New Aero leather jacker...or not?

[Alex.A]

Hello everyone,

I have been reading this forum for a while, it is indeed a digital library on leathers.

I never owned a leather jacket before. I was on the verge of getting an Aero cafe racer (FQHH), even booked train tickets to go up to Galashiels to check everything in person. However, I don't feel so sure about it now, I would like your opinion on the matter.

So here goes: Soon to be getting a new bike, I want a quality leather jacket to be used on and off the bike. I work away from home all week so the bike and the jacket (the riding side of it) would be used only on weekends. Let me clarify here that I will not ride with anything other than level 2 protection (shoulders, back, elbows, chest) via a mesh fabric armored shirt. Level 2 being quite bulky, I would say that it adds at least a size on the chest, shoulders and elbows.

So, say that I do order a new Aero leather jacket, do I size it up 1-2 sizes to accomodate for armor? And if I do, wouldn't that make it practically unusable without the armor, (that was more of a realisation to myself other than a question) it being rediculously large to be worn casually? Would it really be worth it spending ~650 pounds for a jacket which would be used 5~10 days a month for a couple of hours as it would only be suitable for riding?

Now let's assume that I do not really size it up and let's also assume that I somehow (with a lot of grunting and swearing) manage to wear the armor underneath too. I am aware that leather forms around your body, which in this case would be the armor. Wouldn't that make it over-strech (especially in the elbows and chest) and subsequently ruin a beautiful leather jacket which happens to cost a small fortune?

I am a bit confused at the moment, I really want the jacket but I do not want to spend a small fortune and not being able to use it everyday, nor use it and ruin it.

I did come accross this : https://www.planet-knox.com/product/roscoe-leather-biker-jacket-men/

It is a modular design, it accomodates for armor and when off the bike you unzip 2 stripes of leather from both sides which brings it down to original size. This seems like what I need, however I do know that it will not be as good (quality/appearance) as an Aero jacket.

So what do you guys think? Are there people here who use their Aero jackets for riding with armor? If so, any tips?

Thank you.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Alex.A
I've had/have many Aero Jackets (including Aero motorcycle style). They are among my favorite leather jackets for 'casual wear'. However, I put quite a few miles on my motorcycle during decent to good weather. I don't wear armor but do prefer dedicated motorcycle leather jackets for riding. Otherwise jackets made by companies specializing in MC jackets. For me, brands like Vanson, Langlitz, some Schott and also several vintage styles can better meet my needs. Better comfort and features more specific for MC riding.
In your case, the jacket you found seems like it would be just the ticket for riding with armor and also casual wear. If it were me, I would invest my money with this type jacket and perhaps save for an Aero to wear when not riding.
One of the most comfortable jackets that I have for riding is a Vanson. It is heavy steer but once on it just doesn't feel as heavy as when just picking it up (I don't know how Vanson does it). It is very comfortable on the bike for long trips. Also, the sleeves are made in such a way that they don't ride up when reaching for the handlebars as some jackets do. Otherwise, I have found that a company making jackets specifically for MC riding often seem to know the little tricks with fit especially designed for the MC rider.
In my case I wear the Vanson for riding (also some vintage jackets) and save my wonderful zip sleeve Aero FQHH Bootlegger (among others) for streetwear. The best of both worlds.
HD

 

[heron163]

I think the first post nailed it... trying to get anything to work but a jacket with design specifics for motorcycle riding is a compromise. You will be a lot more comfortable in both scenarios with a different type jacket.

 

[dan_t]

Have you called Aero yet & asked them for their opinion regarding the possible fit over protective gear?

 

[Capesofwrath]

Horses for courses. If you want to dress like that to ride a bike than get the proper gear. I never wore stuff like that when I rode a bike but things change….

When I see some of the sports motorbikes around here weaving in and out of traffic at totally illegal speeds and their riders putting their lives in the hands of other road users - most no better drivers than they should be - I reckon they need more than body armour though.

 

[Otter]

I think you have already answered your own question! I used an Aero MC in heavy steer, and boy was it heavy, but only on sunny dry days. Most of the time I wore my Hein Gericke, and that is what I would recommend, one for wearing, one for posing.

