How to Save with Safe and Cheap Motorcycle Jackets

Picture this: you’re cruising down the road on your shiny new motorcycle, rocking a $60 “motorcycle jacket” from Amazon. Life’s good, right? 

Until – BAM! – a pothole sends you skidding along the pavement. Your cheap jacket shreds like tissue paper, leaving you crying in the shower for weeks with gnarly road rash. Ouch!

Don’t be that guy (or gal)! I’ve seen too many bandaged tourists who thought a windbreaker would cut it. 

But fear not! You don’t need fancy, pricey gear to stay protected. Finding a great, affordable jacket is a breeze if you know where to look – and that’s where I come in!

I’ll help you dodge marketing tricks and fake labels while unearthing budget-friendly gems. Down below I’ll share my guide to finding budget motorcycle jackets, including what to look for and the specific shops to check. 

Then, I’ll share my top picks for men’s and women’s motorcycle jackets under $200, so you can ride in style and still have cash for gas. Stay tuned for laughs, facts, and savvy shopping tips!

How to Find a High-Value Motorcycle Jacket

Lots of keyboard warriors will tell you: “Pick two: Safe, Stylish, Affordable”

That’s just wrong for so many reasons. For one, there are plenty of jackets around $200 with fabrics, armor, construction and design that rival $800 jackets when we’re talking about road riding. 

Second, spending a little more on gear can save you SO MUCH in hospital bills and agony. That means breaking your bank can actually save you money in the long run. Not to mention in comfort and style, or a second set of gear when your cheap gear gives out. 

Keeping budget down means looking out for the following. 

What to Look For in Budget Motorcycle Jackets

1. Nail the fit – Never settle for a random size just to score a sale or used jacket. An ill-fitting jacket won’t protect you in a crash. Pads will move around and fabric will ride up, exposing skin. A good jacket will fit snugly and hold the armor where it should be in a crash. 
2. Buy from a known brand – Stick with brands riders trust. A couple high-value budget brands that come to mind (with links to their jackets on Revzilla): Sedici (touring, casual), Speed and Strength (casual, cruiser), Street & Steel (casual, cruiser), Joe Rocket (casual, cruiser, sport), First Manufacturing (casual, classic), Rev’It! (casual, sport), Scorpion EXO (sport, touring), and Icon (sport, touring). Avoid off-brand jackets from eBay or Amazon. It’s worth spending an extra $100 to save yourself $10,000 in hospital bills.
3. Look for reinforced slide patches – I don’t blame you for not wanting to drop two grand on a race suit with 1.5mm Kangaroo leather all around. However, make sure your budget jacket has reinforced patches where you’re likely to slide in a crash: forearms, elbows, shoulders, and lower back.
4. Look for armor and armor pockets – Some jackets reach the budget category because they leave out critical armor. You’ll want that, and it’ll cost you $50 – $200 for good elbow and shoulder armor plus a back protector. If you opt for an off-road armor suit (around $100), you’ll still need a strong outer textile or leather jacket.
5. Flexible for all weather and seasons – If you’re on a budget with just one jacket, I’m guessing you don’t want to shell out for both a summer and fall/spring jacket. You’ll want a jacket with a liner included so it can flex to hot, cold, and rainy conditions. 

For more info on what to look for in motorcycle jackets (and how to choose armor!), check out our guide on how to choose a motorcycle jacket.

Armed with these tips, you’re ready to look through the many budget jackets I’m about to throw your way. 

High Value, Low Budget Motorcycle Jackets: Sale Pages

Your time is valuable, so I’ll cut to the chase.

The best way to get a great motorcycle jacket on the cheap is to buy a jacket that was out of your budget but is on sale. You might even look for sales on one of the best motorcycle jackets!

Here’s where you should look:

• Amazon – Motorcycle Jacket Sales
• Revzilla Sale and Closeout Jackets (20% to 67% off!)
• Revzilla Open Box Jackets (25% to 50% off!)
• Cyclegear Closeout Jackets (Saw one 75% off here…!)

Okay, tired of searching yet? 

I called up a few friends and stores to give you these recommendations for the best cheap motorcycle jackets on the market today. 

The Best Cheap Motorcycle Jackets on Sale

Overwhelmed by all the sale options? I’ve got you covered with these top picks for budget-friendly motorcycle jackets in different styles. 

Cruiser and Casual Budget Jackets

Men: Speed and Strength Off the Chain Textile 2.0 Jacket

This bad boy is like the Swiss Army knife of jackets. It’s got water-resistant 600D fabric to keep you dry and protected, sweet vents for when things heat up, and waist adjustment to keep everything snug.

