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MV Agusta has one of the longest racing records in motorcycling, and the takes its styling from that Italian heritage. This guide looks at the brand background, what a leather motorcycle jacket should offer, and how the European protection classes for clothing are read.
Key Takeaways
- MV Agusta was founded on 19 January 1945 near Milan and won the 500cc world championship every year from 1958 to 1974.
- The jacket is a replica design inspired by the brand and has no connection with MV Agusta itself.
- EN 17092 classes motorcycle clothing from AAA to C, and the class is shown on the label.
- Motorcycle clothing sold as protective equipment in the EU falls under PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425, in force since 21 April 2018.
- Armor pockets, adjustable cuffs and a riding-posture cut matter as much as styling.
MV Agusta's Racing Heritage
MV Agusta was founded by Count Domenico Agusta on 19 January 1945 at Cascina Costa, near Milan, according to the MV Agusta Wikipedia entry. Its riders took the 500cc Grand Prix world title every year from 1958 to 1974. The jacket draws on the brand's bold Italian design language and is inspired by it; it is not a product of MV Agusta.
What a Leather Motorcycle Jacket Should Offer
Material and construction
Cowhide is a long-established material for riding jackets because leather resists abrasion and holds its shape. Reinforced stitching in the shoulder and elbow seams and sturdy zips complete the construction. The product page lists the exact materials used on this jacket.
Armor and protection
Many leather jackets include pockets for shoulder, elbow and back armor. A jacket with a built-in spine pad, such as the , shows how that feature is built in, while an is aimed at riders who want armor fitted from the start. Check which protectors are supplied and which are optional.
Fit and comfort
A riding jacket should be cut for the riding posture, with arms that do not ride up when the hands are on the bars. Adjustable waist and cuffs help it stay put at speed, and a lining that suits the climate keeps long rides comfortable.
Reading Protection Classes
The EN 17092 series divides motorcycle clothing into five classes. Class AAA is the highest. SATRA states that elbow, shoulder, knee and hip impact protectors are mandatory in Class AAA and AA garments and optional at the hips in Class A, while Class B has no impact protectors and Class C covers only the protected areas. Motorcycle clothing sold as protective equipment in the EU falls under PPE Regulation (EU) 2016/425, in force since 21 April 2018, as MCG product compliance explains.
This article does not claim that the jacket holds a given class. The label and the product page show the protection information for the exact garment.
Who This Jacket Suits
Sportbike riders who like Italian styling.
Fans of MV Agusta racing history.
Commuters who want a leather jacket with riding-focused cut.
Riders who prefer another Italian marque can look at the . The wider range is listed under .
Frequently Asked Questions
What do EN 17092 classes AAA, AA and A mean?
They are performance classes for motorcycle clothing. Class AAA is the highest, followed by AA and A. Elbow, shoulder, knee and hip impact protectors are mandatory in Class AAA and AA garments, and hip protectors are optional in Class A. The garment label shows the class.
Is CE certification required for motorcycle jackets?
Motorcycle clothing sold as protective equipment in the EU falls under Regulation (EU) 2016/425 on personal protective equipment, in force since 21 April 2018. This does not mean any particular jacket is CE certified. Riders should check the label of a specific jacket and the product page, because the class and the protectors supplied differ from one garment to another.
Is this jacket made by MV Agusta?
No. It is a replica design inspired by the MV Agusta brand and its Italian racing heritage, with no connection to the manufacturer. The product page gives the materials and construction details for the jacket itself.
What should a riding jacket fit like?
A riding jacket should feel close but not tight, with sleeves long enough to cover the wrists when the arms are extended to the bars. Armor should sit over the shoulders and elbows. Adjustable waist and cuffs help the jacket stay in place when riding.
Written by the Leather Collection Editorial Team.
