Top 10 leather motorcycle jackets 2020

In this video review, Chris talks through our top 10 leather motorcycle jackets for 2020.
Every biker has to have a leather jacket. I’m sure there’s a law written down somewhere that decrees that every motorcyclist must, at some stage, be so equipped. By the same token, there are very few motorcycle clothing manufacturers out there who do not have a leather jacket in their range. Which means the choice is huge and overwhelming.
Of course, at Motolegends we have always done things a bit differently. We look at all of the brands, but like the man from Del Monte we only say yes when we come across jackets that work, that look right, that fit right and that, importantly, we’d be happy to ride in ourselves.
The problem is that a leather bike jacket is one of the easiest garments in the motorcycle world to manufacture. As a result, whilst some are very inexpensive, many are just not very nice.
Now here at Motolegends we clearly don’t sell every jacket brand on the market. We have no interest in the cheap and the nasty. That counts out probably half of the brands you see online or in the shops. There are some brands we won’t work with because there’s no shared vision or common ground. Some brands we avoid because we don’t trust their after-sales service. Some brands we steer clear of because all they seem to want to do is over supply the market. Some brands we won’t touch because they won’t embrace CE standards. And, to be fair, there are probably brands out there that don’t want to work with us!
This is our way of saying that our selection of the Top 10 leather biking jackets is highly subjective. Of course, we do talk to all the brands, and if ever we saw a leather jacket from somebody that we really, really liked we’d find a way to offer it. But we’re not going to suggest that the 10 jackets we have reviewed here are necessarily the best available. They’re just the 10 we like the most!
We should also point out that our focus is fairly narrow. We don’t tend to do very racey jackets; those jackets with logos and numbers on that look like the top half of a race suit. We do prefer understatement to overstatement. And although we have many, many Harley-riding customers, I don’t think we sell any jackets with tassels! I suppose it would be correct to suggest that most, but not all, of our leather jackets have some kind of retro or café-racer feel to them. But don’t tar us with the hipster brush. All our jackets have to work as motorcycle jackets, and be properly CE approved. We won’t get involved with those cool-looking brands with great heritage and credentials that only create motorcycle-fashion jackets.
Anyway, it took us a long while to narrow our list down to 10 jackets. Now I’m not going to mislead you; Chris’s review is a bit of a monster. Bearing in mind that you’re probably going to need a pee break at some point, it’s going to take you around an hour to get through it. But you could be spending anything between £300 and a grand on a decent jacket. An hour’s investment in researching the market, in order to make the right choice, doesn’t seem unreasonable to us. We’ve done all the heavy lifting; all you’ve got to do is sit back with a cup of tea, and relax!
The other point we would make is that, even if you don’t like our selection of jackets, you will almost certainly learn something that will help you choose a leather jacket that’s right for you.
Anyway, hope you enjoy the film!
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[@rudyardroxas4586]

Nice interesting collection to choose from. For reference, I’ve summarised the 10 jackets presented with a time stamp. Hope this helps: 0:10 Ace Legende form Helstons priced at £480 5:50 Firebird from Spidi priced at £450 10:15 Stripe from Segura priced at £399 12:42 Malcolm from Rukka priced at £500 17:43 Shepard from Furygan priced at £330 20:58 Goodwood from Richa priced at £299 25:42 Eagle from Halvarssons priced at £359 31:46 Brooklands Mojave from Belstaff priced at over £1,000 36:38 Road from Helston priced at £499.99 41:10 Celtic from Halvarssons priced at £529

[@bobvanderwest9358]

Chris gives the most comprehensive reviews of leather jackets and motorcycling apparel I've seen anywhere. Kudos to Chris for always performing at such a high level. Cheers.

[@vmcc9070]

Don't know why but i found so relaxing to hear these reviews. They are true pros and explain every detail. Thanks. Greetings from Mexico.

[@PeterMurphyceltic]

Another great and honest review from the chap in the cap. Keep up the good work ML team.

[@benjamin_day]

I have the ghost armour in my Belstaff Brooklands leather jacket and its brilliant! Much more comfortable off the bike now.

[@tedwitus]

a proper gentleman motorcyclist's preferred shopping experience. thanks Chris

[@Deusmecumest]

Man this is great. I thought I had my mind made up on a jacket. The only reason I hadn't pulled the trigger was the crisis keeping the store closed. But this video kept being recommended. Great timing gentlemen.

[@BunyipToldMe]

Very well done Chris! I learned a lot.

[@spetersonmusic]

Fast becoming the best moto gear review/showcase on KZbin. Greetings from the US.

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I agree.

