Do you own a Milwaukee Leather jacket?

[Wild1_OR]

I really like the Milwaukee Leather LKM1720 jacket.

http://milwaukeeleather.com/product/mens-utility-pocket-vented-cruiser-jacket/

I'm curious what others who have owned a Milwaukee Leather jacket think of the quality? Online reviews have various opinions regarding their sizing, such as order according to the size chart, order a size up or order two sizes up. What was your experience?

[Guzzistajohn]

 Never heard of them

[JJ]

Never heard of them

Also never heard of them...but I own a legendary Langlitz Leather Columbia jacket from Portland, OR. 

https://www.langlitz.com/





The problem is, it never really gets to cold, even here in northern AZ to use it, but I still wear it occasionally. 

[john fish]

I've never heard of them either.  Motorcycle jackets, real motorcycle jackets, are constructed differently than motorcycle looking jackets.  Longer arms (the sleeve should come to about mid palm when standing with arms at side), longer posterior (to cover your posterior) and differently sewn seams so that if you are (let's hope not) sliding down the asphalt your jacket does not come apart.  Of course, thicker leather, too.  I'd be apprehensive buying a jacket from a company that I am not familiar with (preposition dangle alert).

I'm afraid a real bike jacket can be pricey.  You can always go try one on for size at a retail store nearby then search Ebay for used.

Fox Creek Leather has a good reputation and has some styles that you may like.

https://tinyurl.com/yxlgmg9k

Personally, I wear an old Hein Gericke Scout jacket that I bought from Ebay.  It's cut for fat bastards like me and has lots of storage.  (It's the jacket that Leno wears)

[Kev m]

I gotta say though I grew up enjoying the feel of a leather jacket and I have a 20+ year old Hein Gericke hanging in the closet, I personally cannot see owning/using primarily a leather jacket unless you live in some weird place that sees nothing but sunshine all year.

I mean, my wife has a gorgeous Ducati branded leather jacket, and it makes sense for her, she doesn't leave the house on one of her bikes if she thinks it's gonna rain (unless we're touring but that's only once or twice a year for her, and then she HAS 3 other jackets, including 2 that are waterproof).

But for someone who lives in Oregon I would suspect you see more than your share of rain no? Why leather?!?

[Lannis]

I can't help; haven't heard of that company ...

I'm back to wearing the Brooks leather jacket that my Mom bought me for my 19th birthday 47 years ago.   It's a motorcycle-styled jacket with a "Cossack" snap collar and all the zips in the right places, but no armor and not waterproof.   I used it for 10 years back in the day and then put it away for the usual reasons (about 90 of them).

It IS warm and comfy and provides some protection, so it's my "go-to" jacket now for day trips.

What amazes me is the number of people who ask what kind of jacket it is and where can they get one?   I don't pay much attention to what other people are wearing, but many folks do, apparently.    Brooks is still in business and you can buy a jacket styled like it, but you can't buy "patina"! 

The waitress at the place I had breakfast yesterday said "That's a Brooks, isn't it?"   When I said yes, she said "I bought one of those in 1974 and still have it.   It's the best thing to wear I ever bought!"

Good leather isn't cheap, but it will last a lifetime.   Go ahead and spend some money .... !!

Lannis

[mhershon]

There's a Vanson jacket for sale in this forum's Swap Meet. If it'll fit you and you like the style, you can't do better than a Vanson, and the price is certainly right! Have you checked it out?

[Tom H]

I have heard of them, but I don't know enough about them to say if they are good or bad. If the price is right, give them a shot.

I must be the only one that wears a a leather jacket year round. In So. Cal. it normally doesn't get real hot or cold. I normally wear an insulated one, I do have one with just a liner, no insulation. I though that one would be great for summer, wrong. The sun heats up the leather and you cook in it. My insulated one keep the suns heat off, but can get warm if you sit too long at a traffic light.

For where you live, you might want to consider something a bit more waterproof. Also consider a pair of rain pants as well.

Tom

[RHAT]

I have one and have been happy with it.  I have yet to use it with the liner zipped in,  but have been impressed with how well the ventilation works with the vents open. 

[Lannis]

There's a Vanson jacket for sale in this forum's Swap Meet. If it'll fit you and you like the style, you can't do better than a Vanson, and the price is certainly right! Have you checked it out?

