The Best Cafe Motorcycle Jackets for 2024
We'd know - we've hands-on tested 200+ jackets since 2000!
Our picks are based on jackets that offer the best blend of safety/performance, function/features, and price.
Last updated October 2023 by Devan Martel.
About Our Motorcycle Jackets Recommendations
Founded in 2000, our team at wBW has collectively tested more than 2,500 helmets, jackets, boots, gloves, accessories, and more. We do not fluff reviews. A riders safety is heavily dictated by how they ride and what they wear while doing so. Our goal is to help riders make informed decisions about the gear they invest in to protect themselves.
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Best Textile Cafe Motorcycle Jackets
Perfect For Commuting & Cruising In Comfort & Style
Merlin Shenstone Air D3O Jacket
Price: Up to $350
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
This jacket is all about being cool. Seriously, it has mesh paneling front and back to drag in cool air to the body, making it a great option for a summer motorcycle jacket.
But wait…there’s more! If an unexpected rain shower should appear, the Reissa waterproof and breathable membrane can be easily zipped in.
To keep you protected Merlin also gives you D30 armor for the shoulders, elbows, and back. The Shenstone keeps your TT-style cool and safe!
Best For
The cafe rider who appreciates the classic Englishness found in the Merlin Heritage Collection. A rider who does a lot of warm weather seat time, but occasionally requires that 3 season comfort.
Key Specs
• Halley Stevensons 8oz Cotec fabric
• Large ventilation panels at torso and inner arm
• Reissa Active® waterproof / breathable removable liner
• Quilted shoulders
• Hook and loop sleeve adjusters at biceps
• D30 LP1 shoulder and elbow armor included
• Included D30 Viper Stealth back protector
• YKK / Max zippers
• Merlin branded snaps at pockets and wrist closures
• YKK jacket to pants connection zipper
Protection & Safety
There is protection hidden in this stylish garment. D30 LP1 shoulder and elbow armor plus D30 Viper Stealth back protector all included from Merlin.
The Shenstone Jacket takes traditional one step further by honoring its English roots with genuine Halley Stevensons Cotec fabric in the jacket’s abrasion-resistant chassis.
Merlin Barton II
Price:Up to $400
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
If the Merlin Shenstone D30 Jacket is all about being cool, then the Merlin Barton II Jacket is going to be your best friend in colder weather. A thermal liner with 150g of insulation can be added or removed depending on the forecast.
The Reissa waterproof membrane guarantees you stay dry, all while promoting breathability typically unheard of in waxed waterproofing methods. CE level 1 armor is included for the elbows and shoulders, with a pocket for a back pad (sold separately)
Key Specs
• Reissa waterproofing and breathable membrane
• Front and rear ventilation points
• Removable 150g insulated thermal liner
• 4 exterior pockets total (2 chest, 2 side entry with zippers)
• Internal storage pockets
• Padded and quilted shoulder yoke and back panel
Protection & Safety
• D30 CE Level 1 Shoulder & Elbow Armor Included
• Pocket for optional back protector (sold separately)
REV'IT! Eclipse 2
Price: Up to $190
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Our friends at RevZilla have made this jacket a staff favorite for good reason. The REV’IT! Eclipse 2 Jacket comes in a slim/tapered European cut for an unmatched fit and style. Further adjustment tabs on the cuff, upper arms and waists allow you to truly tailor this jacket to your body.
Polyester mesh panels on the front, back, and inner arms effortlessly vent your body to keep you cool in the summer heat. If you like the look of this jacket, be sure to check out the matching pants as well!
Key Specs
• Huge mesh panels on the front, back and upper arms
• Slim/Tapered European Cut with adjustment tabs
• Inner pocket as well as two slit pockets on the front
• Loop to fasten to your jeans
• Wind catcher behind front zipper
Protection & Safety
• Abrasion-resistant 600D polyester construction
• SEESMART CE level 1 Elbow and shoulder armor included
• Pocket for SEESOFT CE level 2 back protector (sold separately)
• CE approved to EN17092 as a Class A Garment
Best Leather Cafe Motorcycle Jackets
Perfect For Cruising, Touring, & Sport Riding
Merlin Gable WP Jacket
Price: Up to $650
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Merlin refers to the Gable jacket as their “most innovative leather jacket yet!” This claim stems from their use of laminated waterproofing on a traditionally-styled leather jacket. The waterproof membrane is laminated directly to the outer shell of the jacket to stop water soaking through, leaving the leather (and the rider) completely dry.
