Need new leather jacket

[Cynic]

Its been about 4-1/2 years since I rode (involved in an accident that totaled the bike, but I walked away without a scratch due to my gear). Recently bought a 2000 Std Valk and find myself in need of new gear. Bought a helmet, and chaps are easy to find, but having trouble locating a good leather jacket. I'm 6'4" and weigh about 205 lbs (think John Cleese of Monty Python for a visual comparison). My old jacket was damaged in the accident and somehow it got thrown away (was probably still good, just scuffed up bad), so I can't look for that brand.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a good leather jacket? I'm guessing my size would be Large/Tall...but finding jackets in a tall size is proving daunting. I've been wearing my textile jacket in the meantime, but don't really feel safe in it anymore since the accident (made me a huge believer in leather and full face helmets).

Thanks in advance,

Daryl

[The emperor has no clothes]

I haven't wore a leather jacket in a long time. Too hot here. But I've bought a few things from LeatherUp.com. Prices are good and quality seems good. A leather jacket and full face helmet saved me once also. Wish I'd had protection on my legs though. Jeans don't hold up very well sliding down the road at 60 mph.

[Gryphon Rider]

The problem with suggesting a good leather jacket is when you find a good one, you wear it for many years, and when you try to recommend it, it's no longer in production.

Feel the weight (thickness) of the leather, look at the sturdiness of the stitching, and look at the quality of material in the pockets.  Everything else is about preference, i.e. style, fit, armour, ventilation, insulation (liners), reflective material, colour, waterproofness, etc.

If I'm wearing chaps on the highway, I'm also wearing Kevlar jeans, literally to protect my backside in case of a slide.

[Oldfishguy]

Welcome back to riding!

Ya, leather is one of those things I think one needs to try on.  Your neighborhood Harley dealer should have a bunch in stock.  But most of those will have the Harley emblem on them.  With that info though you will have the manufacturer and size you want and can order a jacket online without the Harley logo.

And in case anyone doesn't know who John Cleese is:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IqhlQfXUk7w

And now this could get off topic quickly I'm afraid. 

[old2soon]

Most online sites have measuring "guides" and most offer returns if size is wrong. Most have reviews written by the folks that purchased the stuff and will inform you f any sizing "issues". I have a Hot Leathers leather jacket that I like a lot. Been riding it a few years and it has stood up well. Don't know if you C C W or not but more and more jackets and vests have built in pistol pockets available. You do have a number of M/C dealers available to you there AND it don't cost to try stuff on. There was a small leather shop South of West Plains Mo. that carried Hot Leather. That's where I checked my sizing. The FACT that she was 20% higher than the online store AND I Had to pay Missouri sales tax was THE reason I ordered direct. BUT I did purchase my chaps from her. For summer riding give some consideration o an armored mesh jacket. Might also consider armored for your leather jacket. RIDE SAFE.

[hubcapsc]

Vanson makes mostly good jackets...



-Mike "mine shrunk..."

[T.P.]

I have had a FOXCREEK LEATHER motorcycle jacket and chaps since 2004.  Great leather (not the cheap thin crap) wear it all the time rain or snow.

https://www.foxcreekleather.com/

Made in the United States of America

T.P.  

[Bighead]

No help here as I have been wearing the same one for 19 yrs and it is just getting broken in a comortable

[Harryc]

Can only recommend what I have and use. I think it's great. Joe Rocket Sonic (comes in tall sizes, I am 6'6" tall) - https://www.revzilla.com/product/joe-rocket-sonic-20-perforated-leather-jacket?gclid=Cj0KEQiA0L_FBRDMmaCTw5nxm-ABEiQABn-VqVrqP3cigZmVZFRuYlf6jMy9m_Z2OGY6GFMDtYAXSPwaArH48P8HAQ

[Jess from VA]

I have had a FOXCREEK LEATHER motorcycle jacket and chaps since 2004.  Great leather (not the cheap thin crap) wear it all the time rain or snow.

https://www.foxcreekleather.com/

Made in the United States of America

T.P.  

