Aero B-3 on a motorcycle?

DBLIII · Aug 16, 2010

All - I have very limited internet connect speed here on the side of this mountain, so I am sorry that searching is not working as well as I'd like (as this topic may have been asked and answered). A question for you all:
Now that I'm living where it's pretty much cold about 10 months a year, have any of you worn or used an Aero B-3 on a motorcycle? I have found that my Fox Creek jacket (purchased from a forum member here and a stunning jacket), various leather jackets from HD and Bates.... I am still just freezing in late afternoon weather. Instead of looking for a motorcycle jacket with some kind of zip-in lining, I was thinking last night that perhaps an Aero B-3 might be the way to go. I have a long half belt with a wool lining which is great for walking around but at about 40 miles an hour is somewhat drafty.
Any and all opinions are most welcome and thank you all in advance.
David

RP McMurphy · Aug 16, 2010

B3

Hey

Not a motorcycling expert by any means, but I thought I might weigh in. While a B3 would probably be a lot warmer, I think you'd be sacrificing too much in terms of protection. See, the only horsehide on the B3 would be along the seams. You can see the horsehide reinforcements in this photo set: http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/19565776

As a result, the b3 is mostly made up of sheepskin, which really was never intended to face up to hard asphalt. IMHO, you'd probably be better off with one of Aero's FQHH jackets with an added sheepskin lining. Pricey, yes, but with superior protection in the case of a spill.

Think of it this way: The B3 was designed with the howling, freezing, but roomy fuselage of a b-24 or b-17 in mind. A coat such as the sheep-lined barnstormer, on the other hand, was designed for open-cockpit flying in a greasy canvas-and-wire-frame crate that could be ripped apart by a strong gust of wind. I'd go for the FQHH jacket...

DBLIII · Aug 16, 2010

RP McMurphy said:
Hey

Not a motorcycling expert by any means, but I thought I might weigh in. While a B3 would probably be a lot warmer, I think you'd be sacrificing too much in terms of protection. See, the only horsehide on the B3 would be along the seams. You can see the horsehide reinforcements in this photo set: http://www.picturetrail.com/sfx/album/view/19565776

As a result, the b3 is mostly made up of sheepskin, which really was never intended to face up to hard asphalt. IMHO, you'd probably be better off with one of Aero's FQHH jackets with an added sheepskin lining. Pricey, yes, but with superior protection in the case of a spill.

Think of it this way: The B3 was designed with the howling, freezing, but roomy fuselage of a b-24 or b-17 in mind. A coat such as the sheep-lined barnstormer, on the other hand, was designed for open-cockpit flying in a greasy canvas-and-wire-frame crate that could be ripped apart by a strong gust of wind. I'd go for the FQHH jacket...

Thanks - I really never thought of that (me being rather dumb..). FQHH with a sheepskin lining does make more common sense. I have been down on the pavement years back and it sure chews up any lighter leathers.

Ace Rimmer · Aug 16, 2010

When I was a student I was too poor to afford a car so I commuted using my motorcycle. Riding in the winter was no fun. Sometimes I would show up to class looking like the Michelin Man with all my layers on.

I highly recommend getting a windproof textile jacket and a heated vest. The B3 lacks armor; a decent textile moto jacket will have pockets for CE or GP armor and keep you safer.

TheSnark · Aug 16, 2010

Perhaps you're doing this already, but you might consider a windshield for the bike in winter. Even a small windshield (but larger than a flyscreen) can block a lot of wind and is worth at least one (very good) layer of clothing. I use windshields on both my bikes from Thanksgiving thru Easter, and it saves me a lot of bundling. Windshields look rather dorky on a lot of bikes, but at least you can still ride.

EDIT added: Forgot to mention that width is just as important as height, maybe even moreso. A good shield will protect your hands as well as your torso... and the faster you go, the better it works! I haven't needed a pair of insulated winter gloves since I started using shields (ok, I live in Tucson, so your mileage will most likely vary in this respect). Yep, they are expensive, but I consider them among the best investments I have ever made for riding. In any event, good luck with whatever you decide... I hope it works out for you.

DBLIII · Aug 16, 2010

TheSnark said:
Perhaps you're doing this already, but you might consider a windshield for the bike in winter. Even a small windshield (but larger than a flyscreen) can block a lot of wind and is worth at least one (very good) layer of clothing. I use windshields on both my bikes from Thanksgiving thru Easter, and it saves me a lot of bundling. Windshields look rather dorky on a lot of bikes, but at least you can still ride.

I did look at windshields first, but HD wants over $400 for one with the hardware, so I was thinking about getting a jacket and putting the money toward that. But, that may be the way to go in the long run. Just not sure...

Nighthawk · Aug 16, 2010

Perhaps a B-2, which is lined in Alpaca wool and made with horsehide would be the way to go. Stu at Lost Worlds notes that the B-2 is similar to some early motorcycle jackets.

http://www.lostworldsinc.com/B-2_Horsehide_Leather_Flight_Jacket.htm

NH

captaincaveman1 · Aug 17, 2010

Didn't bomber crews eventually ditch the bulky shearling in favor of electrically heated gear?

