New Jacket time

[Neil955i]

I've been running on old textile (Cordura) Dainese jackets for a few years now and decided that it might be nice to put a reasonably priced leather jacket into the mix.  I picked a brown leather so that without the armour I could wear it out to social occasions if the need ever arises.  After a fair bit of research I dropped on one made by DXR which I liked the look of.  Now if, like me, you've never heard of them, I can do no better than quote the supplying shop's blurb about them:

"DXR is the new kid on the block in France, where it has stormed the country and made a big impact on more established players. Its range of clothing displays an attitude of offering exceptional value for money, with a range of leather and textile clothing that mixes French style with high-performance materials. Add in specific clothing for women, as well as important additions like base layers, and it shows that DXR is now set to make a big splash outside its own country as well."

So if they're up against Furygan and the like on their home turf, then I have high hopes quality-wise. 

I bought the Blacksmith jacket (https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/442915) and I should mention this is the first new leather bike jacket I've bought for 30-odd years!  I'd forgotten how stiff they are when new and the smell of new leather!  It's gonna take some breaking in, but I love the fit and the reassuring thickness of the leather combined with the armour at shoulders, elbows and back.  It also has a removable thermal liner so should be good for three seasons at least.

I plan to wear this exclusively for the next few months, so as I put some miles on it I'll report back here how things go.

[Stig / Major Tom]

Very nice!
I'd leave in the armored pads while at social engagements!....you'd look like Thor through the shoulders~!

100% leather is too hot for all but coldest days here. I too wanted to treat myself with leather - so went with the "perfed" panels on an ICON which has heavy leather in all the "likely contact" areas!


Is your jacket heavy? Mine weighs a ton...and this moster size comes only in black (So I wear my "POLITE" hi-viz vest w/it)- took it to a cobbler to get the zipper replaced a couple years ago.  He remarked, "da_n, that's a heavy jacket!"

Consequently, I feel very armored in it!

Well done!

Stig

[Iahawk]

Neil, that looks like a very nice, comfortable jacket!  Doesn't look stiff at all in the pics, looks buttery smooth!

Stig - I 've always liked the idea of the hybrid leather / mesh jackets. Leather in the  'slide' areas and mesh elsewhere. I don't see a lot of those available..or maybe I've only looked for ones that weren't all black...or ones that didn't cost over $500 USD!?

Here's my new jacket find...at a vintage (used) clothing shop in Minneapolis (modeled by my 12 yr old). I'll look just like Marlon Brando in The Wild One riding my scooter! Won't the Harley guys love that..haha.

I have a Bohn Armor underlayer shirt with all the armor I can wear under it...but it'll have to wait for colder weather as the jacket is thick and lined for winter use.

[Neil955i]

Is your jacket heavy? Mine weighs a ton...and this moster size comes only in black (So I wear my "POLITE" hi-viz vest w/it)- took it to a cobbler to get the zipper replaced a couple years ago.  He remarked, "da_n, that's a heavy jacket!"

Stig

Is it heavy?  Too right it is!  I'd say some 5x heavier than my Cordura jackets at a guess.  As you say, you feel well protected.  I'll let you know if it feels too hot for a UK summer.

[Neil955i]

Well I can assure you it IS stiff Hawk    I seem to recall they soften up once worn for a few thousand miles.  I'll be treating it to some leather wax in an effort to speed up that process.  Your lass looks cute smothered in that jacket!  Here's mine being taken off to work this morning.

[randyo]

I have always wanted to take a ride down to Vanson, get measured up and spend the cake on a nice jacket & pants, but my waistline says no at this time

[Neil955i]

I have always wanted to take a ride down to Vanson, get measured up and spend the cake on a nice jacket & pants, but my waistline says no at this time

Know what you mean, this jacket alone has probably done for a whole cow!

[Neil955i]

First Report:  Temperatures have dropped a little (to just <20c) so I thought I'd give the jacket its first outing in anger.  Did about 25 miles and have come to two quick conclusions:

1.  18C is still too hot to wear this jacket - I'm melting!  Maybe I should have removed the liner?  Lol... and

2.  25 miles?  I reckon it's going to take about a 1,000 miles to break the leather in.  Return journey was a little better, but new leathers really are stiff and inflexible.  I'm looking forward to the day when it slips on like a comfy old pair of slippers...

Feels reassuringly thick though, I imagine if ever I do need its protective qualities, it shouldn't be found wanting.