The Bates Corner

[AeroFan_07]

It's the same with Cal-Leathers. They are still in business, but I seldom hear about new purchases from TFL members. The vintage stuff is what people want here, at least It's what I want.

So I spoke with one of the folks who work there. Like Wesco boots and Langlitz leathers, they have too much work and not enough help. They stated I could place a deposit and get into the production Queue, but likely 6-10 months before a jacket woudl be built. They are still very much popular as others have indicated, however I have never handled any other Bates than the 50 - 60 year old one I started this thread with.

 

[Aloysius]

Turns out Bates HQ is pretty close to a relative I'm visiting for a wedding, so I might drop by there.

I think @dudewuttheheck might be from the area if I'm not mistaken. Have you visited Bates?

 

[Biff42]

Cal is still in business but a new CHP from them is nearly $2000, and workwear cosplayers are only okay with that kind of price if it's made in Japan, labeled Himel, or sold at Standard & Strange lol.

Admittedly, I'm a cosplayer today, but I've become smitten with motorcycles. I want to buy one in the next year or so.

 

[Aloysius]

Admittedly, I'm a cosplayer today, but I've become smitten with motorcycles. I want to buy one in the next year or so.

Ha, I’m not disparaging non-riders. I’m just talking about the behavior patterns of workwear culture.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

Turns out Bates HQ is pretty close to a relative I'm visiting for a wedding, so I might drop by there.

I think @dudewuttheheck might be from the area if I'm not mistaken. Have you visited Bates?

I have not yet as I'm not an actual rider, but I do plan on visiting the shop at some point just in hope to see some of the history

 

[Biff42]

Hey guys I just purchased this Bates Highwayman from Goodwill. I think the odds of it fitting me are 1 in 5, so I may be listing on FL. I'll sell it for what I paid if it doesn't fit. It's a nice one and I'll keep you posted.

 

[AeroLover]

Hey guys I just purchased this Bates Highwayman from Goodwill. I think the odds of it fitting me are 1 in 5, so I may be listing on FL. I'll sell it for what I paid if it doesn't fit. It's a nice one and I'll keep you posted.

First dibs!

 

[Biff42]

Bates Hugger repatriated from Japan.

 

[Doctor Death]

Hey guys I just purchased this Bates Highwayman from Goodwill. I think the odds of it fitting me are 1 in 5, so I may be listing on FL. I'll sell it for what I paid if it doesn't fit. It's a nice one and I'll keep you posted.

The Highwayman is the one I'd go for if I was going to order from Bates. Congratulations!

 

[Biff42]

If I could order one bespoke from Bates I'd get the T2 jacket.

 

[02 nighttrain]

If I could order one bespoke from Bates I'd get the T2 jacket.

last time i looked, the T2 was $2745! fortunately, I got one several years ago

 

[Biff42]

last time i looked, the T2 was $2745! fortunately, I got one several years ago

I know, it's crazy expensive. That said, the leather jacket hobby is a big tent IMO. Imagine the disparity in what certain classes of people can afford to buy in a car or watch pursuit, right?

 

[Biff42]

Quick snaps while walking the dogs. I believe this style of Bates is discontinued. It features a short front for riding and two rows of zippers to accommodate layers.

 

[02 nighttrain]

I know, it's crazy expensive. That said, the leather jacket hobby is a big tent IMO. Imagine the disparity in what certain classes of people can afford to buy in a car or watch pursuit, right?

of course it was worth every penny. doesn't matter that I'm 5'7", 145, and nearly 75 years old, whenever I wear the T2 I'm mistaken for Schwarzenegger

 

[AeroFan_07]

Picked up the padded Cafe Racer through the Finds & Deals thread (Thanks to @blm14 for posting it). A bit short in the torso & sleeves but the leather is so amazingly nice I may just wear & enjoy it for a while. Rest of the fit is spot-on that I can tell. This thing even has leather-lined pockets, just such a beautifully constructed jacket.

Here's how it fits...

 

[Monitor]

Picked up the padded Cafe Racer through the Finds & Deals thread (Thanks to @blm14 for posting it). A bit short in the torso & sleeves but the leather is so amazingly nice I may just wear & enjoy it for a while. Rest of the fit is spot-on that I can tell. This thing even has leather-lined pockets, just such a beautifully constructed jacket.


View attachment 655770 View attachment 655771 View attachment 655772 View attachment 655773 View attachment 655774 View attachment 655775 View attachment 655776

Here's how it fits...

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As far as I am concerned, Bates is on a whole different level so I completely understand the want to keep this jacket but you need to let go of it asap.

 

[AeroFan_07]

^^ I have to agree. The "exposed belt" just does not jive with me these days!

 

[Doctor Death]

Yeah, sleeves just a little too short. Too bad, you got pretty close to a good fit.

 

[AeroFan_07]

A little update here, some really good news indeed!

The vintage 50's padded CR - has a new life! Today I was at the "Chief Blackhawk" Motorcycle races & swap meet (https://chiefblackhawk.org/about-the-meet/) and while out there looking for jackets, boots, or a vintage motorcycle to monkey around with, I met a young fellow who was wearing a pair of Bates leather pants, black with yellow stripes. We started chatting and these have been his fathers' and now they are his. He was preparing to race his early 30's Harley-Davidson motorcycle in the "hot laps" later that afternoon. I was simply amazed as I listened to him describe racing a 90-year old motorcycle, while he is just around ~ 25 years old!

He truly loves history, and just loves everything about the swap meet, antique motorcycles, racing and just being around folks who also enjoy history. After a while, I asked if he had a matching Bates jacket to wear with his trousers. He said, no, but was hopeful to find something along those lines in the near future. At this point, I made a note to myself.

We agreed to try and sync up later this evening or tomorrow morning. He was excited to do so. I headed home and then to a meeting I had planned. Then I circled back by the meet as the races were finishing up and reached out to him. When we met, I was wearing my old Bates CR, and said "If it fits you, it's yours..." Well sure enough it did fit him, and he was one excited young man when he put it on! It likely will see some time on an early 30's Harley very soon!

 

[JackBroChill]

Anyone have any broad insight on how traditional (aka non flat-track racing style) Bates jackets fit? Looking at an older 42 model without measurements but worried that if they fit snug it will be too small....seems like they make some killer jackets though.