Being a bigger guy doesn’t have to mean you’re stuck for choice of bike kit.
We’ve put together this guide to five of the best motorcycle jackets, compiled using reviews from the Sportsbikeshop website. These jackets go up as far as 12XL, which covers a 68-inch chest.
Before we get into the jackets it's worth noting that if the measurement around your middle is larger than the one around your chest, you're best off ordering the size to fit your middle.
Rukka Kalix 2.0 Gore-Tex Textile Jacket
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The sequel to Rukka’s immensely popular Kalix jacket has hit the ground running, with the first 20 owner-reviewers all awarding a perfect five stars. It’s made using a two-layer Gore-Tex laminated shell, which is great for waterproofing and fast-drying, and it comes with substantial shoulder and elbow armour to the higher standard within CE. It comes in sizes up to a 56in chest (7XL). There’s a price premium of around 10% on sizes 5XL (52in), 6XL (54in) and 7XL (56in) compared to sizes XS-4XL.
RST Tractech Evo 4 CE Textile Jacket
Customer rating:
If it’s a short, sporty textile jacket you’re after then it’s hard to argue with the record for this one from RST. Only three of the first 65 buyers to post a review gave less than five stars to this jacket that’s made from RST’s MaxTex polyester outer with a Sinaqua waterproof membrane and removable thermal liner. The full range of colours are only available in sizes up to 3XL (50in). The black/white option goes up to 4XL (52in) and then it’s black only for 5XL and 6XL (54in, 56in).
Richa Cyclone Gore-Tex Textile Jacket
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Where most firms consider 56in chests as the upper limit, this one from Richa goes bigger - with 58in (10XL) and 60in (12XL) offerings. You’re restricted to the black design if you need 56in and above as the black-fluo option stops at a weedy 50in chest and the titanium colour goes to 54in. The jacket itself is very popular, with an average of 4.9 from the first 74 reviews and a Recommended triangle from respected product magazine RiDE. It’s got a Gore-Tex waterproof drop liner, decent D3O armour and a removable thermal liner.
RST Tractech Evo 4 CE Leather Jacket
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The choice of leather jackets in mighty sizes is pretty limited, but RST’s sporty leather jacket is both popular and available in sizes up to a 56in chest. It’s a leather version of RST’s textile jacket of the same name and it meets the higher AAA rating within the CE protection standard. The cowhide outer shell is perforated for airflow, stretch panels allow good movement on the bike and armour inside protects shoulders, elbows and back. It zips to RST’s matching leather trousers (available in up to 44in waist). The full colour range stops at 50in, while black/white reaches 52in and then it’s black only if you need 54in or 56in.
Richa Infinity 2 Textile Jacket
Customer rating:
This three-in-one jacket from Richa goes up to a 58in chest (10XL) and gives good versatility for riding in different conditions. Leaving both the waterproof and thermal liners out suits cold weather, taking the thermal out suits cool conditions and taking both liners out is ideal for hot, dry days. The Infinity 2 is popular with owners, with 29 out of the first 35 reviews coming with a five-star rating. It has a tough outer shell with plenty of air vents and is fully armoured with D3O inserts at shoulders, elbows and back. You’ll need to go for all-black in sizes above 6XL (54in).