A removable 125g thermal full-sleeved liner is included too for when the temperature really drops.
A five-piece D3O armor set is pre-fitted, and the Gable overall receives the top-level triple-A CE rating.
Key Specs
• 1.3-1.4mm Tape Seamed Single Layer Waterproof Two-Tone Cowhide Leather
• Fixed Mesh Inner Lining To Aid Breathability
• Detachable 125g Thermal Full Body Lining
• YKK® Zippers Used Throughout
Protection & Safety
• D3O® LP1 Shoulder And Elbow Protectors Pre-Fitted (CE Compliance To EN1621)
• D3O® Viper Large (CE Compliance To EN1621)
• CE EN17092 AAA
REV'IT! Ignition 4 H2O
Price: Up to $580
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
REV’IT! Ignition 4 H2O Jacket, AKA the Swiss army knife of leather cafe racer jackets, is a crowd pleasure due to its numerous features. The jacket has both a removable thermal liner, as well as a waterproof liner so that you can adapt to all weather conditions.
Mesh panels on the front and back allow for excellent airflow, while stretch panels on the inner arms and elbows enable an ergonomic fit and added flexibility.
SEEFLEX CE-Level 2 armor is included in the shoulders and elbows, with a pocket for an optional back protector at an added cost.
Key Specs
Cowhide leather panels on the outside arm, shoulders, and sides
• PWR Shell mesh panels on the front and back
• PWR Sheel stretch panels on the inner arm and eblows
• Removable waterproof liner
• Removable Thermal liner
• CE Level 2 armor included in the shoulder and elbows
Protection & Safety
• SEEFLEX RV13 CE-Level 2 Shoulder Armor
• SEEFLEX RV10 CE-Level 2 Elbow Armor
• Pocket for optional SEESOFT CE-Level 2 Back Protector
• CE Level certified EN 17092-3:2020
Roland Sands Ronin CE
Price: Up to $725
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The Roland Sands Ronin CE Leather Jacket delivers detailed cafe style with an aggressive riding fit. The dropped back length and relaxed collar opening ensure you stay comfortable as you ride, while the perforated leather interior trims and sleeve venting keep you cool.
Key Specs
• GT Racer premium full-grain cowhide leather (1-1.2mm thickness)
• Hand finished was, wash and oil for a unique finish, as well as broken in feel
• Dropped back length and relaxed collar opening
• Electronics pocket with a soft lining to prevent damage
• Zip-Up pockets on the sleeve, side waist, front, and interior chest
• Stretchable mesh cargo stuff pockets on the inside
• Perforated leather interior trims and sleeve venting for added airflow
Protection & Safety
• Included CE EN 1621:2021-1 certified SAS-TEC Flex elbow and shoulder armor
• Armor-ready back protector pocket, pad not included
• Approved CE EN 17092:2020 as a Class AA garment
Joe Rocket Classic ’92
Price: Up to $350
Where to Buy: RevZilla | Amazon | J&P Cycles
Why?
The Joe Rocket Classic ’92 provides a similar jacket to the far more expensive Rukka without breaking the bank. It screams cafe with the striping found on the arms and comes in at a very reasonable price point, making this jacket a favorite among buyers.
Best For
Riders seeking a leather cafe jacket with a more relaxed fit than some of the other ‘tighter’ options and at a very accessible price point.
Key Specs
• Zip-in quilted full sleeve liner
• 2 inside utility pockets
• 4 outside pockets
• Adjustable neoprene-lined mandarin collar
• Adjustable waist and cuffs
• 1.5” storm flap at main zipper
• YKK zippers through-out
• Subtle tone on tone badging
Protection & Safety
• Top stitched 1.0 to 1.2mm drum dyed cowhide, specifically tailored for a relaxed fit
• Pockets for optional armor in elbows, shoulders and back (armor sold separately)
Although this jacket doesn’t come with armor included, with the leftover money you will have saved from buying this jacket compared to other options, there should be more than enough left over to fill the included armor pockets with D30 goodness.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cafe Racer Jackets
What defines a cafe racer jacket?
