Having cut my teeth on Levi’s 501s and pure-cotton sweatshirts as riding gear, it was more than a little disquieting when I learned that what I wore wouldn’t protect me in a crash. Fortunately, I didn’t find out the hard way, though I did have a few close calls. I was as thrilled as anyone when technical denim made its way to motorcycling. Now, I have the Roadskin Easyrider II hoodie to keep me genuinely safe when traversing the streets of Los Angeles and beyond.
Based in Royal Tunbridge Wells, about 30 miles southeast of Central London, Roadskin makes casually styled motorcycle apparel for men and women that meets the strict European CE standards for protection. The advantage of buying CE-rated gear is knowing exactly how much protection you’re buying. In the case of the Roadskin Easyrider II hoodie, the impact and abrasion resistance ratings are impressive. Roadskin tells us the jacket has a water-resistant (not waterproof) membrane, so you should be good in a quick shower—we didn’t have a chance to test that, and would probably wear a different jacket if it looked like rain.
Having said that, if gear isn’t comfortable, no one will want to wear it, save the ATGATT diehards. The Roadskin Easyrider II hoodie is exactly as comfortable as you would expect a hoodie to be. Putting it on is as easy as any non-technical zip-up hoodie, though there are the Euro-required safety thumb loops at cuffs; they don’t bother me, but you don’t have to put your thumb through them. The loose-ish fit doesn’t feel like you’re wearing protective motorcycle gear, and you don’t look like it either—this technical hoodie hides its protection well from the rider.
Living in Southern California, the Roadskin Easyrider II hoodie works as Winter wear, though those in cooler climes will happily use it in the Spring and Fall. When you wear it depends on the temperatures you’re used to—everyone has a different idea of what’s warm and what’s cold. For my SoCal Native blood, the Easyrider II works over a t-shirt up into the 70s, a long-sleeved shirt in the 60s, and whatever baselayers you have handy for temps in the 50s and lower. That’s a nice range, though the hoodie is entirely too warm for the summer—hey, it’s a hoodie.
Although it is sold as a hoodie, the Easyrider II doesn’t have to be one. It doubles as a more traditional-looking, though still loose-fitting, textile jacket. The hood and drawstring are held on with a zipper and can be removed. I like the look of the hood, and it never bothers me on rides. However, there are times when you might want to project a non-hoodie persona but still want to wear the Easyrider II. Roadskin has made that possible, and the Easyrider II looks good stripped down. The hoodie/jacket also looks good with the Roadskin Taranis Elite technical jeans I tested.
There are four zippered pockets—two hand-warmer and two interior—for carrying essentials. For me, that’s a smartphone, wallet, keys, and reading glasses. They work as expected.
The Roadskin Easyrider II hoodie offers a broad range of protection strategies. In addition to CE level 2 protection for your back, shoulders, and elbows, the shell is made of Roadskin’s proprietary Maximite fabric, which is rated AA for abrasion—a rating described as Touring, rather than the tougher AAA for sport riding or A for urban speeds below 30 mph. The material also earns an EN 388 level 2 rating for cutting and slashing, and level 3 for punctures and stabs, when used for gloves.
So, Roadskin definitely figured out a way to make a hoodie stylish, comfortable, impressively protective, and convertible. Meeting Euro standards reminds the rider that the Roadskin Easyrider II hoodie will do what it claims should it contact the pavement unexpectedly. Put that all together for £140, and you have a versatile and affordable addition to your motorcycle riding apparel closet.
Photography by Kelly Callan (Benelli, Royal Enfield) and Kevin Wing (Kawasaki)
Roadskin Easyrider II Hoodie Fast Facts
- Sizes: XS – 3XL
- Color: Black
- Back, shoulder, and elbow armor: CE level 2
- Abrasion resistance: CE 17092/AA
- Cut/slash resistance: EN 388 Level 2
- Puncture/stab resistance: EN 388 Level 3
Roadskin Easyrider II Hoodie Price: £140 MSRP
