Cycle Leather

Leather motorcycle jackets, pants, vests, chaps and gloves are a trademark style for many motorcyclists. They don’t just wear these leathers to make a fashionable appearance, they wear them for comfort and protection as well.

Well folks, as reluctant as winter seems to give up it’s hold on us, the fact is that spring is now just around the corner.  That means we get to move from bitter cold snowy weather to weeks (or possibly months) of damp, chilly, rainy weather. 

My favorite rain gear for spring is a good, long leather duster, and a leather hat.  These long leather coats are so versatile; give them a coat of a quality leather water repellent product like Pecard Waterproof Dressing, and you have a really sharp looking all-weather coat that will put your standard raincoat to shame. 

Personally, I favor one made from buffalo hide, since it is tougher and more durable than cowhide, yet softer and more supple at the same time. 

Some models also include a removable cape across the shoulders which sheds rain and weather away from the shoulder and neck seams, increasing the weatherproof integrity of the coat.  Many also feature removable liners to make them cooler to wear in warmer climates or during summer rains.

This is one of the most unbelievable motorcycle designs I have ever even heard of... 

It’s motorcycle with a 48-cylinder, 4200cc engine made from 6 sets of 8 “s1/kh250″ cylinders bolted onto cut-up casings with a built-up 8-cylinder crank, gear linked and driven through a BMW gearbox, and an ignition system centered around 6, 8-cylinder Jaguar distributors.

To be honest I’m not really even sure what all of that means.  But it took him almost three years to build it and apparently he had to overcome some huge obstacles in the process (who woulda’ thought?).  It takes a small (75cc) “donkey” engine, under the seat, just to get it started.

And in case you’re wondering, you’re gonna need a lot more than just a leather motorcycle jacket for protection when you ride this beast.  The engine and box alone weigh just over a ton!  If it just falls over on you, you’re dead!

With regard to the previous article: I wonder how much EMF/ELF radiation this puppy emits??

If you thought that donning a leather motorcycle jacket and maybe some leather chaps and a helmet were all the protection you would ever need while cruising the highways on your motorcycle, think again…

A Canadian inventor has been granted a patent, by the UK, for an Electromagnetically shielded motorcycle seat.  Apparently, tests have shown that motorcycles generate massive amounts of EMF (ElectroMagnetic Field) and ELF (Extremely Low Frequency) radiation, which can penetrate through the motorcycles seat and into the riders groin and torso.   Some studies have indicated that extensive, long-term exposure to these types of radiation may be linked to numerous health problems including cancer. 

The inventor claims that steel or even lead are not sufficient to shield riders from this hazardous exposure, but the highly processed materials in his patented design can.

Should you be concerned?  Click here to read the complete article and decide for yourself.

Here is another exceedingly cool eco-friendly idea…  Wooden Scooters!!

A Portuguese craftsman, named Carlos Alberto, made this beautifully crafted Classic-style Vespa recreation.  Using an actual vespa which had fallen into disrepair as inspiration, he crafted a new curvy body for the scooter using long-tested woodworking techniques.  The backbone of the bike is crafted from steam-bent and plastic coated veneers from which the other carven wood body parts are suspended.  Even the seat and cargo tray are made of wood.

Sporting a nice brown leather motorcycle jacket or scooter jacket you would truly look ‘as one with the machine’ and nature. 

View more details about this unique scooter by clicking here.

Have you noticed the increasing numbers of Women’s Motorcycle Clubs and Female Motorcycle Rallies across the country?   Wow, I can remember back in ‘97 when women motorcyclists weren’t even a blip on the radar screens of manufacturers and marketers. 

But now, we have our own events, our own clubs, even manufacturers making products targeted just at us.  I’m not just talking’ about pink leather jackets and chaps, although I do have one and love it. 

I’m talking about bonifide women’s motorcycle boots, women’s motorcycle helmets, and cycle manufacturers actually taking notice of and offering options that women want, like more comfortable seats, more attractive paint color options,  and more low-ride models in styles that women will buy.  Some of us girls have shorter legs than you guys. 

It’s great to see the motorcycling world finally taking us ladies seriously, ’cause guess what guy’s?  We’re here to stay! 

Ok, this bike is sooo incredible Hot!!  I want it!  As soon as someone actually builds it…

It was conceptualized by Israeli designer Amir Glinik using existing Ferrari parts and technology. 

Designed around the theoretical modification of the Ferrari Enzo V-12 engine chopped down to just 4-cylinders, modified to drive just one wheel and stuffed into a motorcycle frame.  The design is completed by a super-sleek chassis, F-16 style controls for steering, and tank-top touch-screen to tell you what’s going on under all that fiberglass.

Hey! A girl can dream right?   Just think how sweet it would look with the pink leather jacket and pink chaps I already have 

The image that usually comes to mind when you think of chaps is a guy on a motorcycle, tooling down the road on his bike.  But chaps also serve a very important role in the workplace.  Many forest workers, welders, construction workers, and ranch workers wear leather chaps to protect their legs from the hazards of their jobs.

 Usually these are of a similar design to the brown leather chaps pictured here.  Most are made from full-grain cowhide or buffalo leather for extra toughness.  They are cut-resistant, puncture-resistant, abrasion-resistant, naturally fire-retardant, and will take an unbelievable amount of abuse before needing to be replaced (as opposed to the skin on your legs). 

The man, the machine and the jacket.  This is the vision that comes to mind when we think of brown leather motorcycle jackets. The jacket has always been considered an accessory to the motorcycle.  It invokes such a masculine undertone even though we are aware the women also wear leather jackets.

Leather jackets need to be taken care of.  Always check for the manufacturer’s instructions before cleaning.  Because it is made of natural tanned leather, a little wiping with a damp cloth moistened with a 50% vinegar and water solution, and occasional spot cleaning with a commercial leather cleaner/conditioner will keep it looking great.  A leather cream applied twice a year will protect it from scratches.  Don’t let it dry out and it will give you years of wear.

Remember OJ Simpson and the supposedly derogatory piece of evidence that helped to acquit him?  It was a pair of leather gloves that seemed too tight for Simpson to put on easily.  After that trial, the leather gloves introduced yet another facet of Simpson’s character.  Setting aside this little incident of the leather gloves, we take note of the many uses of this clothing accessory.

Gloves are commonly used in sporting events like baseball, cycling and football.  They provide protection to the construction worker and is part of the regular uniform of the police officer.  Women and men alike wear leather gloves to add chic to their attire and at the same time ward off the cold.

Modern techniques produce leather in different colors and textures that are even more appealing to women.