Modern and stylish bikers prefer to wear motorcycle leather gears over other fabrics. Obviously, leather has 2 basic characteristics - classic and durable. The classic leather motorcycle jackets was an iconic symbol of status and elegance for most bikers. Its long lasting mystique is associated with Hollywood celebrities and movies since the early 1900s and continues to be the top of the line in the leather goods industry.
Leather is a robust and sturdy material for the toughest and most rugged bikers. Men and women motorcyclists have a strong preference for leather because it can serve its purpose for a decade or a little less. Durability and strength are undeniably the main features of motorcycle leather gears. Hence, leather is the choice for many motorcycle gear manufacturers and bikers. Besides, leather is an expression of style and elegance.
History of Motorcycle Leather Jackets
Historically, motorcycles and the Black leather jackets (the forerunner of today's motorcycle leather jackets) were akin with each other. A black leather jacket isn't that appealing without the motorcycle and viseversa . These two were inseparables and back in early 1900s, the tandem was about adventure and speed. The early jackets of the 1920s to the 1930s were short, fitted waist from goatskin, used by aviators and the Army Air Corp before WWII. The horse hides also were a plenty because horses were the farmers' daily animals, along with the Army Cavaliers.
The common style then was buttoned front coat, both for the goatskin and horse hide leather jackets. At the turn of 1954, the motorcycle leather jacket took the center stage when Hollywood celebrity Marlon Brando had a leather jacket on, aboard the much publicized 1950 TriumphThunderbird 6T in a movie. The motorcycle leather jacket evolved. Since then, rockers, greasers, metal heads and punks joined the bandwagon of the black leather motorcycle jacket, including the deviant rebels.
The Evolution of Motorcycle Leather Gears
The modern bikers are tougher and daring. The rugged terrains are challenges they would want to conquer. With the rough riding habits, motorcycle leather jackets were innovated. Protective armours on the elbows and shoulders are incorporated to secure these critical parts of the rider. With the plethora of designs, motorcycle jackets are iconic and functional.
Besides the helmet, which has always been the longest running protective gear, leather vests became good alternatives to motorcycle jackets. The downside of motorcycle leather jackets paved the way for the introduction of motorcycle vests. The vests are perfect apparels during the summers. The main feature of motorcycle vests are the multitude of pockets for the convenience of carrying personal items.
With increasing number of women motorcyclists, the leather chaps were reinvented. The cowboys were the biggest users of leather chaps. Riding the motorcycle is not without risks, just like the cowboy on a horse. Bad falls are inevitable. Hence, leather chaps are great gears to protect the legs.
And last but not the least are the leather boots which are designed for ankle and feet protection against injuries caused by a motorcycle fall.
Motorcycle leather gears are admittedly expensive. But with the risky encounters on the road, protection is a must. Motorcycle leather gears are the best bet to outperform other textiles.
Author Resource:
Kirk East is the author of this article on motorcycle vests .
Kirk East is the author of this article on Leather chaps .