The Best Sportbike Motorcycle Jackets for 2025
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 February 2025 by Devan Martel.
About Our Sportbike 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.
wBW is funded by our audience. Our recommendations and reviews may contain affiliate links that earn us a small comission if you make a purchase after clicking them. This is the primary way we fund our website and pay our review team (and comes at no additional cost to you). We disclose our relationship with brands or manufacturers for transparency. For more information about our extensive review process, see our review policies.
Best Entry-Level Sportbike Motorcycle Jackets
Priced under $300.
Speed And Strength Moment Of Truth Jacket
Why?
In my best Jack Nicholson voice “You can’t handle the Truth!” Wrap yourself in the Speed and Strength Moment of Truth Jacket and then I am sure you could.
The Moment of Truth jacket delivers great abrasion resistance from a mix of AR600 and AR400 fibers. The shoulders and elbows have CE level 2 protection and the back protector is a CE Level 1. Expect 3 season rideability with the Speed zip controlled ventilation and two zippered hand warming pockets that will keep your digits toasty.
All this for $200 is definitely a truth you can handle.
Key Specs
• Combined AR600 textile and AR400 super stretch-fit frame
• 2 zippered hand warmer pockets.
• Internal stash pocket
• Speed Zip controlled ventilation
• Lockdown waist adjusters
• Molded Strong Arm sleeve adjusters
• Belt loops for pant attachment
• YKK main zipper opening
• Microfiber-lined collar and cuffs
• Reflective trim
• Face shield pocket
Protection & Safety
• Removable Vault CE Level 2 approved shoulder and elbow protectors
• Removable Vault CE Level 1 approved back protector
REV’IT! Eclipse 2 Jacket
Price: Up to $190
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
New and improved from the previous model, the Eclipse 2 Jacket has all the features you loved from the Eclipse, alongside enhanced mesh panels for maximum ventilation and CE-certified armor at the shoulders and elbows.
Key Specs
Fit:
• Slim/Tapered European cut
Construction:
• Abrasion-resistant 600-denier polyester construction
• Mesh lining
Ventilation:
• Polyester mesh panels at the front, back and inner arms
Comfort:
• Adjustment tabs at the cuffs, upper arms and waist
• Wind catcher behind front zipper
Pockets:
• Inner pocket
• Two slit pockets on front
Other Features:
• Jeans loop
• V-flap at cuff
Protection & Safety
• 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
Alpinestars T-GP Plus R v4 Airflow Jacket
Why?
The T-GP Plus R V4 jacket is available in two versions but we've chosen for the Airflow version as our top pick because who doesn't love a bit of ventilation?
Complete with a 450D poly-fabric construction and a mesh interior comfort liner, the T-GP Plus R V4 is a great fit for budget conscious riders for warm-to-hot weather conditions.
Key Specs
• Mesh interior comfort liner
• Cut longer on the back for greater coverage in a sport riding position
• Multiple stretch panels throughout the jacket
• Hook and loop adjustable waist and cuffs
• Pre-curved arms to eliminate a break in period
• Extensive mesh panel on the chest and back
• Two zippered external pockets and one internal pocket
Protection & Safety
• DFS Lite shoulders for superior friction control
• Nucleon Flex Plus shoulder armor
• CE approved to EN17092-4 as a Class A garment
• Pockets for back protector and split chest (sold separately)
• Tech-Air ready
Best Mid-Range Sportbike Motorcycle Jackets
Priced $300 - $500.
REV'IT! Tornado 4 H20 Jacket
Price: Up to $370
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Replacing the Tornado 3 (our previous top pick) is the REV'IT! Tornado 4 H20 Jacket. This is the new and improved version of the beloved Tornado 3, and with it come superior waterproof capabilities. This makes it the perfect fit for all-season riding and even-changing weather conditions.
Key Specs
• Outer shell: polyester rib, PWR|shell mesh, PWR|shell 750D, PWR|wax 500D,
• Insulation: detachable 2-in-1 thermal liner & membrane
• Waterproofing: detachable hydratex 3L liner
• Composition:
Outer shell: 100% polyester
Outer shell mesh: 100% polyester
Outer shell elbows: 100% polyamide
Lining: 100% polyester
Membrane: 100% polyamide (100% polyurethane coating, insulation 100% polyester)
• Ergonomic Features:
Adjustability: flex snap, adjustment straps at upper arms and hips, adjustment tab at cuffs
• Ventilation: ventilation panels at chest, back and sleeves
• Features: prepared for Challenger Cooling vest insert, prepared for Vest Connector HV, collar hook, stretch lips at elbows, double short connection zipper, zipper at cuff
• Pockets: slit pockets, inner pockets
Protection & Safety
• Removable composite protectors certified to EN 1621.1 standard
• Aluminum inserts on the shoulders
• Pockets for back protector and chest protector.
