The Riot jacket caught my attention as the latest premium leather option in RSD’s women’s lineup. I like RSD’s thoughtful approach to designing gear specifically tailored to female proportions and aesthetic preferences.
While testing the Riot, I carefully evaluated key factors like the type of leather, quilted style, comfort, protection, detailing, and value.
Throughout my Roland Sands Women’s Riot Jacket review, I will compare the Riot to RSD’s Maven jacket and highlight the improvements of this new model.
But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best women’s motorcycle jacket for you? Let’s find out!
Roland Sands Women’s Riot Jacket
Key Takeaways
- Supple, broken-in leather feel
- Strategic quilted protective panels
- Meticulous construction and details
The Verdict
Is this the best women’s motorcycle jacket? After thoroughly testing the Riot leather jacket, I believe RSD has another standout women’s jacket. The buttery soft leather exceeds expectations, while the quilted panels add protection.
RSD focused on a flattering feminine fit without compromising mobility. Small touches like the suede liner and custom hardware elevate the premium quality.
While pricey, the Riot delivers value through meticulous construction, safety, and road-inspired style. I highly recommend the Riot as an exceptional leather option for female motorcyclists.
Comparison to Similar Jackets
| Jacket | Key Features |
|---|---|
| Highway 21 Aira Women’s Jacket | Mesh shell for airflow, waterproof liner, CE armor |
| Fly Racing Street Butane Women’s Jacket | Venting zips for airflow, CE armor on shoulders and elbows, polyester shell |
| Cortech Revo Sport Air Women’s Jacket | Mesh shell for ventilation, waterproof liner, CE armor |
| Alpinestars Stella SMX Air Women’s Jacket | CE-rated armor, perforated leather, removable thermal liner |
| Roland Sands Women’s Petaluma Jacket | Waxed cotton construction, vintage styling, armor on shoulders and elbows |
Leather Quality and Feel
Right away, I noticed the supple feel of the Riot’s premium black stone leather. It has a smooth finish and a subtle grain that gives it character.
Compared to the stiff, heavy, pebbled leather on the Maven, the Riot feels beautifully broken in right out of the box. The leather quality exceeded my expectations with its softness and quality.
RSD used a thinner 0.8-0.9mm leather on the Riot. While not as heavy-duty as the Maven, it perfectly balanced abrasion resistance and a pliable feel.
The supple leather allows for natural movement on and off the bike. It also avoids the restrictive stiffness of thicker race-grade leathers until they are well worn in.
The Riot’s premium leather delivers for riders wanting a jacket with a luxurious look and feel. I loved the character and grain throughout this top-shelf leather.
Stylish Quilted Design
Complementing the buttery leather, RSD added eye-catching quilted panel accents throughout the Riot. These panels utilize a diamond-stitched quilting technique.
It not only looks great but also provides structure. The depth of the quilted sections gives it a three-dimensional style that I really like.
These panels cover the torso’s shoulders, elbows, lower back, and sides. This quilting adds protection in key impact zones while avoiding a bulky feel.
I appreciate that RSD designed the quilting for function as well as form. The jacket retains a slim, flattering profile while incorporating protective padding.
Improved Comfort and Fit
The Riot fits me nicely in a women’s size medium. I’m 5’3″ and 135 lbs for reference.
The jacket has a classic silhouette with room to layer underneath. The sleeves are pre-curved to contour to the riding position.
RSD incorporated stretch panels along the sides and back. These provide flexibility for comfort on the bike. I can comfortably reach forward to the controls without restriction.
The Riot has a short waist length that prevents bunching behind me in the riding position. RSD minimized any pressure points in the waist or arms while riding.
I wore the Riot for several multi-hour rides without any discomfort or hot spots. The leather remains comfortable even on warm days.
Protection and Safety Features
The Riot’s leather is substantial at 0.8-0.9mm thick for abrasion protection. The leather feels protective while retaining a soft pliable feel.
However, armor is sold separately. RSD offers a Forcefield CE Level 1 armor kit to upgrade the protection. It includes elbow, shoulder, and back pads.
The jacket provides prepared pockets for installing the optional armor. This customizable protection really appealed to me. Riders can tailor it to their needs and riding style.
