A leather jacket recommendation question... - Ducati.ms

AM1001 · May 22nd, 2006, 5:29 pm

Just want to pick your collective brains on this. Just spoke to the Belstaff representative in California and apparently Prada has bought the rights to produce the Trialmaster and their leather bike jacket for $20mm! As a result, Belstaff is no longer selling those jackets (other than really large or small sizes). That really is unfortunate. I've ben looking for a new jacket, and my first preference is to get one without "Ducati" written all over it, is slim fitting, and suits the look of a yellow Ducati Sport 1000. Also, I noticed that Ducati gear is priced at almost double the US price here in Canada.

Any recommendations on good quality (read safe), stylish, "traditional" leathers or even fabric jackets? I've ruled out Joe Rocket, BMW gear is great but fits baggy and doesn't really look the part.

zooom · May 22nd, 2006, 5:37 pm

Dianese!

stickcar1990 · May 22nd, 2006, 5:38 pm

i really like my dainese. it looks good, isnt really flashy. fits well.

**Chuckracer** · May 22nd, 2006, 5:40 pm

I'm a big believer in Vanson, personally. I like their jacket designs. Very well made, very heavy duty, not a lot of bling (no aero humps and useless scoops). Not cheap, but worth every penny in my mind.

Not sure if this is what you had in mind, but...

ryanr256 · May 22nd, 2006, 5:54 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chuckracer

I'm a big believer in Vanson, personally. I like their jacket designs. Very well made, very heavy duty, not a lot of bling (no aero humps and useless scoops). Not cheap, but worth every penny in my mind.

Not sure if this is what you had in mind, but...

+1 on the Vanson.

Conservative styling, excellent construction. A bit pricy though.

-Bob

drewogatory · May 22nd, 2006, 6:07 pm

If you're in Ca. try http://www.johnsonleather.com/. Great product,great people.

nathanTX · May 22nd, 2006, 7:02 pm

I believe the Belstaff Trailmaster is a three quarter length textile jacket, targeting the touring and adventure touring crowd (i.e. BMW GS rider would be a bullseye). But you ask about "traditional" and "leather". Guess I'm looking for a little more clarification on your wants. What type of riding do you want this jacket to handle well? Are you looking for a retro styled jacket to match the Sport 1000?

Elmer · May 22nd, 2006, 7:19 pm

My choice is Vanson. I have both a perforated and a semiperforated jacket and pants. Fit well. Great quality and heaven forbid a get-off at speed, they would hold up. The perforated gear flows air well, even in high summer temps.

AM1001 · May 22nd, 2006, 8:30 pm

Nathan, yes I want something for the Sport 1000 (got to fit the look). The Trialmaster was a bit of an aside - just interesting how fashion took control of that brand. The other, a short leather jacket called the "Turbo" is the look I really wanted, but its all sold out now (see http://www.belstaffusa.com/jackets.asp). Looking for mostly street riding, but would be good if it can fit a pair of leather pants for the ocassional track day (pure lapping, not competitive).

nathanTX · May 22nd, 2006, 10:46 pm

Vanson and Dainese both offer fantastic quality jackets, with the nod for more retro compatible options going to Vanson. A good Vanson dealer can also get you custom colors/patches and sizing for just slightly more. Although they can be a bit of a hefty initial investment, they make the kind of jackets you only buy once a decade (or more). Care for them well and they break in, fit, and last like almost nothing else does these days.

Cortech/Tour Master makes a couple of retro styled jackets, as does First Gear. At the shop, we've looked at a few of the Cortech offerings and are currently carrying a couple jackets. We're very pleased with the mesh/leather combo jackets and their extensive safety options, which are usually quite limited in a mesh jacket (plus they have substantial pants that match). One jacket which we are not currently carrying, but which I've been somewhat intersted in is the Coaster jacket. Retro styling with decent protection (from description only, have no first hand experience), and reasonably priced. Plus a couple of really nice features, too, like full circumference zipper for possible track-pant attachment, and the option to use the liner as full sleeve or just vest. I'll let you do your own googling or check with whatever vendor you prefer to use.