I love leather jackets (as long as it’s not too hot…or raining), but I’m not a fan of the racer girl look, especially when it means I’ve got the manufacturer’s name/logo splashed all over my arms, chest and/or back. Subtle is more my style, which is why I sprung for the Lira jacket from Joe Rocket.
I like the retro quilted shoulder stitching and the white (or red) piping down each arm. Plus I knew it would look great on the two-tone white and black Triumph Speedmaster I’d be testing (read that review here). The fact that armor is optional is a bit frustrating–we need to start demanding standard armor from manufacturers, ladies. You can always remove it if you insist on not wearing any.
Not a big deal, I just put in some Forcefield Isolator 2 armor, including a back protector, and was good to go. Even with the armor in, the Lira is flattering and comfortably snug, the way a leather jacket should be.
It’s a solid jacket at its price point; single stitching only (boo) but tons of pockets (3 in the removable quilted vest liner, 3 inside the jacket and 2 outer zippered hand warmer pockets), ventilation zips, supple 0.8-1.0mm leather and quality YKK zippers with nice long zipper pulls that you can actually use with gloves on, including at the cuffs.
The mandarin collar has soft neoprene rolls at the edge for comfort, and there are snap straps for waist adjustment and zippered gussets at the hips for some ease when sitting on the bike.
Unlike many of Joe Rocket’s textile jackets, which can be on the long side, the Lira sits just above the hips, so it should work on most any type of moto. Fortunately for this tallish girl, the sleeves are still plenty long enough!
If you’re looking for a good-looking leather jacket for not a lot of money, the Lira is a solid choice, but remember to factor in the cost of optional armor. It’s available in black with white piping and black with red piping, in sizes XS to 1Diva.
Price: $279.99
Sizing: Runs a little large; I’m 5’9″, about 140 lbs, and wearing a Small.
Best use: Everyday riding on retros, cafe racers, cruisers, you name it
Website: joerocket.com
