New Aero leather jacker...or not?

Alex.A · Jan 24, 2016

Hello everyone, boy that's a lot of replies.

Right, so after some serious thinking I decided I will go with the logic and brains (sponsored by HD) and not with the heart. Meaning, I will go for the jacket I linked in my first post for both riding and casual wear.

Hide'n'seek said:
I would suggest you use your booked train tickets and pay us a visit in Galashiels. Bring your armoured vest with you and spend some time trying on various styles and sizes, we will be able to get you the fit you are looking for.

Fanch said:
First of all Alex, welcome to the Lounge! I have nothing to add to what some very experienced members who ride have already said. Having just polished my crystal ball, I definitely see a train trip to Galashiels for you and eventually a minimum of 3-4 jackets. Some of us even rent storage sheds for our obsession.

eugenesque said:
Since you live in the UK, no harm going up to Galashiels for a short weekend getaway! Bring your gear and I am sure they will be more than happy to answer your queries.

The tickets will be refunded but make no mistake, the trip to Galashiels will take place, just not yet. When it does, it will probably be for that Cafe Racer jacket in brown FQHH that I have so fallen in love with. However, it will be used every day, just not for riding.

ton312 said:
If I scraped up my aero I'd just shake and cry in a corner!

I admit that this was a big reality check. We have all been there. Although in case of an accident the scrapping of a jacket is not really of high concern but, if it so happens that I walk out of it unharmed then yes, seeing the aero jacket scratched/wrecked would make my stomach twist.

Capesofwrath said:
Horses for courses. If you want to dress like that to ride a bike than get the proper gear. I never wore stuff like that when I rode a bike but things change….

When I see some of the sports motorbikes around here weaving in and out of traffic at totally illegal speeds and their riders putting their lives in the hands of other road users - most no better drivers than they should be - I reckon they need more than body armour though.

Apologies if I did not make it clear enough. I am not compromising safety at all, just trying to avoid the power ranger look.

Full face Bell helmet
Knox Defender (level 2 shoulders,elbow,back,chest)
Hood Jeans lined with K Tech Aramid and lvl 2 D30 on hips and knees
Leather gloves with D30 lining on knuckes
Icon prep boots with shin, ankle and heel protection

My point is, I am like a walking fortress, it seems I am using proper gear unless I am missing something.

I am not riding a sports bike, it's a bonnie.

Last but not least, thank you all for your replies; you have been extremely helpful. If you have any more food for thought please let me know, I will try to reply faster this time.

Thank you.

ButteMT61 · Jan 24, 2016

Your gear list is great. Bike type matters not. Only when it comes to the repair bill. It's the body that matters, and good gear can take a slide or two just fine. I replaced my lid ($800) after one wreck, and jeans both times. But the Vanson and Hein Gerrick jackets both lasted beyond the slides as did my boots and gloves. I basically get the best I can for all those things. And it's worth every cent if you need it.

Vespizzare · Jan 25, 2016

I don't know that it suits you needs; but maybe a Vanson Sturges (with armor). It's made for riding with forward-bending arms etc, but you could wear it without armor also. I won't say it's a work of art like an Aero. You can see from the pictures that it's made out of many pieces sown together. But I have a Vanson Teton, in the same Firenze leather and like it a lot. http://www.vansonleathers.com/prod-Sturgis_Jacket-422.aspx?

http://www.vansonleathers.com/prod-Sturgis_Jacket-422.aspx?

P.S. When I first joined FL , there were a lot of complaints that Vanson took close to a year before delivery. I assume that's all been straighten out.

Fury · Jan 25, 2016

My advise with Aero; try it before you buy it. I personally don't like their stuff at all.

ButteMT61 · Jan 26, 2016

Fury said:
My advise with Aero; try it before you buy it. I personally don't like their stuff at all.

Well that settles it! I mean, you got Brad Pitt's pic and all...

Superfluous · Jan 26, 2016

Fury said:
My advise with Aero; try it before you buy it. I personally don't like their stuff at all.

How do you really feel?

Aero might not be on a par with Banana Republic or Old Navy, but they're trying.

AeroFan_07 · Jan 26, 2016

I think the OP is right on track there. The only time I've every hit pavement on a motorcycle was, oddly enough, in a safety class. A little ironic however good lessons learned and confidence built, not shattered. "Riding to the gear" seems a comon theme as well.

Having owned Vansons' and Joe Rocket's, and even an Alpine Stars jacket, I have to agree that if you are ok with the pads and the very tight fit, some of these products are top notch. I have a Cafe Racer Aero and would have a hard time riding in it. Where I had more questions and have found fewer answers was on the pants side. Even in the upper midwest it can get brutally hot in the summer, so that's a consideration as well. I would tend toward perforated leathers instead of textiles, however that's just me.

