Vanson Harley Cycle King Review & Question

[cbass93]

Just got my Vanson + Harley Davidson Cycle King jacket. I was a little wary given some reviews and wasn't sure I'd keep it but I am. The hidden snaps on all riders was a key feature for me as was the removeable belt and sewn down epaulets which are better at speed and have unique double-bar hardware. However, I was honestly shocked at the zipper pull adornments and buckle holes on the belt. Why did they use fasteners that look awful on the reverse side instead of 2-way rivets? At 6' 1", 195 lb with a 44" chest I ordered a size Large hoping for a comfortable, but tighter fit. I've had issues with other higher end brands with arm pits, shoulder width as well as taper. But this jacket fit like a glove so plans are to replace/personalize the zipper pulls. The leather is perfect, a true heavy weight but not the heaviest, actual weight 6 lb 5.4 oz as on my properly tared home scale. The jacket will need some time to break-in but at the same time it's pliable enough off the rack. The waist band is solid leather in and out, extra thick with loops sewn in. Hoping it does patina and develop tea-core like markings. For now the low sheen black medium grain is amazing, wore day one and didn't look silly. The lining is cotton, very soft medium to thin with no insulation. Sleeves are lined with a cotton blend that feels a little slicker than the inside. The two front pockets look great but are functionally hard to reach. The length is a true rider but on the slightly longer fashion length, looks great with or w/out the belt.

 

[cbass93]

Just got my Vanson + Harley Davidson Cycle King jacket. I was a little wary given some reviews and wasn't sure I'd keep it. I was honestly shocked at the zipper pull adornments and buckle holes on the belt. Why did they use fasteners that look awful on the reverse side instead of 2-way rivets? At 6' 1", 195 lb with a 44" chest I ordered a size Large hoping for a comfortable, but tighter fit. I've had issues with other higher end brands with arm pits, shoulder width as well as taper. But this jacket fit like a glove so regardless of other issues it's a keeper!.....after replacing the main zip with a Genuine HD, taking off sleeve pulls and probably throw something different on the chest zip? The leather is perfect, a true heavy weight but not the heaviest, actual weight 6 lb 5.4 oz. The jacket will need some time to break-in but at the same time it's very pliable off the rack. The waist band is solid leather in and out, extra thick with loops sewn in. Sewn down epaulets, better at high speed, with unique double-bar hardware. Hoping it does patina and develop tea-core like markings. For now the low sheen black medium grain is amazing, wore day one and didn't look silly. The lining is cotton, very soft medium to thin with no insulation. Sleeves are lined with a cotton blend that feels a little slicker than the inside. The two front pockets look great but are functionally hard to reach. The length is a true rider but on the slightly longer fashion length, looks great with or w/out the belt.

........replying to my own thread :-0 I noticed that my jacket says "Made in USA of Imported Materials" and has a leather trimmed open inside chest pocket. I've seen other models with not "imported" label and a zipper inside pocket closure? Both have the same 99543-21MM???

 

[photo2u]

I have never seen those pull on a CK before. This is perhaps the newest production?
I have the 2020 and 2022 productions. The jacket leather does not look like yours.
You might want to try reaching out to JMax. He wears his 2022 Ck production jacket more often than me. I think he has broken in the jacket well.

I was wondering if you could please share more images of your jacket.

 

[cbass93]

I have never seen those pull on a CK before. This is perhaps the newest production?
I have the 2020 and 2022 productions. The jacket leather does not look like yours.
You might want to try reaching out to JMax. He wears his 2022 Ck production jacket more often than me. I think he has broken in the jacket well.

I was wondering if you could please share more images of your jacket.

 

[cbass93]

Belt and jacket all appear to be "normal"

 

[photo2u]

Nice jacket, The leather on your jacket looks different from the 20 and 22 productions. The zippers, buckle and stops are still very nice. The other hardware is a little step-down in my view. I think Vanson is cutting corners to produce the jacket at a sub 1k price. If I remember correctly, the first production was mainly reviewed. My comments were on the 2022 production. Overall, I like both jackets. However, I think the 22 production will be harder to break in than the 2020 one.

 

[cbass93]

Nice jacket, The leather on your jacket looks different from the 20 and 22 productions. The zippers, buckle and stops are still very nice. The other hardware is a little step-down in my view. I think Vanson is cutting corners to produce the jacket at a sub 1k price. If I remember correctly, the first production was mainly reviewed. My comments were on the 2022 production. Overall, I like both jackets. However, I think the 22 production will be harder to break in than the 2020 one.

 

[cbass93]

Saw Jmax earlier post, we have the same jacket...same tag with "imported"

 

[photo2u]

I understand you.

 

[TREEMAN]

while snaps belts and buckles are very important ….The leather is the most important.
IMO the leather on this jacket is of poor quality….and heavily corrected.

 

[cbass93]

while snaps belts and buckles are very important ….The leather is the most important.
IMO the leather on this jacket is of poor quality….and heavily corrected.

I am in no ways an expert, just go by what I see and feel. It seems like a legit steerhide that is very heavy and stiff with good grain and color. How do you see this jacket as "of poor quality" and "heavily corrected"? I assume you have, or held one of the same models?

 

[El Marro]

while snaps belts and buckles are very important ….The leather is the most important.
IMO the leather on this jacket is of poor quality….and heavily corrected.

