Green Dominance: A Technical Review of Jonathan Rea Kawasaki WSBK 2021 Jacket

Jonathan Rea Kawasaki WSBK 2021 replica racing jacket in green
May 24, 2022 226 view(s) 5 min read
Green Dominance: A Technical Review of Jonathan Rea Kawasaki WSBK 2021 Jacket

Few riders define the modern era of World Superbike (WSBK) as clearly as Jonathan Rea. The Northern Irish rider won six consecutive world titles from 2015 to 2020 with Kawasaki, according to his WorldSBK rider profile. In 2021 he lost the championship to Toprak Razgatlioglu, ending that run, but the green Kawasaki Racing Team livery from that season remains closely tied to his name.

Key Takeaways

  • Jonathan Rea won six consecutive WSBK titles from 2015 to 2020 with Kawasaki.
  • The 2021 season ended that run, with Toprak Razgatlioglu taking the title.
  • The jacket is a replica inspired by the 2021 Kawasaki Racing Team livery, not a team product.
  • Racing-style jackets combine thick leather, stretch panels, armour pockets and sliders; check which features are listed for the exact model.
  • The product page lists Level 2 armour, but the order form shows CE Level 2 as an add-on, so the level fitted should be confirmed before ordering.

Updated: October 2026

The Jonathan Rea Kawasaki Racing Team Jacket WSBK 2021 is a replica inspired by this partnership between rider and manufacturer, made for Kawasaki fans who want the 2021 colours with a racing-style cut.

Built Around WorldSBK Riding

Rea's style relied on chassis control and late braking. A racing jacket supports that kind of riding when it allows a full range of movement in a tucked position while keeping a protective shell around the body. Replica jackets borrow this approach in the cut of the sleeves and back.

Materials in a Racing-Style Jacket

Jackets in this category usually combine several materials:

  • Cowhide leather: a thick leather on the outer shell resists abrasion while softening with wear.
  • Stretch panels: elasticated or accordion zones under the arms and along the back allow movement.
  • Reinforced stitching: critical seams use heavy thread to hold up under load.

Protection Features to Check

The green Kawasaki livery is the visible part of the jacket, but the protective details matter more for riders. The product page and the order form should be read together for the points below:

  • Armour: the product page lists removable CE Level 2 armour (EN 1621-1:2012) at the shoulders and elbows. The order form, however, shows CE Level 2 (EN 1621-1:2012) as a separate add-on, so the page does not make clear which level is fitted without it; confirm this before ordering. CE-marked armour is declared by its maker to meet the applicable PPE requirements; the EN 1621 marking on the protector shows its standard and level, so look for that rather than the CE mark alone.
  • Sliders and external protectors: the product page lists TPU-reinforced metal shoulder protectors, TPU elbow sliders and replaceable external knee sliders. Sliders are wear parts and should not be relied on to change crash outcomes.
  • Speed hump: a raised back panel on some race garments that can house a back protector. The order form lists no hump, standard, ventilated and hydro hump options; the product page does not describe what each contains.
  • Back protector: a back protector is rated separately from other armour (EN 1621-2). The product page lists a removable spine protector described as EN 1621-2 compatible.

Ergonomics and Thermal Management

Racing is physically demanding and generates heat, so comfort features affect concentration on long track sessions.

  • Pre-curved sleeves: the arms are shaped for a tucked riding position, which reduces strain.
  • Stretch panels: the product page lists Cordura stretch panels and accordion stretch panels at high-flex zones, which let the jacket move as the rider shifts weight.
  • Mesh lining and perforation: the product page lists a 100% polyester mesh lining, and the order form offers chest, front or full perforation for airflow in warm weather.

The 2021 Team Green Look

The product page describes a 2021 Kawasaki Racing Team livery and lists black, Kawasaki green and red colour options. Branding on a replica is a reproduction of the livery, applied by the maker, so it has no connection to the team beyond the inspiration. Riders who want other Kawasaki and WSBK gear can browse the Jonathan Rea collection , the Rea 2017 Kawasaki racing suit or the Alex Lowes Kawasaki WSBK suit . Gloves in the same colour family are also listed, such as these black and green motorcycle gloves .

Final Thoughts

The Jonathan Rea Kawasaki WSBK 2021 jacket is a replica for fans of the six-time champion and the Kawasaki Racing Team livery. For riding use, check the armour, sliders and fit details on the product page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this an official Kawasaki Racing Team jacket?

No. It is a replica inspired by the livery Jonathan Rea and Kawasaki Racing Team used in 2021. It has no connection to the team, the rider or Kawasaki. Fans use it to match the colours of the season while the construction follows a racing-style design.

How many WSBK titles did Jonathan Rea win?

Rea won six consecutive WSBK world championships from 2015 to 2020, all with Kawasaki, as listed on the WorldSBK rider profile. In 2021 Toprak Razgatlioglu won the title, which ended that run. The 2021 jacket therefore reflects the first season after the six-title streak, when Rea raced as the reigning champion.

What does CE-marked armour mean?

CE-marked armour is declared by its maker to meet the applicable PPE requirements. The EN 1621 marking on the protector shows its standard and level, so look for that rather than the CE mark alone. A jacket should list the armour type and level on its product page, and a back protector has its own separate rating. For this jacket, the product page lists Level 2 armour while the order form shows Level 2 as an add-on, so the level should be confirmed.

What is a speed hump on a racing jacket?

A speed hump is a raised panel on the upper back of some racing jackets. Its function varies by design, from housing a back protector to styling, so check the product details for what this jacket's hump contains. The order form lists no hump, standard, ventilated and hydro hump options.

Written by the Leather Collection Editorial Team.

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