Nostalgia is a powerful thing. It can make us want to go back to the way things once were, but so often we are let down when we try to go back. Our memories are far more grandiose than the actual thing that we are trying to get back to. This happens all of the time in the motorcycle industry, especially with apparel. For the most part, there is a reason that the motorcycle gear of today is far different than that of our grandfather’s. Production technology and the materials used have greatly improved over the years, which has changed the way our gear looks and feels. But that doesn’t mean that we still long for the styles of the past and there are a few brands that are able to produce worthwhile products with the heritage styling we want.
Roland Sands Design is one of those few brands that accomplish just that. Just like the bikes that Roland builds, the RSD gear combines timeless heritage styling with modern technologies. The result is unparalleled style with complete functionality on and off of the bike. Every piece is destined to become an heirloom piece that you can pass down to your children when they get the itch to ride.
This year, after the amazing success of jackets like the Ronin and Enzo, RSD is expanding their line to include a few new and very distinct leather motorcycle jackets. They are the Clash, City and the womens motorcycle jacket, the Oxford.
Clash Leather Motorcycle Jacket
This is the jacket that all of the Rockers from London wished they had as they were first getting their café racers to hit the ton. This retro inspired jacket somehow combines the flashy elements of a show piece with enough subtleties that allow you to wear it just about anywhere. The Clash is the perfect jacket to wear on your café racer or any bike for that matter. But make no mistake, it is more than something pretty to look at. It is built to ride.
The Clash is built with RSD’s Limited Airborne hand finished, washed and waxed top grain cowhide. The leather is not painted. This allows for all of the characteristics of the leather to show through and ensures that no two jackets will be completely the same. The waxing of the leather will make it age nicely and also make it water repellent, though you don’t really want to get caught in the rain. The jacket is armor ready to keep you protected on those ton up rides.
As mentioned above, this jacket is built to ride with the aggressive fit and pre-curved arms. It is perfect for getting into the tuck on your café. But we all know that this jacket is a killer in the style department as well. The asymmetrical front zip and snap collar screams Rocker style and so do the riveted elbows. The quilted accents give the jacket a remarkable amount of detail that you would be hard pressed to find on another riding jacket. You can go with the more subdued styling with the black or just absolutely go for it with the Oxblood red jacket. Either way, you’ll be turning heads as you cruise by with the Clash leather jacket on.
City Leather Motorcycle Jacket
The loud Rocker style isn’t for everyone. Your nostalgia might bring about images of the more classic styling of motorcycle jackets. Something that could be worn every day, everywhere. For that, RSD designed the City jacket that is at home on your cruiser or going out on the town. There is nothing over-the-top about this jacket. It is just plain and simple one of the stunning and comfortable jackets that you will ever wear.
The City jacket is built with a different RSD leather called Rifle leather, which is pre-oiled. The Rifle leather will make it water repellent and also make your jacket smell of the leather that you remember from your childhood. RSD went with a more classic fit with the City. It is a little less aggressive than the Clash, but will still fit well in the upright and ¾ tuck positions with the pre-curved arms and dropped back length. This jacket is also armor ready.
Guys looking for a premium leather jacket with subtle styling need to check out the City jacket. It’s a jacket that will look good on riders of all ages. The jacket is available in either Black or Tobacco, both of which are pleasing to the eye. The collar is something not seen too often on motorcycle jackets, but it definitely works on the City, whether it’s worn up or down.
Oxford Leather Motorcycle Jacket
RSD didn’t forget about the ladies. The Oxford is the newest addition to the womens leather motorcycle jacket line. High quality womens leather motorcycle jacket can be slim pickings. They usually fall on one of two sides- 1. Functional, but not very appealing or 2. With runway looks but not worthy of being on a bike. The RSD Oxford fits both categories. You won’t want to ever take this jacket off not only because it will keep you protected and comfortable, but also because it looks like a designer jacket.
The feel of the Oxford jacket is a huge selling point. RSD uses their extremely supple Blackstone top grain cowhide. It is also coated for extra durability and to be water repellent. To keep with the excellent feel of the jacket is the Satin poly lining on the inside that is something that sets RSD jackets apart from the competition. The fit is classic for more room and ease of movement, but can be cinched tighter with the waist belt. For added protection, the jacket is armor ready.
The naval peacoat styling of the Oxford gives the jacket a little extra length. The RSD buckle and belt allow you to cinch it up so it doesn’t flap in the wind. RSD skillfully added detail with the quilted blocks, especially on the right shoulder, which creates a shooting patch-like area. Available in either Black or Clay, the Oxford is a stunning and functional leather motorcycle jacket for any woman.
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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