New Cafe Racer - Aero CR vs Vanson Mohawk

[jpk_NJ]

So now that my true riding jacket need is covered, I'm looking for a casual wear only Cafe Racer. Simple two pocket chest setup, black leather. Given my excellent recent experience with Vanson making me a custom Chopper, I thoroughly searched their models and found the Mohawk in the softer Z150. Full one piece bi-swing back vs just shoulder gusset Aero. Aero has the double thickness kidney panel providing shape in the back vs Vanson single layer being flexible/draping. Otherwise pretty identical. What says the lounge?

 

[ton312]

You have to ask yourself, do want a 1lb ribeye or a 5lb tomahawk. Both are delicious and satisfying. How hungry are you? If you want a full belly and a delicious piece of cow, get the Vanson. If you want to splurge and roll around in the juices, gnaw the meat off the bone in sheer opulence, get the Aero.

 

[JMax]

You have to ask yourself, do want a 1lb ribeye or a 5lb tomahawk. Both are delicious and satisfying. How hungry are you? If you want a full belly and a delicious piece of cow, get the Vanson. If you want to splurge and roll around in the juices, gnaw the meat off the bone in sheer opulence, get the Aero.

And...I’m off to Morton’s steakhouse.

Can’t go wrong, for riding I would go Vanson so in this case Aero?

 

[Rich22]

The Aero Cafe Racer is a far more attractive jacket. And you’re not stuck with the stock back with those effectively non-functional gussets- customise away to your heart’s content.

 

[Guppy]

I have owned a number of Aero cafe racers, and liked each and every one of them. They are very good looking to wear, especially in CXL FQHH. If you're going for looks, Aero is the way to go. That's not to say that the Vanson Mohawk isn't also good looking, but Aero is on another level. The Vanson would be a great riding jacket, though. If you're going to ride, I'd go with Vanson. I just got done riding for a few hours in my Union Garage/Vanson V7 jacket, and it fits and functions so sublimely.

 

[jpk_NJ]

Considering I have my fair share of Aero's (6) and Vansons (4), this is a tough call. If it was a more complicated half belt or 3/4 length Id go Aero. But there's something about a simple CR jacket that makes me think I should go Vanson. Again, in the softer zirconian leather which grains up nicely after a short break in. Something easy to wear that Im not trying to beat into submission like my armored Vanson Comet or Chopper in full comp weight.

Also curious about loungers who own/broke in Aero CR with the shoulder gusset and how they look down the road. Similar to internal pockets on Aeros, I've seen a few pics showing the shoulder gussets inside folds "printing" /ghosting through onto the large one piece back panel. Making them pretty noticeable, whereas my Vanson Slade bi-swing looks pretty clean.

 

[Bennarion]

I would take Aero CR without thinking

 

[Bfd70]

Dunno look at post 16703 in what jacket are you wearing....Nick makes a strong case for the Vanson

 

[lina]

Get the Vanson anniversary jacket!

 

[jpk_NJ]

Yep, it’s the same jacket pattern. Mohawk just doesn’t have the Vanson lettering.

Pricing definitely favors Vanson unless I snag one of Aeros in stock CR. Then it’s not too bad of a $ difference

 

[El Marro]

Since you are already well stocked with Vanson and Aero jackets, have you thought about Thedi for your new CR? They make some of the nicest cafe racers I have seen.

 

[miglan30]

Personally, I don't care for Aero's CR, it has a weird cut to me....too short and overly exaggerated triangle. Love their BR though. The Vanson has a weird collar, make sure you try one on. When I ordered the Vanson Daytona (same range of jackets), I had them put on a Model B collar.

 

[Seb Lucas]

I slightly prefer the Vanson pattern. It's basically a vintage Brooks cafe racer remake. I was thinking of getting one without the side pockets.

 

[Downunder G Man]

I have a Vanson Comet café racer "in the fleet". I really like it , it is the "coolest" of my leather collection.

Now that there reference is to TEMPERATURE type cool.

I also have a lovely Aero Highwayman , now that is "cool" indeed in the cool range of affairs...

 

[jpk_NJ]

I own an armored version of the Comet and that is the perfect no nonsense riding jacket. But give the armored version has much roomier cut sleeves, it doesn't really work for double duty.

Here's the back panel of Aero's where the shoulder gussets cause the printing / creasing. Wouldn't happen with softer leather but the stiff thick FQHH leaves those crescent shape ridges. Curious to see one of these thats a few years old...

The Vanson on the other hand seems look more balanced / natural, easy wearing to me? I love Aero Halfbelts but theres something about the CR back that looks like its "trying to hard".

 

[HoosierDaddy]

Hmmm...I like the looks of the Aero. It doesn't look so plastic with folded/creased in the bottom section of the jacket.

 

[handymike]

This Vanson!

 

[Psant25]

Have you looked at a new brooks 511 or schott 141 cafe racer ? I have been thinking about trying one out. Lower price if you can fit in a stock jacket. Return it if you dont like it. I had a custom vanson in z150 still was a pretty long break in.

 

[jpk_NJ]

That's a hell of a custom Comet for whoever wanted that color scheme!! I would definitely rock that in black/white stripe, no patch. Vanson custom is truly next level vs their in stock models if someone knows exactly what they want to achieve. Be it crazy color combo, if you stick to your guns and own it, Vanson will make it.

Psant25- Ive checked out new Schott but not really convinced and I can never get a good fit it seems. Medium too small, large too big. Will have to take a look at Brooks considering the vintage one Ive had my eye on is insanely priced.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

Since you are already well stocked with Vanson and Aero jackets, have you thought about Thedi for your new CR? They make some of the nicest cafe racers I have seen.

This. If you already have Aero and Vanson, I would absolutely go Thedi.

Actually, I would probably go Thedi in the first place.