting you in the event of a fall. Their main advantage is that they’re significantly less expensive.

Insulating Properties

It’s important to stay warm, and we generally expect motorcycling jackets to keep us well-insulated against the cold. The best jackets have insulated linings. If you ride in very cold conditions, it’s best to have an extra thick lining that also covers the full lengths of the sleeves as well as the torso.

The FLY Racing Terra Trek Adventure Motorcycle Jacket is the best on our list for providing high levels of insulation. It has a specially designed thermal liner, and in combination with the advanced poly-fabric, it will keep you nice and warm.

Breathability

This is one of the most difficult things to get right. Trying to balance good levels of ventilation with protection against the cold and wet, as well as protecting against tearing, is not easy.

Most jackets get around this by integrating breathable mesh areas and panels into the jacket. This works reasonably well though the more mesh then the potentially colder it will be for the wearer when the weather turns bad.

Another way motorcycle jackets improve breathability is by using a removable liner. Once this is taken out, it increases airflow and improves the cooling effect. Our choice for the warmest but most breathable jacket is the FLY Racing Terra Trek Adventure Motorcycle Jacket.

But for summer…

Where breathability is key, when staying warm and dry are of secondary importance, the Cuber Motorcycle Mesh Jacket is hard to beat. This is an out-and-out summer motorcycle jacket that offers an unparalleled level of breathability.

Body Armor

Body Armor on a motorcycle jacket is essential for any serious amount of riding other than for at low speeds. If it doesn’t have it, then don’t buy it. It’s honestly as simple as that.

Why?

Body armor will potentially save you from life-changing injuries, so we urge you never to ride, other than maybe around town on a scooter, without proper protection. This, of course, also extends to your hands, legs, feet, and head.

These days, most motorcycle jacket body armor can be removed. Body armor in a jacket should cover all the vulnerable parts of your upper body. These include your shoulders, elbows, and back. The armor should have a minimum of CE level 1 certification and should also be easy to remove.

Which motorcycle jacket has the best body armor?

The best body armor of all the jackets in our review is in the Alpinestars Men’s Viper V2 Air Motorcycle Jacket. This has CE-certified level 2 armor. If the jacket you but has level 1 CE certified armor, we’d urge you to switch it out for something stronger to give yourself better protection.

What other motorcycle accessories do we recommend?

To find out, check out our reviews of the Best Motorcycle Rain Gear, the Best Motorcycle Trunks, the Best Vintage Motorcycle Helmets, the Best Heated Motorcycle Gear, and the Motorcycle Tank Bags you can buy in 2022.

Before you go, pop on over to our Best Motorcycle Covers Review and our product reviews of the Lightest Motorcycle Helmet, the Best Fingerless Motorcycle Gloves, the Best Motorcycle Backpacks, and the Best Motorcycle Phone Mounts currently on the market.

So, which is the very best of the Best Motorcycle Jackets?

So, there you have it. We hope we have shown that even some of the best jackets for motorcycles don’t necessarily need to break the bank. We also hope you found something within your budget and that best meets your needs.

Although we’d be happy to wear any of the motorcycle jackets on the list, if we had to choose just one, it would be the…

FLY Racing Terra Trek Adventure Motorcycle Jacket

We like it because it uses tough super-tear-resistant material. Additionally, it’s warm, breathable, and waterproof. Plus, it can be specified with a long tail, and it has a good choice of waterproof pockets.

Happy riding!