Jackets & Vests

XLMOTO Bike Jackets:
Practical On, and Stylish Off, the Motorcycle

The moment motorcycles started travelling faster than walking pace, riders knew they would need to wear something more hardwearing than a regular jacket. In those early days, hard-wearing weatherproof gear came in the form of military clothing. You only have to look at riders from before and after WWII to see leather helmets, goggles and wrap-over flying jackets. The first motorcycle-specific jacket was in fact a leather version of a cavalry officer’s jacket, which also introduced the first zipper in a motorcycle jacket. XLMOTO has a vast range of motorcycle jackets. While some are a product of the 21st century, many designs owe their heritage to the battlefield-tested jackets of bygone days.

Thanks to new materials and manufacturing processes whether it’s a new-age jacket or one with a military flair, you can guarantee there’s a lot going on beneath the surface. Modern motorcycle jackets are often packed with features including water and wind proofing, double taped seams, storm cuffs, drawstring waists, removable liners and removable arms. Interestingly, the same features that make these jackets suitable when riding a motorcycle also make them an excellent choice off the bike. A lightweight water and windproof jacket make a great addition to your hiking kit. Meanwhile, short style bike jackets with removable arms can double as an around-town vest.

Types of Motorcycle Jackets

On the bike jackets - The hardest thing about choosing a motorcycle jacket is deciding on the role you want it to play. If it’s specifically for riding, it has to tick certain boxes. If not waterproof, then water resistant is a given, this should mean that it also has a degree of wind-proofing too. Ensure that the jacket has storm cuffs and an elasticated or drawstring waist to prevent, flapping or wind incursion when on the move.

Off the bike jackets – Just because you’re not riding, doesn’t mean you want to compromise when it comes to safety and weather-resistant features. Whether you’re in the pits or deep in the urban jungle, XLMOTO has a terrific range of jackets that will keep you in great shape and looking cool. Off bike jackets usually feature hoods either fixed in position or that fold into the collar and because of the lightweight material, pack away to nothing. Additionally, off bike jackets can display your favourite gear logo or bike brand so even when you’re away from your wheels you’re flying the flag.

Dual jackets - This type of jacket offers the best of both worlds by featuring either an inner jacket liner or removable arms. A motorcycle jacket with a lined inner jacket, offers the rider year round adaptability with either the inner or outer worn independently, or both zipped together when the temperature drops. Go for a bike jacket with removable sleeves and although it may not have four-season flexibility, when spring merges into summer removing the sleeves produces a great riding vest.

Women’s motorcycle jackets - Not so long ago, female riders, pillions and moto-fans had to make do with smaller version of men’s motorcycle jackets. The very obvious downside to this situation was a poor fit with any protective benefits of the jacket made redundant. Thankfully motorcycle gear manufacturers have realised that there’s a huge market for female riding gear and now make stylish tailored motorcycle jackets for women.

So if you’re looking for a quilted summer jacket that can pull double duty under a waterproof in the winter or a lightweight trackside jacket, XLMOTO has something for you. Short commutes or city rides don’t always need a fully armoured battle jacket. So when you need a motorcycle jacket that’s practical on the bike and stylish off it, head for XLMOTO’s impressive motorcycle jacket collection.