Best Winter Motorcycle Jackets: Features, Pros and Cons

We’ve put together a list of the top winter motorcycle jackets to keep you warm and comfortable on those winter rides. So, unless you limit your riding to places with warm temperatures year-round, take a look at our recommendations!

Introduction 

If you are one of the many motorcycle owners whose riding season ends when the light jacket that took you through the fall cannot stand up to the cold temperatures on a winter ride. Even a ride on a clear, 50 degree day to take in the beauty of fall colors as the leaves change may find you wishing for a winter motorcycle jacket to keep you warm. Remember, that you create your own wind chill factor when riding on a motorcycle.

If you set off on a ride when the temperature is 50 degrees, the effect of exposure to the air makes it feel much colder. At 55 mph, a 50 degree ambient temperature could feel like 40 degrees to motorcycle riders when you factor in the wind chill they create while riding. The faster you go, the colder it will feel. 

Not only does it feel uncomfortable, but riding in the cold without wearing the proper clothing to keep you warm is dangerous. Instead of paying attention to safely operating your motorcycle, your focus is on how cold you feel. If temperatures drop low enough, you could be in danger of frostbite.

Instead of putting your motorcycle in storage this winter and giving up riding until the spring, extend your riding season with a winter motorcycle jacket to keep you warm and safe while you ride. We want to help you to choose the best motorcycle jacket for winter, so this article includes valuable information to guide your shopping, including:

• What to look for to ensure you get the best motorcycle jacket for winter.
• Our top recommendations for winter motorcycle jackets.
• Tips for getting the best deal on your jacket, including Black Friday and special pricing for the holiday season.

Before we get into details about shopping for motorcycle jackets for winter, let’s start by taking a look at exactly what you’ve been missing while your motorcycle sat in the garages during winters past. We promise not to introduce you to any ghosts of winters past, present or future, but we will show you what you are missing and how to stay safe when riding during winter weather.

What’s Great About Riding Your Motorcycle During Winter?

We’re not here to suggest riding in a snowstorm or on ice-covered roads, that’s not a good idea regardless of the type of vehicle you happen to be riding in or on. There are, however, many winter days when roads are not covered in snow or ice that let you enjoy some of the benefits of riding the motorcycle you own in cooler weather, including:

• Visit popular tourist destinations during their less-crowded off season.
• Enjoy seeing how the scenery at your favorite riding destinations change with the seasons.
• Getting together with your riding buddies who, like you, may be looking for a reason to extend their riding season.

Besides putting on your new winter motorcycle jacket, gloves and a helmet for your first winter ride, remember that you need to make some adjustments to your riding style in order to be safe. 

Here are a few winter riding tips for to know before setting out for your first winter ride:

• Take it easy for the first few miles: Warm tires grip the ride better than tires that are cold, so your ability to corner, take turns and stop may be affected until the rubber warms up as you ride.
• Dress for winter: A warm motorcycle jacket, lined gloves instead of the thin leather ones you wear during the summer, and chaps to keep your legs warm should all be part of your riding gear for winter. Also remember to wear something to cover and protect your nose and mouth from the cold. Face covering also warms the air to make it easier to breathe.
• Check the weather forecast: Winter weather can be unpredictable, so check the forecast before heading out in order to be prepared. If rain is in the forecast, wear or pack rain gear, slow down, and be careful about hydroplaning on wet roads.
• Watch your speed: Slower speeds give you more time to react to road conditions, such as icy patches and potholes. Also keep in mind that the windchill effect is greater at faster speeds, so you can stay warmer by riding at slower speeds.
• Watch out for other vehicles: Motorists have a hard time seeing motorcycles even at any time of the year, but the glare of the sun on streaked windshields during the winter make it even more essential to watch out for other drivers.

Now, let’s take a look at some of the top winter motorcycle jackets.

Top 5 Motorcycle Jackets for Winter

In putting together a list of the top five best winter motorcycle jackets we based our selections on type of material, riding comfort, pockets, closures, visibility and rider protection. The following are our recommendations along with the features of each jacket.

Alpinestars T-GP v2 Jacket

Features include the following:

• Mesh panels on the chest, back, and sleeves of a multi-fabric shell design boost cooling performance.
• Waist adjustment to enhance riding comfort.
• Sleeve volume adjustments to lessen material bunching.
• Two hand pockets with zippers for everyday utility.
• The Alpinestars riding pants may be attached via the waist connection zipper.
• Creation of the shell using several fabrics and strategically placed abrasion-resistant materials.
• Optional chest and back protection pockets (sold separately).
• When opened, zippered air intake vents are positioned for maximum ventilation.
• White reflective PU logo that is 3D injected on both the upper back and the chest.
• Thermal liner that may be removed has an insulated front flap for full body covering.

