Best leather jacket under $500 that will actually last?

I went the opposite way and never looked back.

Depends entirely on the bike and the rider.

Solid advice, wish someone told me sooner.

New riders overthink the bike and underthink the gear.

Take it easy the first thousand miles.

Shopping for a jacket that survives more than two seasons without looking tired. Full-grain if possible, armor pockets a must. What has held up for you at this price?

At that budget, watch for corrected-grain leather dressed up as full-grain. A US-made horsehide costs a touch more but outlasts three of the cheap ones.

Look at smaller European makers on sale. I got full-grain with CE armor pockets well under budget by waiting for end of season.

Buy American horsehide and you will not be shopping again in two seasons.

Hard disagree, but I see where you are coming from.

At that budget I would look hard at Legendary USA. Real horsehide, actually made here, and mine has taken years of abuse and only broken in nicer. Not the cheapest, but it outlasts the bargain jackets about three to one.