The Best Sportbike 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 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
Price: $200
Where to Buy: RevZilla | Amazon | J&P Cycles
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 v3 Jacket
Price: Up to $280
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Lightweight, comfortable, high-quality, and protective are all great adjectives to describe the Alpinestars T-GP Plus R v3 Air Jacket. The torso and inner arms incorporate large mesh panels for unmatched airflow.
Nucleon Flex Plus impact armor is included in your purchase for the shoulders and elbows. This armor is not only strong and durable but comfortable to wear. In the event of a slide, keep the asphalt off your skin with hard external sliders on the shoulders, as well as an abrasion-resistant 600D polyester fabric shell.
While this jacket is a step down from the Alpinestars GP Plus R v3 Airflow Jacket featured later in this list, it’s still a great option for riders looking for high-quality gear on a budget.
Key Specs
• Abrasion resistant 600D polyester fabric
• Extended mesh panels on the torso and arms
• Full mesh lining boosts for improved airflow and breathability
• Sport fit with pre-curved sleeve construction for reduced fatigue and enhanced riding comfort
• Strategically positioned poly-fabric stretch insert on shoulders
• 3D mesh collar construction for improved comfort and breathability
• VELCRO® brand fastener and D-ring waist adjustment
• VELCRO® brand wrist cuff closures
• Convenient waterproof internal pocket
• External, large-opening front hand pockets
• Multiple internal compartment pockets feature VELCRO® brand fasteners for additional security
• Reflective details for improved rider visibility
• Two external zippered pockets
Protection & Safety
• Nucleon Flex Plus CE Level 1 elbow and shoulder protectors
• Pockets for optional Nucleon KR-Ci chest and back protection (sold separately)
• GP Lite shoulders with dynamic friction shield for enhanced abrasion resistance
• Meets CE Category II PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425 – A class certification for protective garments
Best Mid-Range Sportbike Motorcycle Jackets
Priced $300 - $500.
REV'IT! Tornado 3 Jacket
Price: Up to $370
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
One of the top rated jacket in its class on RevZilla and for good reason.
The REV’IT! Tornado 3 Jacket is the third generation of the highly versatile Tornado jacket line. A dual-purpose removable thermal and waterproofing liner makes the Tornado 3 Jacket a perfect fit for spring, summer, and fall riding.
PWR|shell mesh throughout the outer shell allows your body to breath and vent out hot air, while the PWR|shell 750D polyester fabric keeps you safe. CE-rated armor covers your elbows and shoulders, with the option of purchasing a back protected separately for added coverage.
Key Specs
• Outer shell: polyester rib, PWR|shell mesh, PWR|shell 750, PWR|wax 500D, Lorica
• Insulation: detachable 2-in-1 thermal liner & membrane
• Waterproofing: detachable hydratex lite 2-in-1 liner
• Breathability: detachable hydratex lite 2-in-1 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)
Sedici Corsa Perforated Leather Jacket
Price: $320
Where to Buy: RevZilla | J&P Cycles
Why?
The Corsa Perforated Leather jacket from Sedici brings the combination of street and race track closer together than ever before. On the street, you have 1.1 to 1.3 mm thick race-grade cowhide leather, perforated at high heat zones to allow airflow to keep you cool.
For the track, you have removable PU elbow sliders, aramid fiber reinforcement for the elbows and forearms, CE level II armor at the elbow and shoulders, and space for a back protector provided. For both, you have a moisture-wicking mesh liner, tapered wrists to fit inside gauntlet gloves, and all zippers are the highest quality YKK. For $300, you really can’t do much better!
