1930's German bike jacket

[John Lever]

Here in America Radjacke translates to "John's Badass Jacket". Very nice
That's just what I hoped when I named it !
It's exactly the same leather as the first one. Vintage hh is fqhh.

I think I may be falling out of love with sheepskin. Could be horse from now on...

 

[zoomer]

John, this Jacke is beyond Rad. It is freaking phenomenal.

Now you need one of these. BMW R2. Set a world speed record of 153mph in 1936.

I guess you can be trusted with the front wheel...

 

[deeb7]

That's brilliant, John ... small changes, BIG difference.

Now it has the look.

And although Google Translate declined, Babel Fish translated Radjacke as Wheel Jacket ..... perfect.

 

[les_garten]

John, this Jacke is beyond Rad. It is freaking phenomenal.

Now you need one of these. BMW R2. Set a world speed record of 153mph in 1936.

I guess you can be trusted with the front wheel...

That R2 is Sweeeett!! Man, 153 mph!! Un believe able!!

 

[zoomer]

Of course, that was the supercharged competition model. The production R2 put out 8 hp and could do about 60mph (100kph).

It was a very popular bike in prewar Germany, where its small engine meant it didn't even need a license. But it's very rare today. All were confiscated for the war effort as courier bikes and most ridden right into the scrap heap.

 

[Tommer45]

It's exactly the same leather as the first one. Vintage hh is fqhh.

I didn't realize the first jacket was also made with the vintage stuff.

Again, really nice jacket.

Tommer

 

[John Lever]

 

[Falcon_52]

Hi John...I forgot to ask - are the cuffs just leather with buttons or is there a hidden wool knit inside the sleeve underneath the cuffs?

Noel

 

[John Lever]

No just leather. Thinking of getting one ? I know you have impeccable taste. If you do, ask for a second lower waste belt so it can be tightened right up. The Vintage fqhh is amazing [ thanks Van]
The B-1 should be brilliant.

 

[duke]

what happened to the first jacket?

 

[deeb7]

what happened to the first jacket?

Now that Aero have it back, eventually it should turn up here ...

http://www.aeroleatherclothing.com/weba ... 0&ifrom=11

 

[John Lever]

what happened to the first jacket?

It's at Aero.

 

[MikeyB-17]

Outstanding jacket, John. Must be very cool to get to name it. You must be pleased with it, you're actually smiling in one of those photos!

 

[siddhartha]

Fantastic result, and one I'd consider purchasing in the future-thanks for the great post, John

Chris

 

[Clyde from Carolina]

Great looking jacket, great post!

 

[John Lever]

Thanks for that. Yes I do smile sometimes, but not very often !
As others have suggested[Hats], the design may lend itself to a softer but not necessarily thinner hide. John's Cape comes to mind here.
I find that I am wearing this jacket every time I go out particularly If I am driving as the short cut means it's comfortable to wear while seated.
A friend asked me ' when are you getting the other half ?'
Now I know it's the right length !

 

[srivats]

Fantastic jacket, JL. I love the way you've worn it in the above pic. Kudos to Aero.

 

[asiamiles]

Congrats John. You are now officially a jacket designer for Aero. What will your next creation be?

 

[mazeta]

That jacket looks awesome on you! Good fit.

It's back !
A completely new jacket that is 3 inches [75 mm] shorter and 2 inches [ 50 mm]tighter around the waist. I also followed Dave's suggestion to take 1 inch [25 mm ] off the sleeves. The alpaca lining is dark chocolate brown, the sleeves are lined with purple satin.
The leather is front quarter Vintage brown horse hide. Buttons are grey brown horn.
I am so pleased now as it's a perfect fit and achieves the exact look I was after. Aero are going to produce this jacket and asked me to name it. So I have called it Radjacke, a shortened version of motorradjacke. I quite like Rad as it's modern sounding and Jack can also be a nick name for John as well as German [jacke]for jacket.
I included the blurred front shot because it gives the truest representation of colour.
otobuc

Aero have been amazing throughout this process. In these days of hardship it says a great deal about a company that gives this level of service and product quality.
A big thanks to Amanda, Will and Moira Johnstone who made the jacket.

 

[John Lever]

Congrats John. You are now officially a jacket designer for Aero. What will your next creation be?

Well...
They are revamping the Irvin with a better arm shape from a pattern I sent to them, and I also hope they will make a B-1 from Vintage hh for me.
There's another 30's jacket from the USA that I like. Button front , with front patch pockets with button flaps -

The collar is similar to an A-1. Recognise the cuffs ?