Our associate editor sports the Joe Rocket Turbulent motorcycle jacket at the launch for the 2023 Suzuki GSX-8S.
As motorcycle gear technology evolves and improves, a lot of riding gear has become hyper-specific for a certain type of riding or certain weather conditions. We can’t all have a different motorcycle jacket for every day of the month, and the Joe Rocket Turbulent Jacket provides good adjustability, fit, and protection for most everyday riding.
The Turbulent has a water-resistant Rock Tex outer shell, which feels tough and rugged. I’ve been wearing this jacket for a few months now, and the outer shell still holds its shape. Included is CE-approved armor in the shoulders and elbows, plus removable spine armor. The shoulder and elbow armor is easy to access from exterior zippered pockets, meaning you don’t have to burrow up inside of the sleeves if you want to remove the armor to wash the jacket.
The Turbulent’s full-sleeved insulated liner provides good warmth for cooler rides, is less bulky than layering a sweatshirt under my riding jacket, and is easily removable via interior zippers and snaps inside the sleeves. For those days when it’s cool in the morning but warm by the afternoon, I’ll start out with the liner and later remove it and stow it in the jacket’s large lower-back pocket.
When the temperatures continue to rise, the Variable Flow ventilation system allows for nice airflow. There are zippered vents on the sleeves and on both sides of the back that can be opened to let streams of cooling air flow through the jacket.
The Turbulent jacket comes in men’s and women’s versions, and there are some differences in the fit and adjustment between the two. I’ve been wearing the women’s version, and I enjoy its adjustment capability. The Full Flex back expansion panels make the jacket easy to put on or take off. There are also adjustment points at the hips and forearms that allow me to loosen or tighten the jacket as needed.
In addition to the large storage pocket on the back, there are two handwarmer pockets with the zippers tucked from view, an internal chest pocket, and a pocket inside the insulated liner. The Turbulent also comes with an 8-inch zipper for attachment to pants, reflective piping in the front and rear, and a reflective Joe Rocket logo on the shoulder.
I’ve found this jacket to be a great everyday jacket that suits a wide range of needs. The water-resistant outer shell prevents light rain from getting through, the adjustment options allow for a custom fit, and the liner lets me adjust the jacket for temperature changes throughout my ride.
The women’s Turbulent comes in black, blue, gray, hi-viz, and pink in sizes XS-2XL starting at $169.99, while the men’s version comes in black, red, blue, gray, hi-viz, or orange in sizes S-3XL starting at $179.99. The men’s jacket also comes in black up to 5XL and M-3XL Tall.
The Joe Rocket Sinister leather motorcycle jacket offers a good blend of protection and comfort.
When it comes to leather motorcycle jackets, Joe Rocket doesn’t make the motorcycle-apparel equivalent of Chef Gordon Ramsey’s often cited cardinal sin of too many offerings. The company keeps it simple – just five choices. Of these, the Sinister is the most geared toward sport riders.
From a protection standpoint, the Sinister doesn’t fool around. It’s made of 1.2-1.4mm embossed cowhide and has injection-molded reinforced shoulder caps with removable CE Level 2 shoulder and elbow armor and a spine pad. Reflective trim and a jacket-to-pants fastening system are additional safety elements.
When I put on the jacket, it feels substantial. And it’s not just my imagination; it weighs about 6 lb, which is on par with my leather cruiser jacket. However, for all that substance, the Sinister is more comfortable than I expected. It has precurved sleeves, which can feel somewhat constricting, but it balances this with Full Flex ribbed elbows for added mobility. It also has stretch panels in both the underarms and sleeve undersides, plus an adjustable waist.
There are zippered vents on the biceps and the back that provide sufficient, if somewhat underwhelming, airflow. I would welcome chest vents in the form of a couple pockets in addition to the three existing ones (two external and one internal), but I can see why the company didn’t want to disturb the aesthetic, which is definitely an asset worth noting.
The Sinister is clearly going for a particular style, and if that is your thing, this jacket pulls it off. When I put it on, between the six-pack “abs” on the front (which seem more form than function), injected shoulders, and general sturdiness, I feel like Batman. I feel like a badass. Problem is, that’s not necessarily who I am. I enjoy riding sportbikes and pushing myself, but I don’t pretend to be a racer. And I’m not crazy about the giant “Rocket” logo across the front and back. I don’t mind supporting the brand, but it feels like overkill. But who knows? With all that protection on me, when I’m hustling down a backroad, instead of Batman maybe I’m Rocket Man.
