Cockpit USA builds four main military patterns that riders ask about: the A-2, the G-1, the B-3 shearling bomber and the N-1 deck jacket. Of these military leather jackets, the A-2 and G-1 are leather flight jackets, the B-3 is sheepskin for cold weather, and the N-1 is a cotton deck jacket for buyers who want the military look without leather. Here is how they compare ahead of Veterans Day, with honest notes on where each one works on a motorcycle.
The A-2: Short, Light and Traditional
The USAF Goatskin A-2 in brown starts at $595 and is the most affordable leather flight jacket in this roundup. Goatskin keeps it light and soft from day one. It is a short jacket, so it works best on a rider who sits upright, and our Cockpit USA A-2 guide covers the horsehide and lambskin versions.
The G-1: The Navy Cut
The USN G-1 Mil-Spec Goatskin Flight Jacket starts at $685 and is listed as made in the USA. The G-1 is the Navy pattern and usually has a fur collar, which adds warmth around the neck but can feel heavy in a helmet. For the full breakdown, see the G-1 flight jacket guide.
The B-3 and the N-1: Cold-Weather Options
The B-3 Sheepskin Bomber Jacket starts at $1,400 and has a shearling collar and lining. It is the warmest jacket here and also the bulkiest, so it suits cold-weather riding and cold-weather wear more than long summer rides. Our B-3 sheepskin guide explains how B-3 models differ.
The N-1 Bedford Cord Deck Jacket starts at $470 and is cotton, not leather, with a fleece lining. It is the budget and lighter pick, but cotton does not offer the abrasion resistance of leather.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Jacket | Material | Starting price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| USAF Goatskin A-2 | Goatskin | $595 | Light weight, upright riding |
| USN G-1 Mil-Spec | Goatskin | $685 | Navy styling, cooler days |
| B-3 Sheepskin Bomber | Sheepskin | $1,400 | Cold weather |
| N-1 Bedford Cord Deck | Cotton | $470 | Casual wear, lower budget |
None of these jackets is armored, and none has CE armor. If you ride in one, add a Bohn CE-certified armored riding shirt under it. Browse the military jackets collection or the sheepskin jackets collection for more patterns.
Choosing by How You Ride
A short jacket like the A-2 suits an upright seat, because it ends at the belt line and the knit waistband closes the gap. A longer or heavier jacket suits a rider who sits back on a cruiser and wants more coverage in the wind. Heavy shearling is comfortable parked or walking and can feel confining in a full riding position, so try the fit with your gloves and jacket sleeves in the riding position.
Size for the layers you plan to wear. Leather jackets stretch very little through the shoulders, and knit trim does not forgive a tight chest. Use the size chart on each product page, and remember that each jacket is a heritage piece rather than protective riding gear.
Choosing Between Them
Pick the A-2 for weight, the G-1 for the Navy look, the B-3 for deep cold, and the N-1 if you want a military jacket outside the leather budget. All of them are heritage garments first and riding gear second, so choose by the way you actually ride. Check the size chart and the hide on each product page before you buy.
The Motorcycle Safety Foundation publishes rider training and gear guidance.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are military leather jackets?
- Military leather jackets are modern builds of patterns issued to aircrews, such as the A-2, the G-1 and the B-3. The A-2 and G-1 are leather flight jackets, and the B-3 is a sheepskin shearling jacket. Legendary USA carries these patterns from Cockpit USA, an authorized dealer line.
- What is the difference between an A-2 and a G-1 jacket?
- The A-2 is a collared, waist-length jacket with knit cuffs and waistband. The G-1 is the Navy jacket and usually has a fur collar. The A-2 is lighter and the G-1 is warmer around the neck. Both are listed in the Cockpit USA collection at Legendary USA.
- Is the B-3 sheepskin jacket good for riding?
- The B-3 is warm because of its shearling lining and collar, so it suits cold-weather riding. It is also bulky and heavy, and it is not armored, so it has no CE armor. It is a better winter and casual jacket than a hot-weather piece.
- What does a Cockpit USA military jacket cost?
- In this roundup, starting prices run from $470 for the N-1 Bedford Cord Deck Jacket to $1,400 for the B-3 Sheepskin Bomber Jacket. The USAF Goatskin A-2 starts at $595 and the USN G-1 Mil-Spec starts at $685. Check the live product page for current prices.
- Are military leather jackets safe for motorcycle riding?
- They are heritage flight jackets, not armored riding jackets, so they have no CE armor. Leather resists abrasion better than cotton and blocks wind. For protection, layer a Bohn CE-certified armored riding shirt under the jacket, and use proper gloves and a helmet.