Overview of the Dainese Super Rider 2 Absoluteshell Jacket

The Dainese Super Rider 2 Absoluteshell jacket targets sport riders who require seasonal adaptability without sacrificing impact protection. This model introduces the Absolute Shell waterproof liner, replacing the earlier D-Dry system and addressing long-standing concerns about breathability in mid-priced waterproof motorcycle apparel. The jacket combines mesh, leather, and textile panels to balance ventilation, abrasion resistance, and flexibility during aggressive riding. Designed primarily for warm to variable climates, the removable liner allows the shell to function as a high-airflow summer jacket while retaining wet-weather capability when conditions change.

The garment positions itself between fully perforated race jackets and touring-focused waterproof shells. It prioritizes airflow in a tucked riding posture while reinforcing known slide zones with leather. Dainese rates the jacket for sport use rather than commuting or touring, which is reflected in its shorter cut and pre-curved sleeve geometry. The pricing places it in the premium sport category rather than entry-level mesh jackets.

Key characteristics include:

• Absolute Shell removable waterproof liner
• Mesh, textile, and cowhide construction
• Sport-focused cut and ergonomics
• CE-certified armor at shoulders and elbows

Fit, Sizing, and Rider Reference

Sizing accuracy is critical for sport jackets due to armor placement and sleeve rotation. The Super Rider 2 Absoluteshell follows Dainese’s traditional European sizing, which typically runs slimmer through the torso and shoulders compared to American brands. A real-world fit reference helps clarify expectations: a rider measuring 6’3″, 220 pounds, with a 44-inch chest fits correctly in a size 56. With the waterproof liner installed, mobility becomes slightly restricted, which is consistent with laminated or drop-in waterproof systems. Removing the liner restores full range of motion and airflow.

The jacket is produced in sizes 44 through 60, covering a wide range of athletic and broad builds. Sleeve length favors taller riders, especially when positioned in a sport tuck. Waist and arm adjusters allow moderate fine-tuning but do not compensate for incorrect base sizing. Riders between sizes should prioritize chest and shoulder fit rather than waist comfort.

Sizing considerations include:

• European numeric sizing (44–60)
• Slim, sport-oriented cut
• Slightly tighter feel with liner installed
• Best fit achieved without upsizing

Materials and Outer Shell Construction

The outer shell construction combines multiple material types to address airflow and impact exposure. Large mesh panels occupy high-heat zones, including the chest, inner arms, and rear torso. These panels channel airflow directly through the jacket when the liner is removed. Cowhide leather reinforces the outer shoulders and select forearm areas where riders commonly contact the ground during a slide. While Dainese uses standard cowhide instead of premium Tutu leather, the material thickness and placement still meet CE abrasion requirements.

Textile panels fill transition zones between mesh and leather, contributing flexibility and weight reduction. These textiles are sublimated rather than dyed, allowing color application without adding stiffness. The combination prioritizes comfort during extended summer riding while retaining structural integrity in critical areas. The jacket achieves a Class A abrasion rating, reflecting its mixed-material design rather than full-leather construction.

Construction highlights include:

• Mesh panels for airflow and heat management
• Cowhide leather at shoulders and forearms
• Sublimated textile for flexibility
• CE Class A abrasion certification

Shoulder, Elbow, and Forearm Protection

Impact protection centers on CE Level 1 composite armor positioned at the shoulders and elbows. The shoulder armor integrates with external aluminum sliders, a signature Dainese feature designed to reduce friction and prevent the jacket from catching during a slide. The aluminum components sit over cowhide panels, ensuring the underlying material can tolerate abrasion. Elbow armor extends down the forearm, improving coverage in aggressive riding positions where arms rotate inward.

Leather reinforcement continues along the outer forearm and elbow, identified as primary slide zones in sport crashes. This strategic placement compensates for the jacket’s extensive mesh usage elsewhere. The armor pockets maintain alignment when riding in a tuck, which is critical for real-world impact scenarios. While the armor level is not race-grade, it meets current CE standards for street use.

Protective features include:

• CE Level 1 composite shoulder armor
• CE Level 1 elbow and forearm coverage
• External aluminum shoulder sliders
• Leather reinforcement in slide zones

Sleeve Design and Mobility Features

Sleeve construction focuses on maintaining flexibility without sacrificing control over armor positioning. Mello stretch fabric runs through the inner arm and armpit, allowing the rider to reach forward into clip-ons without binding. Microflexion panels appear on the outer bicep, reducing resistance during steering input and braking. An internal sleeve adjuster helps secure the arm circumference, preventing armor from rotating during movement.