The Joe Rocket Sinister jacket comes in sizes S-3XL for $399.99.
The Sinister motorcycle jacket has injection-molded reinforced shoulder caps, CE Level 2 armor in the elbows and shoulders, and a removable spine pad. The reflective trim across the back and on the elbows allows for better visibility.
Besides providing protection, Joe Rocket also took measures to make this jacket comfortable, including the Variable Flow ventilation system, Full Flex elbows, pre-curved sleeves, stretch panels in the underarms and underside sleeves, and an adjustable waist.
The jacket has YKK zippers throughout, including zippered cuff closures, plus two belt looks for jacket to pant attachment.
The Joe Rocket Sinister motorcycle jacket is available in black in sizes S-3XL for $399.99.
SW-Motech Pro Blaze Saddlebags, Tail Bag, and Tank Bag on a BMW S 1000 XR.
In Rider’s February issue, we shared the results of a survey that offered a fascinating deep dive into our readers’ habits and preferences. One telling statistic was that three-quarters of our readers – yep, we’re looking at you – ride their motorcycles at least 3,000 miles per year, with nearly half of those polled saying they travel at least double that. Along these lines, the top three most popular types of motorcycles our readers own are touring, sport-touring, and adventure bikes. Ergo, we created this motorcycle luggage buyers guide.
With the riding season kicking into high gear, many of you are thinking about your next motorcycle trip. Maybe it will be on paved roads, or maybe you’ll be tackling rougher terrain. Regardless, if you’re already planning your next overnight – or longer – excursion, or even if you’re fortunate enough to be able to drop everything at the last minute and take off for a weekend getaway, how much you can pack and how you will carry it is an important consideration.
With that in mind, this luggage buyers guide provides a variety of great options, from tank bags to panniers to top boxes, to help you take what you need on your next adventure.
The Aerostich Tank Panniers are semi-rigid bags made in the U.S. and constructed of sturdy, water-resistant urethane-coated 1000-denier Cordura nylon with an adjustable mounting system: two padded, 2-inch-wide hook-and-loop closed webbing straps plus two adjustable bungee shock cords. Neoprene tank pads protect your paint and eliminate slippage, and removable plastic inserts shape the bags. The panniers also feature two exterior pockets. Available in Black or Hi-Viz for $197. Standard: 12 × 9 × 5 in./8.8 liters each, or Competition: 12 × 7.5 × 4.5 in./6.6 liters each.
The Cortech Super 2.0 12L Tank Bag is made of 1680-denier ballistic polyester and 1800-denier three-lined twill jacquard. It fits most modern sportbikes and sport-tourers with sloped gas tanks, and it has a single zipper on the main compartment, a removable map pocket, and two built-in sip tube/headphone exit ports. The bag also comes with a rain cover, a shield pouch, a water bladder holder, and hideaway backpack straps. The 12-liter tankbag measures 20 x 7.5 x 11 inches and is priced at $109.99 (strap mount) or $129.99 (magnet mount).
Made of abrasion-resistant material with reinforced stitches, Shad TR40 Terra Adventure Saddlebags have 64 total liters of capacity and hold up to 22 lb in each side, with six Duraflex cam buckles and eight reinforced tiedowns per bag. The Double Locking System locks the bag to the 4P System Side Case Racks (sold separately) and prevents unwanted access to the inside of the bag, while roll closures on the outer and inner bags ensure they’re waterproof. The TR40s include a dry bag, a bag holder, and a bottle harness, and each bag is 15.75 x 9.8 x 14.9 inches. Priced at $578.99.
The 44-liter Monokey Alaska Case from Givi holds the equivalent of one modular helmet and features the Monokey attachment system, which uses a single lock and key to open the case and release it from the plate. Inside is a series of built-in grips, so loads can be secured to both the lid and the bottom of the case. The waterproof case has rivets fitted with gaskets and sealed using silicone. It measures 13 x 16.6 x 18.3 inches and has four belt-strap loops integrated into the lid. Available in natural or black finish for $464.
