The 10 Best Motorcycle Jackets Review

Motorcycle jackets are essential for safety, comfort, and style—shielding against impacts, scrapes, and weather. With the global motorcycle apparel market growing from $4.6B (2023) to $6.8B by 2030 (CAGR 5.7%), choosing the right one matters. This review highlights the top 10 options (including a BOWINS custom jacket) tested for safety, durability, and value, to help you decide.

1. Why a Quality Motorcycle Jacket Matters

It’s not just style—CE-rated jackets cut injury risk by 40–60% (Hurt Report, 2002), critical since motorcyclists are 28x more likely to die in crashes (NHTSA). Key benefits:  

• Impact Protection: CE-Level 2 armor absorbs 80% of impact (EN 1621-1).  

• Abrasion Resistance: Cordura/Kevlar handles 60 mph slides (4–6 seconds, EN 13595).  

• Weather Shield: 10,000–28,000 mm waterproofing (ASTM D3393) and 10,000–20,000 g/m² breathability (ASTM E96).  

• Ventilation: Mesh boosts airflow by 50–70% for summer (Motorcycle News, 2025).  

• Durability: 500–1000D textiles last 5–10 years with care.  

2. Key Features to Look For

Balance safety, comfort, and function with these priorities:  

• Safety: CE AA/AAA ratings (EN 17092); Level 2 armor for shoulders/elbows/back.  

• Weather: 20,000 mm/15,000 g/m² works for all seasons (Gore-Tex for rain, mesh for heat).  

• Durability: 600–800D Cordura/Kevlar (1000D for off-road, 500D for cities).  

• Comfort: Removable liners, adjustable cuffs, pre-curved arms for riding posture.  

• Fit: Euro sizing (48–56) + adjustable straps to keep armor in place.  

3. Top 10 Motorcycle Jackets for 2025

Each pick includes core specs, pros/cons, and best uses:  

3.1 BOWINS Custom Touring Jacket  

Price: $350–$450 | Weight: 3.5 lbs | Material: 800D Cordura, Gore-Tex Pro  

• Specs: 28,000 mm/15,000 g/m²; CE-Level 2 armor, removable liners  

• Pros: Tailored fit, all-season | Cons: Custom cost/lead time (2–4 weeks)  

• Best For: Long tours  

3.2 Alpinestars AMT-10R Drystar XF  

Price: $600 | Weight: 4.2 lbs | Material: DrystarXF, 600D  

• Specs: 20,000 mm/15,000 g/m²; CE-Level 2 armor, mesh vents  

• Pros: Versatile for ADV/off-road | Cons: Heavy, pricey  

• Best For: Adventure riding  

3.3 REV’IT! Tornado 4 H2O  

Price: $370 | Weight: 3.3 lbs | Material: Hydratex mesh, 600D  

• Specs: 15,000 mm/12,000 g/m²; CE-Level 1 armor  

• Pros: Affordable, breathable | Cons: Less crash protection  

• Best For: Commuting/3-season rides  

3.4 KLIM Artemis (Women’s)  

Price: $770 | Weight: ~3.5 lbs | Material: Gore-Tex, Cordura  

• Specs: 28,000 mm/18,000 g/m²; CE-Level AA  

• Pros: Great fit for women, premium | Cons: Expensive, heavy summer  

• Best For: Women’s ADV/tours  

3.5 Aether Mulholland  

Price: $650 | Weight: 3.8 lbs | Material: Stretch Cordura  

• Specs: 10,000 mm/10,000 g/m²; CE-Level armor  

• Pros: Stylish, off-bike comfort | Cons: Poor heavy rain protection  

• Best For: Urban commutes  

3.6 REV’IT! Dominator 3 GTX  

Price: $1,200 | Weight: 4.8 lbs | Material: Gore-Tex Pro, Armacor  

• Specs: 28,000 mm/20,000 g/m²; CE-Level AAA  

• Pros: Top protection, all-weather | Cons: Very expensive/bulky  

• Best For: Luxury tours/extreme conditions  

3.7 Klim Badlands Pro A3  

Price: $1,599 | Weight: 5.5 lbs | Material: Gore-Tex Pro, Kevlar  

• Specs: 28,000 mm/20,000 g/m²; CE-Level AAA  

• Pros: Ultra-durable for ADV | Cons: Heavy, costly  

• Best For: Hardcore off-road trips  

3.8 Oxford Dakar  

Price: $200 | Weight: 3.0 lbs | Material: Dry2Dry textile, mesh  

• Specs: 10,000 mm/10,000 g/m²; CE-Level 1 armor  

• Pros: Budget-friendly, ventilated | Cons: Basic protection  

• Best For: Summer budget rides  

3.9 Dainese Super Speed 4 Leather  

Price: $800 | Weight: 4.0 lbs | Material: D-Skin 2.0 leather  

• Specs: 12,000 g/m² (not waterproof); CE-Level 2 armor  

• Pros: Sporty fit, high protection | Cons: No rain resistance  

• Best For: Sportbikes/track days  

3.10 Aerostich Roadcrafter  

Price: $1,197 | Weight: 3.8 lbs | Material: HT200D Gore-Tex  

• Specs: 20,000 mm/15,000 g/m²; CE-Level 2 armor  

• Pros: Lightweight, USA-made | Cons: Expensive, niche style  

• Best For: Tours/retro riders  

4. How to Choose

• Riding Style: AAA-rated for ADV/tours, AA for commutes.  

• Climate: 20,000–28,000 mm for rain; mesh for 80°F+ days.  

• Budget: $200–$600 (basic); $600+ (premium).  

• Fit: Try with base layers to check mobility.  

5. Care Tips

• Store: Hang on padded hangers (avoid folding armor).  

• Clean: Use Nikwax Tech Wash every 6 months; reapply DWR yearly (boosts performance by 15–30%).  

• Repair: Tenacious Tape (textile) or leather kits (save 15–20% on replacements).  

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t prioritize style over CE ratings (cuts injury risk).  

Match jacket to weather (mesh in rain = discomfort).  

Avoid oversized jackets (armor shifts).  

Don’t skip maintenance (shortens lifespan).  

7. Cost Breakdown

• Jackets: $200 (budget) – $1,599 (premium).  

• Maintenance: $15–$45/year (cleaning/repairs).  

• Example: Year-round commuter = REV’IT! Tornado 4 ($370) + Nikwax ($25) + tape ($10) = $405 total.  

8. Conclusion

The best pick matches your ride: BOWINS’ custom jacket ($350–$450) for tailored tours, REV’IT! Tornado 4 ($370) for budget versatility, or Klim Badlands ($1,599) for hardcore ADV. Check CE ratings and waterproofing, then care for it with Nikwax to extend life 5–10 years. For custom options, contact BOWINS Garment.