The Bates Corner

[AeroFan_07]

It's the same with Cal-Leathers. They are still in business, but I seldom hear about new purchases from TFL members. The vintage stuff is what people want here, at least It's what I want.

So I spoke with one of the folks who work there. Like Wesco boots and Langlitz leathers, they have too much work and not enough help. They stated I could place a deposit and get into the production Queue, but likely 6-10 months before a jacket woudl be built. They are still very much popular as others have indicated, however I have never handled any other Bates than the 50 - 60 year old one I started this thread with.

 

[Aloysius]

Turns out Bates HQ is pretty close to a relative I'm visiting for a wedding, so I might drop by there.

I think @dudewuttheheck might be from the area if I'm not mistaken. Have you visited Bates?

 

[Biff42]

Cal is still in business but a new CHP from them is nearly $2000, and workwear cosplayers are only okay with that kind of price if it's made in Japan, labeled Himel, or sold at Standard & Strange lol.

Admittedly, I'm a cosplayer today, but I've become smitten with motorcycles. I want to buy one in the next year or so.

 

[Aloysius]

Admittedly, I'm a cosplayer today, but I've become smitten with motorcycles. I want to buy one in the next year or so.

Ha, I’m not disparaging non-riders. I’m just talking about the behavior patterns of workwear culture.

 

[dudewuttheheck]

Turns out Bates HQ is pretty close to a relative I'm visiting for a wedding, so I might drop by there.

I think @dudewuttheheck might be from the area if I'm not mistaken. Have you visited Bates?

I have not yet as I'm not an actual rider, but I do plan on visiting the shop at some point just in hope to see some of the history

 

[Biff42]

Hey guys I just purchased this Bates Highwayman from Goodwill. I think the odds of it fitting me are 1 in 5, so I may be listing on FL. I'll sell it for what I paid if it doesn't fit. It's a nice one and I'll keep you posted.

 

[KBlake]

Hey guys I just purchased this Bates Highwayman from Goodwill. I think the odds of it fitting me are 1 in 5, so I may be listing on FL. I'll sell it for what I paid if it doesn't fit. It's a nice one and I'll keep you posted.

First dibs!

 

[Biff42]

Bates Hugger repatriated from Japan.

 

[Doctor Death]

Hey guys I just purchased this Bates Highwayman from Goodwill. I think the odds of it fitting me are 1 in 5, so I may be listing on FL. I'll sell it for what I paid if it doesn't fit. It's a nice one and I'll keep you posted.

The Highwayman is the one I'd go for if I was going to order from Bates. Congratulations!

 

[Biff42]

If I could order one bespoke from Bates I'd get the T2 jacket.

 

[02 nighttrain]

If I could order one bespoke from Bates I'd get the T2 jacket.

last time i looked, the T2 was $2745! fortunately, I got one several years ago

 

[Biff42]

last time i looked, the T2 was $2745! fortunately, I got one several years ago

I know, it's crazy expensive. That said, the leather jacket hobby is a big tent IMO. Imagine the disparity in what certain classes of people can afford to buy in a car or watch pursuit, right?

 

[Biff42]

Quick snaps while walking the dogs. I believe this style of Bates is discontinued. It features a short front for riding and two rows of zippers to accommodate layers.

 

[02 nighttrain]

I know, it's crazy expensive. That said, the leather jacket hobby is a big tent IMO. Imagine the disparity in what certain classes of people can afford to buy in a car or watch pursuit, right?

of course it was worth every penny. doesn't matter that I'm 5'7", 145, and nearly 75 years old, whenever I wear the T2 I'm mistaken for Schwarzenegger

 

[AeroFan_07]

Picked up the padded Cafe Racer through the Finds & Deals thread (Thanks to @blm14 for posting it). A bit short in the torso & sleeves but the leather is so amazingly nice I may just wear & enjoy it for a while. Rest of the fit is spot-on that I can tell. This thing even has leather-lined pockets, just such a beautifully constructed jacket.

Here's how it fits...

 

[Monitor]

Picked up the padded Cafe Racer through the Finds & Deals thread (Thanks to @blm14 for posting it). A bit short in the torso & sleeves but the leather is so amazingly nice I may just wear & enjoy it for a while. Rest of the fit is spot-on that I can tell. This thing even has leather-lined pockets, just such a beautifully constructed jacket.


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Here's how it fits...

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As far as I am concerned, Bates is on a whole different level so I completely understand the want to keep this jacket but you need to let go of it asap.

 

[AeroFan_07]

^^ I have to agree. The "exposed belt" just does not jive with me these days!

 

[Doctor Death]

Yeah, sleeves just a little too short. Too bad, you got pretty close to a good fit.