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sportbike jacket guide

Entry-Level

Priced under $300.

Mid-Range

Priced $300 - $500.

Upper bicep vent on the sleeve

High-End

Priced $500+.

REV’IT! Quantum 2 Pro Air Jacket

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

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

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

REV'IT! Tornado 3 Jacket

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.