Black Leather Jacket – Harley-Davidson® Men’s Cowhide Motorcycle Biker Jacket (98122-17EM)

This black leather jacket is a men’s genuine cowhide motorcycle biker jacket, model 98122-17EM, built for daily riding. It features a slim fit, YKK zippers, armor pockets, and full-grain leather designed to protect and last for years.

Overview

The Black Leather Jacket – Men’s Cowhide Motorcycle Biker Jacket (SKU: 98122-17EM) is a full-grain cowhide leather riding jacket built for riders who want real protection, not just a “biker look.” It’s cut for movement on a bike, shoulders that don’t bind when you lean into the bars, a torso that sits close without restricting your ride, and made from leather thick enough to hold up to wind, road grit, and repeated wear over years, not seasons.

This isn’t a fashion jacket dressed up as riding gear. It’s built the way motorcycle jackets have been built for decades: heavy cowhide leather (prized for abrasion resistance, as documented by the Leather Working Group), reinforced stitching at stress points, and a silhouette that works equally well on the highway or walking into a bar afterward.

If you’re comparing jackets across our Men’s Leather Jacket Collection or browsing options in our Women’s Leather Jacket Collection, this page will tell you exactly what you’re getting, who it’s built for, and how it holds up long-term.

Why This Jacket

• Genuine full-grain cowhide leather, thicker and more abrasion-resistant than split leather or PU alternatives, per general leather-grading standards outlined by the Leather Working Group
• Slim, motorcycle-specific cut, tapered through the waist, roomy through the shoulders for a natural riding posture
• YKK-grade zippers, front zip, cuff zips, and pocket zips built for repeated daily use
• Multiple interior and exterior pockets, includes space compatible with CE-rated armor inserts for back, shoulder, and elbow protection
• Quilted or thermal-friendly lining (season-dependent), for layering in cooler riding conditions
• Reinforced stitching at stress points, shoulders, underarms, and cuffs, where motorcycle jackets typically fail first
• Classic black biker silhouette, pairs with jeans, riding pants, or casual streetwear off the bike
• True-to-size fit with adjustable belt/snaps, dial in a closer fit for wind resistance at speed

Built for Real Riders: Fit, Feel & Function

A motorcycle jacket has one job the fashion industry doesn’t always understand: it has to move with your body while you’re leaning forward over handlebars, not standing upright in a store mirror. This jacket is patterned with a slight forward-cut sleeve and a shorter back hem, so it doesn’t ride up when you’re in riding position, a detail borrowed from traditional biker jacket construction going back to the mid-20th century (a design lineage covered well by the Smithsonian’s motorcycle culture archives).

The cowhide leather is thick enough to offer real abrasion resistance, a baseline consideration echoed by rider-safety education groups like the Motorcycle Safety Foundation and gear reviewers at RevZilla, and one the American Motorcyclist Association regularly highlights in rider-gear guidance, while still breaking in over the first few wears to mold to your shoulders and arms instead of staying stiff like cheaper synthetic jackets.

Whether you’re commuting daily, riding weekends, or just want a leather jacket that looks like it’s actually seen a bike, this jacket is designed to hold its shape and color for years of regular use, not just a season.

Leather Care & Longevity black leather jacket

Full-grain cowhide is a long-term investment when cared for properly. General leather-care guidance from resources like Britannica’s overview of leather production recommends keeping leather goods away from prolonged direct sunlight and excess moisture, and conditioning periodically to prevent cracking.

Basic care checklist:

• Wipe down after wet-weather rides with a dry, soft cloth
• Condition every 3–6 months with a leather-specific conditioner
• Store on a wide hanger, not folded, to prevent crease damage
• Avoid machine washing or drying, leather is not machine-safe

Comparison Table: How This Jacket Stacks Up

Frequently Asked Questions black leather jacket

Is this black leather jacket made from genuine leather? Yes. It’s constructed from genuine full-grain cowhide leather, chosen specifically for its durability and abrasion resistance on the road.

Does black leather jacket fit true to size? It’s cut slim and true to standard men’s sizing. If you plan to wear armor inserts or layer underneath, consider sizing up one size.

Can I add armor for actual motorcycle protection? Yes. The jacket includes pockets designed to accept CE-rated shoulder, elbow, and back armor inserts, sold separately.

How do I care for a leather motorcycle black leather jacket? Wipe it down after wet rides, condition it every few months, and store it on a proper hanger away from direct sunlight and heat.

Is this black leather jacket only for riding, or can I wear it casually? Both. The cut and styling work as an everyday leather jacket as well as riding gear.

How long does genuine cowhide leather typically last? With proper care, a full-grain cowhide jacket like this one commonly lasts 5–10+ years of regular use.