New Johnson Leathers Motorcycle Jacket

[nick123]

Hello everyone,

Here's my new Johnson Leathers jacket, made from the highly-revered Horween Overdye Steerhide/Cowhide. Several posters have posted jackets made from this same leather, but mine is a bit thinner at 3.25oz. I was able to physically try on the stock jacket in the store and went with a size 40, which is very close to my true chest size. Reading my receipt, I believe the jacket is called an M-500.

Specs:
-Horween "Overdye" leather 3.25oz (I said on another thread it wasn't very heavy but I was delusional, it is a heavy jacket. However, it feels more comfortable out of the box than the Highwayman I had in a comparable weight as it isn't horsehide. (It's not better for this, just different). The box weighed in at 10 lbs so I'll put a ballpark guestimate of the jacket to be around 7-8lbs). It's a gorgeous leather. In some ways I wouldn't mind if it stayed this rich black color, but the brown basecoat and how the black will possibly wear off in stress areas gives this jacket an interesting dimension.

-Extra 1.5 inches to length, .75 inch added to sleeves.

-Removed bi-swing back that is standard with this model. The bi-swing back adds a lot of comfort to this design and is probably a good feature to leave on if you're looking for added mobility, but I prefer a simplified back. I did try this model on in-store with the action-back and no need to worry as it still looks good and is not overdone.

-Brown cotton twill lining in body and sleeves. Not sure what the pockets are lined with because they're dark. The inner pocket material feels different than the cotton in the body but I didn't spec that part of the jacket.

-Pockets are all standard setup zip-pockets (including zip sleeves). No changes there. There is a standard non-snap horizontal interior pocket that comes with the jacket as standard. I know some prefer to not have it as it lines up with the outer breast zip pocket and could cause some bulging (I truthfully forgot to even think about the interior pockets when I ordered at the store). The breast pocket is actually relatively deep compared to the HWM so if one wants to one can store something substantial in there, but there are better options out there than this jacket if you have a lot of belongings you carry around. The leather is thick and I'd fear anything valuable would get crushed in the outer pockets. I'm probably paranoid.

-Remove side-lacing and switch with buckles. (I don't ride, and this was a no-brainer cosmetically).

-Johnson Leather version of "antique brass" hardware. This turned out really well. The color of the brass is very conservative and doesn't stand out too much. Alan told me he thought this hardware color was a really good color for a jacket. I don't think they offer an "antique nickel" hardware option.
http://i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac329/nb23990/image_zps2d50cf8b.jpg
http://i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac329/nb23990/image_zps9404a96a.jpg
http://i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac329/nb23990/image_zps7cacae53.jpg

I'm very impressed with the service at Johnson Leathers (and not just them, everyone I've dealt with on this tumultuous journey has been different degrees of great). If anyone's jonesin' for fit pics I'll do my best in the next few days (I did put one up today but it was taken at an awkward angle so I took it down). I feel it's passed my personal "fit test". Thanks for reading.

 

[Peacoat]

Very nice jacket. I agree with the comments about Johnson and Allan. I have two jackets from them and find them a joy to work with. Not only are they knowledgeable, but they also have a very high quality product.

Please show the fit pictures. I imagine it will fit like mine with a noticeable drop to the waist, giving a very athletic appearance. Even their off the rack jackets have no extra material in the waist and are V shaped.

The 3.25 oz. steer they have is a fairly light weight hide compared to the 4.0 oz. or the 4.5 oz. they offer. Now those are heavy hides, much heavier than the FQHH, which I have found to break in fairly quickly. I have both the 3.25 and the 4.0 oz. jackets. The 3.25 oz. was broken in out of the box; the 4.0 oz. took over a year to be comfortable to wear and ride in. I wouldn't even want to think how heavy the 4.5 oz. hide is. That is the hide they use for jackets going to the Japanese market.

Congratulations on an excellent jacket.

 

[Grayland]

Looks great. Just out of curiosity, once all the details are taken care of, how long does it take to get a jacket from JL?

 

[ForestForTheTrees]

Congrats nick, may you wear it in good health! That jacket would look even better when being worn while out on a bike.

 

[nick123]

Thanks Peacoat. To all of the guys who've ordered the 4oz hide: you're crazy!
I think both the black heavy steerhide you have as well as the overdye are popular in the Japanese market. This jacket is definitely more supple than the FQHH. Still very substantial however.

As far as the "v-shape" is concerned, that wasn't my first thought when I looked in the mirror, but you're correct. The jacket does have a subtle v-shape to it. When measuring the shoulders, they come in at close to 20" across. In most jacket, this would indicate a size much bigger than a 40. But somehow it works-I'm guessing the shoulder seams are a bit offset outwards. The pit-pit also measured close to 24" when I did a crude measurement. Again, in most jackets, this would be way too big, but the jacket is cut in a way where the seams are offset kind of throwing the measurements off. If one was to order this jacket on the phone, I wouldn't bother worrying about supplying your desired pit and shoulder measurements, as it doesn't seem applicable to this style of jacket. Just give Alan your weight/build, and they will probably send you a test jacket.

The one nice quality about the Johnson jackets is they hardly "ride up" when you lift your arms up.