A removable cotton-poly liner keeps you warm on those chilly rides, and CE Level 1 armor in the shoulders, elbows, and back come included for when things get rough. What more could you want?

Women: Revit Eclipse 2

Lightweight, airy, and chock-full of features, this jacket is your trusty sidekick on the road. It’s got CE armor in the shoulder and elbow, and 600D polyester on impact zones like forearms, shoulders, and lower back. 

It’s like wearing a reassuring hug that whispers, “I got you, girl” as you ride. Without stealing $500 out of your pocket. 

Touring and Adventure Budget Jackets

Men: Sedici Matteo Waterproof Jacket

This jacket is like a well-stocked pantry: it’s got a bit of everything you need. Three layers cater to your every whim—cool for summer, waterproof and warm for rain and spring/fall. The outer layer uses Taslan Oxford (likely 450D), so it’s sturdy too. 

It comes with CE Level 2 armor at the shoulders and elbows, reflectors for those “Hey, I’m here!” moments, pockets galore for your knick-knacks, and sleeve adjustments for that perfect fit.

Women: Olympia Eve 2 Women’s Jacket

This jacket has you covered, come rain or shine. It sports a 600D all-around outer shell, mesh for summer airflow, and CE Level 2 armor in elbows, shoulders, AND back—talk about overachieving! The included waterproof rain jacket can go over or under the main jacket. 

It’s so good, the folks at Revzilla made it a Staff Pick. 

Sport Budget Jackets

Men: Fly Racing Street Coolpro

A master of its craft, this jacket boasts a whopping 1680D fabric on key impact zones – meaning you can slide for several seconds even at above highway speeds. Designed for the sport riding position, it features pre-curved arms, a drop tail, as well as riding pant attachment zipper and belt loops. It’s got zippered cuffs, adjusters for cuffs and waist, and a waterproof and windproof removable HYDRAGuard liner. It’s like the superhero of jackets—ready for action, any time, any track.

Women: Fly Racing Street Coolpro (for Ladies!)

This jacket has all the same fantastic features that make it a winner in our books: 1680D fabric at key impact zones, sport riding position, and a removable waterproof liner. The only difference? It’s tailored for women riders, ensuring a comfortable and secure fit.

Remember, these are just my personal recommendations. There’s a whole world of budget-friendly motorcycle jackets out there on sale.

Final Thoughts

Before you hit the open road, let’s have a little heart-to-heart about gear. Trust me, I’ve been in your shoes, trying to save a buck or two. But when it comes to motorcycle jackets, cutting corners costs more than the money you save. 

You might be tempted to skimp on gear, but remember: sturdy boots, gloves, jackets, and pants made for the intense conditions of a high-speed slide are worth their weight in gold. Should the worst happen, they can easily save you thousands in medical bills and loads of agony. 

Even surgery on a broken collar bone can cost several thousand dollars after insurance – I’ve been close to surgery before because I skimped on my jacket.

Just as important as getting safe gear is making sure you love it. Because if you don’t love wearing it, you won’t wear it. And then it’s as useful as a screen door on a submarine.

I know you’re excited to get out and ride. Invest in gear that you’ll love to wear, and your rides will be that much more fun, for the rest of your long life. 

Ride safe, and welcome to the club!

FAQs

What is the lifespan of a motorcycle jacket?

A good motorcycle jacket can last you a solid 5-10 years, and if you’re rocking a leather one, it might even last until you’re old and gray (or until you pass it down to the next generation of riders). I’ve had jackets for over five years that barely show any signs of wear and tear. Keep them clean (check out our jacket cleaning guide) and they’ll be your trusty sidekick on the road for a long time.

Are motorcycle vests worth it?

While they might be cheaper, vests aren’t really the best choice for protection. Think about it: when you take a tumble, your arms are going to take the brunt of the damage. Sure, a back protector in a vest might help a bit, but you’re better off investing in a full-on jacket. Save the vests for fashion statements and stick to jackets for the real deal.

Can a motorcycle jacket save you?

Abso-frickin-lutely! A good motorcycle jacket can mean the difference between emerging unscathed from a 100mph crash and getting airlifted to the hospital. Plus, with the amazing airbag tech that’s hitting the market these days (check out our airbag reviews), motorcyclists can opt to be safer than ever. Suiting up is the best insurance policy money can buy. Plus, it keeps you comfortable and looking badass on the road.