technovox
One Too Many
- Messages
- 1,241
- Location
- San Francisco
For the longest time, I’ve been on a quest to find the perfect Harley Sportster “One Pocket” café racer. I’m not sure why, but I’ve always loved the wonderfully minimalistic design, the no frills back, the cool and versatile shirt-jacket style, the Harley label and all the history that comes with it, and of course- just one pocket and nothing else- the ultimate in understated simplicity.
I’ve been through 5 of them over the last few years, each distinctive in their own way. But unfortunately I could never find one that fit quite right- typical ebay liability. Or if it did fit, it was a later AMF version that just didn’t have the look of the earlier ones.
And so recently, while on vacation down south, I stumbled upon one in a vintage boutique store. Totally unexpected. It was tucked away in the back, hidden on a rack between a stack of other clothes. When I pulled it off the hanger, I realized it was an earlier Harley. All but a remnant of the white “Harley Workmanship” label was missing, but it just had the look… Conmar zips, diamond pull, and that raw jerky leather patina from half a century ago when they used horsehide. It was in amazing shape, supple, just the right amount of wear, and best of all - it fit like a dream! And for a fraction of the price if I bought it on ebay. Total vintage score!
After all these years, the search for this one is finally over. Here are some pics.
I’ve been through 5 of them over the last few years, each distinctive in their own way. But unfortunately I could never find one that fit quite right- typical ebay liability. Or if it did fit, it was a later AMF version that just didn’t have the look of the earlier ones.
And so recently, while on vacation down south, I stumbled upon one in a vintage boutique store. Totally unexpected. It was tucked away in the back, hidden on a rack between a stack of other clothes. When I pulled it off the hanger, I realized it was an earlier Harley. All but a remnant of the white “Harley Workmanship” label was missing, but it just had the look… Conmar zips, diamond pull, and that raw jerky leather patina from half a century ago when they used horsehide. It was in amazing shape, supple, just the right amount of wear, and best of all - it fit like a dream! And for a fraction of the price if I bought it on ebay. Total vintage score!
After all these years, the search for this one is finally over. Here are some pics.