Recent content by Mickey Bowtie

I have a AL Halfbelt made from black Horween Bison and it is a substantial jacket. The leather is very nice and grainy, but I found that for me it is just too heavy, so that it sat in the closet most of the time. I am currently pondering selling it. But as you said that you like your jacket...

Rumor has it Vanson makes Jacket just for your needs: the AR3, an armoured variant of the AR2, based on the homebrew modifications Wes from rideapart.com used (https://rideapart.com/articles/best-motorcycle-leather-jackets-700?page=2). It exists on Vanons' site...

^ This, oh a thousand times this. Just last sunday a friend of mine - who is a very defensive and experienced rider - was almost hit by two cars blatantly refusing to recognize him on the road, one after the other, just 500 m apart. All the while going well under the speed limit, wearing dayglow...

There is a simple reason contemporary riding gear tends to be tight: modern day protection. The additional protection by modern armour is useless unless it is fixated at the right spot (elbow, shoulder et al.). Then it can soften the impact and reduce the severity of injuries sustained in a...

I only wished more classic motorcycle jackets were offered with modern armour.

I chose a size 48" corresponding to my normal european size 58. However I had my measurements taken by a tailor and let the maker take care of the rest. Unfortunately no, however at the Glemseck 101 event (cafe racer crowd) in September near Leonberg there are usually two or three stalls...

I do have an Alexander Half Belt. I have no complaints as to quality, fit and customer service. However, I placed my order and received my jacket before the trial even commenced. Ultimately you will have to make up your own mind, I can only attest that the jacket is of good quality and workmanship.

Very interesting, thank you!

I have an AL Halfbelt and while I can not fault it for quality and workmanship, the findings of the trial left a bad aftertaste. It is still a very nice jacket, but I wonder if I would buy it now, knowing what I know now.

How about asking the maker to choose the one matching the leather best? Give them the four you've narrowed it down to and let them take it from there.

Aye, this got me thinking... Currently pondering a black Halfbelt.

Beautiful. Could somebody enlighten me as to the name of this tartan?

I had some good experiences cleaning leather with a towel soaked in luke warm water sated with grated non-perfumed crud soap.

..does not? Darn!

Fit. Pure and simple. I wish I could pull of that short and neat look that is promoted by some members, but the truth of the matter is I'm just a big and fat fellow (6'6" @ 260 lbs). So - especially in a non-vintage jacket - for me, the fit is where it's at. :)