 

[nick123]

Looks great. Just out of curiosity, once all the details are taken care of, how long does it take to get a jacket from JL?

Usually right under one month. Thanks!

 

[nick123]

Congrats nick, may you wear it in good health! That jacket would look even better when being worn while out on a bike.

Thanks Forest. You were a huge inspiration to go with that hide. I don't ride! This style of jacket has always been a closet fantasy of mine. I actually started with the M-200J test fit jacket a la Technovox but it didn't look flattering on me (I think Alan agreed because his email response when I sent him the fit pictures was "Come into the shop")!
So I did, and couldn't get over the "coolness" of this jacket in the store. It might have kind of an unconventional shape, but it is absolutely one of the most comfortable styles around.
My one regret is I should have gone with an added d-pocket minus the little cargo pocket. And perhaps opted for brown contrast stitching.

 

[nick123]

Here's kind of a goofy pic I took the day I received it. Nevermind the untucked shirt and the 1970s era bathroom. Notice it's roomy enough to accommodate a thick shirt. For those who want a slim fit, you can probably size down. Zipped up the jacket looks much better but I don't wear 'em that way!
http://i912.photobucket.com/albums/ac329/nb23990/image_zpsf49124cd.jpg

 

[schitzo]

Lord knows your wardrobe has seen some turnover Nick I truly hope this is the one! The early signs seem good. I am keeping my fingers crossed for you brother!

 

[nick123]

Lord knows your wardrobe has seen some turnover Nick I truly hope this is the one! The early signs seem good. I am keeping my fingers crossed for you brother!

Other than my SunSurf Hawaiian shirt collection, I still wear subpar quality department store jeans and t-shirts. But jackets, yes, I've gotten the bug. I've flipped too many and lost a lot of money in the process. Thanks Schitzo.

 

[Peacoat]

As to the V shape, My Johnson M 200 measures 24.25 p2p and 20.5 at the waist. This is a drop of almost 4 full inches. While this jacket is labeled a 46, it fits me (size 42 chest) like a glove all the way to the waist. I wouldn't want anything more closely fitted.

By comparison, my Vanson Enfield measures 24.25 p2p and 22.625 (22 5/8) at the waist. This is a drop of less than 2", which is fairly common in this country to accommodate the standard American male (larger midsection). The jacket fits me, but is a little large in the midsection, which is OK as I can layer under it. The Vanson is labeled a size 44.

BTW, the p2p should be measured without considering the seams. Pull an equal amount of material from both the front and the back, let it relax and then measure. That will give a true p2p.

 

[schitzo]

Other than my SunSurf Hawaiian shirt collection, I still wear subpar quality department store jeans and t-shirts. But jackets, yes, I've gotten the bug. I've flipped too many and lost a lot of money in the process. Thanks Schitzo.

You're welcome buddy. But listen, if only half of what I've read on here about Alan is partially true then this one is gonna satisfy your lust! I just caught a glimpse of your fit pic posted above. From what I can see, from the front with it open there ain't nothing wrong with it!! But It'll of course be better when you can post pics from all angles, with your shirt tucked in and with the jacket zipped up.

All the best,
Schitz

 

[nick123]

As to the V shape, My Johnson M 200 measures 24.25 p2p and 20.5 at the waist. This is a drop of almost 4 full inches. While this jacket is labeled a 46, it fits me (size 42 chest) like a glove all the way to the waist. I wouldn't want anything more closely fitted.

By comparison, my Vanson Enfield measures 24.25 p2p and 22.625 (22 5/8) at the waist. This is a drop of less than 2", which is fairly common in this country to accommodate the standard American male (larger midsection). The jacket fits me, but is a little large in the midsection, which is OK as I can layer under it. The Vanson is labeled a size 44.

BTW, the p2p should be measured without considering the seams. Pull an equal amount of material from both the front and the back, let it relax and then measure. That will give a true p2p.

Thanks Peacoat.

 

[nick123]

You're welcome buddy. But listen, if only half of what I've read on here about Alan is partially true then this one is gonna satisfy your lust! I just caught a glimpse of your fit pic posted above. From what I can see, from the front with it open there ain't nothing wrong with it!! But It'll of course be better when you can post pics from all angles, with your shirt tucked in and with the jacket zipped up.

All the best,
Schitz

Thanks Schitzo. I have no worries about the fit with this one. But I'll try to post some proper pics soon. Hard to explain, but you know a keeper when you see it. It's a keeper. If I post more pics it will just be for your guys' jacket porn fix.

 

[tmitchell59]

Looks great on and off! I had never considered this style, but now own a similar Johnson and a Alexander in this style. Thanks for sharing.

T.

 

[nick123]

Looks great on and off! I had never considered this style, but now own a similar Johnson and a Alexander in this style. Thanks for sharing.

T.

Thanks. It would be good to see some pictures (forgive me if you've already posted them).

 

[tmitchell59]

Here are some pics. Jacket is the 4oz CXL. It weighs ten pounds. Not the original owner so not sure how old.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Don't see any pics....

 

[tmitchell59]

try this

 

[Peacoat]

Don't see any pics....

Click on "Here are some pics." It is in blue--indicates a link.