So I've been wanting a leather jacket for a while and I had my heart set on the Dainese Tattoo. Alas, I can't justify that kind of money right now with my employer laying people off before the end of the month.
So I've been looking for alternatives. Now, some of you know my penchant for supporting local merchants. For those that don't, here's the short version. If I can give my money to someone local that keeps it in the community and in the country, I will go out of my way to do so. Sure, i could've mail ordered a jacket from some big warehouse company that doesn't give a shit about me, OC, or motorcyclists in general, they're only in the biz to make a buck. But I choose otherwise.
I happened to remember an e-quaintance posting about NJK Leathers, so I decided to check it out. I liked what I saw so I decided I'd pull the trigger. The jacket is a little flashier than I'd usually go for, but hey, can't be boring all my life, right?
So today I picked up a NJK Americana white/black. Kelcey and I traded some emails this morning and trucked down to San Clemente to try on a jacket. Here's a photo of the front: (http://img199.imageshack.us/img199/2855/njkjacket004.th.jpg) (http://img199.imageshack.us/my.php?image=njkjacket004.jpg)
First thing I noticed when I put it on was how much heavier it was compared to my textile jackets. To be expected, sure, but not having had a leather jacket before it was noticeable. The second thing I noticed was the substantial armor in the elbows, shoulders, and back. I like that a lot.
Here's a picture of the back: (http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/6417/njkjacket008.th.jpg) (http://img193.imageshack.us/my.php?image=njkjacket008.jpg)
I used the flash on these pictures so that the reflective piping would show up. All those straight lines along the sleeves and across the chest/back are reflective.
It fit pretty well and Kelcey fitted me, so I felt confident in my purchase. Paid my money and came on home to try it out (caged down there). All the gray leather is perforated (front, back, arms). The white and black pieces are solid.
I started to check out the stitching when I got it home also. Here are some close ups of some of the detail work:
(http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/3796/njkjacket013.th.jpg) (http://img43.imageshack.us/my.php?image=njkjacket013.jpg)(http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/7495/njkjacket010.th.jpg) (http://img190.imageshack.us/my.php?image=njkjacket010.jpg)(http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/572/njkjacket011.th.jpg) (http://img188.imageshack.us/my.php?image=njkjacket011.jpg)(http://img132.imageshack.us/img132/1611/njkjacket012.th.jpg) (http://img132.imageshack.us/my.php?image=njkjacket012.jpg)
I went and met the wife for lunch and she dug the jacket (so a +1 from the lady). Drove around for about 45 minutes after lunch, aimlessly riding, and jumped on the highway to get home. The jacket flows air pretty well normally, very well on the highway. My arms did get pretty warm, and a little sweaty. On long rides I would've worn my long sleeve underarmor but today I just had a sport shirt on. My chest/back felt fine, a little warm, but it's pretty warm today anyway.
The other thing I like about this jacket are the brass zippers. These things aren't fooling around: (http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/2203/njkjacket014.th.jpg) (http://img43.imageshack.us/my.php?image=njkjacket014.jpg)
There are some other nice touches like the finish on the cuffs is a little roll, and I like how far down it's cut in the back so you don't get that peek-a-boo of your shirt with the wind rushing down into your boxers (some of you may care for that, I guess).
So it sounds like the perfect jacket, right? So what's wrong with it? Well, nothing really wrong. I had originally planned to get the red/black combo (red ducati and all) but the only red one they had was defective. I could've waited, but seeing the white I actually liked it more. So if you plan to go down there and pick one up, I definitely suggest calling ahead. I'm not usually a big fan of huge logos and advertising for people, but I'm feeling OK in this case based on the company.
after only a couple hours wearing it, I'm very happy with the construction and service. Kelcey and I even got to talk a little shop before I left, talking about the increase in bikers at Palomar lately, and about the opening of ACH. Very down to earth guy, I would say, and I'm glad I could support a SoCal business.
Lastly, I really like this jacket because it makes me feel like Evel Knievel
(http://img188.imageshack.us/img188/9886/njkjacket002.th.jpg) (http://img188.imageshack.us/my.php?image=njkjacket002.jpg)(http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/4691/njkjacket003.th.jpg) (http://img193.imageshack.us/my.php?image=njkjacket003.jpg)
Don't take this the wrong way, but are you preparing to jump the Snake River Canyon? ;D
Quote from: NAKID on May 22, 2009, 04:48:08 PM
Don't take this the wrong way, but are you preparing to jump the Snake River Canyon? ;D
haha, no not at all. I'll see if I can find a picture of my dressed as evel knievel for halloween a couple years ago. Honestly, the Evel Knievel factor was a plus to my purchase.
I had to amend my review. There actually is an inside pocket. a cross draw chest pocket so cleverly designed I didn't even realize it was there until this morning.