That's a nice one at the right price, just a tad small for me or I'd be on it ...

Lannis

[ampm7]

I have a Milwaukee denim vest and it is quite well made and fits properly.

[kingoffleece]

We sold them at the Triumph shop I used to be affiliated with.  Noticeable drop in quality compared to the "name" stuff and about 100 miles behind Vanson.  Always had a bad chemical smell when unboxed which is due to cheap tanning methods.  I'd have serious reservations about the seam construction in a get off of any consequence.  YMMV.  Hey, you asked.............. ....

[wirespokes]

I've got a selection of leather jackets - my preferred gear when it's not too wet here in Portland OR. Mostly Vanson and a Langlitz. Goat skin is the best since it doesn't get stiff when it dries. It's also more flexible -- like well broken in cowhide. Even though it's not as thick, it has better abrasion resistance than cow as well. But when it's really damp, the waterproof cordura is the gear of choice.

Sorry, haven't heard of Milwaukee leather. Sounds like you should keep shopping.

[Tom]

Their boots look good.  If sign on you get a 20% off coupon.     For you cheap bastards out there. 

Update.....a big mea culpa.....https://milwaukeebootcompany.com/  different company.  These guys are actually in Milwaukee.  Not Jersey.

[slopokes]

If you want a really good leather Schott is tops— but you will have to shoot the lock off your wallet— they have been made in nyc for over a hundred years....

[Moparnut72]

I have a Vanson, two years now. It was pretty stiff when I got it. I was probably on the rack for awhile also. It is breaking in nicely eventhough the leather is pretty heavy.  It is the best jacket I have owned. I have also heard that Schott is one of the best.
kk

[Wild1_OR]

Also never heard of them...but I own a legendary Langlitz Leather Columbia jacket from Portland, OR. 

https://www.langlitz.com/

The problem is, it never really gets to cold, even here in northern AZ to use it, but I still wear it occasionally. 

Langlitz jackets are nice and the shop is local, but they're $1,000 and higher, which is beyond what I'm willing to spend.

There's a Vanson jacket for sale in this forum's Swap Meet. If it'll fit you and you like the style, you can't do better than a Vanson, and the price is certainly right! Have you checked it out?

It's not the style I want and definitely too small. 

I have one and have been happy with it.  I have yet to use it with the liner zipped in,  but have been impressed with how well the ventilation works with the vents open.

Great information, because I wondered if the vents are truly functional or more of a gimmick.

I have a Milwaukee denim vest and it is quite well made and fits properly.

Thank you.

We sold them at the Triumph shop I used to be affiliated with.  Noticeable drop in quality compared to the "name" stuff and about 100 miles behind Vanson.  Always had a bad chemical smell when unboxed which is due to cheap tanning methods.  I'd have serious reservations about the seam construction in a get off of any consequence.  YMMV.  Hey, you asked.............. ....

I admit that I've read of the smell when the jackets arrive and the need to air them out for a couple of weeks. 

If you want a really good leather Schott is tops— but you will have to shoot the lock off your wallet— they have been made in nyc for over a hundred years....

I read that Marlon Brando wore his personal jacket for The Wild One and it was the Schott One Star Perfecto.

https://www.schottnyc.com/products/onestar-perfecto.htm

[davedel44]

Bought this in a last surviving old school MC shop in Arlington Texas.







Vented along sides and arms.  Liner with hood.  Probably from the 80's.

[Scout63]

No armor pockets is a tell. When I go down I want c3 against my body, not a handgun. I wear textile with armor most of the time and otherwise wear my Schott.  Mine is a nice heavy vintage brown cafe but if buying new I would go with black horsehide. Vanson’s are heavy and extremely well built but don’t seem to have a style that I want. Too bad since they are just down the road and the factory is the coolest old mill building.  Really worth visiting.  Langlitz leathers also seem to be top quality but more Brando-ish than I want.  Roland Sands designs are great but pricey.  My advice is to find a top quality style that you like, then get one custom made, pay the extra few hundred dollars and have an heirloom. Then don’t gain any weight for the rest of your life.

[Lannis]

Then don’t gain any weight for the rest of your life.

