Ride the Legend: The Nicky Hayden Ducati Jacket Guide

Few names in motorcycle racing carry the weight of Nicky Hayden’s. The Nicky Hayden Ducati 2012 MotoGP leather jacket from Leather Collection is a replica-style tribute to the American rider, and it is also a motorcycle jacket in its own right. This guide covers the rider, what the jacket is made of and how to choose the right fit, including the Nicky Hayden Ducati 2012 MotoGP Leather Jacket itself.

Who Was Nicky Hayden?

Hayden, nicknamed “the Kentucky Kid” after his hometown of Owensboro, won the 2006 MotoGP World Championship by five points over Valentino Rossi, 252 to 247, according to Wikipedia. He rode for Ducati from 2009 to 2013, and finished ninth in the 2012 championship with 127 points. His racing number, 69, was later retired in the MotoGP class in his honor. Hayden died in May 2017, five days after being struck by a car while cycling in Italy.

For fans of Ducati and MotoGP, a jacket inspired by his 2012 Ducati Team look is a way to wear a piece of that history. The Nicky Hayden collection gathers more designs linked to the rider, and the Ducati race suit collection covers the wider Ducati range.

What the Jacket Is Made Of

The product listing describes the jacket as a riding jacket and not only a fashion piece. The points below come from that description.

• Leather: 1.2 to 1.3 mm drum-dyed milled cowhide.
• Pre-curved sleeves: Sleeves are shaped to match the riding position with arms extended toward the bars.
• Protectors: The listing describes removable CE Level 2 armor (EN 1621-1:2012) at the shoulders and elbows and a removable spine/back protector it calls compatible with EN 1621-2; check the marking on the protectors.
• Lining: Mesh lining for ventilation and breathability.
• Hardware: A front zipper and cuff zippers, as described in the listing.

As with any protective clothing, the protectors and leather only work as intended when the jacket fits correctly and the protectors sit over the joints they cover.

On the Bike and Off It

The design is based on a racing jacket, but it does not limit the wearer to riding. On the bike it provides a riding cut and protector pockets. Off the bike it works over a plain t-shirt with jeans or casual pants, as a jacket that carries an obvious racing reference.

Weight and stiffness matter for everyday wear. Cowhide of this thickness feels stiff when new and relaxes with use, so a short break-in period is normal.

Fit and Buying Tips

• Aim for a snug fit through the shoulders and arms. Leather softens and conforms over time, so a jacket that is slightly firm at first usually settles in.
• Check protector placement. Shoulder and elbow protectors should sit on the joint when the arms are on the bars, not slide to one side.
• Think about the season. Mesh lining helps in warm weather, while layers can be added underneath in cold weather.
• Complete the kit. A jacket pairs well with riding gloves such as the matching Ducati Corse gloves , sturdy boots and riding pants or a suit.

Riders who prefer a different Ducati look can compare the Ducati Corse cowhide jacket and the Ducati two-piece leathers , which cover jacket-only and full-suit options.

Is the Jacket Right for You?

The Nicky Hayden Ducati jacket suits riders and fans who want a replica-style racing design built around a proper riding cut. It is a poor match for anyone who wants a soft, unstructured fashion jacket, because motorcycle jackets are cut for the riding position and carry protector pockets.

Written by the Leather Collection Editorial Team.