History of the "Cafe Racer" jacket.

[Peacoat]

I agree just a little rub about the footwear

Yes, typically the threads start out as "Footwear (or whatever) to go with our leather jackets." Then the jackets are mostly forgotten and only footwear is discussed. But those threads do seem to get a lot more play in Outerwear than they would in the appropriate section, usually General Attire.

 

[Marc mndt]

In the 1956 catalog, Beck called it their 'Leather Racing Shirt'

Some pics of mine

 

[lina]

In the 1956 catalog, Beck called it their 'Leather Racing Shirt'

Some pics of mine

View attachment 390842 View attachment 390838 View attachment 390840 View attachment 390841

Perfect!

 

[Monitor]

Schott, Beck and Bates; Best CR's around. But Kehoe is there, too.

 

[lina]

Schott, Beck and Bates; Best CR's around. But Kehoe is there, too.

Yeah, I’d put Kehoe in the top tier.

 

[lina]

My Kehoe:

 

[jonesy86]

My Kehoe:

View attachment 391009

That one is definitely top tier.

 

[Superfluous]

I briefly owned a Beck 666. It has a unique fit. Did not work for me. Others here have had similar experiences. When it fits right its a great jacket.

 

[Marc mndt]

I briefly owned a Beck 666. It has a unique fit. Did not work for me. Others here have had similar experiences. When it fits right its a great jacket.

Why didn't it work? How would you describe the unique fit?

This Beck is a 38 so it's too small for me and I can't try it on. But I do own the Schott 654 in a size 42 which is the exact same jacket (apart from the angle of the chest pockets).

I would describe the fit as being very 'upright'. It doesn't curve along with the body. This shows best at the back where the collar doesn't touch the neck.

 

[handymike]

Wait, your Beck is a 38?!?

 

[Rich22]

Can we go back to calling them Racing/Racer Jackets now? Cafe Racer is such an UGLY name for a cool jacket, and it is neither the original name, nor does it make any coherent sense.

 

[Nykwil]

Can we go back to calling them Racing/Racer Jackets now? Cafe Racer is such an UGLY name for a cool jacket, and it is neither the original name, nor does it make any coherent sense.

I've been referring to my RMC J100 as a 1950s/60s leather racing shirt to anyone who asks.

 

[TooManyHatsOnlyOneHead]

Schott, Beck and Bates; Best CR's around. But Kehoe is there, too.

Cal 6 panel padded??? never tried one on, but grail jacket for me. J100 deserves a spot. It's too iconic not to be. Brooks from the front might be my number 1 LOL. But I got no issues with your list either. All solid all around.

 

[Marc mndt]

Late 50s / early 60s Harley Davidson 'one pocket' Sportster.

THE perfect racing shirt imo.

 

[AeroFan_07]

^^ Just amazing photography there.
Makes me want to throw my Marco lens on my DSLR and, well....

 

[Marc mndt]

^^ Just amazing photography there.
Makes me want to throw my Marco lens on my DSLR and, well....

I'd wish I had a fancy DSLR. These were taken with my iPhone 14 pro.

 

[Damon141]

Late 50s / early 60s Harley Davidson 'one pocket' Sportster.

View attachment 519106 View attachment 519107 View attachment 519108 View attachment 519109 View attachment 519110 View attachment 519111 View attachment 519112 View attachment 519113 View attachment 519114 View attachment 519105
THE perfect racing shirt imo.

Just as perfect as the J100. I really think anyone in the market for one of these and couldn't find a vintage version. They could have Fields leather take off a pocket on the newer versions he has posted to Instagram and you have a similar one.

To be extra detailed you could still find these original zippers and look at Marc's photos for small details that might need adjustment to more closely resemble an HD.

 

[lina]

Just as perfect as the J100. I really think anyone in the market for one of these and couldn't find a vintage version. They could have Fields leather take off a pocket on the newer versions he has posted to Instagram and you have a similar one.

To be extra detailed you could still find these original zippers and look at Marc's photos for small details that might need adjustment to more closely resemble an HD.

These are classic for sure. Still more than a few floating around actually. Though I think many have ended up in the closet of @technovox !

 

[Nacho]

Late 50s / early 60s Harley Davidson 'one pocket' Sportster.

View attachment 519106 View attachment 519107 View attachment 519108 View attachment 519109 View attachment 519110 View attachment 519111 View attachment 519112 View attachment 519113 View attachment 519114 View attachment 519105
THE perfect racing shirt imo.

Sorry for an off-topic question guys but I see that your jacket has a Gripper Zipper slider, Marc. Do you happen to know who produced these sliders? I was trying to identify the maker of a MC jacket of mine and it has the same brand as yours.

Thanks in advance, Marc.

 

[jonbuilder]

Nice one Marc Good condition details and fit. Real keeper
If you ever get bored with it let me know