Monitor's Aero FQHH Cafe Racer

[pawineguy]

I think it's spot on. I know you were hoping for a longer jacket, but since you will ride in it, you know that would it just be pushing it up into your neck and annoying the hell out of you. To me, for either riding or casual wear, I think you nailed it.

 

[Sloan1874]

Honestly, Monitor, the jacket's fit is spot on. I've got jeans that sit beneath my A-2 but the jacket looks fine. If you're concerned at all, invest in a pair of SJC's Yard Boss jeans or a pair of Freddies.

 

[navetsea]

I see the zipper doesn't start right away from the bottom, but a little bit higher like what is more common on longer CR, does that what worry you? because the bottom tip/ hem that is not secured by zipper might fold and flare out a little like long jacket once being used for riding... in that case can you bring it somewhere to replace with longer zipper? because I think the rest is fine

 

[tnjyoung]

I thought I'd try an experiment, so here is what I did. I put it out of my mind that I was judging the jacket's length. Instead I pretended I was looking a photos of rugged menswear. When I did that, the jacket looked fine. Strangely, the jeans are what actually look about an inch too short. I think, especially if you ride, you did a great job on the jacket. Also, the Aero looks much better that the previous (IMO). Grats!

 

[navetsea]

honestly I think that jeans should be worn lower / sag a little bit on your waist, and then probably the jacket ends exactly at the belt, which is still fine for me really, do you reach far to your handlebar or is it more relaxed riding posture?

 

[Monitor]

Screw it, I'm with you guys - if you say it's good, it's good.

Too much comparing, overthinking... If I thought the last one was a bit too long, this one couldn't possibly be too short. Thanks everyone! Time to sit on the bicycle because the bike's in pieces as of right now, and enjoy the jacket!

Sloan, I had SJC's Yard Boss' in mind for some time now, so yeah, no time better than now.

Navetsea, you're right, the main zip ends a couple of inches above the hem, same as on the Board Racer or any of the vintage CR's. It's just the detail I like and I find it useful on a motorcycle as it's a sports bike I ride. Or rather, used to ride. Ducati Desmo 900SS. Though Rebel is what gets me around right now - that and a bicycle.

tnjyoung, can't be completely objective about it but I'm really glad you think the jacket looks right.

 

[navetsea]

Ducati Desmo 900SS
well your bike of choice would match your CR greatly.

much much much better than my forgetable suzuki twinstroke that has been with me since 97, although I love it (pure subjectively since there is no reason to ride twinstroke in 201x)

 

[nick123]

It's good. Enjoy it!

 

[Blackadder]

Very nice jacket. Good fit. I think the difference in length in your two jackets is due to the shoulder on this new one is narrower and perfect fit which kind of pull the jacket up like armour whilst the old one just kind of drapes.

 

[pak]

This thread exemplifies the problem with asking an opinion on the internet. Everyone qualified or not has an opinion. Now what I see is the OP is discounting the opinion that should weight the most and that is his own opinion. You will never be happy wearing any jacket when you think everyone is judging you. There are some basics on fit and function the rest is personal taste. If you have not established your own personality and tastes, you will always be questioning your choices. If you like the jacket wear it with pride. If not get the changes that suit you, not any number of opinions you find here.

 

[ykurtz]

My café racer fits the front/back like this jacket; I ride a Triumph Bonneville so I'm pretty much sitting straight up, and the jacket length is perfect for that function. If you were leaning forward (sports bike) or backwards (chopper) then and only then would the length be an issue. Also, I think it looks good casually, unzipped. I wouldn't be even the slightest bit self-conscious wearing that bad boy in public.

 

[IXL]

Monitor, I need to send you one of my Vanson Sportrider jackets to try so you can see what a truly short waisted jacket looks like....18" front length.......and they still look fine, all up past the belt and everything. (DISCLAIMER): Here in Oklahoma, a short waisted jacket is a necessity so one can show off all these huge, five pound cowboy-style belt buckles. You know, the ones that can stop a bullet.

