Triumphrat

ggRAT

If I could buy a kangaroo leather jacket, I would. It would be lighter, more supple, and equally effective as 1.2 leather, but probably cost twice as much. Google "kangaroo leather jacket" and see where it takes you.

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wildbillcu

I wear a Schott 141 made with Naked Leather. I wont buy anything but naked leather from now on. Its very thick and supple. The quality is superior to the triumph jackets I tried on in the dealership. Requires no oil to be added to the jacket since the leather still has all of its natural oils. The brown leather wears really nice too for a classic look on my triumph!

ivar

LIJ,
have you checked out the "Halvarsson" line of leathers? I really like their "classic" stuff, like the BC Master, BC Iron etc. When I was looking at those side-by-side with the Triumph jackets at a dealer in Norway, the Halvarsson stuff appeared to be of thicker and better quality leather. (Even though some of the Triumph jackets were very cool looking)

Myself I got a 2-pc suit in goat nappa, made for Yamaha in Sweden by "Cockpit Clothing Company" , decent stuff at a good price. And this year I bought a more classic looking jacket (in cowhide) that I can wear also when not riding.


As for the leather quality of cow vs other species, I've heard that kangaroo hide is very tough - but pricey, and mostly used for gloves. Goat is tougher than cowhide of similar thickness - but cowhide used in riding gear is usually thicker.

Also I'd say quality of the zippers, seams and the actual quality of the leather used , is much more important than what kinda animal it is from.
Myself I prefer cowhide before goat, but that has to do with the more "substantial" - and at the same time, softer feel.

KingBear

You can file Schott under the category of "The Good Stuff." Great heritage, classic styles, top quality materials, and American made. Not cheap but not outrageously expensive either. The 141 even comes in extra portly sizes for guys like me.

ramble59

I found for durability that a horse hide is extremely durable. I have a 1940’s horsehide ridding jacket for colder days, but the down-fall is horsehide is considerably stiffer.

For the warmer days I have my grandfather cowhide ridding jacket from the late 60’s, it is old Wilson leather and I would definitely say it durable, not like the new Wilson leather.

Although I’m in the market for a textile jacket with vents because summer is on the rise and its going be a hot one, and I don’t ride in t-shirt, shorts and sandals.

Normandy

+1 on the horse hide. Half of the leather on my bike is horse hide and some of the pieces came from my caged america and are over five years old now.

Ganson

I have a Triumph Curzon jacket in 1mm cowhide. Very comfortable, lightweight, and has all the needed armor pockets. I feel you can get away with thinner/lighter leather jackets by adding in a little armor to supplement (especially since most armor inserts are lightweight, and hardly noticeable while worn).

On that same note, FoxCreek Leathers makes some outstanding clothing, and will custome tailor for any size. Thier prices are very reasonable, generaly costing little more than major name brand gear from the likes of Triumph and HD. I plan on picking up some gear from them in the near future.

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