Belstaff Leather Bike Jackets

In a word NO.
While we were in Portsmouth just after Christmas I went into the Belstaff outlet shop in Gunwarf Quays, they were selling Belstaff leather jackets for around £400 - £500, some were as dear as £750. They are not motorcycle jackets, there was no armour in any of the jackets in the shop.

I had a laugh, after I had recovered from shock and walked out.

A Dianese, Alpinestars, Triumph or any other make of leather bike jacket would be much better value

 

Have a look at Merlin

 

I would have a look at J&S (or the many other large outlets) online shops, they carry a large amount of proper bike jackets from multiple manufacturers.

 

I've no experience of Belstaff leather jackets, but I find it hard to believe that at their cost they can be 3 to 5 times better than other good brands. If you want a classic "Belstaff style" leather jacket then I'd suggest perhaps looking at the likes of Goldtop, Merlin and Triumph.

https://www.goldtop.co.uk/product-page/the-patrol-black
http://www.merlinbikegear.com/products/collections/hatton-wp-jacket/
https://www.fowlers.co.uk/shop/triumph-beaufort-2-jacket-32515

 

I tried on a $$$$ Belstaff Panther leather jacket and it was gorgeous but of course, not for motorcycling (too thin and no body armour etc.). I don't think leather Belstaffs are good for riding, more like a fashion thing. So three years ago I got myself a Belstaff Trialmaster waxed cotton and it is by far the best jacket I have ever owned. 3DO protection on shoulders, elbows and back. Very heavy and thick (I ride all year). Very tailored it's a perfect fit for me. Removable liner and of course, unlike leather, 100% waterproof. Sadly the Trialmaster they make now is not pure Egyptian cotton but a mix of nylon/cotton and they have removed the two-way zip (plus other annoyances). I have rewaxed it only once in three years and still looks like new.

 

Well said Dilli...

My main jacket is Merlin - I have another jacket that has cost me a b****y fortune, but the Merlin is the one I use.

Beerman

 

Me too

 

No they are not, I had one in the 70's 80's they where Motorcycle based in them days, now they have all gone auty tauty and posh and tender to the knobs with little pinkies that stick out as they sup their earl gray and are branded more in that direction, as the guys have said Merlin are just as good.

 

When ‘traditional ‘ Belstaff got into difficulties with modern ‘technical’ competition for waxed cotton it became an Italian owned fashion brand. It is now with Ineos (think refineries!) but still carries designer prices without necessarily being utilitarian bike wear.

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belstaff

 

Another vote for Merlin - my waxed jacket is brilliant quality. Have heard them referred to as "the new Belstaff"

 

Besides Belstaff and Triumph, Beckham is also promoter for UNICEF, Tudor (Rolex), Sky, Adidas and can't remember what else. All crappy brands for 'daft twats' of course

 

Not sure I agree with your assessment of "crappy brands" when referring to Rolex, it is one of the best watch brand on the market?

 

It was a bit ironic in reference to the comments above re:Beckham and Belstaff. Of course these are all important brands, the fact that celebrities endorse them is not the reason why they are expensive, quality is (mostly).

 

I bought a Helston from Motolegends, also very good quality, old school feel and look with necessary protection. To bad customs was...(more eagerly than me), awaiting the arrival of my jacket in SA and I had to pay more in duties and taxes than what the jacket cost . I could have returned it for a full refund but the shipping costs came to another couple of thousand so I decided to bend over in the end . It still hurts to this day !