Thoughts on Aero Wayfarer as Riding Jacket

[LordOfLeather]

Having just sold my Aero Cafe Racer in Battered Tan Horsehide, I'm experiencing a bit of seller's remorse.

I've been trying to stick to a "one in, one out" rule I set for myself last year, as space is limited and I only want to own enough jackets that I can actually wear. The only reason I sold this particular jacket is I just picked up another board racer that fits better, in a leather I haven't owned before. When something has to go, I consider many variables like fit, leather type, boots I wear it with, function, etc. Since I have many cafe racers, a Wayfarer in battered tan HH, and the CR fit wasn't as good as some others, I decided it had to go.

All this is to say, I still have my Wayfarer in this beautiful leather and it demands to be worn. Most days I'm on a bike though, so the jackets I have that aren't good riding jackets don't get worn much. At the end of the day I don't really care about whether or not a jacket was intended as a riding jacket, or what others think, necessarily, but I guess I care enough to pose the question.

What do you guys think of a Wayfarer as a riding jacket? The hide is quite heavy (heavier than that on the CR) and the fit is good (enough range of motion), but I don't think it's a style that's traditionally worn for this. Would you think it looks silly on a bike?

 

[Solstice 62]

Are you concerned about the outcome if you crash?

 

[LordOfLeather]

No, that’s not it. I mean, I’m worried about the outcome if I crash in any jacket.

I guess I’m trying to gauge people‘s thoughts on wearing non-motorcycle jackets on motorcycles, from a style perspective.

 

[handymike]

Stop overthinking and wear what you want. ;p

 

[4444Design]

I would not give any thought about an issue like yours.

Yeah it is true there is specific styles especially meant to be used for motorcycling, but what makes a leather-jacket practical for use on a motorbike for me is the protection against the weather and - in case of a crash - protection against abrasion on the asphalt.

From a perspective of length the WAYFARER isn't long enough to bother you - or to restrict your movements - on a bike. It has some pockets for storage - which makes it even more practical for biking than caferacer-jackets and it provides protection.

And with the halfbelts you have an adjustable waist as well.

I wear all kind of leather jackets when riding - no matter whether it would be a specific motorbike-jacket or not.

 

[cl206]

I would vote for wear what makes you feel comfortable. I've worn my new J106 almost every workday from the time I got it (been meaning to do a quick review) and my 689H. They just feel to me better on and off the bike than the dedicated armored jackets I have. When the weather gets warmer I wear my scorpion armored jacket most of the time bc it is cooler (has mesh) and is armored. If I ride for longer periods (1/2 hr or more) I get out the leather armored jacket. Most of my rides are 15-20 minutes to work so there. The wayfarer looks waaaay better than a t shirt and shorts on a bike imo!

 

[LordOfLeather]

Thanks, guys. Not sure why I was overthinking it.
Now I just have to wait patiently for Dena to return my Wayfarer with its new zipper.