I own this jacket (the 2022 production) and I have to disagree with you on this one brother. It doesn’t look like much when it is new but with a bit of wear I think this jacket will show grain and character. Now, maybe I oughta start wearing mine more to see if I can prove this hypothesis correct.

 

[cbass93]

I own this jacket (the 2022 production) and I have to disagree with you on this one brother. It doesn’t look like much when it is new but with a bit of wear I think this jacket will show grain and character. Now, maybe I oughta start wearing mine more to see if I can prove this hypothesis correct.

From what I can see my jacket is already showing the wear on the edges of the D-pocket. I really do hope it does get that old school patina. I think this will be a legendary collector when it is fully broken in.

 

[cbass93]

From what I can see my jacket is already showing the wear on the edges of the D-pocket. I really do hope it does get that old school patina. I think this will be a legendary collector when it is

while snaps belts and buckles are very important ….The leather is the most important.
IMO the leather on this jacket is of poor quality….and heavily corrected.

 

[cbass93]

Just got done with conditioning using Farnam Leather New, no silicone, waxes or petroleum distillates. I've found horse care products to be the best. I think it looks great!

 

[Canuck Panda]

For something to bear the American flag tag, it has to be made with at least 51% of US made material. So if a leather jacket is cut and sewn in the US but the leather came from Italy then the tag can only say made in USA with imported material. Nothing wrong with this at all, just rules and regulations. Schott horsehide comes from Italy and the jacket is cut and sewn in NJ so they also say made in USA with imported material. Same with Filson on some of their products.

The leather on your Cycle King looks like Firenze cowhide. It is not bad, but the paint topcoat is too thick, I don't think it is corrected just super thick paint top coating. The X150 leather was the best in their lineup imo. It has a hand applied wax topcoat which is glassy shiny and grains would pop within one wear (because the wax). The current Comp Weight is not wax topcoat like the X150. My theory is that the old comp weight is or very similar to X150 but it gotten too expensive for Vanson's $600-$800 retail price point. If I am buying X150 type of leather on the retail market it would cost about 7 dollars a sq. ft. For a jacket that would mean material cost is almost 300 dollars just for the leather at retail. Usually American made jackets using X150 similar leather would have retail price of $1200 to $1500.

Firenze on the left, current CW on the right,

 

[JMax]

The hide is definitely not Firenze, though I can see how in certain photos it would appear to be. It’s CW, which has varied across the years and even within years and batches. I definitely prefer older and some newer CW, but this hide will look good with wear. It just takes more effort than the CW norm, itself no slouch. It’s not as thick as the old prime (imo) CW but it’s plenty thick and easier wearing initially. This is one of my favorite jackets due to it being highly functional and very wearable with 1-3 layers. Great pattern for me. Plus, CK are cool.

 

[cbass93]

For something to bear the American flag tag, it has to be made with at least 51% of US made material. So if a leather jacket is cut and sewn in the US but the leather came from Italy then the tag can only say made in USA with imported material. Nothing wrong with this at all, just rules and regulations. Schott horsehide comes from Italy and the jacket is cut and sewn in NJ so they also say made in USA with imported material. Same with Filson on some of their products.

The leather on your Cycle King looks like Firenze cowhide. It is not bad, but the paint topcoat is too thick, I don't think it is corrected just super thick paint top coating. The X150 leather was the best in their lineup imo. It has a hand applied wax topcoat which is glassy shiny and grains would pop within one wear (because the wax). The current Comp Weight is not wax topcoat like the X150. My theory is that the old comp weight is or very similar to X150 but it gotten too expensive for Vanson's $600-$800 retail price point. If I am buying X150 type of leather on the retail market it would cost about 7 dollars a sq. ft. For a jacket that would mean material cost is almost 300 dollars just for the leather at retail. Usually American made jackets using X150 similar leather would have retail price of $1200 to $1500.

Firenze on the left, current CW on the right,
View attachment 671082

Thanks for.the info, I'm totally fine with the imported disclaimer. I can see the difference in grain and would agree mi e looks more like the left/Firenze. However, I'm pretty sure mine is steerhide, not cow, not sure about yours? I have no doubt newer jackets are made from "cheaper" materials. All I can say is this one is stiff, thick and I'll enjoy the break-in process. More dyed is a plus if it means more "black time" and more protection from scratches.

 

[cbass93]

The hide is definitely not Firenze, though I can see how in certain photos it would appear to be. It’s CW, which has varied across the years and even within years and batches. I definitely prefer older and some newer CW, but this hide will look good with wear. It just takes more effort than the CW norm, itself no slouch. It’s not as thick as the old prime (imo) CW but it’s plenty thick and easier wearing initially. This is one of my favorite jackets due to it being highly functional and very wearable with 1-3 layers. Great pattern for me. Plus, CK are cool.

What with some versions having a zipper inner pocket and mine just open leather? Other versions also didn't say "imported materials" so I assume it's all USA and different?

 

[TREEMAN]

I am in no ways an expert, just go by what I see and feel. It seems like a legit steerhide that is very heavy and stiff with good grain and color. How do you see this jacket as "of poor quality" and "heavily corrected"? I assume you have, or held one of the same models?

Notice the very large pores in the top pic which is the result of excessive sanding…