The quilted leather panels add impact absorption in key areas. Reflective piping throughout boosts visibility at night as an added safety feature.
While not a full race jacket, the Riot still provides ample coverage for street and touring use. Riders can enhance protection further by adding armor.
Premium Details and Hardware
Roland Sands Design is known for its meticulous attention to detail. The Riot continues this tradition with custom-designed hardware and finishes.
The jacket sports RSD’s signature logo on the zipper pulls, snaps, and fasteners. I appreciate these custom touches that add to the premium style.
Design elements like the perforated leather and suede paneling on the inner waist demonstrate RSD’s thoughtful design process.
The overall look melds fashion and function for a street-inspired aesthetic. RSD lavished care on elements that riders interact with daily.
Value and Cost
With a $700 MSRP, the Riot sits at the higher end of women’s leather jackets. However, the quality of materials and construction justify the price.
The supple leather and quilted armor panels complement the custom RSD hardware and detailing. This creates a premium package with a standout look and functionality.
While not inexpensive, the value is appropriate for a top-shelf leather jacket purpose-built for female riders. Additional armor can be purchased separately based on your individual riding needs.
Considering the quality and protection, the Riot offers strong value. RSD understands the importance of investing in high-performance protective gear.
Fit and Sizing Guidance
I recommend referring to RSD’s size chart to achieve the best fit. The Riot runs true to size but has a classic, roomier silhouette.
For reference, I wear a women’s medium in most jackets, and the Riot fit great. I would not size down for a slimmer fit.
If between sizes, consider sizing up if you plan to wear bulky layers underneath. The arm length was sufficient in my normal size without tightness in the sleeves.
Take body measurements and compare them to the size chart if unsure. And don’t hesitate to exchange sizes if needed since RSD offers free shipping and returns.
Buying Considerations
When shopping for the Riot jacket, here are some useful tips:
- Try it on in-store with your typical base layers to test fit and comfort.
- Consider buying optional RSD CE armor to enhance protection.
- The Riot runs true to size but allows room for layers underneath.
- Size up rather than down if between sizes for the best comfort.
- Register your warranty to ensure coverage of defects.
How Does it Compare?
Vs. Roland Sands Maven
Riot Advantages:
- Softer, broken-in leather right away
- More comfortable movement on and off the bike
- Shorter cut with less seat bunching
- Quilted panels add style and protection
Maven Advantages:
- Uses thicker 1.2-1.4mm leather
- Includes elbow armor
- Heavier pebbled leather has a burlier look
The Riot beats out the Maven in comfort, fit, and overall style for riders seeking a supple, versatile leather jacket. The Maven appeals to those wanting a stiffer, heavy-duty race jacket.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Riot jacket include armor?
No, armor is sold separately. RSD offers a Forcefield armor kit with elbow, shoulder, and back pads.
Is the sizing on the Riot jacket accurate?
The Riot runs true to size based on RSD’s size chart. Allow room for layers underneath.
How heavy and thick is the leather?
It uses a 0.8-0.9mm leather, thinner than race leather but with good abrasion resistance.
Can you customize the jacket with graphics or colors?
No, the Riot is only available in black or oxblood leather stock. No customization options.
Conclusion
My thorough testing proves the RSD Riot excels as a premium women’s leather motorcycle jacket. The supple black stone leather provides a pillowy feel right out of the box. Strategic quilted panels bolster protection without compromising comfort.
RSD focused on complementing the feminine form with features like a curved back waist and pre-curved sleeves. This lets female riders attack twisty roads unfettered by their gear.
While not inexpensive, the quality of materials and construction shines through. RSD builds each jacket to last a lifetime.
The Riot stands tall as a class-leading women’s leather motorcycle jacket for an unparalleled option that combines style, comfort, and protection. Riders searching for a buttery jacket with a distinctive RSD style need look no further.
Previous Article: Joe Rocket Dayride Jacket Review
Next Article: Roland Sands Truman Jacket Review
Recent Posts
Ultimate Track Hand Protection? Continue Reading
Icon Hooligan Facelift Gloves Review: Best for Urban Sport Riding?
Icon Hooligan Facelift Continue Reading