There’s nothing like a beautiful leather motorcycle jacket that fits 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, which is usually hot and humid but can get very cold in the winter (actually not).
The Rocket Joe The Dakota Jacket is made from 1.0-1.2mm cowhide with stylish stripes on the shoulders and a comfortable cut. I’m 5 foot-11, 275 lb on a clear day, and very broad chested (and almost everywhere else). The Dakota 3x fits me perfectly. I’d say the jacket looks so good that it makes me look even better, but maybe I should get a second opinion on that.
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The Dakota is very comfortable to wear both inside and out while cycling, and it has interior pockets and three outside pockets, so there’s more room to stash stuff than I have more to stash. The reflective trim on the shoulder is not noticeable during the day but it really stands out at night.
I have big hands and a large copper YKK front zipper that works all the time. The smaller zippers in other places are a bit harder to use, but that’s more the fault of my Shrek-like fingers than their function.
Jacket has pockets for optional shoulder, elbow and back armor. The entire Level 1 CE from Joe Rocket costs $54.99. There’s a removable, full-sleeve quilted lining that’s really handy, and even with the armor and lining in the jacket, I still don’t feel like a Michelin Man.
Leather jackets like the Dakota don’t have vents or perforations that don’t allow airflow, so that’s a drawback. However, even though I’m a big guy and the Dakota feels like a leather exoskeleton, I’m still amazed at its good heat control. Part of it may be due to my particular bike. Thanks to the air fist hanger, with the cuffs unzipped, I’ll have a nice breath of air right up my sleeve when on the road. Your results may vary.
On the other side of the thermometer, with the cotton lining inside, the Dakota works well in the cold. I woke up on Christmas Eve morning and saw ice in my fountain outside. There was a rare cold wind, and as any dedicated cyclist would do, I geared up and went out. My hands are a bit numb (Hey, Mr. EIC, how about a pair of long-fingered gloves?), and my knees are freezing cold, so I keep them close to the engine. But my core stays warm, even at 80 mph. Tangerine collar, storm flap under the main zipper, zipped cuffs, and adjustable waist help block the wind. And local law enforcement was kind enough to ignore me as I sped past (Merry Christmas!).
I love this jacket, and I think you will too. Available in S-3XL for $324.99.
