A leather motorcycle jacket makes a statement about style, and it can make or break your look. More importantly, it can mean the difference between an enjoyable ride and an uncomfortable one. Don't skimp when it comes to protection and comfort. If you take time to sift through the mass of fashionable duds ( and 80 percent of leather jackets on the market are duds) you can find one that does it all.
Since a little extra hide goes a long way to saving yours, the leather used in any decent motorcycle jacket should be at least one millimeter thick. It will also be more comfortable and durable in the long run.
It's unfortunate that more classically styled motorcycle jackets don't feature protective armor. And when you do find it, it's normally in the shoulders and elbows. That is fine, but protecting your chest and back --where the real life-threatening injuries happen -- is even better. Simple foam padding won't do much for you, so look for armor that's semi-rigid and doesn't shift around when you move.
Want ptotection from rain too? Although other considerations may make waterproof leather jackets come up a bit short in a real gully-washer, ou can now get waterproof leather. BMW and Harley both sell it.
This is a traditional American...
This is a traditional American style leather jacket, but other styles are more functional. The addition of armor would significantly increase protection -- and can even give you a more manly profile.
Do you want a waist-length model or a three-quarter-length design? If you're carrying a gut, a longer style is going to be more comfortable. Also, the longer styles are often more feature intensive -- you'll find usable pocket space, better weather protection (notably in back) and adjustability. The shorties are considered weekend jackets, while the longer designs are intended for hard-core travel.
All motorcycle-specific waist-length jackets should feature a slightly dropped back so if you lean forward wind doesn't creep in. If comfort is a priority, look at three-quarter-length jackets as opposed to the more stylish shorties.
Articulated sleeves or ones that are precurved to mimic a riding position are a nicety found on sophisticated motorcycle jackets. A function-oriented jacket will also have sleeves that are long enough to amply cover your wrists when your arms are stretched forward. Look for sleeves that are tapered and don't buffet in the wind. Cuffs should feature zippers for a tailored fit and a secondary snap or hook-and-loop cinch is an added plus (you don't want your sleeves to ride up if you come off the bike). However, you don't want the closures to be too tight when zipped shut -- they shouldn't hinder wrist movement or cut off circulation. And you should have room for any layers you might want to add on chilly days. Bring a sweatshirt and electric vest along when you are trying on jackets.
We like collars with adjustable flap-style closures as opposed to short, snap-closed mandarin-style necklines, which can feel too tight or push on your throat when you're riding at speed. A neck closure system should feel comfortable even when you pull on the back of the collar.
A removable lining is a definite plus. Liners that incorporate Thinsulate, Thermolite or comparable insulation will offer the most versatility. Venting should be required on any motorcycle jacket (unless it's perforated). For cruiser riding, zippered intake vents on the upper chest, or high on the bicep areas work best. Exhaust vents on the back are necessary for proper airflow.
Finally, even though "black" and "leather jacket" may seem inseparable, there are leather jackets in all colors of the spectrum. Friedman has an orange Alpinestars jacket that, in combination with his orange helmet, makes any "UI didn't see him excuse offered by an arrant driver an obvious lie. If you don't want to fall in fashion step with the herd, you can find plent of good looking leather in almost any color that appeals to you or matches your ride or gear.
For additional evaluations of, comparisons of, and shopping advice for motorcycle gear and accessories, see the Accessories and Gear section of MotorcycleCruiser.com.