[@SummitSecurityDoorLock]

Yes

[@Fee.1]

Sure is. He’s possibly above even Anthony, even if he’s not it doesn’t really matter since Anthony is long gone. It’s so nice to hear someone speak who doesn’t need a script because they just know that damn much about the topic. That’s what revzilla is missing in its gear reviews these days. Anthony released information whether he intended to/it was scripted or not.

[@cootsyuk7889]

You are bang-on with your suggestion about needing extra length in the back of jackets; especially leathers, it's one of my pet hates.

[@bertagriese8282]

You don’t if you drive a Harley, Indian or classic Triumph. So fuck longer back, looks just utterly stupid

[@cloud9847]

I just bought the Merlin Gable in Oxblood and I absolutely love it.

[@c.g.c2067]

Interesting reviews. I'd go for the Spidi with fur neck and the Halvarssons goat skin please !!

[@olliezxr4960]

Just discovered you - the best gear reviews on KZbin. Will certainly make the trip up from the south coast after the lockdown

[@ToBaPXPeH]

Thanks, very interesting!

[@petewebb6952]

Great video, thanks Chris. illy coffee and yorkshire tea...

[@user-tj9nw8qw1p]

GREAT JOB!!!!

[@RICKYY1100]

As a long time biker in the U.S. I would like to say that you presented a lot of nice cafe style jackets that I would be more than happy to wear. This is a very informative video and I would like to see more of this type. I'm guessing you were focusing on European made jackets since I didn't see any from manufacturers outside of Europe. The prices were also good, thanks for the video and keep them coming!

[@wanderleisantosfilho5765]

you should really display the brand/model/price of the products you're reviewing. if we miss the point where you mentioned it, we have to rewind and watch it again.

[@Motolegends]

Yes, when we are doing a review of a number of products we will try to do this in future. ML

[@graw4868]

...especially as the guy talks pretty fast.

[@silverarrow2558]

Great reviews and presentation shame my budget doesnt stretch to this topr gear. I tried looking on some of the reduced old stock but not lucky enough to find my size... ill keep looking as this looks like a good store

[@northparkanita3152]

Check out the hwk leather jacket its a great heavy jacket for around $60-70 bucks i got one and for the price its great quality

[@yipman214]

This man has amazing sales skills

[@misterblack6803]

Excellent reviews as always. Would like to see the jackets unzipped and opened or put on though. Very rarely see Goldtop jackets in any reviews ... any reason for this as they are a homegrown brand?

[@danthechippie4439]

Amazing review, thank you so much for taking the time to do this. What brand of jacket leather or otherwise would you recommend for an upright position rider who mostly rides in the summer months but you know our weather so also water/wind proof? Thanks again

[@motolegends2606]

Hi Dan, if you want something with a waterproof and windproof membrane then you should look at Helstons or the Halvarssons Celtic. ML

[@user-sw2lv3zp6o]

I want that first Halvarssons jacket. Belstaff are a rip-off. Who buys them? Who on earth gives this a 'thumbs down'? Excellent video. I have subscribed and feel I will buy the Halvarssons Eagle.

[@909rhythm]

Excellent informative video

[@Motolegends]

Thanks for the feedback.

[@FelixvonNida]

Such great chat

[@Chokkan]

There wasn't a single jacket that I didn't like. It's a shame some are discontinued, but there are still some amazing ones available. I just wish I could stop in a try them all on.

[@mathiasandreasen8507]

At 42:49 you say "vents are no good on a jacket, if there is not an exhaust vent". Are there exhaust vents on the (Motolegends exclusive) Helston Ace Legend jacket? I am really interested in getting that jacket if you stock up on sizes M and L, but now I'm questioning the venting - which was a detail I really appreciated. Cheers

[@ianmcgregor6002]

Very informative, purchased a Rukka Lancelot jacket in Germany some years ago and had the main zip fail and fading on one side. Contacted Rukka and they recommend a repair agent at my expense that ceased trading!! Not what you expect after parting with a kidney to buy.

[@motolegends2606]

Hi Ian, you only get the full warranty in the country where you bought the jacket. If you buy a Rukka jacket in Germany you get a one year warranty, but you have to send it back to Germany. If you buy a jacket in the UK and register it, you get a full six years. ML

[@michaeltyler1834]

There is a running joke in my family that goes "Let Michael pick out what he likes and if it's not the most expensive on the market... it soon will be" For some, expensive taste is a choice, for me it is a bloody curse! I appreciate this video and rather enjoyed the knowledge and information. Like many other salesman though, some of the brands and models can get a little long winded and pronouncing them expediently can make them hard to understand. I have no doubt that other viewers have made comments below mine stating that you should display the brands and model names clearly on the screen through editing... I would like to suggest going a more simple route and conveniently listing in chronological order the brand and model of jacket in order of appearance in the drop down description below the video. Feel free to make it as complicated and elaborate as possible, but I feel that should be the CE rated bare minimum for info. Thanks again for the honest information!

