Creating 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...

To 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. To 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!