The 10 Best Leather Motorcycle Jackets Under $500
Updated May 3, 2023 by Simon Bertram
When It Comes To Abrasion Resistance, Leather Is King
Quick Nav
These are the best leather jackets for under $500:
If you’ve been following the recommended path for gearing up to start your lifetime riding adventures, you will already have the perfect helmet for your head. The next most important piece of gear is the one that keeps your torso safe, the ever-evolving and no-shortage-of-choices motorcycle jackets.
Leather jackets, if made properly and with motorcycle-grade leather, are the highest protection, and a requirement if you are going to be attending track days, riding at higher speeds, riding on roads that are made of chip seal, and/or all of the above. Leather tends to be less versatile in terms of cooling, riding seasons, and adaptability.
As well, your budget does enter into the equation. Many leather jackets cost well over $500, but not everyone has the bankroll for a $2500 race suit. With that in mind, we present to you our picks for the top 10 leather jackets under $500 for 2023. See also: the 10 best textile jackets under $500.
A Note On Sizing
Sizing for jackets can vary wildly from manufacturer to manufacturer. To simply the sizing, we will use the following descriptions:
Sport: Expect a tighter fit, precurved arms, and should feel comfortable in a tuck or three-quarters position
Touring: Designed to fit a little looser so that the rider can comfortably ride sitting upright in a standard posture, but tight enough to not be billowing or flapping in the wind
Cruiser: A relaxed fit that fits comfortably around the shoulders and waist, allowing for great reach forwards to the handlebars.
Tight/Moderate/Generous:
Tight fit is when the jacket will feel like it’s compressing you ever so slightly.
Moderate fit is where you have good range of motion, but may feel tight in some areas that are reinforced or designed for protection.
Loose fit is when the entire jacket feels loose in all areas of your torso without being too far from the body.
About Our Selections
When it comes to recommending gear, we consider everything from safety certifications to armor types and placement, quality of materials used, and everything in between. To make it on this list, a leather jacket has to provide the best protection for its price above all else, with considerations given to ventilation, intended riding style, natural and/or synthetic materials, and the like.
However, there is no "magic formula" that definitively says "This is the only leather jacket to use." These selections are made with educated opinions, sometimes even on-bike time with the jacket for a review, but the best way to find which leather jacket works for you is to is to head down to your local gear shop and try a few on. This is especially important because of the sizing of jackets varies wildly, as we noted above.
Note: BestBeginnerMotorcycles.com participates in the affiliate programs for Amazon, RevZilla, and others. Some of the links in this list are affiliate links that we will earn a small commission from if you purchase through them. This is how we fund our site without needing to charge for a subscription.
First Manufacturing Top Performer
A classic cruiser style jacket for three season riding
Why We Picked It:
Classic cruiser styling with fantastic reviews from real riders and industry professionals alike. The style of the First Manufacturing Top Performer jacket is what will initially catch your eye, but the long list of features is what will really surprise you. Note: “generous” cut means extremely generous – size down one level (example: from Large to Medium) from your normal jacket/shirt size.
A leather chassis lends itself to the best abrasion resistance you can get and increased durability for everyday use. The shoulders, elbows, and kidneys are padded, but CE rated armor is not included, so you’ll need to upgrade if you want exceptional impact protection.
A mandarin style collar is comfortable for all-day wear and keeps you focused on the road ahead. A removable full sleeve liner is included, keeping you warm in cooler weather and allowing some versatility when the temps increase.
Most impressive when it comes to the First Manufacturing Top Performer Jacket is the plethora of 5 star reviews from riders and industry professionals alike. That speaks volumes and puts this jacket on our favorites list for 2023's riding season.
Where To Buy:
RevZilla | Amazon | SoloMoto
Key Specs:
Price: $329.99 to $359.99
Sizing: SM to 5XL
Fitment: Cruiser / Touring - Generous
Safety: CE Level 1
Ideal For:
Riders looking for a leather jacket that is very generous in its sizing as well as being capable of three-season riding
Highlights:
Full grain cowhide leather
Mandarin-style collar so it's not too tight on the neck
Removable thermal liner
Padding in shoulders, elbows, and across the kidneys is provided, however TPU armor is built in. Universal fit pockets are prepared to accept most armor
Merlin Hixon II D3O
An adaptable touring jacket with removable liner so you can ride in both hot and cold weather
Why We Picked It:
The Merlin Hixon was one of the most popular jackets made by the British company, so it's only natural that an evolution has just recently hit the market in the form of the Hixon II D3O. The biggest update over the original is right in the name, as the jacket now features D3O armor in the elbows and shoulders, with a pocket for a D3O Viper spine protector in the back.
