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I am a fan of both original Bucos and CR repros. Repros have definite advantages, including customization and superior construction. That said, original Bucos have one thing that no repro has: an integral role in the history and evolution of leather jackets, and motorcycle jackets in particular. The J-100 is my personal favorite of the Buco models. The Buco J-100 is an iconic design and its noteworthy influence continues through the present day. There are plenty of other classic and influential CR models, but the cut and lines of the J-100 stand tall.
Perhaps the best illustration of Buco's historical influence/significance is the tremendous number of repros. To the best of my knowledge, there are more Buco repros than any other individual vintage motorcycle brand. To be clear, there are several other historically significant and influential vintage brands, including Sears Hercules, Lewis Leathers, Cal Leathers, Leathertogs, Schott, Beck, etc. I have left off many other wonderful vintage brands that deserve to be spoken in the same sentence as the foregoing brands.
There are some that say Buco is over-hyped, nothing special, and undeserving of the notoriety. Frankly, other than iconic influence of the J-100 and the frequency with which Bucos are reproduced -- which may be a circular observation -- I cannot make a compelling case justifying Buco's prominence among other vintage brands. Nevertheless, whether justified or not, the fact remains that Buco is an exalted and noteworthy vintage brand.
Several years ago, I decided that I wanted one vintage jacket. I choose the Buco J-100 because I find the design the quintessential CR. That said, I acknowledge that I was influenced by the hype. Given that I was going to own only one vintage jacket, I wanted it to be historically noteworthy, and the Buco J-100, whether justified or not, is historically noteworthy. So, yes . . . I bought into the hype. And, I paid handsomely for the privilege.
I did not want a Buco requiring restoration. For better or worse, thats not my thing. I wanted a Buco in good condition -- showing some wear consistent with being a vintage jacket, but pristine vintage wear. Again, I paid handsomely for the required condition, and many less expensive jackets, in lessor condition, were bypassed along the way.
The pursuit of a special vintage jacket is part of the joy of ownership. I required a larger size, which are much rarer and more difficult to find in good condition. I spent years looking for the perfect Buco J-100 consistent with my preferences. When I finally found and purchased it, it was the culmination of a process that continues to contribute to my enjoyment of the jacket.
Do I regret the cash outlay for my Buco J-100? Not one iota, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I have more expensive repros, that are better made from better leather, but the Buco J-100 is my favorite jacket. Worth every penny.
Your mileage may vary.
Perhaps the best illustration of Buco's historical influence/significance is the tremendous number of repros. To the best of my knowledge, there are more Buco repros than any other individual vintage motorcycle brand. To be clear, there are several other historically significant and influential vintage brands, including Sears Hercules, Lewis Leathers, Cal Leathers, Leathertogs, Schott, Beck, etc. I have left off many other wonderful vintage brands that deserve to be spoken in the same sentence as the foregoing brands.
There are some that say Buco is over-hyped, nothing special, and undeserving of the notoriety. Frankly, other than iconic influence of the J-100 and the frequency with which Bucos are reproduced -- which may be a circular observation -- I cannot make a compelling case justifying Buco's prominence among other vintage brands. Nevertheless, whether justified or not, the fact remains that Buco is an exalted and noteworthy vintage brand.
Several years ago, I decided that I wanted one vintage jacket. I choose the Buco J-100 because I find the design the quintessential CR. That said, I acknowledge that I was influenced by the hype. Given that I was going to own only one vintage jacket, I wanted it to be historically noteworthy, and the Buco J-100, whether justified or not, is historically noteworthy. So, yes . . . I bought into the hype. And, I paid handsomely for the privilege.
I did not want a Buco requiring restoration. For better or worse, thats not my thing. I wanted a Buco in good condition -- showing some wear consistent with being a vintage jacket, but pristine vintage wear. Again, I paid handsomely for the required condition, and many less expensive jackets, in lessor condition, were bypassed along the way.
The pursuit of a special vintage jacket is part of the joy of ownership. I required a larger size, which are much rarer and more difficult to find in good condition. I spent years looking for the perfect Buco J-100 consistent with my preferences. When I finally found and purchased it, it was the culmination of a process that continues to contribute to my enjoyment of the jacket.
Do I regret the cash outlay for my Buco J-100? Not one iota, and I would do it again in a heartbeat. I have more expensive repros, that are better made from better leather, but the Buco J-100 is my favorite jacket. Worth every penny.
Your mileage may vary.