The Nelson-Rigg Hurricane Dual Sport Saddlebags are made from heavy duty, UV-treated PVC tarpaulin material. All seams are electronically heat welded. Approximately 14 liters per side, the saddlebags have internal support panels and a removable stiffener to hold the shape when empty. They mount using hook-and-loop straps and tension buckles – no rack needed. They feature quick-release buckles on top and bottom to secure additional gear and an air purge valve for easy compression. Main compartment measures 17 x 7 x 9 inches. Priced at $179.95 with a lifetime warranty.
The Joe Rocket Manta II XL Tank Bag is made of improved structural foam and UltraMax fabric with SBS zippers and is resistant to wind, water, and fading. The newly resized phone pocket has mesh backing for better breathability, and an outer side pocket provides additional access to the main pocket. Inside the tankbag is an adjustable divider to keep contents from shifting, as well as a charge cord and headphone port. The bag comes with a rain cover, and it mounts using either magnets or supplied straps. It measures 16 x 10 x 6 inches and is priced at $124.99.
Offering an innovative way to mount soft saddlebags on sportbikes, the SW-Motech Pro Blaze Saddlebags feature mounting arms that quickly attach and detach, leaving minimally visible mounting brackets when the arms are removed. The Pro Blaze bags are made of durable, UV-resistant 1680-denier ballistic nylon material, and the expanding zipper increases volume from 14 to 21 liters. The main compartment is top loading, and the bags have a zippered outside pocket and a carrying handle. Dimensions are 5.5 x 11.8 x 17.3 inches. Priced at $499.95.
Giant Loop’s MotoTrekk Panniers are dry bag-inspired panniers made of welded 500-denier waterproof fabric and a double-reinforced top and bottom. They feature a roll-top closure that keeps contents dry and dirt free. The integrated mounting system enables them to strap to virtually any side luggage racks. Lash loops provide expanded storage capacity, and quick-connect magnetic buckles facilitate easy mounting and removal. Each bag holds 25 liters, measures 12 x 15 x 7 inches, and includes two shoulder straps for backpack-style carrying. Priced at $479.
The Sedici 20-liter Dry Bag Saddlebags’ three-fold roll-top closures and dual-layer 500-denier tarpaulin material with sonic HF-welded seams ensure your gear stays dry. A quick-release air valve and quick-release speed buckles on each side facilitate easy packing and unpacking. External MOLLE loops, pockets, and D-rings, plus included accessory mounting straps, provide a variety of options for mounting and adding additional storage. Removable internal support loops help keep the bags in shape. They measure 17 x 11 x 6 inches and are priced at $149.99.
Wolfman Luggage redesigned its popular Enduro Tank Bag WP for a more usable shape that fits almost every dual-sport and dirtbike. Made of custom 840-denier nylon TPU laminate with waterproof RF-welded seams, the bag is kept in place by a four-point quick-release mounting system that doesn’t interfere with the gas cap or the vent hose. With a 4-liter capacity, the Enduro Tank Bag has a removable clear pocket, a removable waist belt pouch, and a YKK AquaGuard water-repellant main zipper. The bag is 9 x 6 x 5.5 inches (height in the front). Priced at $151.99.
The jacket comes with a zipper and a hook-and-loop storm flap, ventilation in the back, a corduroy-lined inner collar, a nylon comfort liner, and reflective stripes.
The pants feature elastic in the waist and cuffs, leg zipper gussets for easy boot entry, and melt-resistant material.
The jacket is available in Black, Red, Hi-Viz Yellow, and Orange in sizes S-3XL, and the pants are available in Black in sizes S-4XL. The suit is available for $84.99.
When we’re talking about a motorcycle jacket, protection and comfort are the main considerations. Once those are met, what else do we look for? That varies by personal preference, but for me, it’s style and pockets. And that’s what Joe Rocket provided for me.
Let’s start with pockets. Yes, pockets! It’s well known that ladies clothing often suffers from a lack of pockets, and when we are blessed with pockets, they’re often too small to hold anything larger than a quarter and a roll of ChapStick. So when I see any type of clothing with extra pockets, I snatch it up. The Joe Rocket Ladies Wicked Jacket has four exterior pockets, four spacious interior pockets, and that cool distressed leather look, so I was immediately drawn to it.
