Review of the 10 Best Motorcycle Jackets

Motorcycle jackets are essential for safety, comfort and style - protecting you from bumps, scratches and the elements. With the global motorcycle apparel market growing from $4.6 billion (2023) to $6.8 billion by 2030 (5.7% CAGR), choosing the right jacket is important. This review features 10 of the best options (including a custom BOWINS jacket) tested for safety, durability and value to help you make your decision.

1. Why a quality motorcycle jacket is important

It's not just a matter of style—CE-certified jackets reduce the risk of injury by 40–60% (Hurt Report, 2002), which is critical since motorcyclists are 28 times more likely to die in crashes (NHTSA). Main advantages:

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

• Abrasion Resistance: Cordura/Kevlar withstands sliding at 60 mph (4-6 seconds, EN 13595).

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

• Ventilation: Mesh increases airflow by 50-70% in summer (Motorcycle News, 2025).

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

2. Key Features to Look Out For

Balance safety, comfort and functionality with the following priorities in mind:

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

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

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

• Comfort: Removable pads, adjustable cuffs, pre-curved sleeves for comfortable riding.

• Fit: European sizes (48–56) + adjustable straps to secure protection.

3. 10 Best Motorcycle Jackets of 2025

Each choice includes key features, pros/cons, and best use cases:

3.1 Jacket BOWINS Custom Touring

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

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

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

• Ideal for: Long trips

3.2 Alpinestars AMT-10R Drystar XF  

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

• Specifications: 20,000 mm/15,000 g/m²; CE-Level 2 protection, mesh ventilation holes

• Pros: Versatility for ADV/off-road | Cons: Heavy, expensive

• Ideal for: Adventure travel

3.3 REV’IT! Tornado 4 H2O  

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

• Specifications: 15,000 mm/12,000 g/m²; CE-1 level protection

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

• Ideal for: Commuting/3 seasons  

3.4 KLIM Artemis (women's)

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

• Specifications: 28,000mm/18,000g/m²; CE AA level armor

• Pros: Great for women, high quality | Cons: Expensive, heavy in summer

• Ideal for: Women's ADV/touring

3.5 Aether Mulholland  

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

• Specifications: 10,000mm/10,000g/m²; CE level armor

• Pros: Stylish, comfortable off the bike | Cons: Poor protection from heavy rain

• Ideal for: City commuting

3.6 REV’IT! Dominator 3 GTX  

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

• Specifications: 28,000mm/20,000g/m²; CE AAA level protection

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

• Ideal for: Luxury Tours/Extreme Conditions

3.7 Klim Badlands Pro A3  

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

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

• Pros: Heavy-duty for ADV | Cons: Heavy, expensive

• Ideal for: Extreme off-road riding

3.8 Oxford Dakar

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

• Specifications: 10,000 mm/10,000 g/m²; CE level 1 protection

• Pros: Affordable, Ventilated | Cons: Basic Protection

• Ideal for: Summer travel on a budget

3.9 Dainese Super Speed 4 Leather  

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

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

• Pros: Sporty cut, high protection | Cons: Doesn't protect from rain

• Ideal for: Sportbikes/Track Days

3.10 Aerostich Roadcrafter  

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

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

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

• Ideal for: Touring/vintage motorcyclists

4. How to choose

• Riding Style: Rated AAA for ADV/touring, AA for commuting.

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

• Budget: $200-$600 (basic); $600 and up (premium).

• Fit: Try with base layers to check for movement.

5. Care tips

• Storage: Hang on padded hangers (do not fold armor).

• Cleaning: Use Nikwax Tech Wash every 6 months; apply DWR annually (increases 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 (reduces risk of injury).

Choose a jacket according to the weather (mesh in the rain = discomfort).

Avoid oversized jackets (protection shifts).

Do not skip maintenance (shortens lifespan).

7. Cost allocation

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

• Maintenance: $15-$45 per year (cleaning/repair).

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

8. Conclusion

The best choice depends on your riding style: a BOWINS Custom Jacket ($350-$450) for solo touring, a REV'IT! Tornado 4 ($370) for budget versatility, or a Klim Badlands ($1,599) for hardcore ADV riding. Check CE ratings and waterproofing, then maintain it with Nikwax to extend its lifespan by 5-10 years. For custom options, contact BOWINS Garment.