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Retro Motorcycle Jackets for Every Budget

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If you’re looking for a retro motorcycle jacket, you’ve come to the right place. In this showcase, we highlight some of the coolest leather motorcycle jackets on the market.

A CE approved jacket is a vital piece of kit for motorcyclists. Nobody wants to get road rash or broken bones and a quality jacket will literally save your skin.

The good news is, motorcycle jackets have improved dramatically over the years, and today’s modern jackets include shoulder, elbow and back protection to cushion your fall.

Not only that but the designs have changed too. No longer are bikers restricted to the choice of either a plain black jacket or a neon-snazzy one, covered in external plastic protection and adorned with an ‘aerodynamic’ hump.

Despite lots of high-tech materials becoming available, leather is still the go-to material for protective motorcycle clothing for motorcycle riding. It’s sturdy and durable so lasts a considerable amount of time if you look after it well. 

Unlike the modern textile jackets, leather jackets may not be entirely waterproof, but they’re thick, natural and provide a good layer of protection from the road and the elements.

Some jackets come with added waterproofing which can help keep you dry for longer and if you’re worried about the cold, leather is very effective at keeping the wind out. Just ask your local Friesian..

When it comes to retro motorcycle jackets, for those who want a more classic or vintage look then there’s no better material than leather. You can get pre-aged leather jackets but the nature of the material is that it will age and age well. Especially if you look after it by treating it to leather conditioner once a year.

To help you pick a great classic biker jacket, we’ve created a showcase of our favourites from each budget range. Whether you’re after a plain black, brown or retro-design, men’s or women’s motorcycle leather jacket, we’ve got a pick for you.

dxr blacksmith leather jacket retro motorcycle - Retro Motorcycle Jackets for Every Budget
Best Value

DXR Blacksmith Retro Leather Jacket - Brown

CE approved shoulder and elbow armour

This classy jacket is made from leather and has a diamond-stitch pattern which looks great. This unisex leather jacket comes in sizes S to 4XL. Complete with a fixed mesh liner for improved air circulation. Fully CE certified shoulder and elbow armour, and a pocket for a back protector, this short style jacket has four external and four internal pockets for the safety of your possessions. Fastening with front zip and snap buttons for wind protection and a zip to attach to DXR trousers.

merlin stockton leather jacket retro vintage motorbike - Retro Motorcycle Jackets for Every Budget
Recommended

Quality D30 shoulder and elbow protectors 

With a timeless look that is suitable for on and off your bike, the Merline Stockton jacket is available in size S to 5XL. Made from the 1.3mm hide, it’s supple and light but offers good protection too. The tartan interion lining is a nice touch. An additional removable thermal liner adds protection against the cold while its CE-approved D30 LP1 shoulder and elbow protectors keep you safe. A concealed zip allows you to attach trousers to complete your gear. With multiple pockets with zipping or popper fastenings, and a soft collar, this jacket is stunning to wear. 

richa daytona 60s leather jacket cognac update biker 1 - Retro Motorcycle Jackets for Every Budget
Our Pick

Retro style with D3O CE approved armour

Made from high-quality buffalo leather, cotton lined and a removable thermal quilted lining, moisture is kept away from your skin whether you’re hot or cold. Available in two colour choices; brown or black and sizes S to 5XL, you can turn heads with this short, retro-styled jacket. Featuring D30 elbow, shoulder, and back protection that’s CE certified, you have ample protection out on the roads. With a concealed zip to attach Richa trousers, adjustable poppers on the arms and waist, the tapered design will fit your form effortlessly.  

 

dainese jackets leather 8 track black ice red motorbike - Retro Motorcycle Jackets for Every Budget
Treat Yourself

Vintage look, modern construction, high-quality finish

Constructed from Artemide refined full-grain cowhide with suede inserts, you can get a cool vintage look with this jacket while you stay fully protected. Complete with removable CE composite shoulder and elbow protectors with the option to add a Dainese back protector (sold separately). Removable thermal liner, TechFrame internal liner, and soft collar add layers of comfort on and off your bike. Plenty of internal and external pockets for your items and additional belt loops for attaching to Dainese jeans via a belt.

spidi vintage motorcycle leather jacket - Retro Motorcycle Jackets for Every Budget
Treat Yourself

Ful-grain premium leather, CE certified

A personal favourite in the BikerRated team, this jacket oozes style with its timeless aged design and modern twists. It’s made from 1.0mm – 1.2mm premium waxed leather. Versatile and stylish, it comes with a removable quilted liner. Fitted with a removable thermal liner to keep you warm on cold days. It has a comfortable cotton liner, CE certified shoulder and elbow armour and a pocket for a back protector. A super-smart retro look but a proper leather jacket.