Ain't that the truth.   Everyone in the world will lie to you if they have a good enough reason or think you need to hear it.   Your wife will lie to you and tell you that you still excite her just like the first time you met.   Your friend will lie to you if he needs to avoid hurting your feelings.

Except your dog and your leathers.   Your dog can't lie ... and your leathers WILL NOT lie no matter how badly you want them to!   

Lannis

[JJ]

Ain't that the truth.   Everyone in the world will lie to you if they have a good enough reason or think you need to hear it.   Your wife will lie to you and tell you that you still excite her just like the first time you met.   Your friend will lie to you if he needs to avoid hurting your feelings.

Except your dog and your leathers.   Your dog can't lie ... and your leathers WILL NOT lie no matter how badly you want them to!   

Lannis

Ain't that the truth (+1)..."Just call him....Roscoe "FATTY" Arbuckle!!" 

[guzziart]

Bought this in a last surviving old school MC shop in Arlington Texas.







Vented along sides and arms.  Liner with hood.  Probably from the 80's.

I've got a textile Intersport Fashions jacket from the '80's and a leather I.F. Scout jacket from the late '90's (yours looks like my Scout jacket).  IMO, the I.F. product is excellent.  The textile jacket is not armored so I don't wear it, the leather jacket is armored but not waterproof/resistant so I don't use it either but can't bring myself to part with them.

For the Original Poster: I've not heard of Milwaukee leather but that doesn't mean anything.  However, before I'd buy a jacket, gloves or helmet, I would look it over real good and then try it on for fit & comfort.

My $0.02 worth,

Art

[Wild1_OR]

Ain't that the truth (+1)..."Just call him....Roscoe "FATTY" Arbuckle!!" 

Keep him away from the champagne bottles. 

[motogoro]

Milwaukee Leather is bar hopping, cruiser attire. 
More show than go.  Leather is okay.  No armor pockets. 
Far from Alpinestar or Vanson quality.

Helen likes hers.  I'd rather see her in a 'stich

Steve M in SE WI

[JJ]

Milwaukee Leather is bar hopping, cruiser attire. 
More show than go.  Leather is okay.  No armor pockets. 
Far from Alpinestar or Vanson quality.

Helen likes hers.  I'd rather see her in a 'stich

Steve M in SE WI

I don't know anything about Milwaukee Leather...but I do know if you want a REAL leather motorcycle jacket, look here!!

[Bert Remington]

I recommend you approach your riding apparel solution incrementally.  Especially since the really good stuff is expensive.

Your side of Oregon is kinda wet and cold.  Not so wet and cold you can't go riding but wet and cold enough to want some external BTUs to supplement your internal BTUs.  Coffee and pie only go so far.  Milwaukee Leather makes a nice range of heated gear as seen at https://www.thewarmingstore.com/milwaukee-leather-heated-apparel.html  I have the "waterproof" gloves.  They worked fine but the aniline leather got soaked even if the Thinsulate kept my hands dry.  Except I have sweaty hands so they were wet anyway.  I expect the 12V jacket will be similar which means you will need something waterproof to cover the jacket and your pants when it's raining.  Aerostich has good stuff at https://www.aerostich.com/clothing/rain-gear/rain-gear  And you want spare batteries for gloves and jacket.  So we're sneaking up on $900 for heated and rain gear.  Boots and helmet are extra.  For warmer drier days handmade non-heated gloves are available nearby at https://sullivanglove.com/  They're making a pair of Thurlow Gauntlets for me.

A concern is the V7 III's marginal charging system.  268W doesn't go very far when converted into BTUs for your body.  Long story short I'm thinking of putting a Lithium battery in the Givi Top Case for my Kanetsu heated vest letting the V7 power the heated grips.  Still working on the details.

Meanwhile keep an active search not only on eBay but also the various Moto Guzzi forums for used leather apparel.  If you haven't noticed it yet, a number of members are transitioning out of motorcycle riding.  For instance, at Lake Henshaw I saw a nice Joe Rocket and a nicer Vannsu leather jacket whose owners might not need them in a year or so.   I'm not a leather fan but a member was cleaning out his closet and I got a super two-piece Roadcrafter Classic at a great price.  So keep looking for the good stuff while riding in your Milwaukee Leather gear.