As a motorcycle safety instructor with over 25 years of riding experience, I've seen firsthand how the right gear can mean the difference between walking away from an accident and facing life-changing injuries. While leather jackets have always been synonymous with motorcycle culture, not all leather jackets offer the same level of protection. Understanding safety features is essential for any rider who wants to look good while staying safe on Australian roads.
In this guide, I'll break down the key safety features you should look for in a motorcycle leather jacket, explain what those CE ratings actually mean, and help you make an informed decision that could one day save your life.
Why Leather for Motorcycle Riding?
Leather has been the material of choice for motorcycle gear since the earliest days of riding, and for good reason. When it comes to abrasion resistance—your skin's first line of defence in a slide—leather remains one of the best natural materials available.
Quality leather offers several protective advantages:
- Superior abrasion resistance: Thick leather can withstand sliding across asphalt far better than most textile materials.
- Durability: Unlike synthetics that can melt or degrade on impact, leather maintains its integrity under extreme conditions.
- Fit improvement: Leather moulds to your body over time, creating a personalised fit that stays in place during an accident.
- Wind resistance: The dense material blocks wind effectively, reducing fatigue on long rides.
Critical Distinction
Fashion leather jackets and motorcycle leather jackets are not the same. A fashion jacket may look similar but lacks the thickness, reinforcement, and armour pockets that provide actual protection. Never assume a stylish leather jacket will protect you on a motorcycle.
Understanding CE Armour Ratings
CE (Conformité Européenne) certification is the European standard for protective equipment, and it's become the global benchmark for motorcycle safety gear. In Australia, CE-rated armour is the gold standard for protective equipment.
CE Level 1 vs Level 2
CE armour is tested by dropping a weighted striker onto the armour and measuring how much force transmits through to the wearer. The ratings work as follows:
- CE Level 1: Transmits less than 35 kN (kilonewtons) of force. Provides good basic protection and is suitable for most recreational riding.
- CE Level 2: Transmits less than 20 kN of force. Offers significantly better protection and is recommended for high-speed riding, track days, or anyone wanting maximum safety.
The difference might seem minor on paper, but in practice, CE Level 2 armour reduces transmitted force by roughly 40% compared to Level 1. That reduction can be the difference between a bruise and a broken bone.
Key Takeaway
Always check that armour is actually CE-certified. Look for the CE stamp directly on the armour itself. Marketing claims like "CE approved design" or "meets CE standards" are meaningless—only armour bearing the official CE mark has been independently tested.
Armour Placement
A proper motorcycle leather jacket should have armour in these critical impact zones:
- Shoulders: Essential for protecting the shoulder joint and collarbone area during side impacts and slides.
- Elbows: Protect the elbow joint, which is highly vulnerable in any fall. Ensure elbow armour stays in position when your arms are bent in riding position.
- Back protector: Often sold separately, a back protector guards your spine—the most critical protection you can have. Never ride without one.
- Chest protector: Increasingly common, chest armour protects your sternum and ribs from handlebar impacts and frontal collisions.
Leather Thickness and Abrasion Resistance
The thickness of leather directly correlates with its ability to resist abrasion during a slide. For motorcycle use, consider these guidelines:
- 1.0-1.2mm: Minimum for light riding, better than nothing but not ideal for highway speeds.
- 1.2-1.4mm: Good for general riding and commuting. Offers solid protection while remaining comfortable.
- 1.4mm+: Recommended for sport riding and high-speed use. Maximum abrasion protection.
Slide Time Matters
At highway speeds, you can slide for 5-7 seconds before coming to a stop. Every tenth of a millimetre of leather thickness adds precious fractions of a second to your protection. Quality 1.3mm cowhide can withstand approximately 4-5 seconds of sliding at 100 km/h.
Construction Quality for Safety
Beyond material thickness, how a jacket is constructed significantly affects its protective value:
Seam Strength
Double or triple stitching with heavy-duty nylon thread is essential. Single-stitched seams can burst on impact, exposing your skin to the road surface. Examine the seams along the shoulders, arms, and back—these areas experience the most stress during a slide.
Seam Placement
Quality motorcycle jackets position seams away from primary impact zones. A seam directly over your shoulder or elbow creates a weak point. Look for designs where seams are offset from areas likely to contact the ground first.
Armour Retention
Armour must stay in place during an accident. Dedicated armour pockets with secure closures (velcro or zips) are essential. Loose-fitting armour can shift on impact, leaving the body part it should protect exposed. When trying on a jacket, move vigorously—the armour should not migrate significantly.
Connection Points
A 360-degree zipper that connects your jacket to your pants prevents the jacket from riding up during a slide, which would expose your lower back and abdomen. This feature is standard on quality motorcycle jackets and essential for serious riders.
Additional Safety Features
Reflective Elements
Visibility is safety. Many motorcycle leather jackets now incorporate reflective piping or panels that increase your visibility to other road users at night. While not strictly protective, being seen prevents accidents in the first place.
Stretch Panels
Accordion stretch panels at the elbows, back, and shoulders serve two purposes: they improve comfort and range of motion, and they prevent the jacket from binding during emergency manoeuvres. A restrictive jacket that limits movement is a safety hazard.
Ventilation
Overheating causes fatigue and reduces concentration. Quality motorcycle jackets include ventilation zips or perforated leather panels for hot weather riding. However, ensure perforated sections are not positioned in primary impact zones, as they reduce abrasion resistance.
Pro Tip
Try on any motorcycle jacket in your riding position—either on your bike or simulating it. A jacket that fits well standing up may pull or bind when you're leaning forward on a sportbike. The fit in riding position is what matters for both comfort and safety.
Certification Standards to Look For
Several certification standards indicate a jacket meets safety requirements:
- EN 17092: The current European standard for motorcycle clothing. Ratings range from A (lowest) to AAA (highest), indicating overall protection level.
- EN 1621-1: The standard for limb protectors (shoulder and elbow armour).
- EN 1621-2: The standard for back protectors.
A jacket certified to EN 17092 AAA with CE Level 2 armour represents the highest level of protection currently available in motorcycle clothing.
Making the Right Choice
Choosing a motorcycle leather jacket is ultimately about balancing protection, comfort, and budget. My recommendation for Australian riders:
- Prioritise jackets with CE Level 2 armour in shoulders and elbows as a minimum.
- Always add a quality back protector—your spine is irreplaceable.
- Choose leather thickness appropriate to your riding style: 1.2mm minimum for commuting, 1.4mm+ for sport riding.
- Ensure the jacket fits properly in your riding position, not just standing up.
- Look for connection zips if you plan to pair the jacket with riding pants.
Remember, the best jacket is the one you'll actually wear. A compromise on absolute protection that you wear every ride is better than a maximum-protection jacket that sits in your wardrobe because it's uncomfortable or inconvenient. But within your comfort parameters, always choose the highest level of protection available.
Your leather jacket should be the last thing between you and the road. Make sure it's up to the task.