I don't disagree with you. But will you be buying a second jacket if you buy one for $400 or 500? My foxcreek in 2010 was $350, now 500. Maybe there are some really cool features about the $8-1000 jckets that I am not aware of.

I do like how foxcreek is now doing leather lined holster pockets. Granted a pocket is about the same. Actually kinda need one if you handgun is smaller than the pocket.

Not crazy about the neck on foxcreeks cafe racer style, where custom would give me a bigger neck hole..

 

There are a few makers that will do custom cafe racer style for not a bunch more than fc. Im not knocking fc by any means, just saying there are options available for close to that price range.

 

That's a really good point and in answer to your question...it really depends.

After I bought the Langlitz I was of the mindset that I would never need to buy another jacket. The fit and workmanship is so great that there would be no reason. Then a brown Schott 125 came along...one that hadn't been manufactured for several years and I had had my eye on that model years earlier but couldn't afford it. It was exactly my size, (although not quite as perfect as the Langlitz), in fantastic, (almost new), shape and most importantly, the price was right...so I bought it. No regrets.

But I think you and I are on the same page...spend the big dough for a jacket like a Langlitz, Schott, Fox Creek, Hillside, etc. and the idea is to not have to do it again. And at this point in my life, barring any unforeseen misadventure with the jackets, I certainly will not be buying any more.

 

it is.. the color was a big reason for me buying. I like it with the blacked out look.

 

Buy American Made. Hillside, Legendary, Foxcreek. Horsehide leather is a little tougher and quite a bit less porous than cowhide (doesn't soak rain anywhere nearly as fast) and is slightly warmer. It *is* stiffer though and takes a good deal longer to break in.

My Legendary jacket ( https://www.legendaryusa.com/Legenda...le-Jacket.html ) though needed no breaking in whatsoever. It's heavy but the leather is butter soft.

Here's the jacket I have now: https://www.hillsideusa.com/Brown-D-...LE_p_1052.html

The reason I went to the horsehide is, my bike is the only transportation I own and I needed a jacket that was even tougher and less porous than my Legendary. The horsehide from Hillside fit the bill. I'd had a horsehide jacket many, many years ago, but lost it during one of my far too many moves (it really bummed me out) and it's how I knew about horsehide being better against the rain and even slightly better against the cold than cowhide.

I gave my Legendary to a young, new-ish rider a week or two ago for nothing as I remember what it was like at that age when I got my first bike and had no money left for even hardly gas after I paid for it, heh. He was completely dumbfounded but grateful and even more grateful that it was made in America (one of the too-few young folk nowadays who actually has pride in our nation!).

 

Unless racing, and going down often, how thick does it need to be?

As far as warmth I use it as windblock. Not sure how much different the R value really is between jackets


I am curious about Hillside, there prices still seem reasonable.

 

Thanks for the reply. Beautiful bike.

 

Good choice!

 

My two cold weather jackets are a Fox Creek Commander which is very warm and a Milwaukee Crazy Horse, which is warm but not quite as much as the Fox Creek. Both excellent quality. The Milwaukee was significantly less money though ($340 less). Both fit well but the Milwaukee seems to fit my body better. The leather is a little thicker on the Fox Creek, 1.6 mm vs 1.4 mm, and you I can feel the weight difference. If it's not too cold I'll always reach for the Milwaukee first. The Milwaukee has vents (2 intake and 2 exhaust in the back) so it really a 3 season jacket..... the Fox Creek I have doesn't have any vents and I don't wear it if the temps are above 60- 65. Both have good quality zip out liners, but the Milwaukee liner is more plush. And both have plenty of pockets. For the money you'll be hard pressed to find a better quality jacket then the Milwaukee.

 

Took a peek in my closet.... I have a leather jacket made by First. Bought at local Indy shop for around $100 back in 2004. Been warm and has worn well. I have since bought a korean version of a textile riding jacket, again back in 2004. Come to find out this is pretty weather proof, Surprising to me that it is warm (with a hoodie underneath) and pretty water proof. Paid $65 for this at a m/c swap meet. Still would like to have a guaranteed" waterproof, windproof high tech jacket for touring. But I have a closet full of stuff and it all works pretty well. But....to the leather jacket.... this is nice and heavy. I have treated with SnoSeal and it is still flexible, soft, and warm. Lots of great names out there, but take a look at some of your indy shops or local sales ads. Good Luck!!