Well, I'm wearing my leather jacket to work tomorrow. Kinda pulling it out of the mothballs. That jacket has put me through hell and back. Last December like an idiot, I rode down to Austin in 45 degree rain with just the jacket and bluejeans. Took 3 days to dry it off. Kinda like wearing an old friend.

 

I know what ya mean. My bomber jacket now aproaching 20 years old....
It's like an old friend
Shame the sleeves don't match the stubby bars on my new scoot
Had to buy new leather for this sporty.

 

Mine is about 10 years old. It's lamb skin and showing signs of wear, but very warm. Have my HOG patches mounted on it.

 

I keep my 2 favorite jackets ready to go 'year round'.

I don't 'summerize' them, just like I don't 'winterizer' my bikes.

Heck if I remember how long I've had them, but it's been many years, and if I told you all that they have been through you probably wouldn't believe me..

One of them has a permanent Thinsulate heavier lining, and I use it mainly when the temperatures are in the low 30's or below. The other one has a lighter weight zip-out Thinsulate lining, which I usually leave out. With just the leather and light nylon lining it is good for warmer conditions, when riding in rain, etc...

I don't have any patches/pins on them, as I just wear a vest with backpatch/etc. over the top of them when I'm wearing a jacket.

I treat the leather about once a year, and although nicely broken in these 2 jackets will probably last at least another 20 years. Probably be around long after I am gone.. [8D]

 

Old Fender Guy---what product do you use to treat your jackets?

 

Stuff I've been using for years on all my leather products is the Wilsons Leather Lotion.

It says (right off the container)

Wilsons Suede and Leather Lotion,
Since 1899, Minneapolis, MN
Preserves and cleans all smooth finished leather,
Moisturizes leather to prevent drying and cracking,
Maintains natural leather luster and replenishes natural oils.

Also, on some leather products that see a lot of rain, snow, slush, etc., (boots, vests, jackets, saddlebags, seats), I treat them once a year with the spray on Kiwi Camp Dry 13% silicone heavy duty water repellent. It allows the leather to remain 'breathable' while still giving a water proof barrier.

 

OFG, great looking jackets. Classic, qualitylook.

 

Thanks...

I've had a lot of 'big name' jackets over the years (Harley Davidson, Schott, Brooks, Excelled, etc.), but none of them seem to have the quality, or have held up nearly as well as these old vintage Wilson jackets.

Not sure of the quality of the 'newer jackets' from various manufacturers, as I prefer my old vintage stuff, but back in the day Wilson made some high quality stuff.

But times change, and it seems like most companies are cutting costs (and quality) these days.

I'll stick with the old, highquality leather jackets that were made to last for 30+ years of hard use out in the elements. They arekind of like me, as they only get better with age.....

 

Thanks for the posts guys! I need to go out and buy myself a good leather jacket for riding this winter.

So... is the general consensus that the vintage Wilson jackets are the way to go?

 

Doubt if you will get a 'general consensus' on anything or any product.