So it goes with riding gear... the heated gear from Gerbings and other vendors can't make winter into spring but they might let you stretch your leather/textile jacket into the winter months.

DBLIII · Aug 17, 2010

Nighthawk said:
Perhaps a B-2, which is lined in Alpaca wool and made with horsehide would be the way to go. Stu at Lost Worlds notes that the B-2 is similar to some early motorcycle jackets.

http://www.lostworldsinc.com/B-2_Horsehide_Leather_Flight_Jacket.htm

NH

Thanks! That looks fantastic. Of course, after I pay for it, I'll dislike you

pjstrass · Aug 17, 2010

Warmth in MC jacket

the leather mc jacket keeps out the wind and hopefully rain and road rash. Not for warmth per se. Go to a ski shop or camping store or catalog and get a modern miracle fiber turtleneck and thin but warm modern fiber vest and you will be as warm as possible...not nearly as expensive as another leather jacket ....

DBLIII · Aug 17, 2010

captaincaveman1 said:
Didn't bomber crews eventually ditch the bulky shearling in favor of electrically heated gear?

So it goes with riding gear... the heated gear from Gerbings and other vendors can't make winter into spring but they might let you stretch your leather/textile jacket into the winter months.

I do agree that the modern answer is Gerbings, but I'm just kind of stuck in vintage..

Phantomfixer · Aug 17, 2010

A good repop B-3 would have horsehide reenforcements on the sleeves as well. I would thinks knit cuffs would be required on any type of open vehicle though. Not a motorcycle guy.

Lone_Ranger · Aug 17, 2010

RP McMurphy said:
Think of it this way: The B3 was designed with the howling, freezing, but roomy fuselage of a b-24 or b-17 in mind..

fftopic: Inside a B-17 or B-24 isn't as roomy as you might think. It's rather a tight squeeze. Even taking into account that I'm bigger than the average 1940's air crewman, it would be a tight fit, wearing a bulky B-3.

captaincaveman1 · Aug 17, 2010

This thread reminds me of a faux shearling lambskin jacket by Dainese. Alot of $$$$ for a faux jacket but it does have armor and looks pretty warm. I wouldn't pick one up myself but since you asked...

0806_crup_03_z+leather_motorcycle_jacket_buyers_guide+dainese_montone.jpg

Also, Vanson makes a B-3 esque jacket. I'm sure if you threw enough money at them they could add armor and competiton weight leather to shoulders/elbows.

http://www.vansonleathers.com/product_pages/jackets/b3_fortress.htm

captaincaveman1 · Aug 17, 2010

Another thought... for really cold weather I've found nothing works better than lots of layers. I keep a size 44 Joe Rocket jacket just for sub-50 degree weather. Usually I take a 42 but with the JR I can wear two layers of under armor and a fleece vest as well as the jacket liner. Toasty warm but rather bulky.

RP McMurphy · Aug 17, 2010

Also

fftopic: but...

Lone Ranger, you're right on. I meant a B-17 or B-24 was roomier than the cockpit of a Sopwith Camel, Dolphin, or some other WWI era aircraft. Sorry for the confusion if any newbies are reading this!

I also mentioned that a Barnstormer might work, but then again, the added length probably isn't ideal for a motorcycle. Another option could be a normal Aero (Wolfeman said he has an LHB?) with a rollneck RAF/RN sweater underneath? I wore a "Wooly Pully" commando sweater under my LHB this last winter. Still chilly, but might be a good idea for now...

gtdean48 · Aug 17, 2010

DBLIII said:
I do agree that the modern answer is Gerbings, but I'm just kind of stuck in vintage..

Get a heated vest or liner & wear vintage over it. My core stays fairly warm with micro-fleece. It is my hands & feet that seem to suffer the most. A windshield from National Cycle is way cheaper than HD factory stuff.

Smithy · Aug 17, 2010

If you really want a B-3 for riding, Aero will do custom work and put FQHH over whatever parts of the jacket you specify. You will end up with one horrendously heavy jacket but it's one way to go if your mind is set on a B-3 for riding. A chap here a few years back did the same thing.

WhiskeyTangoFox · Aug 17, 2010

I don't have any experience with Aero's B-3 but I've used my Eastman B-3 for riding in some pretty cold weather. Aero's B-3 fleece looks even longer/thicker than mine so it should be even better.

As a side note, I've found that my riding comfort level is largely dependent on the warmth of my hands. I have some Gerbings electric gloves that I wear when the temperature gets below 30 F. The warmest jacket in the world will not keep your hands from freezing up!

Good luck in your quest.

Noel

Edward · Aug 17, 2010

Nighthawk said:
Perhaps a B-2, which is lined in Alpaca wool and made with horsehide would be the way to go. Stu at Lost Worlds notes that the B-2 is similar to some early motorcycle jackets.

http://www.lostworldsinc.com/B-2_Horsehide_Leather_Flight_Jacket.htm

NH

This would be the best option, possibly....not as warm as a B3, but definitely offering more protection. I remember a few weeks ago John Lever mentioning that Aero were threatening to introduce a B2 of their own.... if they do, that could be your ideal option, what with Aero being so ready to do custom work, they'd no doubt happily put a shearling lining in it for you.

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