Cafe racer jackets are characterized by their streamlined look, often with hints of 1950s or 1960s aesthetics such as diamond stitched shoulders and heavy duty zippers hidden by a flap that uses push-snap buttons. They are also typically shorter than the “standard” motorcycle jacket, reaching the top of the hips, are are often very close fitting.
How should a cafe racer jacket fit?
A cafe racer jacket should feel snug, but not overly tight. They also have pre-bent arms, but nowhere near as aggressively done as in sportbike jackets. As the jacket is typically shorter than most other styles, the emphasis is on keeping the jacket from riding up during a slide, so the snug fit helps, as well as many cafe racer jackets including a belt look or zip of some kind to keep it down
Can I wear my cafe racer jacket on other types of motorcycles?
While most jackets can be worn for other styles of riding, cafe racer jackets are one of the exceptions to the rule of cross-compatibility. They are designed to be worn on bikes where you are leaning forward 99% of the time. This is due to their shorter nature and tailored fit with a longer back, so if you were to ride with one on a cruiser or standard-seating style bike, you could very well sit on the tail end of the jacket. They’ll still work just fine in protecting you, but it may not be as comfortable as a standard leather or cruiser jacket.
What materials are cafe racer jackets made out of?
The most common material is full grain cowhide, as that is what the original cafe racer jackets were made from. In the modern era, synthetic materials and some textiles have started to appear as options for the entry level class, as they provide the same looks and protection, but with a lower price tag.
How safe are cafe racer jackets?
While a cafe racer jacket might look like the ones from the 50’s and 60’s, modern cafe racer jackets are often as safe as sportbike jackets, including having CE Level I or better armor at the elbows and shoulders, with a pocket for a back protector in the lining. They are often made of 1.0mm or better cowhide, or if textile have a 600D or greater rating, and are often triple stitched at major stress points as they are, from a very distant relation through history, the original sportbike jackets.
Are there specific brands to buy from? Who makes the best cafe racer jackets?
While we don’t play brand favorites here at webBikeWorld, there are some specialist brands out there. These include Merlin, Belstaff, Schott, and Roland Sands Design, among many other brands that have made cafe racer jackets but aren’t completely dedicated to them. These brands include but are not limited to Dainese, Joe Rocket, REV'IT!, Alpinestars, and Scorpion.
What To Look For In An Cafe Motorcycle Jacket
One of the first pieces of gear that most riders purchase is a bike specific jacket. The goal is to protect your body from abrasion related injuries as well as impact injuries, so most riders focus on the armor and density or durability of the shell of the jacket.
However, in many cases, after several rides in that first jacket, riders learn a great deal about what they didn’t know about motorcycle jackets and what they didn’t know about their own priorities and preferences. Finding the Ideal Fit
In the case of non-riding jackets, a perfect fit is not always a big deal. But when you are buying a purpose-built piece of gear to protect your body, the fit is everything. A jacket that is too tight in some areas will restrict your movement and can be very dangerous. And a jacket that is too large can allow armor to shift and fail to provide protection at the elbows, shoulders and even along the spine.
The Cafe jacket remains a simple piece of gear that offers clean lines and for the most part, a subdued appearance much like the Cafe bike. These are shorter jackets that allow the rider to lean forward and reach for the handlebars without impeding the ability to grip the tank with the inner thighs.
The short style of the jacket on the torso and often articulated sleeves also allow for a comfortable transition to a more upright position when stopped or just enjoying the view when seated on your bike to take a break.
Most of the Cafe line of jackets remain true to the tradition of a black or brown leather body but there are a few newcomers who are offering a bit more of a statement when it comes to color and material for the Cafe Jacket.
As With Any Jacket, Look For
Material – Cowhide. Buffalo. Goatskin. Mesh. Textile. There are a lot of types of leather, each with their own perks and quirks in terms of look and feel, and the same is true for textile fabrics. While leather is generally accepted to have the best abrasion resistance, textile jackets often have more utility and comfort options – pockets, vents, etc. – and cost less.
Use case – A jacket that you intend to wear in the spring or fall is going to need to be warm, while the inverse is true if you spent your seat time underneath the hot Arizona sun. If you are going to be hot when riding, make sure you have adequate venting. Consider when you’ll be wearing it and make sure it’s prepared to meet the need.
Protection – Most jackets come with elbow and shoulder armor, but not all do. Conversely, most jackets will come with a foam back pad but not proper back armor. Make sure the jacket you’re considering packs enough armor to keep you safe.
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