I have ask several folks about leather vest, but never got a satisfactery answer which made me want to buy one. I don't wear things just because folks are wearing things... or they tend to be popular. I just never got it... but know I do. Here is an answer that i found on Yahoo Answers about Leather vest:

https://answers.yahoo.com/question/index ... 550AAVif6r

Cowboys wore vests long before bikes were invented. I guess a jacket would have made more sense as well, but actually a vest does help keep you warm while not restricting your arm movement. The vest helps keep your core temperature up, which allows your body to divert blood flow to your extremities, keeping them warm. Try one and you'll know what I mean.

As far as bikers go, if you've ever done any long distance cold weather riding (as in winter, below freezing temps), you know that wearing layers is necessary for keeping warm. When you get very many layers on that have sleeves, it's very difficult to bend your elbows, which makes your shoulders ache

I've had leather vests since I got my MC. In the hot weather it's an extra layer of protection for my back and covers my shoulders. I wear it as a protective garment in hot weather. I also use it for the in between temps. Some mornings are cooler and a jacket is needed but as the afternoon warms a shirt is too little and a jacket is too much - the vest is just right to keep some heat in but let the arms cool. I don't have any patches on any of my gear. I like the clean look and its easier to keep clean after a bug splashes all over.

I just upgraded mine and finally had my leather-smith freind Mal make me one. It is the sh*t! Its 2 tone black with brown panels and a leather Polish Eagle on the shoulders. Measured personally for my height,weight and girth.I'll get a photo of it soon. Always wanted him to make me one for years. I've known him 30 years. Glad I finally pulled the trigger. It is one of a kind and super slick. I'm not putting any crap on it. I'm at work and I'm wearing it right now.

There is NOTHING like custom made - especially when it's tailored to your personal tastes - Wear it in good health - I hope you get many years of service and enjoyment from it.

I remember you mentioning you were going to get him to make one. Does he still make them for the general public? Lil Joes is touted as SOA vest now. I would like to get an American made leather vest, that fits right. Do yall have any recomendations?



I never got one because I never got the purpose and didn't want to seem ignorant and ask . When it's cold I wear a shirt, long sleeve shirt, sometimes a light jacket, plus my leather jacket. It's warm, but it does restrict my movement. The leather vest might be the missing link.

Do you guys like the pockets for your hands?

I have 3 pockets in my vest - 2 small watch type pockets on the front and a breast pocket on the inside over the heart/left side.

The pockets come in handy - I use the outside pockets to hold my keys and earplugs at rest stops and the inside pocket I can stash stuff so it doesn't blow out and get lost.

Sounds nice RK.

I had him build inside gun pocket for a small handgun in this new vest. Preferably for an 1991 Colt Officers .45 ACP.

Hey BI you put that 1911 in your vest pocket you're going to walk lopsided. It's not light especially if you put bullets in it. Just my observation as I have tried something similar.

You may have to carry 2 of them you to keep things in balance.

Colt Officers .45 isn't heavy at all. Its not the full size one. I suppose a 22 magnum 2 shot deringer would be cooler.