[@Motolegends]

On our head to head reviews we are now listing the products. We are still fairly new to this so are working on improvements all the time. Thank you for the feedback. Oh, and the Belstaff leather jacket is the most expensive!

[@michaeltyler1834]

@@Motolegends Thanks for the reply! Oh and I know the Belstaff is the most expensive haha... because it's the one that I absolutely loved... that second Helston in Khaki green was rather sharp as well! Thanks again and keep up the great work on these stylish head to heads. Cheers!

[@user-cx2bk6pm2f]

Chap in the cap indeed. The only man to which the word "here" has two syllables 😆

[@avrahambenhaim6430]

Great reviews really, just 49 minutes I'll watch another episode of my favorite tv show....

[@francobonamico2092]

Which is the model of the second jacket? Tks

[@josuegorrera3373]

Do you ship to Brazil?

[@gurtana]

What do you think of Matchless jackets?

[@danielRodriguez-si9mp]

Hi is there any store in houston texas

[@nikolaosberatlis3942]

If it has Gore-Tex the jacket does not explicit warranty for the membrane. All Gore-Tex products have a "lifetime" warranty. My Dainese laminated leather Gore-Tex jacket started leaked in water around the shoulder area after 6 years of use, contacted Gore-Tex, sent the jacket to repair center, deemed not repairable and they refunded all the money in 2 days.

[@mulyamayangsari9495]

Whats the name model of the last jacket?

[@federicootto1855]

Hello there my friend i am one of your subscribers, hope you notice my message because i like one of the 10 best leather you have featured,, im a Filipino Asian SMALL in size, now my question is it possible to order from you? I'd been purchasing a lot of leather jackets online but i can't find one that fits me well,, i don't know the name of jacket , but it has a stripes at side and the price is around €299,,?? Thanks

[@MrSprocket2u]

Mark must be his sponsurrrrrrrrrrrr

[@expatbiker6598]

You guys make quarantine palatable. After this shit blows over. I'm riding there from morden.

[@deniscullis8518]

Great vid matey xxden

[@Fee.1]

Look what a difference that rukka is compared to the jacket before it. It makes the wearer seem fatter because of the way the shoulders are attached in such a straight manner. Weird. Had to go back and forth to catch what made it look so different.

[@johnratcliffe4105]

With all due respect, with regards to the Spidi, i cant imagine there would be many that would want to wear a jacket thats almost uncomfortably tight for months before it becomes what it should be....

[@northparkanita3152]

Check out hwk leather jacket. Great leather jacket for under $100. Read the reviews you wont be disappointed with this jacket but order 1 size up they run small.

[@Motolegends]

Not legal in the EU as not CE approved. ML

[@naturalforlife6741]

Hi Chris. Can I order and receive a Shoei Glamster here in the U.S.?

[@Motolegends]

No, I am afraid we cannot ship a helmet to you in the States. If you have someone we can ship to in the UK or Europe then we can do that. ML

[@naturalforlife6741]

@@Motolegends So if someone in the UK would buy them and sell them on ebay then that would work?

[@doswoods653]

Great reviews for the products but the lot shows an apparent bias. All of the jackets are a similar style/era. A more comprehensive ‘top ten’ list might either be categorized or include multiple styles of jackets for differently motivated riders. Just a thought. Very thorough otherwise.

[@Wino33]

Shipping to the U.S. by any chance?

[@Motolegends]

Yes, no problem. ML

[@SmokinBob]

You should do a review of the cheapest leather jackets you can find from amazon

[@denisrailey777]

Has your mate lost his head? Lol.

[@kimkunchok5962]

I want to buy then what can I do but I live in South Korea.seoul

[@Motolegends]

We ship to South Korea. You can order online. ML

[@markgeller5900]

Jesus. Did Rukka think customers wanted to be a walking ad for them with all that branding on that jacket??

[@oldgymnasium8088]

I want to buy tow jackets, this is really beautiful jacket and I hope quality is always good

[@timothythomas1626]

Got any stores in USA ?

[@Motolegends]

I am afraid we only have a store at our base in Surrey in the UK but we ship all over the world including USA.

[@brittanyc3282]

It's really frustrating how quickly items are discontinued in motorcycle gear. All of these jackets are perfectly valid and great quality and features but to create scarcity these companies only produce them for such a short window. Are there replacements with the same specs?

