Five of the best... motorcycle jackets for bigger blokes

The sequel to Rukka’s immensely popular Kalix jacket has hit the ground running, with only two dropped stars from the first 37 customer reviews. It’s made using a two-layer Gore-Tex laminated shell, which is great for waterproofing and fast-drying, and it comes with shoulder and elbow armour to the basic Level 1 within CE testing. 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). Some customer-reviewers suggest sizing up to accommodate extra layers in cold weather, the fit is praised for being snug without restricting movement, and durability justifies the investment for most. The high collar can also be a contentious point, though many find it loosens with time. 

Richa’s entry-level textile jacket comes in sizes up to 12XL, which converts to a 60-inch chest, but the evidence suggests you should go up one size from your normal. So let’s say the 12XL is a 58in chest, shall we? Still plenty large enough to make it into this selection. Customers praised the Axel for flexibility, waterproofing, its removable thermal lining and effective zip-up ventilation. They describe it as well-made and comfortable, and recommended larger than the normal size. From the first nine reviews the Richa Axel took an average rating of 4.89.

The all-round jacket from Rev’it goes up to a 6XL, which converts to a 60-inch chest. The Outback 4 H2O has a removable waterproof membrane, which makes it ideal for those who ride mostly in dry weather but want to know they have protection in case the weather changes. It’s brilliant for hot weather because removing the waterproof liner will make the jacket run much cooler than one with a fixed membrane. For those who know they will be riding in heavy rain a lot, another jacket in this selection may make more sense - or the Rev’it Voltiac 3 comes in the same sizes and has a fixed liner that is more suited to frequent rain. It’s early days in terms of customer reviews, but the first three all came with a five-star rating.

This one makes it onto our list thanks to the performance of its predecessor, which was a bit of a legend. The original Richa Cyclone collected 75 five-star reviews on its way to an average of 4.86 from the first 75 ratings. The sequel has only picked up three reviews so far, but all gave a five-star rating. The Cyclone 2 has a Gore-Tex drop liner within its abrasion-resisting outer shell and has a five-piece armour set that covers shoulders, elbows and the central back. There’s a removable thermal liner, too. It goes up to 12XL, which Richa list as a 60in chest. Most reviewers of the original Gore-Tex suggested going up a size, so best to play safe and assume the 12XL is a respectably roomy 58-inch chest.

There’s a simple reason behind this relatively new jacket’s place in our list - it goes up to a 62-inch chest. Weise know how to make kit that’s modest in both price and style but usually has a solid quality to it. The outer is made from 600-denier polyester, the CE approval rating is a respectable AA pass and you get a full suite of impact protection with armour at the shoulders, elbows and back. And that’s all for a very reasonable price of £169.99 at the time of writing - and with no price premium to be paid for the largest sizes, either. There are no customer reviews to go on yet with this jacket, but on the face of it the Core offers the all-important balance of value for money and generous sizing.