Spidi Originals Tex Limited Jacket Review: More Panache
Spidi has been in the business of producing attractive protective wear for racers hitting the circuits since 1977, making sure that we all at least appear to be as fast as MotoGP and WorldSBK stars.
In the US market, Spidi is building a reputation on technical gear serving plenty of motorcycle segments at home in the canyons, trails, or track. Now, the Italian company’s Spidi Originals lineup is working on pleasing riders who reach for gear with more panache than average.
Constructed out of a heavy, waxed-cotton canvas, the Spidi Originals Tex Limited requires no break-in. With its distressed look, the jacket has a patina that comes off as authentic—not overdone by any means. If I didn’t know better, I’d assume it was a well-loved hand-me-down.
Branding is something I tend to knock on jackets, as it can quickly become cloying to the senses. In truth, Spidi has quite a bit of it throughout the Tex jacket. However, it all seems fitting with the motif that they’re going for. and Spidi has used some of its vintage logos to make it something that looks almost custom, all of which are stitched incredibly well. My favorite patch is the Spidi cat patch on the left shoulder.
There is an attention to detail found throughout this jacket that is rarely seen on more fashionable moto jackets. On the collar, a small Spidi cat logo branded button is pinned on, and some of the other snaps feature the same quaint kitty logo. The interior of the jacket features a non-removable, ultra-soft flannel liner that feels a bit more luxurious than your typical mesh liners.
Regarding abrasion protection, the waxed cotton canvas will be your first line of defense. Although not as abrasion resistant as leather, it should serve you well if you happen to take a closer look at the asphalt. The Tex Limited would be a great fit on just about anything that isn’t sport or ADV related, meaning that you’re probably going to be riding at a more casual pace and this level of protection should suffice.
The Spidi Originals Tex Limited jacket is as comfortable as it looks, even though the waxed cotton is stiffer than what you might be used to. Its comfort can be partially attributed to the gussets at the shoulder blades, allowing a good range of movement on and off your motorcycle.
Spidi provides Warrior Lite CE Level 1 armor in the elbows and shoulders. The armor doesn’t bind up and it conforms to your movements well, even after long days in the saddle. While there is a slot for a CE-rated back protector, that’s something you’ll have spring for or rob from another jacket—a bit disappointing.
A heavy YKK zipper acts as the main zipper on this garment and a decently sized flap snaps into place, protecting you from the wind. Because the Spidi Originals Tex Limited jacket is cotton as opposed to leather, it breathes respectably well in hot weather, while also protecting you from wind chill when the temps start to drop. Sporting a simple base layer was about all I needed until the clouds cleared.
As they don’t feature snaps or zippers, it’s best to keep precious items out of them while riding. On the face of the jacket are two nicely sized breast pockets and on the interior is a pocket where I tend to stash my phone.
The Spidi Originals Tex Limited motorcycle jacket is dripping with style and features that many motorcyclists will be clamoring for. Spidi has made a unique piece of kit, giving everyone that one-off look without having to dig through the thrift store for something that looks the part, but isn’t when it comes to functionality and protection.
Sure, we know Spidi because of its racing pedigree, but the Originals lineup might be changing that.
Action photography by Kevin Wing
Spidi Originals Tex Limited Jacket Fast Facts
- Sizes: S-3XL
- Colors: Black/Blue; Green; Militar; Khaki
- Spidi Originals Tex Limited Jacket Price: $350 MSRP