[@khalilrehman2308]

Hello Brittany I can give you any design in any motorcycle jacket with all those specs if you need just give me reply.

[@francispetaluma]

Where is each jacket manufactured?

[@garyc7464]

Yes I emailed Chris that question to the gear he is selling... As part of my decision making I also like to know where a product has been made so I can decide which country to support in the process if there is a like for like or price comparison etc, Chris gave an angry response that he didn’t care and would not supply that information as most is made in China anyway.

[@apostolosmangoudis5510]

Is there any link for the Finnish jacket? Rucket?

[@Motolegends]

Do you mean the Rukka Markham? On our website.

[@michaelkolkes5573]

Gibt es keine laminierte Leder Jacke, wie zum Beispiel die BMW Atlantis Serie. ??? -

[@chriscarbaugh3936]

Is Helstons made in France?

[@bobvanderwest9358]

Yes.

[@markclark7178]

Horsehide is the best

[@Motolegends]

Horsehide, or Cordovan, is fantastic quality and very strong. It was popular in the 50s, 60s and 70s but it is just too thick and takes too long to wear in for modern bikers. I don't know of anyone putting armour in to a horsehide jacket. But I reckon that if you did you would probably make something that was almost unwearable. ML

[@knoxyish]

there is no better leather for a bikers jacket than horsehide nothing else gets close !

[@TimothyCorbette]

No US brands?

[@toddaod295]

I own a Schott and wouldn't trade it for any of the jackets he reviewed here. He did convince me to buy a Schuberth C4 Pro helmet though...and I love it...goes great with my Schott!

[@TimothyCorbette]

@@toddaod295 I own a Schott jackets also and a c4 lol. My Schott is steer hide and oxblood in color. People complement everywhere I go

[@toddaod295]

@@TimothyCorbette You're obviously a man with impeccable taste!..lol. I've had the 141 for 6 years and it just keeps getting better with age.

[@TimothyCorbette]

@@toddaod295 👌🏾

[@michaelpodgoetsky3118]

I enjoyed your review of the leather jackets immensely. I used to purchasing leather jackets made in Pakistan but am having so many problems with them. That I am really happy that I stumbled on your video. I am in Australia and I will be visiting your website for sure. Don't deal with Pakistan, poor quality, bad business practice, stay away from Pakistani leather jackets. I purchased at the end of February and still can not wear the jacket as it smells badly. The manufacturers would not reply to my emails. I am very disappointed with Pakistani products. Cheers.

[@Motolegends]

Some good gear is made in Pakistan. But only gear that is specified by a brand in Europe of the US or elsewhere. I have never actually heard of anybody trying to buy a jacket directly from Pakistan. In my view, that was never going to go well. Sorry! ML

[@montybigbore6158]

Check out Rebel reaper

[@Motolegends]

Yes, nice jacket but not really a comparable product. No provision for armour, not CE approved for wearing in Europe so not really a proper motorcycle jacket. ML

[@simac13]

Always trust a guy in a flat cap.

[@wakajawaka44]

The Belstaff jacket is a very nice jacket but I cannot fasten the collar and the upper press stud. The collar, buckle and press stud design is not fit for purpose. Disappointing for such an expensive jacket. All that glitters is not well designed!

[@adzrinaddehap2243]

Big guys jacket.

[@kennychristie4310]

Chris, you're hat and shirt are a size too big.

[@hagewode1]

.

[@bigderek07]

why do u talk about all the features like liners etc etc but dont even bother to show us even when you zip th zips its secret ? we can t see anything ? Poor reviews .

[@spiceisland2837]

We are suppliers of leather garments from chennai..for last 25yrs Would be interested in business cooperation

[@melvingray7570]

What a disappointment. One main style...the only style he knows?

[@Motolegends]

Not necessarily unfair. Our leather jackets are all a bit cafe racer. ML

[@melvingray7570]

@@Motolegends Not so. A true cafe racer jacket must have either elements of Brando, Perfecto or just classic lapels and zippers. You will not catch Bikers parading down the catwalk and winking.

[@user-unifanta]

many of the jackets you are talking are so old fashionde

[@antsalt8409]

stick to belstaff the others are just trying to copy belstaff

[@stanleyjenkins9543]

As a man that wears a leather jacket this guy is full of bs

[@Motolegends]

Now just about every motorcyclist will have worn a leather jacket at some point, so I’m not sure that the fact that you are someone ‘that wears a leather jacket’ confers upon you any particular status or credibility. But if there is an inkling of a cogent thought behind your insult, I would encourage you to articulate it into a fully formed sentence or two. We might then be able to address any concerns you have. Who knows? We might even be able to persuade you that when we make a statement we normally have grounds for doing so. ML