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Finds and Deals - Leather Jacket Edition

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10,620
Vtg OAKBROOK SPORTSWEAR Motorcycle Jacket S Small Mens Blue Leather Cafe Racer

s-l1600.jpg
 

jonbuilder

My Mail is Forwarded Here
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Grass Valley CA Foothills
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^Looks just like a model E

Very similar. Key differences are seen when viewing the back of the jacket. The Bates has a yoke and shoulder gussets. No yoke on the E and an AB. Some other minor design differences but yes, very similar. Both are excellent on the bike. I think the E is a tad more comfortable with the AB but the Bates looks better. I'm not a super fan of ABs from an aesthetic POV.
 

dannyk

One Too Many
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1,812
Can someone explain why perforated leather exists? Seems like a lot of vansons that way
Keeps you cooler. Vanson specializes in riding jackets. They have an entire racer line. Like for professionals. It started there a long time ago and then started use in some of their regular lines. Airflow and heat control.
 
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10,620
The seller hasn’t represented the measurements very well.
Took them with the jacket wrinkled up. I bet the p2p is closer to 23...23.5 rather than 22.

Ive owned a Bates Highwayman in 42 and it was 22” across. I’ve found that Bates run smaller, unlike rivals like Vanson.
 

abone

A-List Customer
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429
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British Columbia
Ive owned a Bates Highwayman in 42 and it was 22” across. I’ve found that Bates run smaller, unlike rivals like Vanson.
I'm kicking around a Vanson cross-zip for the bike. I've got a used Branded on the way but I'm a bit concerned the p2p will be a little tight. Regardless, I like the C2. Do you have a C2 or E?
 
Last edited:
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I'm kicking around a Vanson cross-zip for the bike. I've got a used Branded on the way but I'm a bit concerned the p2p will be a little tight. Regardless, I like the C2. Do you have a C2 or E?

I currently have an E with 10 Talon zip and the huge, beautiful rivets holding down the belt loops. Labeled 44, 23.5/24” P2P. I’ve had a couple others, even older and then more recent.

My Bates 42 Highwayman was 22” but it felt tight. I have some other Vanson sized 42 with similar P2P as the Bates, but they feel great. More ease. My custom Chopper is a 43, my Vanson sweet spot.

Im always looking for a Bates Highwayman in a size 44 at a reasonable price. When I find one the seller is waaay too ambitious with his asking price. The leather Bates uses definitely makes it worth owning both Highwayman. Bit cleaner with the back design too (shoulder gusset v AB), yoke and all.
 

abone

A-List Customer
Messages
429
Location
British Columbia
I currently have an E with 10 Talon zip and the huge, beautiful rivets holding down the belt loops. Labeled 44, 23.5/24” P2P. I’ve had a couple others, even older and then more recent.

My Bates 42 Highwayman was 22” but it felt tight. I have some other Vanson sized 42 with similar P2P as the Bates, but they feel great. More ease. My custom Chopper is a 43, my Vanson sweet spot.

Im always looking for a Bates Highwayman in a size 44 at a reasonable price. When I find one the seller is waaay too ambitious with his asking price. The leather Bates uses definitely makes it worth owning both Highwayman. Bit cleaner with the back design too (shoulder gusset v AB), yoke and all.
I called Vanson this week. Can’t recall the name of the guy I spoke to. Gave him my dimensions and he sized me 44 for a C2, and 42 for an E.
I’ve got a Vanson Oxford (9D) in a 42 and it’s a great fit. P2P of 23.5.
I like both C2 and E, and could go either way. I think the C2 looks a bit better off the bike, at least in pics I’ve seen, only because it lacks the side cinches.
Is the collar bigger in the E?
The Chopper is so nice, but I didn’t want a Nero collar for this jacket.
 

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