The more subtle upgrade is that the jacket is now longer, as well as has increased its minimum thickness cowhide to 1.2mm. Merlin also listened to customer feedback and there are now more ventilation options, with two chest vents and three, instead of two, rear exhausts vents.
With the D3O armor and thicker leather, the jacket now carries a CE EN17092 AA rating, equivalent to a CE Level 2 overall certification. If that wasn't enough, as the UK is fairly famous for cold, windy, and wet days, the jacket is fitted with a removable thermal liner that weighs just 100 grams.
Where To Buy:
RevZilla | SoloMoto
Key Specs:
Price: $399.00
Sizing: 38 to 50 (chest)
Fitment: Cruiser / Touring - Moderate
Safety: CE Level 2
Ideal For:
Riders looking for an updated version of the classic Hixon jacket, designed for the motorways of the UK but will work in the USA just as well!
Highlights:
Full grain, 1.2mm minimum thickness naked cowhide construction
Two chest vents with three exhausts on the back
Removable thermal liner
CE Level 2 armor in shoulders and elbows
Pocket for optional back protector
ICON Contra 2 Perforated
A street sport leather jacket that for warm weather is remarkably affordable
Why We Picked It:
The original ICON Contra and Contra 2 jackets have been best-selling textile jackets for 10 years. Building on that success, the Contra 2 Perforated Leather jacket offers all the same features with the added benefits of a second skin. A strong full grain cowhide chassis covers all impact and abrasion zones. As always, ICON’s standard full suite of CE Level 1 D3O shoulder, elbow and back armor is also included. Max protection for the right price.
The Icon Contra 2 Perforated Leather Jacket features pre-curved arms and a ratchet waist closure, allowing for a more tailored fit. Ballistic textile is included in non-impact zones to add extra breathability and enhanced movement. Vents can be found in the front, back, and cuffs, as well as laser perforation throughout the jacket’s chassis. For cooler weather, a removable insulated liner is included.
If you aren’t riding in the heat, check out the non-perforated ICON Contra 2 Leather jacket for the same exceptional price.
Where To Buy:
RevZilla | SoloMoto
Key Specs:
Price: $295.00
Sizing: SM to 3XL
Fitment: Sport - Moderate
Safety: CE Level 1
Ideal For:
Riders that want a street sport jacket that is affordable despite top-tier materials and armor
Highlights:
Full grain cowhide main chassis with textile stretch panels
Ratchet-style waist adjustment
Removable thermal liner
CE Level 1 D3O armor at back, shoulders, and elbow
Cortech Apex V1
Everything you need in a track jacket at under $400!
Why We Picked It:
When it comes to sport/track leathers under $400, this might very well be the only track-specific leather jacket (and matching pant option) at this price for both men and women. Track-ready leather for $320 is nearly unheard of and immediately contributes to the exceptional value of the Cortech Apex V1 jacket.
CE Level 1 impact protection is reasonable in the shoulders and elbows, but back protection does not come standard and must be purchased separately. Hard TPU on shoulders and elbows encourage a slide, rather than a tumble and/or ripping of seams in impact zones.
A full-circumference zipper for connecting to pants creates 360-degree torso protection in case of a slide and is even required at most tracks. At $320 (before optional back protector), the Cortech Apex V1 is the best value for a track-level leather jacket.
Where To Buy:
RevZilla (Men's) | RevZilla (Women's) | SoloMoto
Key Specs:
Price: $319.99
Sizing: SM to 3XL
Fitment: Race / Sport - Tight
Safety: CE Level 1
Ideal For:
Riders looking for a track-grade sport jacket at a bargain price, without losing any of the protection needed for track days
Highlights:
Cowhide leather construction
Perforations at chest, back, and arms for ventilation
Removable thermal liner
Hard TPU sliders at shoulders and elbows
Pocket for optional back protector
First Manufacturing Women's Outlander
A versatile women's leather jacket that is suitable for both the cruiser and ADV rider.
Why We Picked It:
The Outlander is a stylish new jacket from First Manufacturing that is optimized for the longer-distance cruiser rider, with some crossover into the ADV segment. That crossover comes in the form of the four front pockets, a left sleeve pocket, and two concealed carry pockets, so you can keep everything you need while riding at hand.
Not one to sit back and just let that be the end of it, First Manufacturing also included somewhat hidden but highly functional ventilation at the front and back of the shoulders. There is a zip-out thermal lining for the colder days, as well as hip adjustment zips to get the perfect fit.
The entire jacket is made of .8 mm or thicker Diamond Cowhide leather, which offers excellent weather and abrasion resistance.