 

[navetsea]

I think people tend to over emphasize about leather stretching forming around your body, it won't stretch that much to the point the shape is ruined or taking a shape of your armor, broken in state is more about the leather jacket has learned to crease at all the right spots for any possible movements so it would feel natural not fighting you anymore.

the lining would be at more risk to tear/ wear through from rough surface of the armor edges, or rubbing against its netting when putting on and off.

I mean leather is tougher than even heavyweight jeans, if your sleeve is simply too tight for your elbow pad, don't think you can out stretch the jacket, it simply won't fit, and your arm would lock in position, I dunno how strong you are, but most people won't be able to Hulk through the jacket to force stretch it unless the jacket is very thin lamb probably.

 

[Carlos840]

I agree with navetsea, leather stretching is not that big a deal! Yes, it will stretch a little at high tension areas, mostly the elbows, but that's it.

Now, to answer your question. I ride, I own a full two piece racing suit, that i wear when going out for spirited riding. If all i am doing is riding around town i wear a regular leather jacket with a knox armoured shirt underneath.
I usually do that with my Schott 644, my AL Cafe Racer, or my Lewis leathers. All of them are my actual size, they fit like a regular jacket without armour, and are a bit tighter with armour (including back and chest armour)

Don't over estimate the thickness of armour, the knox and forcefield shirts are very thin, and you really don't have to oversize your jacket for them to fit.
None of my jackets have stretched, apart from the elbows, which is to be expected if you are going to spend hours with your elbows bent on a sports bike.
But even then it isn't really noticeable.

Just order the jacket you want, get your true size but don't go crazy skin tight and you will be just fine.

One thing i want to add, is that having the armour and jacket in two separate parts can be both very convenient and inconvenient.
For example, if you have a regular bike jacket with built in armour, you can ride to let's say the cinema, lock your helmet on your bike, and even though your jacket will obviously be a riding jacket you have nothing to worry about.
If on the other hand you have the jacket and armour, you end up looking like a prick, awkwardly carrying both around.

On the other hand with both items separated, you could ride to a friends house, leave all your gear there and go out with only your jacket, not looking like a biker!

Personally, i enjoy having both option, the real armoured jacket for when i don't want to worry about it, the jacket + shirt for when i want to be able to go undercover.

 

[Hide'n'seek]

I would suggest you use your booked train tickets and pay us a visit in Galashiels. Bring your armoured vest with you and spend some time trying on various styles and sizes, we will be able to get you the fit you are looking for.

 

[ton312]

I think HD summed it up perfectly. Though I love my Aero and SB jackets I wouldn't choose them to ride in. I've been through a myriad of leather jackets but will never part with the two Vansons that I have b/c they are equipment in my view, just like a helmet and gloves, boots etc. Vanson has a great repair dept as well and will repair damaged parts of the jacket from a fall for very reasonable rates. If I scraped up my aero I'd just shake and cry in a corner!

 

[jacketjunkie]

Like HD said, go with a Vanson. High quality leather jackets and better suited for biking, since designed for it!

 

[Edward]

Vanson are great bike jackets, in and around the same price as Aero when you're buying in or from the UK.

If you try on an Aero (or any other, unarmoured jacket) with the armour shirt on, you'll soon get an idea of fit. You can then try on the same jacket without to see if it would work then. After that, if it is going to be bikewear only, it's up to you to decide whether you want to spend that price on a jacket for riding only, or if the classic look is less important, and you're happy spending less on a modern, armoured jacket and buying your Aero for streetwear only. Of course, you might also find that one size works for both, in which case, bingo.

Vanson also do a great classic look designed for riding specifically. You might find that's your birdy, though again it may or may not work for what you want to spend on a riding jacket.

If you're looking for a cheaper option in a classic style that will take bike armour, Bikers' Paradise in Coventry have some good options. Solid, functional stuff. See their Cruiser range:

http://www.bikersparadise.co.uk/Mens-Cruiser-Motorcycle-Jackets.html

There are a couple of cafe racer types on there that can have elbow and shoulder armour fitted. Could be ideal if you want a cheaper, more traditional design for riding, leaving the cash for the Aero jacket.