Joe Rocket Classic '92 Leather Jacket
Why?
The name says it all
The Joe Rocket Classic ‘92 Jacket is sure to bring you back to your youth with its bad-boy rocker look. The straight fit from the shoulders through to the waist is sure to compliment your handlebar mustache and greased back mullet your wife’s been begging you to get rid of.
We didn’t pick the Joe Rocket Classic ‘92 Jacket based purely on its looks! A total of 6 pockets allows you to carry the essentials as you tear up the city streets. An adjustable neoprene-lined collar, waist, and cuffs let you tailor the jacket's fit to your body, all while premium cowhide leather keeps you protected from the road.
Note: This jacket has an American fit which is not tapered and relatively straight from the shoulders through to the waist. If you have a broad chest and slimmer waist, you may have extra room in the waist of the jacket.
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)
Icon Motorhead 3 Jacket
Why?
The Icon Motorhead 3 Jacket claims to be the first, and last jacket you'll ever need to buy. With features such as laser-cut perforated ventilation, a removable waterproof liner, removable insulated liner, and D30 armor, I'm inclined to believe them!
Key Specs
• Icon sport fit
• Laser cut perforated zones for increased airflow
• Zipper vents at shoulders, cuffs and back
• Removable waterproof liner
• Removable insulated vest liner
• Adjustable waist straps
• Stretch panels for comfort fit
Protection & Safety
• D30 removable back, elbow and shoulder impact protectors
• CE certified to EN 17092-3:2020 as a class AA garment
• Brazilian cowhide and textile construction
Best High-End Sportbike Motorcycle Jackets
Priced over $500.
Alpinestars Missile V3 Ignition Leather Jacket
Why?
Packed full of the latest tech from Alpinestars, the Missle V3 features the newly developed level 2 Nucleon Flex Pro armor. This jacket fits like a second skin and moves beautifully with the rider and is Tech-Air® ready and can accommodate the new Tech-Air® 5 Airbag System.
Performance, protection, and style make this jacket an excellent offering from Alpinestars.
Key Specs
•DFS armor delivers optimal resistance against impacts and abrasion, and offers exceptional friction control.
•HRSF stretch inserts for optimal abrasion resistance while ensuring enhanced freedom of movement.
•Dedicated ‘Ignition’ graphic for a striking racing-inspired aesthetic.
•Premium bovine leather for superior abrasion resistance.
•Chest compartments can accommodate the Nucleon chest inserts (available as an accessory upgrade).
•Back compartment can accommodate the Nucleon back inserts (available as an accessory upgrade).
•Snap connection system allows integration of the CE-certified Nucleon Race Back protector.
Protection & Safety
• Level 2 Nucleon PLASMO Pro armor on the shoulders and elbows
• Chest and back compartments can accomodate the Nucleon chest and back inserts (sold separately)
• Tech-Air ready and Tech-Air 7x compatible
•Fully CE-certified riding garment to CE – Category II prEN17092-3: 2020 standards – AA class.
Dainese Smart Sport Airbag Jacket
Price: $949
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Combine the performance and quality you've come to know and love from Dainese with a superior, smart, D-air airbag system, and you've got one hell of a jacket.
The D-air airbag system automatically recognizes when a rider is in danger and activates the back and chest airbag system to keep you safe. The smart algorithm detects low-slides, high-slides and collisions, making it one of the most advanced air systems available.
Key Specs
• D-Air, MotoGP airbag technology
• Ventilated and breathable
• Sensor waterproofness
• 2 outer pockets
• Waist adjustable system
• Pro Armor CE level 2 type B protectors
Protection & Safety
• Pro Armor CE level 2 type B protectors
• Seven on-board sensors
• Data is monitored 1000 times per second
• Collisions are detected even when stopped
• Chest protection meets or exceeds CE level 2 for airbags
• Back protection meets or exceeds CE level 1 for airbags
Dainese Avro 5 Leather Jacket
Price: $749
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
The Dainese Avro 5 Jacket is catered towards sport riders who are looking for superior protection and a blend of premium features. The jacket is crafted from fine Tutu cowhide and enhanced with S1 fabric and Microelastic 2.0 material.
