MODEL AR - ORIGINAL VANSON

AR2 FIRE

FIRENZE BLACK MEDIUM WEIGHT

  • Original classic traditional leather motorcycle jacket
  • Design No. 1 Model A Vanson leather jacket
  • Dipped back and kidney panel for secure windtight fit
  • Full length action back
  • Snap-back mandarin collar
  • Brass hardware
  • 1 Interior lining zip-close secure wallet pocket
  • Black rayon lining
  • Full leather inside facings
  • STREAMLINER snaps for streamliner vest attachment
  • 1 Zip-close exterior chest pocket
  • 2 Zip-close exterior hand pockets
  • ID key fob embossed with garment unit-number for reference
  • Built in underarm gusset for enhanced movement
  • Windtight low-bulk zip close sleeves
  • Leather windflap
HAND MADE IN U.S.A. OF DOMESTIC AND/OR IMPORTED MATERIALS
$589.00
Size
Material Color
Quantity

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  • 26.10
  • 35.10
  • 35.20

AR2-Thayer StCreating the first Vanson leather motorcycle jacket back in 1974, as an improved version of a generic bike jacket, inspired us to try new things. So we decided to deconstruct, redesign and refine other styles of riding jackets worn by crusers and Cafe Racers of the day. This is what we ended up doing...


AR2-front-backTo prevent wind from billowing the jacket around the waist, we extended the back until it almost touched the seat of the bike. To give the jacket a snug, wind-tight fit around the torso, we shaped the jackets sides so they would curve over the riders thighs. Then, to keep the jacket from pushing up into the throat while riding, we shortened the front. To increase wind protection without adding bulk and still maintaining a good collar height, we lined the collar with long-lasting rayon. Then, to allow the collar to either be fully sealed or snapped open, without anything loose flapping in the wind, we extended the collar and added snaps. For further wind protection without bulk, we added a full-length, rayon-lined wind flap. Then, by extending the front zipper up to the neckline and capping it with the collar, we eliminated air leaks. We started the zipper a few inches up from the bottom, so the jacket would splay out slightly, increasing comfort for the rider. Next we looked at the reach, and the need to keep the body of the jacket snug, while allowing easy movement with different layers of clothing. So we redesigned the action back with three internal bands of elastic to hold its shape and pull it back into place. We added matching inside pleats to keep the lining floating in the jacket, so as not to impede movement or reach. 1975 ad cardTo reach the bars more easily we biased the sleeves forward at the armholes and added underarm gussets. The wrists got particular attention - as most sleeve ends are fully lined the sleeve ends become bulky when the wrist zippers are closed. So we invented a way to sew the lining around the wrist gusset edges for the unlined wrist gusset to fold away when the wrist zippers are closed. From our many years of repair experience, we knew that anti-wear cuffs inside the sleeves would keep the lining from fraying at points of contact so we created all-leather sleeve ends turned up to prevent wear. Then we folded and shaped the leather into the turned up position so a lining repair or alteration would not leave any visible needle holes. Last but not least, we built the jacket with wide, substantial inside leather facings for anchoring the inside pocket and keeping the lining away from predictable wear points.

So, as you see, much thinking and personal riding experience went into the re-engineering and refinement of our jackets. Thats how you build a jacket that lasts for 40 years... or at least how we do it at Vanson.

Don't worry there won't be a test - at least not for you!



  • SIZES...32..34..36..38..40..42..44..46..48..50..52..54..56..58..60..62
  • Size 42 - Chest measures 46.5 = Normal ease 4.5 inches
  • Back Length 27 Front length 21 Nape of Neck to Wrist 35
  • Bottom circumference sweep is 43 inches.
  • AR2 - the first Vanson jacket.
  • This jacket has a full length action back - and under-arm gusset to provide
  • great movement. The Back is cut longer than the front.
  • N.B. The jacket is cut for longer torsos - on people of less than 5ft.9
  • the jacket may be too long - especially in the front.
  • Download the Fit Chart

BLACK FIRENZE - MEDIUM WEIGHT LEATHER ( 1.2 mm )
Selected skins are gently tumbled for extra softness
and a slight pebble look. Milling brings the grain up
making the natural markings a little more pronounced.
Garments made of this leather will require very little
breaking-in time as the leather is soft and supple right
away.

BLACK FIRENZE - MEDIUM WEIGHT LEATHER ( 1.2 mm )
Selected skins are gently tumbled for extra softness
and a slight pebble look. Milling brings the grain up
making the natural markings a little more pronounced.
Garments made of this leather will require very little
breaking-in time as the leather is soft and supple right
away.

BLACK FIRENZE - MEDIUM WEIGHT LEATHER ( 1.2 mm )
Selected skins are gently tumbled for extra softness
and a slight pebble look. Milling brings the grain up
making the natural markings a little more pronounced.
Garments made of this leather will require very little
breaking-in time as the leather is soft and supple right
away.