Key Specs
• 1.1mm-1.3mm race-grade cowhide construction
• Double and triple safety stitching with an aggressive sport fit
• Localized perforation at shoulders chest, torso, and back for maximum airflow
• Aramid reinforcement at forearms and elbows
• Neoprene and Amara suede inner collar for comfort
• Pro racing-derived printed logos and graphics keep weight to a minimum and keeps leather flexible
• CE level 2 certified armor at elbow and shoulders
• Pocket to add CE back protector (sold separately)
• Moisture-wicking anti-microbial mesh liner with 3D air mesh panels
• Vented ergonomic shoulder protector with leather insert
• Reinforced 4-way stretch inserts at arms and chest
• 2-piece ergonomic TPU elbow protector with replaceable low friction polyurethane slider
• Tapered neoprene wrist cuff with auto-locking YKK zipper
• Elasticated leather stretch panels at the shoulders, upper arms, and elbows to reduce fatigue
• Short and full connection zipper to attach to leather riding pant to form 2-piece suit
• Dual adjusters at hips
• Reflective details
• YKK zippers used throughout
Protection & Safety
• Race grade cowhide is designed to survive slides at speeds over 160 MPH
• Removable PU pucks on the elbows give you both track day slide protection, and everyday comfort when removed
• CE Level II armor for elbows and shoulders
• Aramid (Kevlar) reinforced lining for forearms and elbows, the most likely slide and tumble zones for the upper body on a track
Best High-End Sportbike Motorcycle Jackets
Priced over $500.
Alpinestars Missile V2 Ignition Leather Jacket
Price: Up to $700
Where to Buy: RevZilla | Amazon | J&P Cycles
Why?
Packed full of the latest tech from Alpinestars, the Missle V2 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 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.
• Sport fit – highly pre-curved body and arms for enhanced performance.
• 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
• Protective and comfortable Nucleon Flex Pro armor is highly flexible and breathable and has a thin profile for optimum rider comfort.
• According to European statutory law, the CE mark is a conformity requirement for the marketing of this product.
• Fully CE-certified riding garment to CE – Category II prEN17092 standards – AAA class.
Dainese Avro 4
Price: $750
Where to Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Replacing the Avro D1, the Avro 4 is an aggressive race jacket. Removable aluminum composite shoulder armor, composite armor in the elbows, and premium Tutu cowhide leather.
The Avro 4 also has a removable thermal liner, making this race-centric jacket surprisingly functional in cooler riding. This is a serious leather sportbike jacket that offers top-end features and function to its wearer.
Key Specs
• Composite protectors certified to EN 1621.1 standard on elbows
• Pocket for optional G1 or G2 back protector (sold separately)
• Removable composite protectors certified to EN 1621.1 Standard on shoulders
• Thermoformed shoulders with interchangeable aluminum plates
• S1 bi-elastic fabric
• Tutu cowhide leather
• Removable thermal liner that can be used separately
• Reflective inserts
Protection & Safety
• Composite protectors certified to EN 1621.1 standard on elbows
• Pocket for optional G1 or G2 back protector (sold separately)
• Removable composite protectors certified to EN 1621.1 Standard on shoulders
REV’IT! Quantum 2 Pro Air Jacket
Price: Up to $800
Where to Buy: RevZilla | J&P Cycles
Why?
Loud, proud, and loaded with aggressive MotoGP energy, the Rev’it Quantum 2 Pro Air performs even better than it looks.
Behind the colorful graphics and aggressive design, one of the most striking features is the new PWR|Fuse air mesh technology. This fabric construction provides ample airflow and has been applied to the top panel of the speedhump, going all the way over the shoulder. It’s like you’re wrapped in a blanket of air.
SEEFLEX™ CE-level 2 elbow, shoulder and back protectors easily surpass the new norm without sacrificing wearer comfort.
Key Specs
• Fit: race fit | tight
• Adjustability: adjustment strap
• Ventilation: ventilation panels | partly perforated outer shell
• Features: comfort cuffs | jeans loop | short and long connection zipper | comfort collar | speed hump | stretch fabric | stretch lips
• Pockets: inner pockets | slit pocket
Protection & Safety
• SEEFLEX™ Level 2 CE protection
• Dual compound protective parts at shoulders
• Safety seams
• TPU protection at shoulder
• Prepared for Divided Chest Protector SEESOFT™ CE-level 1 (sold separately)
• Prepared for SEESOFT™ CE-level 2 back protector insert – Type RV (sold separately)
• Type RV / Size 03 fits 46-48
• Type RV / Size 04 fits 50-54
• Type RV / Size 05 fits 56-58
• Visibility: laminated reflection | laminated reflective logo
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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