Alaska has wide variances of temperature and conditions during the riding season. Initially, I thought the bobber jacket might be a shoulder seasons jacket only (spring and fall), but after riding it through the season its a very versatile jacket:
-Hot Days (65+ F): zip halfway and fold inner and outer collars outward for max airflow. Forearm zipper open.
-Slightly Cool (50 - 64 F): zip 3/4 and keep inner collar against chest. Forearm zipper optional.
-Cold Day/highway cruising (39 - 49 F): fully zipped both chest and forearm.
- Near freezing (35-38 F): fully zipped both chest and forearm, add base layer.
- Winter (-10-28 F): can't ride but will wear without armor, add hoodie underneath.
Here in Alaska, we get tons of rain and tons of bugs- something about this leather sheds light rain/water quite a bit and is easy to wipe off bugs with a microfiber cloth and some water. I ride almost daily and been in many light to moderate rain conditions and the bobber jacket hasn't needed a conditioner treatment yet; even through daily post-insect cemetery cleaning sessions. By now, my other leather jackets would've needed at least 2 conditioner treatments. This is a testament to the quality of the leather chosen by GoldTop.
The liner hasn't broken down on me yet- the stitching and material is still holding. I tend to break liners often in other jackets, but this one is still holding strong. It's warm, but not too warm where some venting as described above won't prevent you from overheating.
Joe took care of me and sold me some level 2 Knox Microlock armor to match the back armor I also bought for the Bobber and everything fits perfectly in the armor pockets. No detectable shifting- it lays perfectly over my spine, elbows, and shoulders. I am very confident that the AAA rated leather and level 2 armor inserts are the very best I can wear if, God forbid, I ever crash.
Fit wise- with armor in, is spot on. I wear a 42 in my suit jackets/blazers. Dad bod here at 190 lbs and 5'9". I ordered a 42 and it's a perfect fit, fitted around the stomach but not tight. Perfect on the shoulders. Sleeves are perfect length on and off the bike. Length of jacket is great when seated upright or leaned forward, perfect as well. I can wear a light hoodie under the jacket and fully zip it up though it is more snug but still not too tight to be uncomfortable.
This jacket travels with me all over the state of AK even when I'm not riding and I get compliments nearly weekly about how unique and cool the bobber jacket is. Be prepared to say things like:
"Thank you, yes I like it too."
"It's an English brand: GoldTop, you gotta get it online."
"No, it's not a thousand dollars."
"Yes, they ship here."
