Vanson leather....cheap looking
Vanson leather....cheap looking
A buddy of mine were at a BMW shop today(Bob's BMW) and they had some Vanson leahers there. I have only heard good things about Vanson and was really suprised how they looked and felt. They were really stiff and almost shiny, looked like the cheap stuff you pick up at a rally. It definitly was not cheap though, over $500. Does it eventually break in? Has anyone else had the same observation as me? Not trying to bag on anybody with Vanson leathers just curious and sharing my observaton.
RE: Vanson leather....cheap looking
Ive never seen Vanson leathers so I cant really comment on them but Fox Creek leather is the $hit.... www.foxcreek.com
Chris
Chris
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 8,641
Likes: 26
From: Ozark Country
RE: Vanson leather....cheap looking
I don't know about Vanson, but I've owned a number of 'higher end' jackets over the years, and my favorite jacket by far is an old Wilson jacket that I've had for years and years.
It's been constantly mistreated over the years, sun, rain, hail, snow, and still looks about as good as the first day I owned it.. I prefer it over any HD branded jacket that I currently own, or have owned in the past.
But then again, Wilson, Icon and Alpinstar were some of the pioneers of the 'motorcycle jacket business'.
It's been constantly mistreated over the years, sun, rain, hail, snow, and still looks about as good as the first day I owned it.. I prefer it over any HD branded jacket that I currently own, or have owned in the past.
But then again, Wilson, Icon and Alpinstar were some of the pioneers of the 'motorcycle jacket business'.
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 18,303
Likes: 26,540
From: Northwest of Los Angeles
RE: Vanson leather....cheap looking
I know what you mean. I've had a couple of Vanson jackets over the years, but have always ended up selling them after a season or so. Their quality is undeniable (and they do break in eventually), but I found them very uncomfortable off the bike and I never liked their "feel."
That said, my Fox Creek jacket fit like I'd owned it for 20 years on the day I got it, and I'll never sell it.
That said, my Fox Creek jacket fit like I'd owned it for 20 years on the day I got it, and I'll never sell it.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 620
Likes: 2
From: NJ
RE: Vanson leather....cheap looking
Funny you should mention that about Vanson. Just yesterday my wife and I were out riding, and while we were having coffee at a local shop in walks this guy with aVanson jacket. I commented to my wife that nothing looks worsethan a new leather jacket. Geez, maybe it wasn't new.
I've worn Schott bomber jackets for years, my newest and current one is 12 years old. It weighs a ton and wears like iron (except for the cloth pocket inserts, which I've had to replace twice so far, and they're due for another replacement). The only downside is that it's not designed for riding, so it's not vented. I just open up the zipper some when it's hot and I get enough airflow that way. I like the style better than traditional motorcycle jackets, it has elastic cuffs at the ends of the sleeves so nothing can fly up my sleeves (including cold air in winter), and it looks good with bugs on it. And it's made in NYC.
[IMG]local://upfiles/37821/2041F0D799D242ADA153E2771178F410.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/37821/B1BD1878689A4FD8B26E626904D13E9B.jpg[/IMG]
I've worn Schott bomber jackets for years, my newest and current one is 12 years old. It weighs a ton and wears like iron (except for the cloth pocket inserts, which I've had to replace twice so far, and they're due for another replacement). The only downside is that it's not designed for riding, so it's not vented. I just open up the zipper some when it's hot and I get enough airflow that way. I like the style better than traditional motorcycle jackets, it has elastic cuffs at the ends of the sleeves so nothing can fly up my sleeves (including cold air in winter), and it looks good with bugs on it. And it's made in NYC.
[IMG]local://upfiles/37821/2041F0D799D242ADA153E2771178F410.jpg[/IMG]
[IMG]local://upfiles/37821/B1BD1878689A4FD8B26E626904D13E9B.jpg[/IMG]
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 2,424
Likes: 0
From: Hoboken, New Jersey
RE: Vanson leather....cheap looking
Vanson is good....so is Bates or Alpinstar's.....but if you want the real deal good $hit.....check out Fox Creek Leather. They are a bit less money, and a bunch more quality!
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 6,112
Likes: 20
RE: Vanson leather....cheap looking
i,ve worn a vanson now since 87 its been through almost everything u can imagine,wet who knows how many times,snow ,down a couple times saved me some serious road rash.Your supposed to put your own wear on it they all used to come shiney.I have to laugh remembering a friend callin me to tell me he looked everywher for a new leather[this was in 91] said all the shops had looked wore out,and new leathers are supposed to be shiny.
Trending Topics
Advanced
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 72
Likes: 1
From:
RE: Vanson leather....cheap looking
Vanson kicks A$$, they make some of the best leathers around, especially their suits for racning.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Tourer
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 463
Likes: 0
From: Arizona
RE: Vanson leather....cheap looking
Vanson is absolutely one of the best. They make racing leathers. I took my Vanson Model C in to get a snap replaced & the leather guy commented on how it was the thickest & heaviest leather he'd seen in a long time & this guy has seen a lot of leathers over the years. They don't really fit as well when you're off the bike because they are designed for riding not walking. The sleeves are purposely canted forward a litlle to accomodate your position while riding.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 391
Likes: 0
From:
RE: Vanson leather....cheap looking
Vanson is huge with the SportBike scene. I have a Vanson for my medium-weight jacket cause it's thin and light weight. The quality is goodâto good. It still looks brand new and shiny that's the one thing I don't like about it. The leather they use is treated with Teflon to help you slide if you hit the ground. Sounds crazy but I hope I never need to know if it works. The venting system works great through.
