New Cafe Racer - Aero CR vs Vanson Mohawk

[HoosierDaddy]

Exactly

 

[Downunder G Man]

Value for money Vanson can't be beat ! My Vanson Comet in 44" was $450 Australian BRAND NEW ! That was maybe just a year ago ! Any Aero variant brand new would be $1000+ in Australia.

 

[Guppy]

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...
View attachment 171280

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".
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You can work those kinks out.

 

[jpk_NJ]

Eh, they look OK and all but when has Greece become a major producer of a quality product? I mean, family owned Diners in NJ for sure! Greek diners breakfast can't be beat, but jackets? As for first choice, if quality / fit / price being equal, I'd always try supporting an American biz.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

The quality for a Thedi is among the top of the line. Great stitching and excellent fitting. It is definitely a major player. However, if you prefer to dismiss them, certainly go for something else. Some of the rest of us will enjoy wearing Thedi often above most other brands that we have experience with. There are many exception brands made out of the US. Don't you own or are considering an Aero. It's not made here.
HD

 

[Downunder G Man]

OP asked Re Vanson V Aero . Quite a price jump between them in my experience at least. I have both . 2 Vanson bought new here in Australia from a motorcycle retail shop and an almost new Aero. Thedi seem a quantum price leap again and will always be out of my league. Now I do ride (a Harley) and the Vanson is an excellent riding choice. Zip tight sleeves and close fitting. I have not knowingly seen an Aero cafe racer "in the flesh" here in Australia but I am sure tbey look lovely indeed.

 

[Guppy]

Eh, they look OK and all but when has Greece become a major producer of a quality product? I mean, family owned Diners in NJ for sure! Greek diners breakfast can't be beat, but jackets? As for first choice, if quality / fit / price being equal, I'd always try supporting an American biz.

Thedi is world-class. Greece was making quality long product before the white man found the New World. Some of it still standing, some of it in museums. They know a thing or two about making objects of beauty.

 

[El Marro]

Thedi is world-class.

Yep. I wasn’t trying to start anything when I suggested them in this thread, merely pointing them out as an option because they are well versed when it comes to this style.
I own jackets by Vanson (4 of them), Aero (3 of them), and Thedi (1 of them) and I can say without a doubt that Thedi makes a jacket that is on par with the best offerings from the other two makers. Totally understand if they are not your cup of tea, but I would not discount them as a second tier jacket maker because they aren’t one.

 

[HoosierDaddy]

I too own a Vanson, an Aero and several vintage MC riding jackets plus a Thedi with another on the way.

 

[nick123]

I'd go either Vanson or Aero Board Racer rather than CR.

 

[felix03]

I'd go either Vanson or Aero Board Racer rather than CR.

I agree. I have an aero cafe racer and a Seven (board racer with collar) and I find the 7 to be much much more wearable.

 

[Rich22]

Doesn't body shape best determine the comparative suitability of the Aero Cafe Racer vs Board Racer? E.g. Cafe Racer for those with a V shaped torso, and Board Racer for those with a more tubular shape. They can be customised to look very similar to one another.

 

[Mich486]

Eh, they look OK and all but when has Greece become a major producer of a quality product? I mean, family owned Diners in NJ for sure! Greek diners breakfast can't be beat, but jackets? As for first choice, if quality / fit / price being equal, I'd always try supporting an American biz.

What a narrow-minded and non sense argument you’ve got there. It’s a pretty offensive post.

What about Aero then? Are the Scots major producer of quality products?

Out of curiosity, how many Thedi have you ever handled?


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[jpk_NJ]

Doesn't body shape best determine the comparative suitability of the Aero Cafe Racer vs Board Racer? E.g. Cafe Racer for those with a V shaped torso, and Board Racer for those with a more tubular shape. They can be customised to look very similar to one another.

I'm definitely more V shape broad shoulders, and maybe that explains why Im seeing Board Racers on Aero's sale page with oddly narrow shoulder measurements for a given size 40/42/44. On the positive side, there does appear to be one black Aero CR in stock with 2 pockets only and my almost exact measurements. Decisions decisions. Not like Im going to wear it this summer but possible instant gratification vs waiting 8wks for custom Vanson....

 

[jpk_NJ]

Just lacking the inside pockets so Im trying to decide if I can really live without the functionality of jacket pockets...

 

[felix03]

I'm definitely more V shape broad shoulders, and maybe that explains why Im seeing Board Racers on Aero's sale page with oddly narrow shoulder measurements for a given size 40/42/44. On the positive side, there does appear to be one black Aero CR in stock with 2 pockets only and my almost exact measurements. Decisions decisions. Not like Im going to wear it this summer but possible instant gratification vs waiting 8wks for custom Vanson....

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I’d suggest asking about the bottom hem measurements as those typically aren’t listed.

 

[Rich22]

Better yet, ask for the shoulder measurement too and double check the chest. I’m personally not a fan of the back of that jacket, with the somewhat baffling gussets and that double leather kidney panel. My preference is for the J-100 style back (that Aero regularly replicate).

 

[jeo]

So now that my true riding jacket need is covered, I'm looking for a casual wear only Cafe Racer...What says the lounge?

If it's a question between just these two and casual wear is what you're after I'd go with the Aero over the Vanson.

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.

Lol! Good analogy!

Eh, they look OK and all but when has Greece become a major producer of a quality product? I mean, family owned Diners in NJ for sure! Greek diners breakfast can't be beat, but jackets? As for first choice, if quality / fit / price being equal, I'd always try supporting an American biz.

From everything I've seen and heard, Thedi is better quality than both Aero and Vanson. And they definitely have some unique designs and gorgeous leathers and I think around the same price as an Aero.

 

[Seb Lucas]

If it's a question between just these two and casual wear is what you're after I'd go with the Aero over the Vanson.



Lol! Good analogy!



From everything I've seen and heard, Thedi is better quality than both Aero and Vanson. And they definitely have some unique designs and gorgeous leathers and I think around the same price as an Aero.

I don't think I have seen a Thedi I would choose to wear. The quality is no doubt fantastic but the patterns and look of the leather simply don't move me. If I lived in the States I would buy a custom Johnson Leathers cafe racer jacket in heartbreak. Probably one every few weeks. They are easily as good as Aero and any other brand I have seen.

 

[jeo]

I don't think I have seen a Thedi I would choose to wear. The quality is no doubt fantastic but the patterns and look of the leather simply don't move me. If I lived in the States I would buy a custom Johnson Leathers cafe racer jacket in heartbreak. Probably one every few weeks. They are easily as good as Aero and any other brand I have seen.

Yeah I probably should have emphasized "unique designs" haha, although I think his shawl collar/cossack jacket is perfection. If I were ever to go for that style I would definitely go with Thedi.

And I agree with you on Johnson Leathers. Probably my best buying experience I've ever had. Period.