[68grandprix]

I'm looking for a good leather jacket for riding. I really like the shorter, straight or slim fit style with no collar. One I have been looking at is the Icon retro Daytona. I like everything about it except the "poseur patches" and the price ($450). I did find it on Ebay for under $300, but I'm wondering how they can be so much cheaper.
I was also thinking I might like to get a jacket that had a zipper on the bottom, for attaching to leather pants, for whenever I finally decide to start racing, but I guess that I can get a full set of leathers when that time comes. I'm not opposed to a used jacket, as long as it's good quality and looks good. Any suggestions (or anyone have a cool old jacket they want to sell, I'm 6'2", 42" chest)? Thanks, Jimmy

 

[krapfever]

Vanson, dude. They're the best. Google 'em.

Honda go sideways!

 

[joe c]

vanson. 450 is cheap as far as good jackets go. i think my custom vanson was something like 800 with all the crap. zips to pants too. its a really nice jacket though.

jc

 

[Quicklimegirl]

When I was teaching my Nephew how to ride last year, the first thing I did was buy him a jacket as a holiday present (he had to buy the rest of his gear). He's a really slim guy, and the Teknic Chicane fit really good and it's a nice looking jacket too. He had one slow-speed crash and the jacket provided excellent protection, no damage to him or it. It think I paid $275.00 on sale-bike show price, regularly about $350.

 

[chetriply]

The Icon stuff is high quality for the price. I have two and love them. I also have a Vanson that's awesome but if you don't want to spend the cash, the Icon is a great choice.

 

[robertob]

My wife got me a Vanson for christmas, it was about $500, and it is amazing and worth every penny. There is a cheaper one that they just came out with, I think it's called the "drifter" and it's less than $400. It has armor and everything but it's made in China or Pakistan. The patches are even black instead of yellow.

 

[joe c]

im not saying there arent as good jackets out there. i like the icon stuff too. i really like the alpine stars stuff. the only reason i got the vanson is cuz i had a connection there. ive crashed it several times, and you can hardly tell from 10" away. the stitching on the velcro closure has come apart. really annoying. the jacket is about 9 years old though. so...i cant complain. as far as im concerned, wearing a vanson is like riding an mv. one of the best, but also one of the most expensive. but worth every penny. its just good not everyone can afford one.

jc