Last updated: October 2026
Quick answer: The OZ MOTOGEAR Ashborne is a reflective motorcycle hoodie certified to EN 17092-3 (Class AA). It carries reflective detailing on both sleeves and across the back, and has removable CE armor pockets at the shoulders, elbows and back. CE Level 1 armor is included at $199.99, with Level 2 upgrades available. It is built for commuters and city riders who ride into the evening and want protection that still looks like a hoodie.
Ashborne at a glance
| Spec | Ashborne Reflective Pullover Hoodie |
|---|---|
| Garment certification | CE, EN 17092-3:2020, Class AA |
| Visibility | Reflective detailing on both sleeves; reflective grey-and-white back print |
| Armor pockets | Shoulders, elbows, back (removable) |
| Armor included | CE Level 1 (free) |
| Armor upgrades | CE Level 2 from Smooth Ways, Flying Bats or Keep Tech |
| Shell | Cotton fleece with stretch |
| Reinforcement | Reinforced dual-face mesh layer |
| Lining | 100% polyester micro-mesh |
| Seams | Overlock 4-needle stitching, double reinforced |
| Fit features | 3 waist belt loops, YKK zippers, 2 hand pockets |
| Sizes | XS–8XL, plus Tall M–6XL |
| Price | $199.99 (Level 1); $224.99 (Level 2) |
| Shipping & returns | Free US shipping; 30-day returns |
Why visibility matters once the sun goes down
Most riders don't crash because they can't ride. They crash because a driver didn't see them. A well-known case-control study from Auckland, published in the BMJ, found that riders wearing any reflective or fluorescent clothing had a 37% lower risk of crash-related injury than other riders (Wells et al., BMJ 2004).
Two honest caveats. That study shows an association, not a guarantee. And the Ashborne is a black hoodie with reflective detailing, not a hi-vis vest. It helps headlights pick you out from the side and behind; it works best alongside a good headlight, a light-colored or reflective helmet, and smart lane position.
What "CE AA" actually means on a hoodie
EN 17092 is the European standard for motorcycle protective garments. It grades garments into five classes: AAA, AA, A, B and C. Class AA is tested under Part 3 of the standard and sits one step below AAA.
In plain terms: the whole garment (seams, abrasion and tear resistance, plus armor) was tested as a system, not just one fabric swatch. An AA rating suits everyday road riding: commuting, city traffic and weekend rides. Riders who spend long hours at highway speed should look at a AAA garment instead. Read our full explainer on what AA and AAA mean.
Armor: you choose the protection level
The Ashborne ships with CE Level 1 armor at the shoulders, elbows and back. Level 2 armor transmits less impact force than Level 1, so it protects more, and it costs $25 more.
| Option | Level | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Smooth Ways (included) | CE Level 1 | $199.99 |
| Smooth Ways | CE Level 2 | $224.99 |
| Flying Bats smart armor (black, orange or red) | CE Level 2 | $224.99 |
| Keep Tech Air-Flexform + Rhomb Flex back | CE Level 2 | $224.99 |
All armor is removable. Take it out to wash the hoodie, or to wear it off the bike.
How it's built
- Shell: cotton fleece with stretch, so it moves with you when you reach for the bars.
- Reinforcement: a reinforced dual-face mesh layer that carries the abrasion protection while staying breathable.
- Lining: soft polyester micro-mesh for airflow on warmer evenings.
- Seams: overlock 4-needle stitching, double reinforced. Seams are where cheap gear fails first in a slide.
- Belt loops: three loops attach the hoodie to your riding pants so it can't ride up and expose your back.
- Hardware: YKK zippers, two hand pockets and sealed taffeta inner pockets for small essentials.
Fit: XS to 8XL, plus Tall
Most armored gear stops at 3XL or 4XL. The Ashborne runs XS to 8XL, with Tall sizes from M-T to 6XL-T for longer torsos and arms. Armor only protects if it stays over the joint, so measure first with our size guide. Riding with a passenger who wants the same protection? See the Ladies Ashborne.
Ashborne vs. a regular hoodie vs. a leather jacket
| Regular hoodie | Ashborne (CE AA) | Leather jacket | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CE garment rating | None | AA | Varies; check the label |
| Armor | None | Removable, Level 1 or 2 | Usually included |
| Night visibility | None | Reflective sleeves and back | Usually none on black leather |
| Off-bike wear | Yes | Yes | Limited |
| Warm-evening comfort | Good | Good (mesh lining) | Poor |
Want the longer comparison? Read protective hoodies vs. traditional riding jackets.
Who the Ashborne is for, and who it isn't
Good fit: daily commuters, city and suburban riders, anyone who rides home after dark, and riders who skip their jacket because it looks out of place off the bike.
Not the right pick: track days, long high-speed highway tours, or riders who want maximum certification. For those, choose a AAA-rated garment.
Care
Remove the armor first. Machine wash cold, inside out, with like colors. No bleach and no dry cleaning. Lay flat to dry in the shade so the reflective print lasts.
Get yours
Shop the Ashborne Reflective Motorcycle Hoodie or browse the full Ashborne collection. Free US shipping and 30-day returns. Built for the road. Cut for the street.
Frequently asked questions
Is a reflective motorcycle hoodie as safe as a riding jacket?
A CE-certified armored hoodie can match many textile jackets for everyday road riding. The Ashborne is certified to EN 17092-3 (Class AA) and takes CE Level 1 or Level 2 armor. For track use or long high-speed touring, a AAA-rated garment gives more protection.
What does CE AA mean on the Ashborne hoodie?
It means the complete garment passed EN 17092-3 testing for Class AA, including seam strength, abrasion resistance and tear strength. AA is the second-highest of five classes (AAA, AA, A, B, C).
Does the Ashborne come with armor?
Yes. CE Level 1 armor for the shoulders, elbows and back is included at $199.99. Level 2 upgrades from Smooth Ways, Flying Bats and Keep Tech are available at $224.99.
Is the Ashborne visible at night?
It has reflective detailing on both sleeves and a reflective back print that bounce headlight beams back toward drivers. It is a black hoodie, not a hi-vis vest, so pair it with good lights and a visible helmet.
Can I wear the Ashborne in warm weather?
The polyester micro-mesh lining helps airflow on mild days and evenings. For hot summer riding, a mesh garment such as the Drifter Mesh Hoodied Shirt runs cooler.
What sizes does the Ashborne come in?
XS to 8XL, plus Tall sizes from M-T to 6XL-T. A ladies version is also available.
How do I wash it?
Remove the armor, wash cold and inside out, skip bleach and dry cleaning, and lay flat to dry in the shade.