I will second Fox Creek (if you want some of the best, and are willing to pay).
If you go to their site, you will find they do WAY MORE than S, M, L, XL.  You give them all your dimensions/measurements and they will make it for you custom.  (For the prices, it should be custom)  Mine is 5-6 years old, and the leather is so heavy it will still stand up in the corner.  I recommend you get a vented jacket, that heavy leather can be brutal when the temps go up.  I also recommend side laces rather than snaps..... as the belly expands, so can your jacket.  

The website MotorcycleGear.com (formerly NewEnough, com) in TX carries most of the best brands (and has decent closeouts) goes out of it's way to provide a discussion on fit of each item sold (scroll down to the bottom of each item you're looking at).  And they have one of the best return policies if you are returning for a different size, they will pay for the return (maybe twice). If you call and ask for help, you'll get it.  http://www.motorcyclegear.com/

The other thing I have done when looking for helmets/boots or other things that need to be a really good fit, is go around to a bunch of metric (generic bike) stores and try stuff on.  It does not matter if the only one they have is purple or pink, you are just trying a brand and a size.  Once you are sure of the item/size you want, you go home and order that item and size on line.  It's virtually always cheaper on line than in a store, even with shipping.

I think Vanson is some of the best gear made.  BUT they pretty much target the sport (rocket) rider and all their jackets are very short waisted.  (at least they used to be when I looked at them)

[vanavyman]

Love Foxcreek Leather in Central VA. One of the Best I've ever owned or have seen. American made. Nice owners. We stop by there a few times a year.  In the middle of some the better roads to ride in VA.


Dan

[Gryphon Rider]

The other thing I have done when looking for helmets/boots or other things that need to be a really good fit, is go around to a bunch of metric (generic bike) stores and try stuff on.  It does not matter if the only one they have is purple or pink, you are just trying a brand and a size.  Once you are sure of the item/size you want, you go home and order that item and size on line.  It's virtually always cheaper on line than in a store, even with shipping.

The jackets you like in your size come in purple and pink?

[Jess from VA]

The jackets you like in your size come in purple and pink?

Ahhh, no, they don't.  

But a lot of the textile jackets for sale have the most terrible wild colors and prints (that I would not be caught dead in the bathroom wearing).  I know we were talking leather, but I was thinking of the wild textile stuff.  Same deal with many helmets.

My point is still a good one.  All you are doing at the stores is looking for model and fit, not designs. (though in leather, I guess they are mostly only black or brown)

 

[Pappy!]

Vanson and Fox Creek are both great.

Have you considered a 3-season jacket instead of a leather? Gets pretty hot up in Mo. in the Summertime.

[gregk]

Ck. Out an ABATE function some time , or a huge Harley event like the one in Tomahawk Wi. mid September. Or you are not that far from JP cycles in Iowa and I think in May or June they have a super huge event with a lot of venders then you can visit the National Motorcycle Museum close by. Another place is to go to the Wing Ding Thing their National party where ever it is this year as they have a magnitude of venders.

[wingrider02]

Another pitch for Fox Creek.... great leather products!

[F-six]

I'm also a big fan of Fox Creek Leathers. Great people to work with if you order online. In 2009 I bought a Foxcreek Classic Motorcycle Jacket II, thick soft smooth leather and vents in front and back. Quality of zippers and snaps are second to none. Used the jacket during my extended trips through the USA and Europe and still looks brand new. I also have the Deertours Motorcyle Gloves from Foxcreek, fantastic deerskin summer gloves.

Tip: if you order a jacket, go for the extra yard an purchase the Montana Pitch Blend maintenance kit too. Great stuff to keep your jacket and other leather gear soft and black.

[Aquaman]

Dude this is your lucky day ! I have a very heavy vintage Wilson motorsickle jacket like the one Brando wore in the Wild one. I also am 6'4" and 220 something lbs. It was made for taller guy's with longer arms and a longer torso. It is in PERFECT condition !! If interested post a reply here & I could send you some pictures & a price. This is a rare and hard to find coat.

