recommended cafe racer jackets

[IXL]

I usually hear this piece of leather referred to as a "gusset," and in addition to what has been referenced above, the presence of one will allow the wearer to unzip the sleeve and not have a gaping split for the length of the zipper flapping about.
If unzipped while riding, and wearing non-gauntlet styled gloves, the larger sleeve opening affords air a chance to run up the arms. This can have quite a cooling effect in warmer weather.

 

[Edward]

The gussetting definitely has a practical purpose. Interestingly, I've noted its absence on many more modern riding jackets; perhaps that's because nowadays modern riders tend to wear these exclusively for riding in cooler weather, and have different jackets for the heat? More purpose-built mc clothing, less repurposing of utility jackets (even if redesigned into an MC style). I've been tempted to have something like a Bootlegger made with zips in the sleeves and no gussetting for Summer wear, but it wouldn't be for riding, and I'd wear it with the sleeves zipped (less material round the wrists to keep the heat down just a touch).

This thread almost has me tempted to look into a lightish cafe racer (goat or some such) in black for Summer wear. not a style I warmed to before, though.... I'm also oddly tempted by this:

Silverman's own GTH house-brand; GBP160. (As compared to GBP800 for the equivalent Belstaff!). I should have a look at one as it's possible that at that price it's a cheap jacket rather than a bargain, and it could put me off. That said, I'm also worried I might just find it's not bad at all and buy the damn thing..... It's another design I didn't care for in leather for a long time, but am currently finding oddly appealing....