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Brands
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Parts Finder
Bikebiz Parramatta
Bikebiz
granville
granville
Brands
Categories
Parts Finder
Brands
Categories
Parts Finder
By Michael Catford
|
8 May 2026
|
5 min read
Your motorcycle jacket is an extension of your body; a second skin that protects you from both the asphalt and the elements, and hopefully makes you look good in the process.
In terms of material, there are two main choices: textile and leather. Leather jackets offer a timeless look, a natural feel and unmatched abrasion resistance, making them ideal for track days and weekend jaunts. Textiles are versatile, lightweight and waterproof, so can make riding more comfortable in wet or unpredictable weather.
At Bikebiz, we know that the right motorcycle jacket depends on riding style, weather and personal preference. As a team of Sydney riders, we've tested jackets in all local conditions – we know exactly what works and what doesn't, and the options that are best for your situation.
So, should you choose a textile or leather motorcycle jacket? Read on to find out.
There's just something natural, something right, about wearing leather on a bike. Not just because it's an incredibly tough material – though that certainly helps.
Despite endless advances in textile science, leather remains the undisputed slide protection champ – it's still the only material that MotoGP riders trust if they get the wobbles at 350kph. High speed spills create extreme heat from friction, which leather is uniquely capable of handling. The best jackets are made from premium cowhide or kangaroo leather, and are more or less mandatory for track days.
The more you wear leather, the more it moulds to your body. Over time, it begins to feel like a part of you; a second skin that you hardly notice (until you find yourself heading for bitumen, at which point: phew). A snug, form-fitting leather jacket also ensures the built-in armour is exactly where it needs to be to protect you from impacts.
Leather isn't all sunshine and rainbows… in fact, weather is where the material can fall down. It's heavy and not particularly breathable, so it can feel a bit much in the heat of summer (though perforated leather can help). While water-resistant, it isn't waterproof, and can soak through in a downpour to leave you feeling damp and cold.
Leather jackets are great for speed demons who want the maximum level of protection and aerodynamic performance. They're also popular amongst the cruiser crowd for their timeless aesthetics, although they should be saved for dry weather touring – if there's a hint of condensation in the air, you might regret covering yourself in cowhide.
Have you heard enough? Are you locking in leather? The next step is choosing a jacket that aligns with how and where you want to ride. Some leather jackets are built for speed and aggression, others for looking good while cruising.
If you need some inspo, here are what we see as the top five leather jackets currently on the market:
Look fast, go fast. As seen in MotoGP, the Missile V3 Ignition cuts through air like a warm knife through butter. Premium bovine leather offers excellent abrasion resistance, even when you're sliding at the speed of sound. It's also Tech-Air® airbag-compatible, giving you the option of wrapping yourself up in unparalleled protection.
Best for: Racers, track day demons.
A step down from the Missile V3 Ignition, the Faster V3 Air from Alpinestars is designed for urban riders on sportsbikes and naked bikes. While it remains a high performance piece of kit, it's a more cost-effective option that gives you a sporty edge during your daily commute, while offering a level of everyday comfort that MotoGP riders simply don't need.
Best for: Sports/naked bike riders.
Don't let the effortlessly vintage aesthetic fool you – the Roadster 3 from RST hides an arsenal of modern tech, from CE-rated elbow and shoulder armour (plus an armour-ready back), to strategically placed vents that let air in on hot summer days while maintaining the premium protection of aniline waxed leather.
Best for: Cruisers, traditionalists.
One of the most versatile leather motorcycle jackets on the market, Triumph's triple-perforated model offers decent water resistance, excellent air circulation, and malleable D3O armour that stays soft in the saddle, but instantly hardens when it experiences an impact.
Best for: Tourers, commuters.
The laws of leather have been broken, because Merlin has created a traditional leather motorcycle jacket that is 100% waterproof. The Gable features a laminating treatment on the exterior of the jacket that keeps every drop of water out, so it's ready to perform in rain, hail and shine – perfect for those unpredictable Sydney summer downpours.
Best for: Wet weather riders.
If leather is about performance, the selling point for textiles is adaptability. Cordura, Gore-Tex and nylon each have their strengths, and when combined they can handle almost anything a ride can throw at you.
A quality textile jacket will feature a deconstructable layered system featuring different materials that handle water, warmth, airflow and abrasion resistance. The result is that a single, multi-layered textile jacket can be customised to handle every season. Use a summer mesh motorcycle jacket in the heat, thermal liners in winter, and waterproof layers when the heavens open – or comfortably ride through four seasons in one day.
Textile motorcycle jackets are lighter and more breathable than leather, which can make them more comfortable on long rides. There can be greater functionality too, with many jackets featuring secure and often waterproof pockets for your valuables.
Textile jackets are less durable than leather under extreme conditions, as textile fibres can melt, tear and generally degrade under the immense friction and heat of a high speed slide. This means that, like your helmet, your textile jacket should be replaced after a crash, while a leather garment might still be good to go (if a little ragged looking).
Textile jackets are best for those who ride no matter what Mother Nature is doing, and who prioritise function over form. These jackets are particularly popular amongst daily commuters, long-distance tourers and adventure riders. Textiles are also the go-to for high-vis riding jackets, as synthetic fabrics hold neon and reflective pigments better than leather.
Choosing the right road jacket for you out of leather and textile is a matter of answering a few key questions:
For maximum protection, an organic fit and the classic look, leather is the best choice. If you commute daily, tour long distances or ride in unpredictable weather, a textile jacket is ideal.
Alternatively: ¿Por qué no los dos? Many Bikebiz customers decide they don't want to choose, and get both: textile for weekday commutes in all conditions, leather for weekend cruising and track days.
But most importantly of all, the material matters less than how a jacket fits and feels. This is why we recommend visiting us in-store, so you can try a few options on and see which sits on your shoulders just right.
Waterproof textile jackets are far better for wet weather riding. Gore-Tex riding gear comes with built-in waterproof membranes or removable liners. While water-resistant, leather will eventually absorb moisture, particularly during a downpour, at which point it will become cold and very heavy.
It's less a case of stretching, and more a case of moulding. Over time moisture and body heat will break in the leather, which sees it stretch slightly and morph to your shape. For this reason it's wise to choose a leather jacket that is slightly on the snug side when you first try it on.
Yes, provided they come with CE-rated armour. Premium textile jackets use abrasion-resistant fabrics like Cordura, while shoulder, elbow and back armour keeps the most vulnerable areas of your body safe. Every textile jacket we sell at Bikebiz is CE-rated.
Leather? Textile? There's no bad choice – but there is the right choice for your situation. And at Bikebiz we give you unmatched choice, then we help you make yours.
As Sydney's #1 motorcycle dealer, we're home to Australia's leading range of road gear, including the finest leather and textile road jackets from the world's best brands.
Visit our Parramatta or Granville showrooms to try on the latest and greatest motorcycle jackets, with the help of our expert team, or browse our full range of men's or women's, short or 3/4 length road jackets online today.