Mesh extends down the inner sleeve to maximize airflow in a sport riding posture, where arms block frontal wind. The outer sleeve includes a stitched Dainese logo and cowhide reinforcement at the rear forearm landing zone. Cuffs close with Velcro, accommodating short gauntlet gloves. Riders should ensure the waterproof liner remains properly seated inside the cuff to avoid interference during glove removal.

Sleeve-related elements include:

• Mello stretch fabric for reach and comfort
• Microflexion panels on outer bicep
• Inner sleeve mesh for ventilation
• Velcro cuff with liner management

Chest, Side Panels, and Storage

The chest area uses uninterrupted mesh panels rather than the previous generation’s segmented X-pattern. This change increases direct airflow to the torso and improves cooling efficiency during low-speed riding. The Dainese demon logo sits centrally without blocking ventilation. Side panels transition to sublimated textile, reducing bulk and allowing the jacket to contour naturally to the rider’s body.

A YKK main zipper secures the jacket and operates smoothly even under tension in a tuck. Two external handwarmer pockets provide limited storage for small items such as keys or a wallet. These pockets are not waterproof unless the liner is installed, aligning with the jacket’s sport-first design philosophy. The overall layout favors ventilation and ergonomics over cargo capacity.

Upper-body features include:

• Full mesh chest panels for cooling
• Sublimated textile side construction
• YKK main zipper closure
• Two external handwarmer pockets

Ergonomics and Riding Position Support

Ergonomic design supports aggressive riding positions common to sport and naked motorcycles. Accordion stretch panels sit across the shoulder blades, allowing expansion when the rider reaches forward. Additional Mello stretch fabric at the armpits and side torso reduces pressure points during sustained tucks. These elements work together to maintain comfort without introducing excessive looseness.

Leather placement at the forearms and elbows aligns with biomechanical studies of crash contact points. The jacket’s cut is shorter in the front to prevent bunching against the tank, while the rear extends slightly to maintain coverage when leaned forward. Although textile areas prioritize comfort, they are arranged to avoid high-impact zones.

Ergonomic considerations include:

• Accordion stretch at shoulder blades
• Stretch fabric at armpits and sides
• Sport-oriented front and rear cut
• Strategic material zoning for crashes

Back Panel, Aerodynamic Hump, and Protection Options

The rear of the jacket integrates an aerodynamic hump, reducing turbulence at higher speeds and contributing to neck stability. Below the hump, a full mesh panel promotes heat dissipation across the lower back. A drop-seat design extends rear coverage, preventing exposure when the rider is fully tucked.

Internally, the jacket includes a dedicated pocket for an optional back protector. While no protector is included, the pocket accepts Dainese-compatible CE-rated inserts. This allows riders to upgrade spinal protection without modifying the shell. The combination of airflow and structural features reflects the jacket’s sport bias rather than touring insulation.

Rear design features include:

• Integrated aerodynamic hump
• Full mesh back panel
• Extended drop-seat coverage
• Pocket for optional back protector

Absolute Shell Waterproof Liner

The Absolute Shell liner represents a functional upgrade over Dainese’s earlier D-Dry membrane. It improves breathability while maintaining waterproof performance comparable to mid-range Gore-Tex systems. Unlike laminated membranes, this liner installs as a removable internal layer, preserving airflow when removed. Seams remain visible, which prevents classification as a destination liner but does not affect on-bike performance.

The liner can be worn independently off the motorcycle, offering light rain protection during short stops. Inside the jacket shell, a separate mesh lining ensures comfort when the waterproof layer is removed, preventing direct contact with outer materials. This modular approach supports variable weather riding without committing to a permanently waterproof shell.

Liner characteristics include:

• Absolute Shell waterproof membrane
• Improved breathability over D-Dry
• Removable, non-laminated construction
• Independent wear capability off-bike

Connectivity, Compatibility, and Final Considerations

A short connection zipper at the lower back allows the jacket to attach to Dainese sport pants or compatible riding jeans. This feature improves stability during riding and reduces wind entry at speed. While not a full 360-degree zipper, it provides adequate security for street sport use.

At a price point of $580, the Super Rider 2 Absoluteshell occupies a premium niche for riders seeking ventilation with weather flexibility. Color options include black and high-visibility fluro red among three total variants. Riders researching further can consult detailed product reviews or contact customer service for setup and compatibility guidance.

Final feature summary:

• Short rear connection zipper
• Compatibility with Dainese pants
• Three available colorways
• Positioned in premium sport category