So you got yourself a Cafe Racer. You put in the time to make your bike look the part. These stripped down and sleek bikes are minimalist, fitting into the mindset of “less is more.” Having that in mind, your apparel should match your ride if you want to fully engage in the resurgence of this vintage style. Unfortunately, finding the right Cafe Racer jacket can be a tough thing to do. If you buy a genuine vintage jacket from that era, chances are it will be worn, tattered and sun-faded. While that may be the look you want, it most likely will not hold up if you happen to go down. Fortunately, though, more and more motorcycle apparel companies are indulging the fans of this style with their own take on the Café Racer jacket. Here are some brands that get it right.
Icon Chapter Cutter Jacket
With this jacket, you will have the vintage look from the Café Racer era, but with all of the finest modern amenities. The Chapter Cutter is made with the finest Brazilian cowhide giving it an ultra-soft exterior. It features an aniline-dyed natural grain that is waxed by hand. The modern advantages of this jacket are apparent when you look at the armor on the inside. D3O® CE shoulder, elbow and back protectors will keep you safe if you go down doing the ton. Just to ensure that you are wearing a superior jacket, Icon added a funny little patch on the inside that says “Gentleman prefer Icon.”
River Road Hoodlum Vintage
For true vintage styling, River Road has definitely gone the extra mile to nail this one down. The broken-in finish makes this jacket look like you’ve inherited it from a true Café Racer of the past and when you put it on it’ll feel like you’re wearing your favorite pair of jeans. The classic look with the snap closure on the tab makes sure of a secure fit. The Hoodlum will work for you in warm as well as colder temperatures with the removable and insulated liner. Here’s more from River Road.
Alpinestars Womens Vika
We couldn’t forget about the lady Café Racers out there. This jacket from Alpinestars is quite possibly the most fashionable one on the market. The design of this “buttery-soft” jacket is inspired by runway styles of top fashion houses but still provides the necessary protection. The removable CE-certified shoulder and elbow pads are soft and thin to provide a slim look, but once they are involved in a collision they harden to protect the rider.
Do the ton in style by picking up a Cafe Racer jacket that works for you. It’s a sub-genre of motorcycling that demands minimalist design for the bikes and apparel.
He continues to enjoy learning and sharing about powersports with others in his role as a Web Content Analyst and writer for Dennis Kirk, a role he's been in since 2015. You'll find articles written by Ryan that range from product overviews, how-tos, tech tips, lifestyle articles, and more.
When he's not writing about powersports, Ryan is often enjoying them himself. It doesn't matter if the machine has four wheels, two wheels, or a track, he finds enjoyment in it all.
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