The leather on the Joe Rocket Wicked jacket is 1.0-1.1mm vintage-distressed cowhide, and it has heavy-duty metal YKK zippers. It also has a black reflective strip on the back, a ventilation system, four adjustment points on the arms and waist, and two belt loops to attach it to pants.
I don’t have a windscreen on my motorcycle, so if I’m riding on a cool day, the wind cuts right through me. The Wicked jacket blocks all of that out. I wore it during a ride on a cloudy 40-degree day with nothing but a long-sleeved T-shirt underneath and was quite comfy.
The jacket has armor pockets in the back, shoulders, and elbows, but armor must be bought separately (a full set from Joe Rocket runs $69.97). I had an easy time getting the armor into the shoulders and elbows but struggled with the spine armor. I had to bend it more than expected to squeeze it in, but once in place, it sprang back to its normal shape. With the armor added, the jacket was a little tighter in the shoulders, but I still had enough movement to be comfortable for longer periods of riding.
I haven’t worn this jacket in warmer temperatures yet, but it does have some ventilation in the armpits. The zippers on the forearms open nearly to the elbow, which would also provide nice airflow up the arms. The vest liner is easy to remove whenever needed as well.
This jacket has everything I was looking for in a riding jacket. The leather with the additional armor has me well-protected, the pockets hold everything I need with room to spare, and I have to say I look pretty cool wearing it. It’s available in Black for $349 in sizes XS-2Diva.
There’s nothing quite like a good-looking leather motorcycle jacket that suits both the rider and their bike. I’m an everyday motorcyclist who owns a 2012 Harley-Davidson Heritage Softail Classic, and I live in Florida, where it’s often hot and humid but can get downright chilly in the winter (no, really).
The Joe Rocket Dakota jacket is made of 1.0-1.2mm cowhide with stylish stripes on the shoulders and a relaxed cut. I’m 5-foot-11, 275 lb on a good day, and very wide across the chest (and just about everywhere else). The 3XL Dakota fits me perfectly. I’d go so far as to say the jacket looks so good that it even makes me look good, but I should probably get a second opinion on that.
The Dakota is comfortable to wear both on and off the bike, and it has inside storage pockets and three exterior pockets, so there are more places to stash stuff than I’ve got stuff to stash. The reflective trim on the shoulders isn’t noticeable during the day, but it really pops at night.
I have big hands, and the large brass YKK zipper up front works every time. The smaller zippers elsewhere are a little trickier to use, but that’s more the fault of my Shrek-like fingers than their functionality.
The jacket has pockets for optional shoulder, elbow, and back armor. A full set of CE Level 1 from Joe Rocket costs $54.99. There’s a removable, full-sleeved quilted liner that’s really handy, and even with the armor and liner in the jacket, I don’t feel like the Michelin Man.
Leather jackets like the Dakota with no vents or perforations don’t allow for any airflow, so that’s a drawback. Still, even though I’m a big guy and the Dakota is like a leather exoskeleton, I was surprised at how well it manages heat. Part of it may be attributable to my particular bike. Thanks to its fists-in-the-air apehangers, with the cuffs unzipped I get a nice blast of air right up the sleeve when cruising down the road. Your results may vary.
On the other side of the thermometer, with the quilted liner in, the Dakota does well when it gets cold. I woke up Christmas Eve morning and saw ice in my fountain outside. There was a rare frosty breeze, and as any dedicated biker would do, I geared up and went out for a ride. My hands got a little numb (Hey, Mr. EIC, how ’bout a pair of full-fingered gloves?), and my knees were chilly, so I kept ’em close to the engine. But my core was warm, even at 80 mph. The mandarin-style collar, storm flap under the main zipper, zippered cuffs, and adjustable waist kept the wind out. And local law enforcement was kind enough to ignore me when I sped by (Merry Christmas to me!).
I love this jacket, and I think you will too. Available in S-3XL for $324.99.
There are shoulder, elbow, and back pockets for optional armor, and the Variable Flow ventilation system keeps riders cool in warm weather. The removable Sherpa vest liner adds comfort, and the four-point custom adjustment system allows for the ideal fit.
