Brooks Cafe Racer Leather Question

[Seb Lucas]

I just auction sited myself a nice mandarin collar, Brooks cafe racer, mid brown, two pockets, zip out lining (not included). The two pockets are at the bottom- slash pockets, no chest pockets. It's cow -hide. Sorry no photos.

I think it's about 40 years old.

My question is; did Brooks make thick and also light weight versions of their leather jackets, like Vanson? This one is lovely, but quite light. I'd say just on, or possibly less than, 2.5oz and it weighs just 3.3 pounds. Size 44 reg. I don't ride so it's ideal.

Just curious about it.

Cheers

[strokes1251]

Is the tag inside the jacket Black with Gold lettering?

[paololital]

When did Brooks drop the black label with golden writing? I've noticed some other differences between early Brooks racers and late 70s/80s ones, such the shape of zip pullers and the storm flap configuration. I'm also wondering if early models had the zip out liner as well, and if this was sold with the jacket or separately, since it's really hard to find one that comes with it.

[strokes1251]

If i remember correctly ( I probably don't so feel free to correct me) but the black tag dropped after the 60s earlier 70s. To me jackets with the newer tag are hit and misses some feel good and some don't (Ive had about 4 new tagged jackets and sold them all)

[Seb Lucas]

The tag's black with white writing with "leather sportswear" written in a red stripe. When did that label come in? Vintage Trends (I didn't get the jacket from them) says that this lable is 1970's. I woudln't be surprised if the jacket is 1980's. The zip is a talon The most recently produced Brooks' are really heavy - 3.5oz cowhide. The Brooks sales guy told me their cafe racer model weighs around 7 pounds - twice mine. But as I say, I like the lighter leather.

[Qinhan]

The tag's black with white writing with "leather sportswear" written in a red stripe. When did that label come in? Vintage Trends (I didn't get the jacket from them) says that this lable is 1970's. I woudln't be surprised if the jacket is 1980's. The zip is a talon The most recently produced Brooks' are really heavy - 3.5oz cowhide. The Brooks sales guy told me their cafe racer model weighs around 7 pounds - twice mine. But as I say, I like the lighter leather.

According to Rin Tanaka's book, Brooks began using the black, white and red tag in 1979 so your jacket was quite probably made in the 1980's.

[sportride67]

I've owned several Brooks leather cafe racer jackets over the years. From what I've seen, their earlier jackets (early 60's and possible late 50's), with black labels AND having the (rare) vertical seam right down the middle of the back was a little thinner, softer, slicker hide than their later (more common) jackets that you find on ebay every day. It seems during the mid to late 60's they got a stiffer and rougher to the touch hide

[paololital]

Sportride67, would you know what's a good source for Brooks Cafe Racers, besides eBay?
(I've tried to pm you but did not work)

[Seb Lucas]

Sportride67, would you know what's a good source for Brooks Cafe Racers, besides eBay?
(I've tried to pm you but did not work)

Vintage Trends
Insurrection Leather
David Himel

Problem is what cost you $190 on ebay will cost you $300-400 from a merchant.

[paololital]

what cost you $190 on ebay will cost you $300-400 from a merchant

Exactly! One of the reasons I want a Brooks one is that they are fairly cheap compred to other brands. I wouldn't pay more than 250 for a very good condition one. I mean, for that amount you could get something much better on the bay.
Anyway, thanks for the inputs, I will check them out. I only knew Insurrection Leather, but their prices seemed too inflated.