Scorpion’s 1909 Classic is the quintessential traditional leather-based bike jacket: refreshingly understated, surprisingly useful, and impervious to fads. Its title is a homage to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, aka “The Brickyard,” which ran its first race in 1909 and has produced numerous racing legends in years since.
The outside shell is manufactured from 1.2-1.4mm hand-distressed top-grain leather-based. As a boon to these of us preferring to not appear to be strolling billboards, the 1909 has just one barely perceptible brand on the suitable sleeve of the outside, leading to a permanent presentation that might be simply as elegant many years from now as it’s at the moment. The perimeters and underarms characteristic perforated leather-based air flow panels, with air exhausting through two zippered rear vents. There are 4 exterior pockets for storage, and fitment could be adjusted through rear waist tabs. Two refined dark-brown vertical accent stripes and vintage brass YKK zippers full the retro look.
Although it seems to informal observers as civilian gear, the 1909 Classic doesn’t skimp on safety. All crucial seams are security stitched, and the jacket consists of CE-certified visco-elastic SAS-TEC Degree 2 physique armor on the elbows and shoulders. The elbows characteristic a further layer of leather-based for reinforcement, and there’s additionally a pouch to carry the non-obligatory SAS-TEC Degree 2 again protector ($44.95) if that’s the case desired. (For what it’s value, on-line evaluations of the 1909 Classic embrace fairly a couple of tales of it holding up very nicely beneath crashes!) In line with the theme of versatility off of the bike, the armor is compact and pliable, so the 1909 has little or no of the bulkiness of conventional bike jackets.
The Scorpion’s inside consists of a mesh liner with two inside pockets. The padded mandarin collar is a pleasant contact for added consolation. An 8-inch zipper is included to connect driving pants to the jacket, as is a denims loop which successfully does the identical factor with a pair of denims. When the temperatures drop, the included detachable EverHeat sleeveless thermal liner rapidly zips into place. For me, this liner allowed comfy driving into the excessive 50s and even decrease with further layering beneath.
On the street, the 1909 Classic proved itself over months of late winter and spring touring. I discovered the fitment to run barely giant, with a measurement Medium comfortably becoming my 5-foot-8, 175-lb body – usually, I put on a Giant measurement. Sleeve size is beneficiant for cruiser riders with excessive handlebars. The ageless styling of this jacket makes it acceptable for something from naked cafe racers to full-dress tourers and every thing in between. This jacket is enticing sufficient to get off the bike and attend upmarket features in eating places, at work, and elsewhere with out having to alter. Very handy! Backside line: Each rider wants a traditional leather-based bike jacket that’s this comfy, versatile, and useful.
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Scorpion’s Indonesian-made 1909 Classic leather-based bike jacket retails for $499.95 for sizes S-XL or $514.95 for sizes 2XL and 3XL.