[Savago]

I personally not a big fan of leather jackets, but I bought this one 3 years ago:
https://www.amazon.com/TRACK-MOTORCYCLE-BIKER-LEATHER-JACKET/dp/B002KNYN44/

Advantages:
a) Relatively cheap: 110 bucks.
b) Has protective padding in the elbows, shoulders, back.
c) Looks ok.
d) The leather is thick.

Disadvantages:
a) The leather is thick (not supple)
b) It is heavy.

[Jess from VA]

I have some beautiful leather jackets, and only wear them in the in-between weather (like today).  Too hot in summer (by far), and not as warm as my textile with full liner in winter, and the textile is also waterproof and vented up the ying if I need it.  Textile is way more comfortable, lighter, and armored.  The leather could be as warm, if I wear enough layers, and walk and feel like the Pillsbury dough boy.

I also have some full leather racing pants (not chaps, but I have those too) that are fantastic, but again only good for the in-between temps.  But when it gets COLD, I go for the much more comfortable textile pants with full liner.  Also fully waterproof.

When I travel, it's only textile, because they do it all with great changeable flexibility, and pack much tighter than leather. 

I had all my leather before I ever tried textile.  Who knew? 

[Savago]

+1 to what Jess said about textiles.

[da prez]

  Just my $.02 worth. Try to contact Kelly's Leather in Richmond Il. My last jacket was from them and American made. It is pretty heavy and has a winter liner.

                                        da prez

[MarkT]

As far as quality, I think it would be hard to beat a Vanson.  They aren't cheap, though.  I have a Classic, very heavy leather, was a gift from the S.O. around $550 20 years ago. I never wear it - the zipper needs work so it hangs on the coatrack. Like Jess, I prefer textile convertible jackets.  I have several.  Much more versatile, cover a wide range of temps, conditions, and waterproof. One is a Tourmaster 3-in-1 jacket, armored, with mesh for very hot wear, outter waterproof jacket and inner liner.  It was a $250 jacket I bought on a closeout maybe 3 years ago for $50. Fabulous deal, and this one jacket does it all.  I generally replace the inner liner with an electric Warm-N-Safe liner because it provides the wiring for my electric gloves. But the OEM liner is plenty warm down to single digits. Have used the mesh jacket with a soaked sweatshirt under it for riding in 108° temps across KS a few years ago - was like A/C. For an hour or so at a time - then resoak the sweatshirt.  Would have been unbearable otherwise.  Have a Joe Rocket textile; good value.  Also a Belstaff textile, versatile Brit maker but not cheap.

[Valkorado]

Got a Scorpion Exo Recruit on the cheap from Jafrum.com

Really like the jacket, thick heavy cowhide, CE armor shoulders and elbows (and a decent spine pad), zip out insulated liner, vented, discreet reflective piping.  Got it for like a buck fifty on closeout a few years back.

[hubcapsc]

I'm with MarkT and Jess... Textile... I wear the same thing year round,
just more layers in the winter...





-Mike

[Jess from VA]

Hey Mike, that's the only way mine gets washed either.   

I like your Harley on the pump island too.   

[BF]

Wilson's Leather.   

[Dorkman]

Try Craigslist if you don't mind buying slightly used.  Lots available from folks who gear up and find after six months that is isn't their style.  Lots of deals.  Been wearing a really nice heavy duty Harley leather jacket (without any advertising) for 12 years that I obtained for $75.

[pais]

  Anybody sportin the Tourmaster Sonora Air Jacket? Looking at it on Revzilla on a closeout. Gets good reviews on the site. Its a mesh jacket but has a thermal liner as well as a rain one also. It's a 3/4 length jacket. Curious how it fits when riding? Does it lay down or bunch up?
   I had a textile jacket before. It came with the Concourse I bought awhile back. Do not remember the name but, I know it was not Tourmaster. Cordura was stiff, didn't really care for it.
   Any info will help!

[Otus]

Try Craigslist if you don't mind buying slightly used.  Lots available from folks who gear up and find after six months that is isn't their style.  Lots of deals.  Been wearing a really nice heavy duty Harley leather jacket (without any advertising) for 12 years that I obtained for $75.