Where To Buy:
RevZilla | SoloMoto
Key Specs:
Price: $309.99 to $339.99
Sizing: XS to 5XL
Fitment: Cruiser - Moderate
Safety: Rating not provided
Ideal For:
Riders looking for a comfortable women's leather jacket that fits all shapes and sizes of ladies
Highlights:
Minimum 0.8 mm Diamond Cowhide
Hidden but effective shoulder ventilation
More pockets than most other leather jackets
Heavy duty snaps with strong central zipper to keep the jacket done up in all situations
Scorpion EXO 1909
A vintage leather jacket for motorway touring
Why We Picked It:
First off, what does 1909 stand for? That is the year the Indy Motor Speedway opened and these jackets are offered as a tribute to the IMS. The Scorpion EXO 1909 Leather Jacket is a vintage leather jacket that could pass for a night out, but it is loaded with features and safety requirements in the modern era that make it a great candidate for our list.
The 1909 vintage leather jacket is made from 1.2-1.4mm premium cowhide leather that is distressed by hand and with Scorpion’s Exo-Stitch internal safety stitching on all critical seams. The comfort features include a removable EverHeat thermal liner for colder weather and perforated inner arm/torso panels, two zippered rear vents for the warmer months. Ribbed accordion stretch side hems panels conform to the increased waistline during the holiday season.
Besides protection from the element and abrasion, this jacket also protects against impacts with the included state-of-the-art viscoelastic SAS-TEC CE Level 2 armor at the elbows and shoulders.
Where To Buy:
RevZilla | Amazon | SoloMoto
Key Specs:
Price: $499.95
Sizing: SM to 3XL
Fitment: Cruiser / Touring - Moderate
Safety: CE Level 2
Ideal For:
Riders looking for a vintage-looking leather jacket that would be right at home being worn on the interstate
Highlights:
Minimum 1.2mm soft distressed cowhide
Removable thermal liner
Perforated inner arm and torso panels that flow through to two zippered shoulder blade vents
SAS-TEC CE Level 2 armor at shoulders and elbows
Pocket for optional back protector
Richa Toulon 2
Made for the weather and roads of France, which can get quite windy and cold
Why We Picked It:
Not a lot of jackets out there on the market are targeted towards the classic cafe and cruising style without seeming to also want to teleport protection back to the 1960s and 1970s. RICHA of France set out to change that with the original Toulon jacket, and with the Toulon 2, they have one of the best jackets that can be bought for under $500.
Full grain, hand-treated cowhide leather makes up the entire protective surface of the jacket, which is lined with RICHA’s own vintage cotton style, and includes a phone pocket. The lining is non-removable, as the jacket is designed for the Spring and Fall of France, where it can be wet, windy, and cold. To combat that cool air when you’ve arrived at your destination and helmet comes off, a removable hood is there to keep the elements at bay.
In terms of armor, the Toulon 2 has a full suite of D3O in the elbow, shoulder, and back. The leather is 1.0 to 1.2 mm thick depending on the zone of the jacket, with the thicker hide in the probably sliding areas. Some adjustment is available with side straps at the waist, and a short universal connection zipper in the lower back allows you to join the jacket to your riding pants. One of the most highly reviewed new jackets of 2023, it has even earned a RevZilla staff pick for its value for money and features.
Where To Buy:
RevZilla | SoloMoto
Key Specs:
Price: $449.99
Sizing: XS to 3XL
Fitment: Cafe / Cruising - Regular
Safety: CE Level 1
Ideal For:
Riders looking for a classic French-style leather jacket that is still modern and adaptable to all weather both on and off the bike
Highlights:
Hand treated, minimum 1.0mm premium full grain cowhide leather
Detachable hood
Removable thermal liner
Zippered cuffs
CE Level 1 D3O at back, shoulders, and elbows
Joe Rocket Classic '92
Vintage design, modern materials and armor, a Spring/Fall jacket for the relaxed rider
Why We Picked It:
Joe Rocket has had a long history in the motorcycle gear business, starting in 1994, but with the Classic ‘92, they’ve come full circle back to where it all began. Based on one of their first jacket designs when the Canadian company was producing gear, the Classic ‘92 has all the charm and retro looks one could want from a classic jacket, but with modern features included. It should be noted that while the jacket has existed since 2013, the one linked in our Buy area is the latest version.
Full-grain, drum dyed cowhide makes up the main chassis of the jacket, with thicknesses varying from 1.0 mm to 1.2 mm. While it does not come with armor preinstalled, it has pockets for shoulder, elbow, and back protectors. In case of riding in colder weather, as the company is Canadian, a fully insulated, removable thermal liner is included. The jacket also features an adjustable collar and adjustable zip-up cuffs, with all being durable YKK zips.