The Wicked jacket also features heavy-duty metal YKK zippers throughout, four outside pockets, four internal pockets, and two belt loops for jacket-to-pant attachment.
The Joe Rocket Ladies Wicked Jacket is available for $349.99 in Black, sizes XS-2XL.
Seems like RevZilla couldn’t wait for the end of the week to kick off their Black Friday markdown mania—their “Early Access” Black Friday event is on now, with killer deals up to 70% off on some of the best gear brands around.
You can check out the entire sale here, but we’ve also gone ahead and listed some of our select picks below. Find helmets, jackets, gloves, and more below—and get ’em before they’re gone!
Helmets Up to 70% Off
Shark Spartan GT Replikan
Regular Price: $549.99, Sale Price: $329.99 (40% Off)
This high-tech full face helmet uses a multiaxial fiberglass shell and multiple EPS layers to offer superior protection, while an Optical Class-1 rated visor with variable thicknesses provides crystal clear vision. An anti-fog breath guard, ergonomic visor locking system, and slot for a Sharktooth intercom are just a few of the other features you’ll find here.
Regular Price: $429.95, Sale Price: $214.99 (50% Off)
Vintage auto-racing looks meet modern protective features in this popular Bell helmet—now slashed to just over $200! You get an antibacterial liner, a ProVision dual pane face shield with anti-fogging capabilities, speaker pockets for optional comms devices, and an extremely sharp look. It also comes in the “Vanish” variant, which uses a classy matte-black paint job to look extra deadly.
Regular Price: $234.95, Sale Price: $99.98 (57% Off)
With a 600D water-resistant outer shell and CE-certified armor in the elbows and shoulders, this jacket lives up to the toughness and protection offered by its namesake—the legendary ancient Greek military formation. It comes with a back protector as well, plus a removable thermal liner vest for comfort in a wider range of climates.
Regular Price: $274.95.95, Sale Price: $109.98 (60% Off)
A removable hoodie for cool conditions and zip-off sleeves to help you beat the heat make this riding jacket one of the most versatile on the market. It also lets you pack any unused parts into tuck-away panels so you can carry them with you without having to rely on panniers or saddlebags. Comfortable and convenient.
Regular Price: $550.00, Sale Price: $275.00 (50% Off)
A practical-but-aggressive option for riders who want an edgy look without sacrificing protection or comfort. You get CE Level 1 Knox armor in the shoulders and elbows, plus a removable hoodie and plenty of venting to keep the air flowing when conditions warm up.
Regular Price: $79.99, Sale Price: $40.00 (50% Off)
An updated version of Joe Rocket’s formidable track-level GPX gloves, these ones were designed explicitly for use on the mean streets of—well, wherever you ride. Made in a gauntlet style with a goatskin chassis, they also feature injection-molded knuckle protectors, texturized non-slip palm overlays, and reflective features on the backs of each hand to keep you visible. Trust us; you’ll want to show these off.
Regular Price: $125.00, Sale Price: $50.00 (60% Off)
What can fifty bucks get you these days? A small bag of groceries? Half a tank of gas for your Road King? Or how about these tough-as-nails cowhide leather gloves with padded palms, flex knuckles, and a 100% tricot liner? Seems like an easy choice to us.
Regular Price: $650.00, Sale Price: $275.00 (58% Off)
Hooligans and troublemakers rejoice—this jacket is the perfect top portion of your uniform. Top-grain cowhide construction helps you keep your skin in a slide, while pockets are built in to hold optional armor in the shoudlers, elbows, and back. And with a streamlined rider-friendly fit, you’ll look at sleek as you feel protected.
Regular Price: $149.99, Sale Price: $44.95 (70% Off)
These straight-leg riding jeans will keep your butt from chafing if you accidentally sit down at speed on the pavement, offering 89.6% of the abrasion resistance you’d expect from 1.4mm cowhide. Optional armor slides easily into the pockets at the hips and knees, too.
Regular Price: $59.95, Sale Price: $29.95 (50% Off)
Tough goatskin protects your skin, while knuckle guards add impact protection where you need it most and a pre-curved fit makes it easier to wrap your hands around the grips of your bike with confidence. We dare you to do better in the gloves department for less than thirty bucks.
