Club Obi Wan

So I had been giving some thought to buying a motorcycle and I thought that getting a Wested would be a great idea for a motorcycle jacket. I had bought a Todd's about a year and a half ago in a Medium size and it just did not fit me right at all and the hide would be too thin for a bike jacket. Are they any suggestions for a hide by wested to go for? And as for a fit by Wested, I normally take a 37 or 38 off the rack and I was wondering if the jacket is true to size or if it is more comparable to Todd's fit.

I know its a lot but any help would be most appreciated.

Thanks!
Adam

Someone tried using an Indy jacket for a motorcycle jacket before, and if I recall, one problem he had was that the jacket billowed out and rode up on him as he rode. Since an Indy jacket has plain cuffs, the wind will blow straight up the sleeves. Also, I think there may have been some issues with proper jacket movement while on the bike. And since the Indy jacket is a shorter jacket anyhow, you won't have the same coverage towards the bottom of your back. While the Indy jacket is a great jacket for normal wear, if you want a motorcycle jacket, I think you may be best off getting a jacket specifically designed for such use, especially when it comes to the safety issue.

I'd spend some time searching the forums, but a quick search came up with these threads:
http://indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?f ... cle+jacket
http://indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?f ... cle+jacket

Thanks so much Rick, i did not think about that. I appreciate it!

Adam

I agree with Bink. The High Yoke causes the jacket to ride up when in a riding position.

But if you're dead set on going for it, I would suggest the Horse Hide, and a couple sizes big, or just custom order with longer body (if not, as you lean forward the back panel will probably ride up past your kidneys) and longer sleeves. The standard cut, when you put your arms straight out in front of you, a lot of times the cuffs will ride up well past your wrists.

When I was at Peter's last year we discussed the idea of an Indy motorcycle jacket - the best solution seemed to be combining the Indy front with a rocketeer back---it may sound crazy but it would make for one cool looking hybrid.

ya that does sound pretty cool nick! Did Peter give any indication if he would pursue a project like that?

Thanks,
Adam

No - it was a discussion that Peter and I had because we were discussing the best way to make a motorcycle Indy jacket that would be practical and we looked at the rocketeer jacket and the Indy jacket and both thought that would be a good hybrid for motorcycling - I am an avid motorcyclist (or was until my accident anyway). I am sure Peter would share his thoughts with you about the likelihood of such a hybrid.

binkmeisterRick wrote:Someone tried using an Indy jacket for a motorcycle jacket before, and if I recall, one problem he had was that the jacket billowed out and rode up on him as he rode. Since an Indy jacket has plain cuffs, the wind will blow straight up the sleeves. Also, I think there may have been some issues with proper jacket movement while on the bike. And since the Indy jacket is a shorter jacket anyhow, you won't have the same coverage towards the bottom of your back. While the Indy jacket is a great jacket for normal wear, if you want a motorcycle jacket, I think you may be best off getting a jacket specifically designed for such use, especially when it comes to the safety issue.

I'd spend some time searching the forums, but a quick search came up with these threads:
http://indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?f ... cle+jacket
http://indygear.com/cow/viewtopic.php?f ... cle+jacket

Bink is absolutely right. Function before fashion my friend. I ride, and there is nothing like a good ol' cafe racer jacket for safety. If you want something with that Indy feel Brooks made some jackets back in the 60's/70's that kinda have that look, but the collar is sadly typical of that period...maybe you could modify it. You can still find them on Ebay from time to time. Brooks jackets are very true to size and I highly recommend them for comfort and safety. Some vintage Schott jackets also have that look, but I've only seen them in black.

If I was going Indy on a motorcycle I would have snaps on the collar to keep it from flapping in my face - I had a jacket that did that to me and it drove me crazy.

The other thing you can do is have a knit cuff inserted up the sleeve a bit so it doesn't show at the wrist. I've seen that solution on some winter jackets. It's nice because it allows room for some good gloves.