Cuff vents are the only main vents on the jacket, as there are four front pockets outside, and two utility pockets inside the jacket. As the jacket was designed for cooler weather, there is also a 1.5 inch storm flap behind the zipper to prevent any chilling winds from penetrating. A very well reviewed cool to cold weather leather jacket, this is meant to be a mainstay of early Spring and Fall riding, while keeping a retro look at the same time.
Where To Buy:
RevZilla (Men's) | RevZilla (Women's) | SoloMoto
Key Specs:
Price: $349.99
Sizing: SM to 3XL (Both versions)
Fitment: Relaxed (Cool to cold weather)
Safety: CE Level 1
Ideal For:
Riders looking for a cool to cold weather leather jacket that carries a retro aesthetic but modern features
Highlights:
Minimum 1.0mm drum dyed full grain cowhide leather
Removable thermal liner
Padded shoulders and elbows. Pockets for optional back, shoulder, and elbow armor
Authentic YKK zippers used throughout
Street & Steel Athena Woman's Jacket
A full featured leather jacket for women that is highly adjustable and very comfortable
Why We Picked It:
Street & Steel has a winner on their hands with the Athena. There are so many features that there is no use talking about anything else!
Made of drum dyed 1.1 mm buffalo hide leather for the main chassis, there are sections of mesh airflow material rated to 500D to keep the jacket comfortably cool even in hot weather, on top of some perforated leather sections. CE Level 1 rated armor is included in the shoulders and elbows, with a pocket for a back protector. An exaggerated shoulder gusset to the back chassis allow for the jacket to not pull and tug tightly due to the natural body shape of a woman, as well as allow for airflow coming from the perforated leather on the inner side of the arms to exhaust from the jacket without needing a zippered vent.
For that touch of style, the shoulders and upper arms feature a quilted design that is not only fashionable, but functional. As those two areas are likely slide zones should you unfortunately become separated from your bike, the diamond quilting also adds structural stability, increasing abrasion resistance across multiple smaller areas instead of one big one. The design and features of the jacket are so perfectly tailored to female riders that the ladies at RevZilla have slapped the Staff Pick badge on the jacket!
Where To Buy:
RevZilla | SoloMoto
Key Specs:
Price: $299.99
Sizing: XS to 3XL
Fitment: Cruiser / Touring - Regular
Safety: CE Level 1
Ideal For:
Riders looking for leather women's jacket that is packed with modern features and multiple adjustment points
Highlights:
Natural drum dyed 1.1mm minimum thickness buffalo leather combined with 500D airflow mesh panels
Removable thermal vest liner
Waist adjustment straps, hidden waist adjustment zippers for those with wider hips
Dedicated weapons pocket for those with a CCW endorsement
CE Level 1 armor at the shoulders and elbows
Pocket for optional back protector
ICON Motorhead3
A budget leather jacket that punches way above its price with premium features
Why We Picked It:
Now in its third generation, the Icon Motorhead jacket has been a budget-friendly-but-very-good leather jacket for almost a decade and a half. Designed for every riding position from standard to aggressive sport, Motorhead3 is an evolution of the original concept of keeping superior protection affordable.
Most jackets on the market today come with shoulder and elbow protectors. Where the Motorhead3 distinguishes itself is by also including a back protector, and all three zones are kitted out with Icon’s D3O armor. On top of that, the leather of the jacket is Brazilian cowhide, with the stretch panels and textile portions having a rating of at least 400D.
On top of that, the jacket is perforated for airflow, has three pairs of zipper vents at the shoulders, cuffs, and back, and comes with a full waterproof liner and an insulated vest liner. To put the cherry on top of the proverbial cake, the jacket is certified as EN 17092-3:2020 Class AA protective equipment, making it a single class step down in the latest certifications from a racing jacket.
And it’s only $350. Value for money, anyone?
Where To Buy:
RevZilla | SoloMoto
Key Specs:
Price: $350.00
Sizing: XS to 3XL
Fitment: Street Sport / Track
Safety: CE Level 1
Ideal For:
Riders wanting the abrasion resistance of leather, the flexibility of stretch textiles, and a full suite of armor, at a bargain-basement price for everything combined
Highlights:
Brazilian cowhide with 400D stretch textile panels
Removable waterproof liner
Removable thermal vest liner
CE Level 1 D3O armor at back, shoulders, and elbows
Zippered vents at shoulders, wrists, and back for added ventilation over included perforated panels
Achieves CE Class AA certification for protective equipment, on step below race grade garments