Looking for a new Cafe Racer, what am I missing?

[pawineguy]

I'm going to put in an order soon for a new Cafe Racer, I'm still in pursuit of that perfect black leather jacket. I'll be culling the herd a bit as I don't need 7 black jackets, just kept accumulating as I searched for that "one." Currently leaning towards another Aero Board Racer, leather TBD. I'm also going to consider Diamond Dave, custom Vanson and Langlitz, and I'll want something that I can ride in also, so it'll have to be tough. Who else should I consider? Schott arms are typically too short for me to ride in and I'm not sure of their custom work. Any of the Japanese companies easy to work with and make something from thicker leathers?

 

[navetsea]

have you considered Pegasus too? they have a different looking collar , gusseted back and front facing cuff zip

angled chest pockets and seems like well placed and proportioned to the jacket

 

[ProteinNerd]

Good Wear if you can stomach the 18 month wait.

 

[navetsea]

http://www.styleforum.net/t/384450/...s-north-america-official-affiliate-thread/405

that jacket looked great on you, I remember since then you prefer softer hide, but fit wise that jacket you posted was perfect.

 

[Fanch]

... just kept accumulating as I searched for that "one."

Chris, I think more than a few of us know well that feeling of accumulating more than we really need, although it has nothing to do with what we need but everything to do with what we want! If you are looking for something to wear on a "crotch rocket" maybe a Langlitz Crescent? An Aero CR should fit exactly like your Sheene, although you could fine tune the specs of an Aero CR to exactly the way you might want it to look and fit, perhaps differently from your Sheene.

 

[pawineguy]

Good Wear if you can stomach the 18 month wait.

I can't, I should probably just put a deposit in and get on the list, and then just pick something when my name came up, but with so many good choices, I can never bring myself to commit to that.

 

[pawineguy]

http://www.styleforum.net/t/384450/...s-north-america-official-affiliate-thread/405

that jacket looked great on you, I remember since then you prefer softer hide, but fit wise that jacket you posted was perfect.

It was a perfect fit for a casual jacket, but it was a little too tight to ride in so I sold it to another TFL member. When I bought the brown goat Board Racer I went up one size and I was much happier with the fit, so I would use that jacket as a pattern for the new one if I stayed with Aero. I still like heavier leathers, I just like more variation now and so I like having a couple of lighter goat jackets.

 

[Fanch]

Vanson Model B Deluxe?

 

[pawineguy]

Chris, I think more than a few of us know well that feeling of accumulating more than we really need, although it has nothing to do with what we need but everything to do with what we want! If you are looking for something to wear on a "crotch rocket" maybe a Langlitz Crescent? An Aero CR should fit exactly like your Sheene, although you could fine tune the specs of an Aero CR to exactly the way you might want it to look and fit, perhaps differently from your Sheene.

Yes, I know that feeling all too well! I have spent a lot of time looking at Langlitz for this jacket, but I'm not a huge fan of the Crescent design. I like the full zip Timberline shown below, as it's a bit unique. I guess I should also look at Johnson Leathers for something similar to the design used on Ykurtz's Kangaroo racer.

 

[pawineguy]

have you considered Pegasus too? they have a different looking collar , gusseted back and front facing cuff zip
View attachment 32572
angled chest pockets and seems like well placed and proportioned to the jacket

Interesting design. Not sure how I feel about the collar, I'd have to look at it a bit more.

 

[pawineguy]

Vanson Model B Deluxe?

I am almost (almost) embarrassed to admit but that's yet another jacket that I've owned. It was a little bit too long in the torso, since I have long legs and I really don't need that long of a jacket, just arms. I currently own a regular Model B, and I like that jacket, but I think I can do better.

 

[Fanch]

Yes, I know that feeling all too well! I have spent a lot of time looking at Langlitz for this jacket, but I'm not a huge fan of the Crescent design. I like the full zip Timberline shown below, as it's a bit unique. I guess I should also look at Johnson Leathers for something similar to the design used on Ykurtz's Kangaroo racer.