ButteMT61 · Jan 26, 2016

Superfluous said:
How do you really feel?

Aero might not be on a par with Banana Republic or Old Navy, but they're trying.

It's like BOOB week here on TFL!

Fury · Jan 26, 2016

Superfluous said:
How do you really feel?

Aero might not be on a par with Banana Republic or Old Navy, but they're trying.

Ok, for the fanboys

So far, I've purchased and flipped a Highwayman and a 38-1711-P A-2. I didn't like their hides. Leather is hard and uncomfortable like any other leather jacket I've tried before. A pain to break in. I don't like their collars. I don't like how their hide is cut.

And I'd take a vintage Banana Republic at anytime

ButteMT61 · Jan 26, 2016

And you know what @Fury, you deserve it! May you wear it in health and stuff. I mean, we all know a company can be judged on two jackets - given there's scores of designs and an infinite choice of hides, etc. But you're no doubt an expert with that background and should be listened to when choosing one's jacket!

Seb Lucas · Jan 26, 2016

Hmm. I'm not an Aero zealot but they do make a vast array of jackets in a range of hides. You may not like FQHH (I don't either) but A also have a terrific goat and lighter HH and supple steer. There is something for every taste. And they are run by an exceptional management with a commitment to design and product excellence. A bit unfair to dismiss them, surely?

Fury · Jan 26, 2016

ButteMT61 said:
And you know what @Fury, you deserve it! May you wear it in health and stuff. I mean, we all know a company can be judged on two jackets - given there's scores of designs and an infinite choice of hides, etc. But you're no doubt an expert with that background and should be listened to when choosing one's jacket!

...yeah, I'm no expert after trying two jackets, thank you for pointing the fact, but I don't live in Scotland either and I can be ordering and flipping a zillon jackets like other guys in here.

I bit twice and I have enough.

Sloan1874 · Jan 26, 2016

*stares at pile of seven non-rigid Aeros* Maybe Fury's right guys. Boy, do I feel stupid now...

heron163 · Jan 26, 2016

Benproof · Jan 26, 2016

No need Sloan ..you're Scottish and exempt. At least 6 of your Aero jackets are really nice! One just takes the biscuit

I can understand Fury's comments. If I bought 2 jackets from a maker overseas, and found the fit odd for me, I wouldn't want to go back for a 3rd. I tried on a few off the rack, and none fit me at all, which is why I went custom Aero and the work and cost paid off. Really happy with just owning one Aero 1930's half belt! I wonder though, had Fury gone custom with Aero...maybe it would have been a different experience?

Anyway, not to hijack this thread - the OP seems to have come on board what we are all suggesting: dedicated motorcycle jackets for motorcycles. Fancy Aero, Langlitz, Lewis Leathers etc for the rest of us

Sloan1874 · Jan 27, 2016

Which six? Take your time, I've got all day...

navetsea · Jan 27, 2016

I hope that double zipper thing along the sleeve of that knox jacket won't make it annoying to wear, I imagine two sleeve long heavy duty zippers on the under/ inner part of the arm would make the sleeve bend unnaturally, and putting that leather strip on or off obviously mean you have to carry those strips with you in your pocket or bag, to me it sound plausible on paper or on advertisement, but annoying in practice. but it is only my speculation.

Superfluous · Jan 27, 2016

Fury said:
Ok, for the fanboys

I am really confused. Over the past 48 hours, I have been labeled both an Aero fanboy and a Himel fanboy. I was previously labeled a RMC fanboy. So which is it? Perhaps I have multiple personalities, each loyal to a different jacket manufacturer? I need to consult with one of my other personalities to get to the bottom of this.

ButteMT61 · Jan 27, 2016

Superfluous said:
I am really confused. Over the past 48 hours, I have been labeled both an Aero fanboy and a Himel fanboy. I was previously labeled a RMC fanboy. So which is it? Perhaps I have multiple personalities, each loyal to a different jacket manufacturer? I need to consult with one of my other personalities to get to the bottom of this.

If it makes you feel better, we just think of you as f*ckstick!

tropicalbob · Jan 27, 2016

Superfluous said:
I am really confused. Over the past 48 hours, I have been labeled both an Aero fanboy and a Himel fanboy. I was previously labeled a RMC fanboy. So which is it? Perhaps I have multiple personalities, each loyal to a different jacket manufacturer? I need to consult with one of my other personalities to get to the bottom of this.

Still, being an Aero, etc. fanboy is probably somewhere higher on the Great Chain of Being than a Banana Republic fanboy. Think of it that way.

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