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Motorcycle jackets are an important piece of riding gear. Yes, they look exceptionally cool. But they also play an important role in protecting riders. Jackets protect against the elements.
They also help regulate temperature and act as a barrier between the rider and the road in case of an accident.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Best Motorcycle Touring Jackets
- OUR TOP PICK: HHR HWK-T1 Motorcycle Jacket
- RUNNER-UP: Joe Rocket Atomic Men's 5.0
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: HWK Scorpion-S2 Motorcycle Jacket
Comparison of the Best Motorcycle Touring Jackets
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What is a Touring Motorcycle?
Today, we’re looking at jackets appropriate for touring. Touring is a style of riding over long distances. Riders often bring along luggage and even a passenger. Any bike can be used for touring. But, there are bikes specifically designed for this style of riding.
Touring motorcycles are large enough to carry the rider, luggage, and a passenger. They feature large fairings and windshields to protect against wind and inclement weather. Fuel tanks are larger so riders can go farther between fill-ups. These bikes have a lot of horsepower. And, the seating position is more relaxed for comfortable riding.
HHR HWK-T1 Motorcycle Jacket
What Makes a Jacket Great for Motorcycle Touring?
Motorcycle touring jackets are made to cater to this specific style of riding. Here are some of the key features that help make your ride more enjoyable.
Material
Touring jackets are made of durable, waterproof material. They stand up to a variety of riding conditions. The material is also breathable, which helps you maintain a comfortable temperature. Even while riding in hot weather.
Ventilation
Besides having breathable fabric for temperature control, touring jackets are also well ventilated. This is useful when riding on hot days.
Liners
One of the best things about this type of jacket is versatility. Most feature removable liners so you can make adjustments for all-season wear.
Cut
Touring bikes have a relaxed sitting posture. Touring jackets are designed to accommodate this while providing increased coverage. They’re often cut longer. They also have a higher collar for protection whether the rider is sitting or standing.
Comfort
Touring involves long-distance riding, which means you want to be comfortable. Touring jackets have a lot of features that make them suitable for riding for an extended period.
In addition to removable liners and layers, these jackets also have multiple pockets. Some high-end options may even have integrated heating systems.
HWK Scorpion-S2 Motorcycle Jacket
Review of the Best Motorcycle Touring Jackets
If you’re looking for a good motorcycle touring jacket, here are five of the best products on the market.
Best Overall:
HHR HAWK-T1 Motorcycle Jacket
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most people agree that this jacket performs well in cold weather. The ventilation system underperforms a bit, which can make it a bit hot in the summer heat. What stands out most for buyers is this jacket is available at a shockingly affordable price.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This jacket is an impressive bargain. It fits into most budgets and has a lot of great features that make wearing it both safe and comfortable. The waterproofing is very effective, and it dries quickly. These two things come in really handy if you get caught in the rain far from home. We like the armored shoulder and elbows and the foam back protector. The fact that it’s fully reflective makes for safe riding at night. It's also available in a wide range of sizes and has an adjustable arm and waist adjusters for the perfect fit.
Bottom Line
You really can’t go wrong with this jacket. No matter what type of weather you face out on the road, this jacket adjusts to meet it head-on. This level of quality at such an affordable price is something you don’t see often.
Runner-up:
Joe Rocket Atomic Men's 5.0
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of people commented that they liked the fit. They mentioned that it was comfortable, and the ventilation system was effective. It seems to perform well in colder temperatures, too. Reviewers mention problems with the zippers. These range from being of questionable quality to breaking.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This jacket is very versatile and comes in a wide range of colors and sizes. Waterproof zippers and variable ventilation let you adjust the jacket to the weather. Plus, it offers protection in case of an accident, including the armor in the elbows and shoulders.
We love that the spinal armor is removable so you can replace it with an optional C.E. spine protector. Plus, the treated outer shell provided impact resistance. Overall, this jacket provides a fair amount of protection.
Bottom Line
Not only does this jacket help you stay dry and comfortable, but it also protects you if you’re in an accident. It comes in a wide range of sizes, and there are eight colors to choose from.
Best for the Money:
HWK Scorpion-S2 Motorcycle Jacket
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The reflective properties are effective for visibility at night. It’s true-to-size and fits well. This jacket is sturdy without being bulky. And, there are plenty of straps to adjust the fit. Whether or not it's suitable for hot or cold riding varies from person to person. Some buyers felt it was a great all-weather choice. Others found it too hot or too cold.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This is another extremely affordable option with a lot to offer. We like the four-season, waterproof design, detachable insulated liner, and breathable membrane. The shoulders and elbows stretch for a good fit. And, you can use the adjustable straps to tailor it even more. Plus, there are multiple pockets to store personal belongings.
For the price, this jacket provides excellent protection. We can’t say enough about how important the reflective properties are for safety. Other safety features include foam padding, double-safety stitching, and armored shoulders and elbows. Plus, the soft Neoprene collar is comfortable.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for an affordable touring jacket with a lot of great features, look no further. This one is available in a wide range of sizes and colors, too, so you can choose one that suits your look.
