Ride in Style: Suzuki Motorcycle Leather Jacket - A Rider’s Must-Have

A leather jacket inspired by a MotoGP season has two jobs: it references a race team, and it still has to work as riding gear. The Andrea Iannone Suzuki MotoGP 2017 Leather Jacket is a replica inspired by Andrea Iannone's 2017 season with Team Suzuki Ecstar, and the notes below cover what to check before choosing a jacket like it for the road.

Suzuki and Andrea Iannone in 2017

Iannone moved to Team Suzuki Ecstar for the 2017 MotoGP season after leaving Ducati, as recorded on the 2017 MotoGP season page. The jacket takes that Suzuki connection as its reference. Other pieces tied to the rider are grouped under Andrea Iannone replica gear .

Suzuki's racing history reaches beyond MotoGP. The Wes Cooley Yoshimura jacket is a replica inspired by the AMA racing era, which makes a useful comparison for riders who prefer older Suzuki colours.

What a Leather Motorcycle Jacket Must Do

The main job of a leather riding jacket is abrasion resistance: in a slide, the leather is what meets the road. Leather also blocks wind and offers some resistance to cuts, but it needs armour to deal with impact.

Jackets with armour pockets accept protectors for the shoulders and elbows, and often a back insert. Joint protectors are tested under EN 1621-1 and back protectors under EN 1621-2; each has Level 1 and Level 2 grades, and Level 2 allows less force through to the wearer. Which armour is included with this jacket should be confirmed on its product page.

Fit and Everyday Use

• Seated fit: try the riding position, arms forward, and check the sleeves do not ride up past the wrist.
• Layering: allow room for a sweater or liner in cool weather without restricting the shoulders.
• Closures: the collar and cuffs should close snugly to keep wind out.

Because Leather Collection garments are hand-stitched and made to order, measurements should be taken carefully and compared with the size information on the product page. For a different Suzuki-themed cut, riders can look at the Suzuki GSXR racing jacket ; for hands, the Rizla Suzuki leather gloves follow the same theme.

Care for a Leather Jacket

• Wipe off dust and road grime with a damp cloth after wet rides.
• Let a damp jacket dry naturally on a wide hanger, away from radiators and direct heat.
• Follow the jacket's care label; the right conditioner, if any, depends on the finish.

Final Thoughts

The Suzuki range shows how Suzuki racing themes translate into jackets. Whatever the graphics, the same checks apply: fit in the riding position, the armour that can be fitted and how the leather is looked after.

Written by the Leather Collection Editorial Team.