Would this be a Cafe racer ???

[captaincaveman1]

This is pretty interesting .. whilst it is true that one piece flying suits existed pre War and WW2, this type I think could be best described as 'romper' or 'teddy bear' suits - big, sheepskin things for warmth at altitude. No real style, cool or function on a bike.

Golden Era racing drivers often wore overalls, not dissimiliar to flight suits or tanker overalls. Widely seen at Brooklands for example.

However, the one piece aerodynamic race leathers I think began to gain momentum in the '70's but these were muted by comparison to the brightly coloured, branded sponsor logo'ed race suits of the '80's - a result of marketing and sponsorship money flooding into GP racing. Late '80's GP500 racing was a great spectacle.

The current Red Bull type race repro explosion is a case of clever brand marketing and owes much to the success of pin-up racers like Valentino Rossi (think Beckham of bikes).

Two piece race leathers were the norm at first; they became one piece to improve function on the race track and then became chopped off at the waist for the high street. Of course, one piece race rep leathers are still the norm for the super ninja sports bike enthusiasts!

Interesting.... so the modern racer rep leather suit is really an evolution of the original cafe. Guess it makes sense.

I got me one of those aerodynamic leather suits but never made the connection to the cafe jacket. Mine's a two piece. Here's the top half complete w/ rear aero hump. This is one piece of moto gear that CANNOT make the crossover to casual wear. lol

 

[Stearmen]

Brando

The early Rockers were mainly imitating Marlin Brando, later they started to look like their racing heros. Although, some of the UK racers started their careers on the street in the late 50s. Remember, Rockers hatted Mods, because their scooters had 10 headlights that all worked, and Rockers had one inoperable light! Lucas Prince Of Darkness!

 

[Stearmen]

Rockers

Here are some photos mainly from the 59 club, a semi religous club for the Rockers so they could hang out without being hassled! The last photo shows one of the big benefits of belonging, the club recovery van! Also a great video of the 59 Club in the early 60s. Unfortunately the Rockers morfed into the Hells Angeles, and ruined it all. Just like the American Hells Angels started out as a bunch of WWII veterans who wanted to get some of the rush from combat without the bullets and brass telling what to do! Like riding their Harley JDs, which were banned from AMA sanctioned races! The best book on the subject is, Rockers by Johnny Stuart. http://zishan.com/video/fulDzcCKDRk/The-59-Club-Rockers-and-motorcycles-in-England.html

 

[kyboots]

Chesterfields

Chesterfield cigarettes named after Chesterfield County, Virginia are still made though not many sold. They were one of the top if not the top brands of the 1940's, 50's, and 60's. Big sponsor of early American TV shows and sports.

 

[Peacoat]

I think the Lad in the last picture on the top row is happy to see the girl he has his arm around. There is another picture of her in the bottom row. Right cute.

I see this thread has morphed back into jackets and motorcycles, and away from guitars, harmonicas and amplifiers. How fleeting glory. That's OK as motorcycles is a fun topic and one of my passions.