Editor's Pick:
Alpinestars Men's Andes v2
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Most people were satisfied with this jacket, especially for the price. The fit is great, though some people claim the sizing runs small. Even though it’s a little bulky, it still has a streamlined fit. Some people reported that the colors faded after a few months of riding.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We like that this jacket is designed to fit so well. The pre-contoured sleeves and accordion stretch panels facilitate comfortable movement. Plus, there’s a volume adjustment to ensure a snug fit and a velcro-closing waist adjustment belt.
The ventilation system is pretty effective. And, the removable long-sleeve thermal liner is easy to put in and remove. You can easily adjust for various weather while out on a long road trip.
There are a lot of size options, too. And the stylish design is available in seven colors. Choose the one that suits you best.
Bottom Line
This jacket has a comfortable fit that’s easy to tailor to your needs. It’s versatile enough for all-weather riding. Plus, it’s breathable and waterproof so you don’t have to worry about riding into any wet weather while on the road.
Honorable Mention:
Jackets 4 Bikes Men's Vintage Motorcycle Cruiser Armor
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
A lot of people commented that this jacket was extremely stiff. For some, this was a deal-breaker. Others mentioned that it loosened up nicely after wearing it a few times. Most people agree that this leather jacket is on par with what you should expect from one at this price point.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The thing that stands out the most to us is the styling. If you’re looking for a leather jacket with a vintage look but don’t want to pay hundreds of dollars, this is a good option. As a lot of users mentioned, you get what you pay for. This jacket is affordable, but it’s probably not going to last for years.
We like the buffed leather finish and the double-stitched accents. The removable polyester quilted liner is perfect for cooler weather. We like the pre-curved sleeves and the wait adjustment. The big zippered pockets are great for personal belongings. Plus, the removable armor provides additional protection in the back, shoulders, and elbows.
Bottom Line
It’s unfair to say that this jacket is more for looks than function. It does have a lot of great qualities that make it a great touring jacket. This is a good choice if you want something that looks great and provides some protection. But don’t expect it to last as long as a high-end leather jacket.
What Do I Need to Know Before Buying a Motorcycle Touring Jacket?
There are a few things to look for when buying a touring jacket, including:
Fit
Fit is the most important factor for any motorcycle jacket. But, it’s especially important for touring. Depending on how far you’re traveling, you could spend 10 or more hours a day on your bike. A comfortable jacket is very important. Carefully read the sizing chart for the jacket you’re considering to make sure you get the right size. You should also look for adjustable cuffs, collars, and waists so you can tailor the fit to your needs.
Ventilation
If you’re planning to ride in hot weather, make sure the jacket has adequate ventilation. That said, make sure the ventilation is easily adjustable. The longer you’re out on the road, the more likely you are to run into some rain. Water can easily get in through vents, so make sure you can close them quickly when needed.
Safety
Safety is always important when riding. When touring, you’re out on the open road for long periods and having the appropriate armor in the jacket is key. Look for something that is CE-approved. Elbow and shoulder armor are necessary. Some jackets may have a spinal protector, too.
Comparison Overview
There are a lot of jacket options out there, but they’re not all suitable for touring. It’s important to know what's special about touring jackets to make the right decision.
Motorcycle Sport Jacket vs Sport Touring
There are significant differences between a sports jacket and a sport-touring jacket. The biggest thing to keep in mind is that touring involves spending long periods on the road. This explains why the features between the two differ. You might be thinking that any jacket will do for touring. And, sure, you can wear whatever you want. But once you realize the benefits of the right type of jacket, you’ll never want to go out in the wrong one again. Let’s take a look at the things that make these two jackets different.
Touring vs Sport Jacket
Sport jackets are lightweight with a snug fit. Sportbike riders sit higher and ride faster. They need a more aerodynamic fit.
Touring jackets are more versatile. They have liners so they can be worn in all types of weather. Plus, they’re usually waterproof so they can handle any type of weather. Touring jackets aren’t bulky, but they are a little roomier than a sport jacket and have decent pockets for storage.
Conclusion
Now that you know more about touring jackets, we hope you can choose the right one for your needs. Remember, touring involves spending longer amounts of time out on the open road. You never know what you’re in for. A touring jacket should be comfortable and versatile. It should also provide adequate protection so you can thoroughly enjoy your trip.
People Also Ask
We know that choosing the right jacket is a big decision. If you still have questions, we want to help. Here are some of the things that people wonder about when jacket shopping.
How Much Should I Spend on a Motorcycle Jacket?
Generally, you should get the highest quality jacket that you can comfortably afford. Motorcycle touring jackets range in price from $50 to $250 or more. Jackets that cost more are usually made with better materials and craftsmanship. They may last significantly longer. That said, there are plenty of affordable jackets out there that get the job down.
How Tight Should a Sport Touring Jacket Fit?
All motorcycle jackets should be snug. If not, too much wind can get up into the jacket while you’re riding. This is not only uncomfortable, it can also be dangerous. That said, motorcycle jackets should never be tight. If they are too tight, movement is restricted. This can affect your ability to react and steer the bike effectively.
How Long Should a Motorcycle Touring Jacket Last?
There’s no straightforward answer to this. The answer depends on the quality of the jacket. This doesn’t necessarily mean that expensive jackets will last longer. But, jackets that cost a little more tend to be made of better materials and craftsmanship. An inexpensive jacket may only last a year or two. A high-quality jacket could last for years.