Also worth seeing what Aero have as sample /trainee made/ traded in jackets at the factory. If the right size turns up and you can live with the options (e.g. a standard pattern jacket with no inner pocket), that can be a good way to save a ton or more.

 

[Edward]

(Should also add... Schott can be lovely jackets, which you can buy sized to wear over armour, but be wary of buying new at UK prices. Imo, a new Schott 618 just isn't worth £500, compared to saving a little more and paying £600 for a Vanson or an Aero. Used, though, you can find a bargain with patience.)

 

[Monitor]

I'm with CapesofWrath on this - For Lvl. 2, I strongly suggest you get yourself a proper, dedicated, fabric riding jacket, one designed to accommodate that sort of protection. Technically, you could fit that thing underneath an Aero or a Vanson jacket but the whole thing would be so damn uncomfortable and heavy, that you will end up hating it after a month. I've experimented a bit with armour and heavy jackets, and have given up.

Having said that, I think that Aero can help you out regarding armour. I know of at least one person who wears their FQHH with armour, and they've worked on it with Aero. Worth looking into. In my experience, both Aero CR and the MC jacket should have enough elbow and shoulder room for light armour, as in just the shoulder and elbow pads, and that's without having having to size up.

 

[Fanch]

First of all Alex, welcome to the Lounge! I have nothing to add to what some very experienced members who ride have already said. Having just polished my crystal ball, I definitely see a train trip to Galashiels for you and eventually a minimum of 3-4 jackets. Some of us even rent storage sheds for our obsession.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I think the Roscoe jacket in your link looks like decent leather and would work well for what you are looking for, and would even look good off the bike as well. As I stated before, I often take longer trips on my MC and a comfortable jacket that fits well with my riding style is paramount for me.
I once rode a 700 mile all day round trip with a fairly new FQHH motorcycle 'style' jacket (not really a true rider jacket, in my estimation) ..and it wore me out with the stiffness and the more civilian fit. Leaving me with little desire to wear it on perhaps another dozen tiring trips to 'perhaps' break it in. A heavy leather MC jacket needn't be uncomfortable..if it's actually 100% made for riding.
HD

 

[eugenesque]

Since you live in the UK, no harm going up to Galashiels for a short weekend getaway! Bring your gear and I am sure they will be more than happy to answer your queries.

 

[Carlos840]

I just thought about one very important detail!

I would not recommend getting a jacket without a windflap if you plan on riding all year long. I did a lot of riding with all three of these jackets:

They are all great, but as you can see, the Lewis Leathers doesn't have a wind flap. It's not a problem in town, but as soon as you go faster than 60 miles and hours the wind goes straight through the zipper.
It's annoying because you get a lot of ballooning in the back which can be really bothering as you go faster.
In summer it's not too bad, because it cools you down fast, in anything lower than 10c you will freeze in no time!

 

[Benproof]

Carlos - you forgot to buy this to block the wind behind the neck flap:

You can custom armour fit an Aero (or used to at least). They did mine a few years ago (1930's half belt) with the Knox back protector, shoulder and arms. I prefer classic looking clothing than the robocop look of modern motorcycle gear and if you're riding a street bike and not doing motorways, it's probably fine as a summer season. It is a rather expensive way to start though. The double/triple stitching styles of motorcycle clothing is maybe a bit different than the grade of stitching non-motorcycle clothiers make theirs, which is fine as long as you're never ever involved in a spill. We tend to be more neurotic about wearing the correct CE gear in London, partly because car drivers really are trying to kill us, and it's not just imaginary

If you're spending £650 on a jacket, it might be better saving some of that for proper exhaust cans and getting a decent motorcycle jacket by any of the major motorcycle makers which go on sale at this time of the year.

 

[ButteMT61]

I'm with @HoosierDaddy. I've been riding for about 42 years. I've had two instances of of meeting the pavement in that time, both wearing the best gear I could buy. While I'm sure I would have faired OK with my Aero or LW, I'm glad I was wearing a jacket made for the task. Padding, hardware (zips, etc), strength of the leather, and the cut all added up to saved hide - mine.
Could Aero, et al build s suitable jacket? Probably. But for me, I'd stick with a moto brand with a good history. If safety is your concern over just looking cool, that's what I'd do. Not that there's not cool looking bike jackets, just saying...