Your new CR, while shorter than your minds eye wants to see, looks pretty darned groovy to me...and I have excellent taste.

 

[IXL]

..... If you like the jacket wear it with pride. If not get the changes that suit you, not any number of opinions you find here.

Well, that's just crazy talk.......

 

[Edward]

Edward, nope. Most vintage CR's had either chest pockets or hand-warmers, but rarely ever both - Brimaco / British Cycle Leathers being the only exception. I think the hand-warmers only CR's appeared during the 70's. Earlier CR's (Buco, Becks / Schott, Brooks, Fidelity, etc.) had only chest pockets.

These jeans are the highest I got... The jacket is above the belt with any other pants I have and that's what's bothering me. But I don't believe in the shrinkage thing at all, really.

AHH!!! See, that's your issue. You don't have a problem with jacket length. It's your trousers are far too low.....

 

[tmitchell59]

You wear that well. Looks good.

 

[2wheelgrplr]

New jacket looks good. Like some mentioned already, perhaps the fact it's brand new vs. the older one is contributing to the difference in fit/length? Stuff like this usually starts looking better after you wear them for a bit. Also, methinks you might wanna up your denim pants game to go along with your top-class jacket?!

 

[tropicalbob]

FWIW, I saw the band BRMC not long ago, all of whom wear black leather jackets, and the singer was wearing a CR that looked a lot shorter than yours. I only mention this because I thought to myself that CR's are always a bit short-looking. On you the jacket looks perfect. Great band, by the way.

 

[Monitor]

Once more, thanks everyone! Great and extremely helpful input from everyone. Much appreciated.

It's not that I was convinced that the jacket was too short, just that I was going through these phases while looking at the photos online - specifically Insurrection customer gallery where everyone wears their CR's kinda long - that had me thinking the jacket's perhaps not long enough, plus the comments from the missus got to me more than I should've allowed (best not to show you what her idea of a good fitting jacket is). Funny thing is, I initially thought I should've went for even shorter jacket, when I first tried it on, so I really shouldn't had to worry 'bout a thing. I am entirely happy with the jacket. Love it, my favorite jacket (ATM at least). As Bunyip said, my work is done.

Pak has a good point but on the other hand, I think it's good to hear what people who've been through the same dilemma think as they've probably reached some sort of conclusion, that might or might not be helpful to others - but hey, that's what this place is all about, eh.

In any case, thanks again! Reminds me why I love this place. Now on to the next jacket!

 

[AmericanIron]

Once more, thanks everyone! Great and extremely helpful input from everyone. Much appreciated.

It's not that I was convinced that the jacket was too short, just that I was going through these phases while looking at the photos online - specifically Insurrection customer gallery where everyone wears their CR's kinda long - that had me thinking the jacket's perhaps not long enough, plus the comments from the missus got to me more than I should've allowed (best not to show you what her idea of a good fitting jacket is). Funny thing is, I initially thought I should've went for even shorter jacket, when I first tried it on, so I really shouldn't had to worry 'bout a thing. I am entirely happy with the jacket. Love it, my favorite jacket (ATM at least). As Bunyip said, my work is done.

Pak has a good point but on the other hand, I think it's good to hear what people who've been through the same dilemma think as they've probably reached some sort of conclusion, that might or might not be helpful to others - but hey, that's what this place is all about, eh.

In any case, thanks again! Reminds me why I love this place. Now on to the next jacket!

Jacket itself looks amazing! Love the mods and the simplicity of it plus that angled collar snap is just fantastic. Unfortunately the fit pics have an error so I can't see how the jacket actually fits you, but just based on the initial pics it's outstanding. Love the character of the leather. Don't worry about the opinion of the misses, when riding only one person can make the determination of what works and what doesn't.

Great jacket man, happy you found one you love