I got a hell of a deal on Craigslist last fall. Bought a jacket off a retired Leo, he had transferred from one city to another and was issued a new jacket but he liked his broken in one so he put the new patches on that. The jacket had never been worn or had any patches on it. The style is the Detroit and it was made in Tennessee, they retail for $350 to $400 and he sold it to me for $150.

[sheets]

Purchased one from Kerr Leather (USA) twenty years ago. Very high quality. Thick leather - weighs about twenty pounds. Not the Marlon Brando look. No belt - no collar. Removable liner - zipper vents front and back. Brown in color. I use it in the spring of the year when temps are moderate. All other times I have a few textile jackets to choose from depending on the climate and the mission.   

[DirtyDan]

I've got a schott perfecto. The classic marlin brando. Was not cheap but it's a COW !!!......MOO !

Wish it had vents but it's way thick n warm. Only ever needed a sweat shirt under it

Dan

[billyjakester]

I've had a Hein Gericke FirstGear T.K.O. 3-season leather jacket for over 15 yrs.  Good quality and useful for three seasons (not so much for summer). 

It's a good looking jacket with two liners and doesn't have a zillion Harley "zippers" all over it.  I've often worn it as a casual jacket when not riding.  They have compatible sizes - I'm 6'2" - 240lbs.

[rocketray]

the wife dropped a grand for the new HELITE airbag jacket for me...very very nice..I have worn the finest Italian leathers in Dainese which are  great but time has moved in safety terms...

[Alzacs]

I have been a fan of Walter Dyer leathers for years.  They are in Framingham Massachusetts.  They have several styles.  My personal favorite is the "Walter Dyer California Highway for Men".  They even have one called the "Brando". Good heavy leather, protective, not just 'pretty'.  If you google them the site is easily found (I don't remember the rules about posting links here - so I won't post it).  They fit true to sizes as marked.

[Jess from VA]

A word to the wise.  Whether leather or textile (not sure I've seen one in textile) but you do not want a collar than is not snapped down..... unless you like getting slapped all day.

Really no bike jacket should have a collar. Maybe a neru type high neck (I don't like those either, since your head is on a swivel all day), but not a floppy one.

[baldo]

A word to the wise.  Whether leather or textile (not sure I've seen one in textile) but you do not want a collar than is not snapped down..... unless you like getting slapped all day.

Really no bike jacket should have a collar. Maybe a neru type high neck (I don't like those either, since your head is on a swivel all day), but not a floppy one.

I have textiles, but might try a leather next year.

I've fixed a few collars for friends, the snaps stop holding after a while. In that case, I replace them with heavy duty actions in their place, or new for the first time.

[pais]

A word to the wise.  Whether leather or textile (not sure I've seen one in textile) but you do not want a collar than is not snapped down..... unless you like getting slapped all day.

Really no bike jacket should have a collar. Maybe a neru type high neck (I don't like those either, since your head is on a swivel all day), but not a floppy one.

Jess,
  While looking at a number of textile jackets, Tourmaster specifically. I do not remember which one(s). While watching video, they made that point of a feature on the collars. When collar is not closed and snapped, its able to be secured by velcro on the shoulder. I saw that and immediately could appreciate that feature. Well thought out, "it's the little things in life".

[Cynic]

Dude this is your lucky day ! I have a very heavy vintage Wilson motorsickle jacket like the one Brando wore in the Wild one. I also am 6'4" and 220 something lbs. It was made for taller guy's with longer arms and a longer torso. It is in PERFECT condition !! If interested post a reply here & I could send you some pictures & a price. This is a rare and hard to find coat.

Sorry for the delay in responding. Thanks for the offer, but I'm looking for the mandarin collar type of jacket, rather than the traditional. Good luck with the sale

[Oss]

hit-air jackets are under $600.00   (Its a textile jacket that if the lanyard is pulled

The vests are less than that.

bikebone site has them

I understand that they have motogp jackets which may be leather also