How Long Will My Motorcycle Jacket Last?

You’ve finally finished all of the necessary training and gotten your motorcycle. Now it’s time to get on that bike and ride! You probably want to look the part, right? Maybe you want to make sure that you’re protected and wearing all the proper motorcycle leather apparel. Either way, it’s important to select a jacket that’s got both style and a long lifespan. Our team of leather experts is here to help.

As one of today’s leading motorcycle leather apparel and accessories providers, we here at Open Road Leather & Accessories, want to give you some information about choosing the right jacket. Here you’ll find everything you need to know about how long different types of materials and styles will last!

The Average Lifespan of a Motorcycle Jacket

In most cases, the average motorcycle jacket will last anywhere from five to ten years; some even more than that. Of course, this depends upon a variety of factors, such as how much you wear it, the amount of stress it receives and the materials it’s made with. Cleaning it properly and caring for the leather is another essential component of increasing its lifespan.

Let’s take a look at the different types of motorcycle jacket materials:

1. Kevlar

One of today’s most common materials used in the creation of motorcycle jackets is Kevlar, a sturdy material that’s extremely durable. It’s a synthetic material that is often used to construct motorcycle jackets, as well as bulletproof vests. Another benefit of this material is that it’s relatively lightweight, making it ideal for those extended trips on the road. It’s important to note that most Kevlar jackets aren’t made entirely out of the material; usually, they’re a mix between synthetic materials or leather.

2. Leather

An old favorite and a proven quality material for fashioning motorcycle jackets, leather jackets are still highly favored today. This is because, over time, it conforms to the shape of your body and gets softer and more comfortable to wear as the years roll by. The best type of leather (100% full-grain “naked” leather) will give riders up to 20 years or more of use if properly cared for. Although some might balk at the initial investment, you’ll have two decades or more of use, meaning you’ll recoup that investment relatively quickly.

3. Oxford

Another popular motorcycle jacket material is oxford, which is made out of cotton and other fabrics, such as polyester. Many favor this jacket  type because it’s hard and durable, waterproof, and withstands strong winds. It can also protect you in the case of an accident, providing good skid protection from the asphalt. With this type of jacket, you’ll be able to get at least ten years of use out of it.

4. Nylon 66

This material is also known as Cordura. Nylon 66 jackets aren’t exactly what you might expect when you think of Nylon material. This isn’t the same material that your breakaway track pants are made out of; Nylon 66 is tough! This is the type of jacket you’ll usually see professional motorcycle riders wearing on the track, since they’re very aerodynamic and offer enhanced abrasion protection.

Other things that make this particular type of jacket/material a popular choice is that it’s relatively cheap and can be worn comfortably in every season.

Caring for Your Motorcycle Jacket  

As mentioned earlier, the way to get the most time out of your motorcycle jacket is to keep it well-maintained. Your care regimen will depend on the material your jacket is made from. With leather jackets, you’ll need to regularly treat them with oil and waterproofing products to keep them in good shape. Other motorcycle jackets will need to be fixed occasionally, repairing minor rips or tears, replacing zippers, etc.

Kevlar vs. Leather Jackets

Because they’re made of such hardy materials, both Kevlar and leather jackets are extremely popular. One of the leading advantages of Kevlar that makes it popular is its light weight, making it the preferred jacket material for those in hotter climates. One of the downsides of Kevlar, however, is that it can be rather expensive and doesn’t do well in wet climates.

Leather is warm, perfect for colder climates, and forms to your body over time like a glove. One of the negative attributes of leather, however, is that it doesn’t breathe well, making it hot and bulky in hotter climates.

What Type of Leather is Best for Motorcycle Jackets?  

You’re probably wondering what type of leather works best for motorcycle jackets. Often, if you find a traditional leather motorcycle jacket, it will be made from cowhide, the most durable and inexpensive leather. But that doesn’t mean you won’t also find high-quality jackets made from everything from goatskin to kangaroo. No matter what leather type you choose, full-grain (“Naked”) is always the best quality to go with; there’s also top-grain and genuine leather classifications. Split leather is also available, but it is not as durable as higher grades, and has a stiffer “hand” than better grades. Using leather conditioner on split leather is a definite must!

One More Thing Before We Go…A Word About Vests!  

Lastly, but certainly not least, we come to the motorcycle vest. Have you ever wondered why so many riders you see on the road wear vests and not jackets? Well, there’s a good reason, believe us. Although vests don’t offer the same protection as a jacket should you lay your bike down, they still serve an important purpose: keeping a rider’s core warm while providing him extra comfort and flexibility.

Many motorcycle riders find wearing a jacket year-round can be a little uncomfortable, and a quality leather motorcycle vest is the perfect alternative!

Contact us today for more motorcycle leather apparel and accessories 

Do you want to make sure you look the part and stay safe on your bike? If so, we have a host of products that will be ideal. We carry everything from helmets and gloves, to boots and vest extenders.

Contact us online today for more information about our inventory or call (281) 492-9650.