This Dainese Sportiva is a summer motorcycle jacket. A leather, (obviously) sporty motorbike jacket. A not-quite-racing jacket. It looks like it, it feels like it, it has a number of materials on board that are perfect but as a whole, this is more of a daily user. Lighter, easier, thinner and more comfortable than a purebred leather harness.
The soft and wear-resistant Tutu cowhide sprinting directly from the racetrack feels perfectly comfortable. On top of that, it ensures proper protection. Especially since there’s also the S1 bi-elastic stretch and Micro-elastic technology on the backside: read the description of a top racing suit and you’ll recognise the qualities Dainese has used to mould the Sportiva. Nothing wrong with that, au contraire. This is fantastic to wear. Light-weight, summery and yet very outspokenly sporty leather. We wore it for an hour sitting behind our desks and even that was comfortable.
Impact protection is also at the level you’d expect. The EN 1621.1-certified Pro-Armor-protectors seem relatively thin and are flexible, which grants a lot of freedom to move and comfort. Shoulder protectors are part of the well-known Dainese technology – you’ve guessed it, from the racing suits – that also includes the exterior aluminium plates which prevent you from rolling instead of sliding after a fall. The Dainese Sportiva motorcycle jacket is prepared to be fitted with an optional back protector.
The breathable lining is thin, the actual leather harness is too and combined with two zippable ventilation panels on the flanks, you manage to keep the temperature within the levels of what’s comfortable. Behind your desk, or, while sitting on your motorbike. The other way round – creating warmth – is not what’s important. The Sportiva is a summer motorcycle jacket. Leather is rarely waterproof anyway and there are no additional layers or padding here.
The collar is low – summer! – and two Velcro strips in your waist offer some individual adjustment options but it’s best to fit quite snug from the beginning. This should be like a second skin. Leather always adjusts to your body after a while anyway. Two exterior pockets and an inner pocket can contain some necessities as long as you know not to expect miracles in that regard.
The Dainese connecting zipper leaves all options open. The best option/first choice will probably be a pair of motorcycle jeans.
Below you will find an overview per jacket size of the appropriate CE homologated Dainese back protector.
| body length | Pro-Shape Back Level 1 | Pro-Armor 2.0 Level 2 | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| <165 | => | Short level 1 | or | Short level 2 |
| 170-185 | => | Long level 1 | or | Long level 2 |
There is maintenance clothing and then there is clothing maintenance. Good, solid clothing is an investment in comfort and personal safety. So invest in its maintenance after your purchase and enjoy your gear for longer.
