Help Finding a Cafe Racer

[Blackadder]

Thanks everyone. Some thoughts:

Schott - Looked at Schott a few times in the last 5 years or so, and even owned one about 15 years ago. Honestly, I've been spoiled by higher quality leather, and can't go back to Schott.

Vanson - Funny thing, I own 2 Vanson waxed cotton jackets, but no leather. I've only seen their comp weight stuff. Does anyone have firsthand experience with the lighter weight leathers they use?

Langlitz - only seen their heavyweight stuff. I'll look into it.

Himel - Are they worth the $$? Do they have a funky fit? The Kensington looks J100-like. How big are the upper arms on their pattern? Anyone know?

Thedi - Some of their stuff looks interesting. Ballpark price range on their stuff?

https://www.thurston-bros.com/collections/thedi-leathers

 

[kadafi]

I've tried messaging Thedi leathers on there Facebook but they haven't responded

 

[2wheelgrplr]

I've had several Schott moto jackets. My 141 naked cowhide CR off the rack jacket fits me really well. Tempted to upgrade to the steerhide 641 but cannot justify it! Also tried on the 618 steerhide Perfecto at the Schott store in NYC last time I was there, looked & fit so much better than older 118 I bought from the sales section here. When I was there I also tried on the Schott CAF, looked & fit so well on me, was very tempted to get it, decided to think about it but never got the time to go back and am regretting not grabbing it the first time.

Vanson Model B is definitely a cracking CR! I tried to go all custom and got myself an armoured Model A (AR3) with Model B type smaller shoulder gussets (instead of Model A full back gussets) - fits well and looks good, but will probably still get a Model B sooner than later.

My Aero customized Fontana CR is great but yes, the back does look like slightly too much material up there, while the bottom is a wee bit snugger than I'd like. Debating on a Board Racer down the road, let's see.

Got my Thedi CR thru Thurston Bros. Looks good, fits snug up top with roomier body (opposite of Aero Fontana CR). Haven't worn it for riding yet as its a Spring/Summer jacket for me. Hoping the jacket opens up a bit as I really like the looks of this one.

 

[ProteinNerd]

I've tried messaging Thedi leathers on there Facebook but they haven't responded

I've PM'd you his email address, maybe try that. He was very quick to respond to my emails to him.

 

[stillwaters]

I'm currently in the exact same boat. Kinda tall and thin with wide shoulders. Trying to find a nice black cafe racer at 1k tops.

For the OP: I've talked to Diamond Dave and he said he could tighten the sleeve width and decrease the size of the arm holes, so I'm thinking about him.

Also, is there a good place to find a brooks? None on ebay are my size. Would be a decent spring/fall jacket.

Thanks for everyone's input and suggestions, lots of options to look into.

 

[Roma]

I'm currently in the exact same boat. Kinda tall and thin with wide shoulders. Trying to find a nice black cafe racer at 1k tops.

For the OP: I've talked to Diamond Dave and he said he could tighten the sleeve width and decrease the size of the arm holes, so I'm thinking about him.

Also, is there a good place to find a brooks? None on ebay are my size. Would be a decent spring/fall jacket.

Thanks for everyone's input and suggestions, lots of options to look into.

I'm too tall, pretty thin and with wide shoulders since I do some weightlifting. I bought this jacket 2 years ago and am pretty much happy with the fit http://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/product-detail.php?id=62

The only issue is that the cotton drill frayed at the bottom over time 'cause the fit is trim.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Perfect fit Roma...

 

[Roma]

Perfect fit Roma...

Many thanks, HD☺
I've posted that pic before, it's now to prove that this jacket is a good fit for an athletic build, not to show off

 

[Monitor]

I'm too tall, pretty thin and with wide shoulders since I do some weightlifting. I bought this jacket 2 years ago and am pretty much happy with the fit http://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/product-detail.php?id=62

The only issue is that the cotton drill frayed at the bottom over time 'cause the fit is trim.

That's very, very nice!

 

[stillwaters]

great jacket, great fit -- I like the shoulders and arms.

However, the length is too short for me (probably need something around 25-26). Was also looking for a mandarin collar and a more supple, black leather.

 

[robrinay]

For a snug fit in supple leather find a vintage Brooks and for a safer 'riding quality leather' with internal pockets for street armour, check out the armoured Vanson Comet - in comes in other cheaper lower specifications too. I've got both of the above - love them and wear them for different occasions.

 

[Roma]

That's very, very nice!

Thanks, Monitor.

 

[Roma]

great jacket, great fit -- I like the shoulders and arms.

However, the length is too short for me (probably need something around 25-26). Was also looking for a mandarin collar and a more supple, black leather.

This jacket is 26.5" back, I'm just too tall, 6'2". But you can customize your jacket any way you want.

 

[UnknownSuspect]

Sorry to necro this thread, but I happened to chance upon it while browsing, noticed the debate, and thought I'll just add a little on my personal experience with Schott. I'm a newbie and hence not qualified to talk about quality, but I can at least put in a plug for their customer service.

About 8 months ago I bought my very first leather jacket, an older 641xx (brass hardware and lacking the windflap at the main zipper, unlike the current version). By some stroke of luck, it was a perfect fit and I was thrilled with it. The jacket has obviously seen some use with its visible patina, couple of loose threads and a broken main zipper. Nothing serious, the jacket and its lining still being solid and unbroken.

I hopped on to the Schott forums for advise, and it was remarkable to find an active staff presence there to help with my enquiry. This one staff member answers numerous queries on the forum, from dating, identification, authentication to questions on replacement parts. She has access to Schott's seemingly large database and can find info on lots of jackets.

My jacket was dated as being produced in 2006 (although more sleuthing leads me to believe that a production date in 1996 is a possibility). I was referred to another staff member to secure a replacement main zipper, but I wasn't holding my breath on getting one, and thought I might have to scour the internet to secure either an NOS equivalent, or something similar enough.

Long story short, two short weeks was all it took between my first post on the forum and the replacement zippers landing on my doorstep. Not just the main zipper, but an entire set of them, two for the sleeve and another two for the breast pockets. I had expected to at least pay for postage but Schott gave them to me free of charge. I'm not sure if this is an exception for the company but I'm thoroughly impressed they would even deal with me, considering the jacket is 10, even 20 years old, and I didn't even purchase the jacket directly from them.

On quality, I think companies these days would find it increasingly difficult to survive. Competition is one thing, but all good companies straddle a fine line. They have to make a product good enough to entice ever picky purchasers with widely varying demands (ie. motorcycle leather jackets used to be just that, but now people are buying them for fashion), while shooting themselves in the foot if their quality product lasts forever...purchasers may only need to buy once, or they can simply buy second hand.

But my experience has at least shown me that customer service can make a big difference. A company that can do this is a company that really stands behind their product.

 

[AeroFan_07]

Awesome Post there Unknown - I think you'll be much more known here soon! Excellent to see the great customer service you have received....

 

[bn1966]

Smashing You don't often get service like that these days!!! Bravo Schott!!!