Nicky Hayden, known as "The Kentucky Kid", won the MotoGP world championship in 2006 and raced with number 69. In 2017 he rode the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2 in the World Superbike Championship for the Red Bull Honda team (World Superbike). The is a replica inspired by the race gear of that season.
Key Takeaways
- Nicky Hayden was the 2006 MotoGP champion and rode for Red Bull Honda in World Superbike in 2017.
- The jacket is a replica inspired by his 2017 team look, not an official team product.
- Armour and back protector pockets should be checked against EN 1621, the impact protector standard.
- The jacket is a fan-focused race-style piece; check the product page for its exact specification.
Nicky Hayden and the 2017 Season
Hayden took the 2006 MotoGP title at the final round in Valencia, five points ahead of Valentino Rossi. His number 69 was later retired in the MotoGP class. His 2017 World Superbike campaign was his second season in the series, and his season ended when he died on 22 May 2017 after a cycling accident in Italy (Wikipedia: Nicky Hayden). Replica gear from that year is a way for fans to remember him.
Other Honda race looks are covered under , and the shows a different, road-oriented cut.
What a Race-Style Jacket Is Built For
A race jacket is cut for the riding position, with the arms pre-shaped to follow the handlebars and stretch or leather accordion panels in places that need movement. These features aim to keep the jacket from restricting the rider and to reduce fatigue on a long ride. They describe the style of cut rather than a performance promise.
Armour and Protection
Jackets of this type usually have armour pockets at the shoulders and elbows and often a pocket for a back protector. Impact protectors are tested separately from the garment: EN 1621-1 covers limb-joint protectors and EN 1621-2 covers back protectors, each with Level 1 and Level 2 (SATRA). Garments are classed under EN 17092 as AAA, AA, A, B or C; only AAA, AA and A include required impact protectors, and the class on the label belongs to that specific garment. A replica jacket should be judged on the standards listed for the actual product, not on the race team it references.
Leather and Construction
Cowhide is the usual leather for race-style jackets because it is thick and abrasion-oriented. Race gear also uses leather panels, reinforced stitching and removable linings. Because specifications differ between suits and jackets, the product page is the place to confirm the leather, lining, armour and any hump or slider details.
The Red Bull Honda Look
The jacket takes its styling from the Red Bull Honda team gear of 2017, with the team branding and Hayden's number 69 applied as leather patchwork. As with all rider replicas from Leather Collection, it is inspired by the original and is not an official team item. Riders who like other seasons can look at the or compare with the , another replica from the same WSBK season.
Updated: October 2026
Final Thoughts
This jacket is one way for fans of Nicky Hayden to wear a recognizable 2017 team look. Treat it as a replica of a race style, and check the listed armour, standard and fit as for any riding jacket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Nicky Hayden?
Nicky Hayden, nicknamed The Kentucky Kid, was an American rider from Owensboro, Kentucky. He won the MotoGP world championship in 2006 at the final round in Valencia, five points ahead of Valentino Rossi, and raced with number 69. He moved to World Superbike and rode for Red Bull Honda in 2017.
Which bike did Nicky Hayden ride in 2017?
In 2017 Hayden rode the Honda CBR1000RR Fireblade SP2 in the World Superbike Championship for the Red Bull Honda team. It was a new Honda model for that season and his second year in the series after a rookie campaign in 2016.
Is a replica race jacket official team gear?
No. A replica is inspired by the original race gear and is not an official team product. It copies the colours, branding and number so fans can wear the look. Check the product listing for the actual materials, armour and standards rather than assuming race-level specifications.
What standards apply to jacket armour?
Impact protectors are tested to EN 1621: part 1 for limb-joint protectors such as shoulders and elbows and part 2 for back protectors, each with Level 1 or Level 2. The jacket itself is classed under EN 17092 as AAA, AA, A, B or C, and only AAA, AA and A include required impact protectors. These are separate checks on the armour and the garment.
Written by the Leather Collection Editorial Team.