View attachment 32573
View attachment 32574

The front yoke on that Timberline looks too busy with the horizontal chest pockets underneath. Otherwise, it appears to be a very clean design.

 

[Seb Lucas]

Johnson Leathers do a great Cafe - I have one in goat.

The Vanson PLU-3 looks very yummy.

Re: the Pegasus - I don't like that broad dog collar - looks like a priest with a leather fetish.

In terms of Schott, their Caf 1 has extra long arms and is in a great steer hide. It's a reissue of a vintage Beck pattern which Schott used to manufacture.

I have a Schott 641XX and for me it's the nicest cafe racer I've ever owned - but fortunately my arms and torso do not require special arrangements.

 

[Fanch]

I am almost (almost) embarrassed to admit but that's yet another jacket that I've owned. It was a little bit too long in the torso, since I have long legs and I really don't need that long of a jacket, just arms. I currently own a regular Model B, and I like that jacket, but I think I can do better.

I think you are giving out more information than you are receiving, particularly from me. I will say this is a very interesting thread you just opened.

 

[Bunyip]

Yes, I know that feeling all too well! I have spent a lot of time looking at Langlitz for this jacket, but I'm not a huge fan of the Crescent design. I like the full zip Timberline shown below, as it's a bit unique. I guess I should also look at Johnson Leathers for something similar to the design used on Ykurtz's Kangaroo racer.

View attachment 32573
View attachment 32574

Langlitz mate. If your going to ride in it, Langlitz. Aero or DD for a sexy fashion jacket. Langlitz to ride. The black goat rocks, it's made as a functional riding jacket. That's what I would be doing. A couple of nice Aero half belts or whatever, and a Langlitz to ride in. Alan does great jackets too, the best would be the overdye in 3oz. Otherwise, it's hard to find cool leather types. Langlitz can throw any sort of zipper you need,mind you know the quality too.

 

[pawineguy]

The front yoke on that Timberline looks too busy with the horizontal chest pockets underneath. Otherwise, it appears to be a very clean design.

I agree that the front yoke is odd with the pockets right there... perhaps keep the yoke and lose the pockets? Still a lot of thinking to do.

 

[pawineguy]

Johnson Leathers do a great Cafe - I have one in goat.

The Vanson PLU-3 looks very yummy.

Re: the Pegasus - I don't like that broad dog collar - looks like a priest with a leather fetish.

In terms of Schott, their Caf 1 has extra long arms and is in a great steer hide. It's a reissue of a vintage Beck pattern which Schott used to manufacture.

I have a Schott 641XX and for me it's the nicest cafe racer I've ever owned - but fortunately my arms and torso do not require special arrangements.

I forgot that you had a Johnson, it's def a consideration. I do like the Caf1, I think it's one of the best of the reproductions that you can find, especially that you can usually find someone with it in stock even if Schott is oos at the time.

 

[pawineguy]

Langlitz mate. If your going to ride in it, Langlitz. Aero or DD for a sexy fashion jacket. Langlitz to ride. The black goat rocks, it's made as a functional riding jacket. That's what I would be doing. A couple of nice Aero half belts or whatever, and a Langlitz to ride in. Alan does great jackets too, the best would be the overdye in 3oz. Otherwise, it's hard to find cool leather types. Langlitz can throw any sort of zipper you need,mind you know the quality too.

Thanks man, and yes, for something I'm riding in, I'd probably be crazy to not just stick with Langlitz. I'd def go cowhide this time, not that I don't love the goat (I do), but to avoid more duplication. I could also see how much of a man I was and order in their heavy cowhide.

 

[ProteinNerd]

What about Thedi? He has some really nice cafe racers.

 

[pawineguy]

What about Thedi? He has some really nice cafe racers.

I've got one of those too... nice jacket but I don't think I'd want to go down on my bike while wearing one. I'm hoping to buy one jacket that can both protect me from rash and still look great when I'm just grabbing a beer. I may be asking too much but I guess that's what we do here.