Ladies Retro Biker Jackets

babes rideout womens retro biker jacket 1024x683 - Retro Motorcycle Jackets for Every Budget

There’s a great selection of women’s biker jackets out there for you ladies. No longer do you have to order a men’s or unisex version in a smaller size – these have been designed and cut with ladies proportions.

We’ve not in a position to pick the best, because styles and tastes vary but our pick above ticks all the boxes in terms of CE approval, quality construction, women’s specific fit and owner feedback.

All you need now is a multi-coloured Honda Helix and you’re good to go!

furygan ladies biker jacket leather bella black - Retro Motorcycle Jackets for Every Budget
Women's Choice

Optimum fit for comfort and protection

Constructed from premium grade super soft leather, this jacket is designed to fit a woman’s natural body shape while providing to the right level of protection for riding. Available in sizes 8 – 22 and sporting a sleek and stylish plain design with strategically placed darts, the jacket hugs your body for the ultimate level of comfort. Including a removable thermal liner for those colder days, this jacket is fitted with CE approved D30 shoulder and elbow protectors with the option to insert a back protector. Zip and snap cuffs and collar are soft and durable for long-lasting wear. 

CE Approval for Leather Motorcycle Jackets

There are a couple of standards that your motorcycle clothing can be tested to. Either EN17092 or EN13595.

It’s important to understand that you don’t have to wear kit that is tested to this standard. You can ride in a T-shirt for example and that doesn’t have CE approval.

However if you buy motorcycle clothing from a retailer it is classed as PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) and therefore requires CE approval.

For motorcycle jackets (and trousers, jeans and leather suits) the standard is the same. Either EN13595 (this is the old standard) and the levels are Level 1 or 2. Or it’s tested to the new standard EN17092. The new standard has ratings from AAA (the best) to C. Any ‘A’ rating means it has been tested to an impact and abrasion standard. If it is B-rated it provides the same level of abrasion protection as an A rated garment but without impact protection and anything C rated designates it has been designed to hold impact protection. The minimum you want is an A rated garment.

Leather Jacket FAQs

Are leather motorcycle jackets waterproof?
No, but they can be rain repellant. Most leather jackets will withstand a light shower but a prolonged downpour will saturate the leather and soak in. Once they’re wet, they take a long time to dry. 

You can buy products like Nikwax Fabric & Leather waterproofing which will hugely improve the waterproofing of your kit, from leathers to textile jackets or gloves but if you are caught out in a downpour and want to stay dry, you’ll need a waterproof motorcycle top to keep the rain off.

Can I upgrade the armour in my leather jacket?
The answer is most likely: yes. If your armour is removable then you can buy any aftermarket armour and slot it in. A lot of jackets will come with armour in the elbows and shoulders but many don’t have any back armour. You can buy soft CE approved insert back protectors from companies like D3O and Rev’it, which is well worth it.

Are leather motorbike jackets hot?
If it’s sweltering outside then yes, you’re going to e hotter than the guy (or gal) in a T-shirt. But any bike gear is hot o a hot day. Your best bet is to buy a jacket with vents or switch your leather jacket for a perforated air-flow textile jacket.

How do you clean a leather jacket?
Regular cleaning is a good idea as it prevents dirt from turning into a stain. Sponge wipe the surface with cold water and leave to dry for 24 hours. You can also buy leather conditioners and leather cleaners which will help nourish the leather as well as clean it.

Sources

Thanks to the following websites which helped us research and write this wax motorcycle jackets review

https://www.belstaff.co.uk/customer-service/wax-cotton-care.html

  • babola says:

    Richa Daytona 2 – heardly any jacket out there can beat it, both by style/appearance and performance. Feature rich, vintage inspired high quality jacket. I own one Daytona 2 in black and Richa Toulon 2 in brown distressed leather.

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