USA 
Brazil 
Germany 
France 
Italy 
Switzerland 
Sweden 
Spain 
Great Britain 
Norway 
Russia 
South Africa 
Japan 
New Zealand 
Australia 
The from Leather Collection is a heritage replica inspired by the Yoshimura Suzuki leathers of Ben Spies, the rider who won the AMA Superbike title in 2006. This guide covers the history behind the design and what to check in a leather jacket of this type.
Key Takeaways
- Ben Spies won the 2006 AMA Superbike championship riding for Yoshimura Suzuki.
- He went on to win three consecutive AMA Superbike titles, from 2006 to 2008.
- The jacket is a heritage replica inspired by that era, not equipment issued by the team.
- Armour, fit and leather care matter more than graphics when choosing a riding jacket.
Ben Spies and the 2006 AMA Season
Spies won the 2006 AMA Superbike championship with ten wins and seven further podium finishes, taking the title by 649 points to 641 over his Yoshimura Suzuki teammate Mat Mladin. He defended the title in 2007 and won a third in a row in 2008, all on Suzuki machines, according to his Wikipedia biography. Riders interested in the rest of his career can look through the .
What a Heritage Race Jacket Offers
The jacket takes its colours and styling from that AMA era. Racing-style jackets are generally cut for a tucked riding position, with the sleeves and back shaped for a forward lean, so the fit when seated matters more than how the jacket looks on a hanger. Colour blocking and graphics put the Suzuki identity at the front of the design.
Other period-styled pieces include the , and the category groups AMA-era designs together.
Armour and Fit Checks
Leather resists abrasion in a slide but needs armour for impact. Shoulder and elbow protectors are tested under EN 1621-1, which grades them Level 1 or Level 2 by how much force is transmitted to the wearer, and back protectors fall under EN 1621-2. Which armour comes with this jacket should be checked on its product page.
- Try the riding position with arms forward and confirm the sleeves stay over the wrists.
- Allow room for a thin layer underneath without pulling across the shoulders.
- Because Leather Collection garments are hand-stitched and made to order, measurements should be compared with the size information on the product page.
Care and Styling
Leather softens with wear, so some stiffness at first is normal. Follow the garment's care label or the maker's instructions; the right cleaner or conditioner depends on the leather's finish and construction. As general practice, let a damp jacket dry naturally away from direct heat.
Off the bike, a dark denim and boots combination suits the jacket; on the bike, it pairs with riding pants, gloves and boots.
Final Thoughts
The range collects further Suzuki-themed jackets. A heritage replica is worth choosing for its history, but fit, armour and care are what decide how it performs as riding gear.
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Ben Spies win in 2006?
Ben Spies won the 2006 AMA Superbike championship riding for Yoshimura Suzuki. He took ten wins that season and beat teammate Mat Mladin to the title by 649 points to 641. He defended the title in 2007 and won it again in 2008.
Is this jacket team-issued equipment?
No. It is a heritage replica inspired by the Yoshimura Suzuki era of Ben Spies. Leather Collection makes it hand-stitched and made to order, and it should be seen as inspired gear rather than anything issued by the team or the rider.
What do EN 1621-1 Levels 1 and 2 mean?
EN 1621-1 covers joint protectors such as shoulder and elbow armour. Level 1 and Level 2 grade how much impact force passes through the protector to the wearer, and Level 2 allows less. Back protectors are covered separately by EN 1621-2.
How is a leather racing jacket kept in good condition?
Follow the garment's care label or the maker's instructions; the right cleaner or conditioner depends on the leather's finish and construction. As general practice, let a damp jacket dry naturally away from radiators and direct heat.
Written by the Leather Collection Editorial Team.