Key Specs
• Track-born AA-rated sport riding jacket with removable thermal liner
• Premium Tutu cowhide primary construction
• Additional stretch zones and revised collar compared to Avro 4
• S1 bi-elastic fabric
• 3D-Bubble fabric inserts
• Air vents on the sides
• Breathable mesh liner
• Removable thermal liner can be used as destination layer
Protection & Safety
• Co-injected shoulder with replaceable aluminum sliders
• Composite protectors certified to EN 1621.1 Standard on elbows and shoulders
• Aluminum plate n shoulder
• Pocket for double chest protector
• Pocket for G1 and G2 back protector
Frequently Asked Questions About Sportbike Jackets
What defines a sportbike motorcycle jacket?
A sportbike jacket is specifically designed for riders who want regular protection while riding on the street, but can also use that same jacket for high speed riding during a track day. Because of the aggressive riding position of many sport bikes, including sport tourers, these jackets come with pre-bent arms and are usually quite tight fitting to provide maximum beneficial aerodynamics and the least drag possible.
What’s the difference between a “Sport” fit and a “Race” fit?
A sport fit means that the jacket sits snug, but not tight, to the torso. This allows for a decent range of motion you might need on the road, such as the ability to twist and look over your shoulder, or move from upright to a tuck repeatedly without the jacket riding up. A race fit, on the other hand, is tight to the torso, to the point that at most you’ll be able to wear a thin cooling shirt underneath and chest armor, and that’s about it, as they are designed to not move around in the event of a crash or slide, and are designed to mostly for side to side movement and a forward racing tuck.
Are sportbike jackets waterproof?
This very much depends on the jacket itself, as most sportbike jackets are water resistant, but not waterproof. If you want a fully waterproof jacket, look for mention of a membrane such as Alpinestars’ DryStar, Rev’It!’s Hydratex, and the like. Remember, most of these jackets are designed more for passive ventilation and aerodynamics.
What features should a good sportbike jacket have?
A well designed sportbike jacket will be made of high abrasion resistance material such as microfiber, superfabric, and even leather. It will more often than not have double-layered materials on the forearms and elbows as that is a very common slide area, and should come with at least CE Level I rated armor in the elbows and shoulders. There is always a pocket in the liner for a back protector. Ventilation should be “natural,” meaning that you should not need to open or close vents, and is usually done with mesh panels or microperforations in the jacket.
Can I wear a sportbike jacket on other types of motorcycles?
As with most motorcycle jackets, cross-compatibility with other riding styles is almost universal. In fact, many neo-retro and long-distance tourers will use sportbike jackets for the additional protection on impact areas and the forearms, and the fact that many of these jackets are usually very well ventilated without being overly cold for summer riding.
Are sportbike jackets safer than other types of jackets?
In general, sportbike jackets are considered very safe due to the reinforced impact areas and good quality armor. However, they aren’t inherently safer than other types, as there are jackets for other styles that can have better armor, better abrasion ratings, and the like. Most sportbike jackets on slide areas are rated 600D, so if abrasion rating defines “safer” for you, then yes, sportbike jackets are some of the safest you can wear while riding.
What To Look For In A Sportbike Jacket
Sportbike jackets are made for corner-carving, canyon-careening, fast turns, and aggressive riding. They are formed to a riding position that is ideal when leaning over the tank of your machine. They are going to be down on functionality – pockets/storage, etc. – but up on protection and style.
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.
At WBW, “Best” Actually Means Something
Remember when you could open up a review of something, and when the publication—magazine, car show, whatever—said “best” they stood behind it? Yea, we remember, and we’re bringing it back.
Here’s how we do things:
We disclose our affiliate relationships—We make money via advertising and affiliate relationships on our website. It’s how we pay our team and invest in things like sending Jim to Italy. And Japan. And France… wait… why do we always send Jim places?
We obsessively hands-on test—We wear and ride with gear before reviewing it, and we update reviews down the line if our opinions change. We look at real-world situations because that’s the world we live in.
We’re objective—Good gear is good gear, regardless of who made it.
We’re value-focused—Why pay $500 if something for $250 is just as good? Our review scores and recommendations reflect best value. Brand only goes so far—the gear has to stand on its own.
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