Is this Japanese jacket based on an actual vintage design?

[hughesovka]

I believe its a collaboration between two Japanese companies, Toyo and Style Eyes. Its almost like an all leather grizzly turned into a half belt, but it actually has side laces, which you can't really see.

 

[Marc mndt]

I don't think so. Looks like a mashup of different styles. Laces is something I'd expect to see on a motorcycle jacket, which this is not.

 

[ton312]

A vintage inspired piece of pure imagination I suspect. I can’t imagine a worse use of a grizzly jacket than on a motorcycle. I like laces like that on a CHP. Thats where those laces were born and thats where they belong. On a grizzly there should be engraved buckles IMO.

 

[hughesovka]

On a grizzly there should be engraved buckles IMO.

100%

 

[willyto]

That's not a grizzly per se. It's roughout leather or suede and smooth leather.

Weird mix anyway.

 

[Jasonissm]

Style Eyes is a brand underneath the Toyo Enterprise umbrella rather than a collaboration between them. Like how Sugar Cane, Kosho and Co. and Buzz Rickson are all Toyo brands. Probably made in the same factory, but Toyo also has their lower quality leathers under Indian Motorcycle brand that they got the rights for.

 

[navetsea]

maybe the lacing is inspired by old timey sports perhaps when there is still lacing on leather cased inflatable bladder they use as ball.

 

[Marc mndt]

I can’t imagine a worse use of a grizzly jacket than on a motorcycle.

This guy begs to differ.

 

[ton312]

This guy begs to differ.

View attachment 480442

LOL. Looks cool parked, still a horrible riding jacket.

 

[Edward]

LOL. Looks cool parked, still a horrible riding jacket.

It wouldn't surprise me to see it back in those days when folks still rode competitively in wool sweaters; over here, Irvins and Irvin type jackets were commonly worn on motorcycles right up into the Sixties. These days with much more MC PPE available, it wouldn't be my first choice. That said, with the quality of slim underarmour available these days, I wouldn't rule it out. The bigger issue would be that it's probably not the most pleasant thing to wear riding in driving rain...

 

[ton312]

It wouldn't surprise me to see it back in those days when folks still rode competitively in wool sweaters; over here, Irvins and Irvin type jackets were commonly worn on motorcycles right up into the Sixties. These days with much more MC PPE available, it wouldn't be my first choice. That said, with the quality of slim underarmour available these days, I wouldn't rule it out. The bigger issue would be that it's probably not the most pleasant thing to wear riding in driving rain...

Picking bugs and dirt out of mouton probably no picnic either!

 

[Edward]

Picking bugs and dirt out of mouton probably no picnic either!

Ha! No, I imagine it'd be like trying to groom a dog.... (except that jacket wouldn't keep trying to run off while you did it!)

 

[MrProper]

Picking bugs and dirt out of mouton probably no picnic either!

You can boil the jacket after a long ride and get a protein-rich soup. LOL

 

[Edward]

Still want a grizzly, though. I was actually quite tempted by the Cathcart model, but I've yet to hit the magical coincidence of it being available and me having the scratch at the same time.

 

[Canuck Panda]

Not to derail the thread but the Grizzly jacket photo Marc posted above has the wing (unibody) collar which is really cool. Had I seen that pic I would've asked for that on my Aero Grizzlies. Same collar construction as their Speedway. Very pre-war and cooler looking than the regular set in type collar.

 

[Damon141]

Picking bugs and dirt out of mouton probably no picnic either!

I don’t know if anyone else has love bug season where they live, but it’s better just to stay off the bike.

Not my picture, but I can get exactly like this. The acid in their bodies will eat the paint of your bike or car

 

[Marc mndt]

Imagine the bugs on this one lol