What is a good motorcycle-style leather jacket for under $300?
I assume that when you say "Motorcycle Style" then your intention is to look like a badass, and not actually be one.
In terms of style, the most important thing is that you make sure your leather jacket fits snug. Fit is more important than brand. Try one on until it fits comfortably, and then go one size smaller.
Here are some examples of what to look for Leather Jacket Fit
Once you get an idea you can buy one here: Youstars Leather Jacket
They look great with the off-center zipper, vintage look, snug fit, and antiqued zippers.
Just don't try try riding an actual motorcycle with it on. The only thing this jacket will protect you from is your dorky personality.
9 Answers
If you're going for style rather than utility, check out The Gap or Banana Republic. They often have seasonal leather jackets that look good, but they'll run you over $200.
Vanson's Leather has a great selection and they're all hand made in Fall River, MA. You can also go the custom route with them.
I would try and get a Belstaff Tourmaster on ebay, its good engough for riding and banging around town
Vanson is the best 'real' motorcycle jacket they have more styles than you need to see.
so here's a question is this jacket for posing? in which case Wilson will do with their less than $100 stuff. if the jacket is for actually riding a motorcycle - consider that a $100 jacket might look cool - but when you fall off the bike and you will skin grafts cost thousands and they are very painful.
so pose away in a $100 jacket - or for truly outstanding looks and actually riding go to Vanson, or Hein-Gericke, Belstaff used to be top of the line and of course you could always walk into a local motorcycle dealer Harley, Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki, Kawasaki, Triumph, Bmw is probably out of your price range. By going to a dealer you will get some corporate logo which might not fit in well at some tony place
another helpful hint - real leather like from Vanson smells great
a word of caution 'real' leather bike jackets are heavy they weigh a lot because the cowhide is thick to protect you
Wilsons stuff is made for style not function - you asked about bike jackets remeber you get what you pay for sometimes a lot less
i had a Wilson it got stained (dark beer), the zipper broke after not too many uses (and the store was not helpful) and it was out of style within 6 months
i have 3 Vansons the newest one is 8 years old
i have a Hein-Gericke its about 4 years old
I have a BMW its over 10 years old with beemer roundels and its blue & tan
i have a really thin Belstaff that came with padding sewn in i only wear it on the hottest days its a very dedicated bike jacket this one's about 6 years old
when i open my bike jacket closet i smell real leather and memories
DO NOT buy a motorcycle jacket from wilsons leather. That is a bad idea. Frank Nolen above me has the right idea. The bad part about Vanson is that it doesnt come cheaply. Alpinestars, Teknic, and Joe Rocket are good middle of the road companys that wont break the bank. Go to www.newenough.com. They offer reviews and comments about all the motorcycle gear they sell on their website. They also have a bargain basement where you can buy last years models at discounted prices.
DO IT!
A good motorcycle jacket should put function before fashion. It must have the following to protect you in the case of a crash:
- Padding (shoulders, back, elbows)
- Leather or textile material that resists ripping or tearing
- Zippers that are enclosed or protected from being opened when sliding
- Some type of venting, whether perforated mesh or vent pockets
That said, you can definitely find jackets will all of these features for less than $300; and many look great!
I wear a Frank Thomas XTi leather riding jacket that I got on sale for less than $300 from the Web site cyclegear.com: http://www.cyclegear.com/spgm.cfm?L1=5000&L2=2&L3=&L4=&item=FTL_FTL277-BZ-38_G. It retails for a hair above $300, but this site often puts items on sale.
Frank Thomas gear is mostly of decent quality, contains all the safety features you'll need, and is priced well below the more marquee brands like Alpinestars.
check out Wilson's Leather. They have some nice motorcycle jackets from $69 up to several hundred