Cafe racer options -- Aero, Lost Worlds, Ironheart?

[technovox]

Thanks guys, all very helpful indeed. I agree that fit is paramount, without that right all the rest is useless. I've found a retail shop that has the LW in my size and is returnable, so I may give that a try and go from there.

But complicating matters is that I just came across this Himel Bros "Pinecrest Racing Jacket." Himel is of course usually at the top of anybody's price bracket, but this one is more reasonable. "Reasonable" being relative of course, but when you're looking at $1000 to begin with, then all of the sudden $1350 doesn't seem as crazy as it might. (And who will know if I raid my daughter's college fund..?) Anyway, pics below. The first two from the website look fantastic to me. The one fit pic I found, maybe less fantastic:

Definitely a beautiful take on the cafe racer. Sort of a nod to the old school Bates style. I like it. My favorite of the choices so far!

 

[BobJ]

Thanks guys, all very helpful indeed. I agree that fit is paramount, without that right all the rest is useless. I've found a retail shop that has the LW in my size and is returnable, so I may give that a try and go from there.

But complicating matters is that I just came across this Himel Bros "Pinecrest Racing Jacket." Himel is of course usually at the top of anybody's price bracket, but this one is more reasonable. "Reasonable" being relative of course, but when you're looking at $1000 to begin with, then all of the sudden $1350 doesn't seem as crazy as it might. (And who will know if I raid my daughter's college fund..?) Anyway, pics below. The first two from the website look fantastic to me. The one fit pic I found, maybe less fantastic:

I don't think you can tell much from this fit pic - it's very tight, and he is standing with an overly-arched back and a dropped right shoulder.

 

[ton312]

Thanks guys, all very helpful indeed. I agree that fit is paramount, without that right all the rest is useless. I've found a retail shop that has the LW in my size and is returnable, so I may give that a try and go from there.

But complicating matters is that I just came across this Himel Bros "Pinecrest Racing Jacket." Himel is of course usually at the top of anybody's price bracket, but this one is more reasonable. "Reasonable" being relative of course, but when you're looking at $1000 to begin with, then all of the sudden $1350 doesn't seem as crazy as it might. (And who will know if I raid my daughter's college fund..?) Anyway, pics below. The first two from the website look fantastic to me. The one fit pic I found, maybe less fantastic:

I'd be shocked if you returned the LW. If it fits you right, you'll likely not have the desire to look any further.

 

[Mark]

I returned to biking last year but could not afford a bike specific jacket so I had my Cirrus A2 altered with the typical A2 collar being replaced with a café racer style collar with just one stud closure. I still keep a look out for a proper café racer on ebay and the like but to be honest the converted A2 just does the job so well I doubt I could improve on it (other than in the looks department perhaps, although it don't look bad at all in my opinion). The knits do I fine job of keeping the wind out as does the storm flap covering the zip and the A2 style pockets are so handy for putting my key fob in. I only wish it were black instead of cordovan/mahogany colour.

 

[Graemsay]

The is the BKS Leather "Mayhew" jacket.

BKS make some of the finest and toughest motorcycle gear around. This jacket probably has a full set of armour, and if not, it could be added. It'll also be fitted to its owner.

The downside is that it costs about £1500.

 

[Fanch]

The is the BKS Leather "Mayhew" jacket.

BKS make some of the finest and toughest motorcycle gear around. This jacket probably has a full set of armour, and if not, it could be added. It'll also be fitted to its owner.

The downside is that it costs about £1500.

Even with the favorable exchange rate for US members, that is serious dinero with likely better options for those of us in the Colonies.

 

[Guppy]

Love the design of the LW. I have 2 Aero cafe racer jackets (brown and black) and they're awesome. Can't go wrong with either of those. Never seen IronHeart in person, so no comment there.