The Alpinestars T-GP v2 Jacket is available at Amazon, Revzilla and J&P Cycles.

Dainese Fighter Leather Jacket

Features include:

• Composite protectors with EN 1621.1 certification.
• Jacket approved to 89/686/EEC Directive, CE Category II.
• Inlay of metal in the shoulder.
• Removable protectors with EN 1621 certification.
• Silver ion treatment on Nano Feel liner.
• Back air vents.
• Heated lining with removable.
• Mechanism for securing a jacket to pants.
• Elasticized collar insert and fabric inserts
• Elasticized inserts made of micro elastic.
• Thermoformed, seamless soft inserts

The Dainese Fighter Leather Jacket is available at Amazon, Revzilla, and J&P Cycles.

Alpinestars Stella T-Kira Jacket for Women

Features include the following: 

• Developed for the best possible fit for women
• Abrasion-resistant material is used on exposed sections of the multi-fabric shell structure.
• Waist adjustment to enhance riding comfort.
• Two hand pockets with zippers for everyday utility.
• When opened, zippered air intake vents are positioned for maximum ventilation.
• Low profile collar structure with inside collar lining made of 3D textured comfort fabric.
• Fatigue is decreased by pre-curved sleeve structure.
• Reflective elements to increase the rider’s visibility to other drivers.
• heated lining with removable.
• waterproof membrane that is fixed.
• Embroidered with microfiber, the collar and cuffs.
• front pocket with a waterproof inside.
• A zipper that connects the jacket to the pants allows attachment to Alpinestars riding pants.
• Alpinestars CE Level 2 optional snap button system with multiple snap button integration.

The Alpinestars Stella T-Kira Jacket for Women is available at Amazon, Revzilla, and J&P Cycles.

Scorpion EXO Yosemite Jacket

Features include the following: 

• The outside laminate fabric is completely seam-sealed and waterproof/breathable.
• To stop leaks, the center front is double zipped.
• On the upper torso, there are two direct core ventilation zipped waterproof vents.
• On the chest and the entire back panel are heavy-duty mesh ventilation zones.
• For the best airflow, torso vents, full-length arm vents, and zip-down wind blocking panels may all be changed.
• Two chest pockets, two huge cargo pockets on the lower front, one large cargo pocket on the back, and one internal waterproof pocket within the lining.
• Made of cloth and nylon that is resistant to abrasion.
• Windproof.
• Very well ventilated.
• PE Back protector pocket’s foam back pad may be modified to a Level 2 Sas-Tec protection (sold separately).
• To improve visibility at night, apply NightViz reflective material liberally to the front and back of the torso, the arms, and the elbows.

The Scorpion EXO Yosemite Jacket is available at Amazon, Revzilla and J&P Cycles.

First Manufacturing Indy Jacket

Features include the following: 

• Cowhide leather that has been colored in a drum.
• This motorcycle jacket is very abrasion resistant due to kevlar reinforcing.
• While you use the throttle, you may stay cool thanks to a front and back ventilation system that allows air to flow freely in and out.
• On the road, premium leather offers protection.
• A black leather jacket that is sturdy, resilient, and weatherproof.
• Elasticated collar and center zipper in a scooter style.
• A pair of chest pockets.
• Two (2) slash pockets with zippers.
• Two (2) concealed carry pouches with holsters that are tapered and ammunition snaps.
• Sleeves with zippers and gussets.
• Side belts with adjustment.
• Grommets and gussets under the arms.
• React back.
• Back and chest vents.
• Reinforcements on the shoulders and elbows made of DupontTM Kevlar®.
• Inside lining with mesh.
• Pockets for extra protection (armor sold separately).

The First Manufacturing Indy Jacket is available at Amazon, Revzilla, and J&P Cycles.

Best Deals for Winter Motorcycle Jackets

If the five top picks for the best cold weather jacket leave you wanting more even options at different price ranges, here they are along with places to find them:

Under $100

Between $100 and $200

Black Friday Deals – 40% Off

Compare prices and styles to find the best jacket for winter motorcycle riding at a price that won’t break your budget.

Conclusion

Extending your motorcycle-riding season begins with the purchase of a winter motorcycle jacket. Use this guide to find the best jacket at the most affordable price.