Vintage 1970s TT “Easy Rider” Café Racer Leather Jacket

There are certain jackets that stand apart without needing to be pushed, recognised more by those who know than explained to those who don’t. This is one of them.

A genuine early 1970s Isle of Man TT “Easy Rider” café racer jacket, a design that has long been regarded as one of the defining pieces of the period. The stripe configuration is instantly recognisable, cutting clean through the body and sleeve, giving the jacket its identity without relying on anything else. These were never widely produced, and far fewer remain in strong, original condition.

The cut is true to the café racer style. Short in the body, clean through the chest, and built to sit close without excess. It carries that balanced, purposeful shape that came from use rather than design theory, made to work on the bike but just as relevant off it.

The leather has a strong, even finish, with a natural depth that comes from age rather than wear. It holds its structure well, with a weight that feels right in hand, nothing light or insubstantial. The stripe detailing remains sharp and well defined, adding contrast and movement without overpowering the jacket.

Construction is straightforward and solid. A central zip runs clean through the front, supported by a simple collar and minimal detailing throughout. It does exactly what it should, without unnecessary additions.

Condition

This jacket is in very good vintage condition and has clearly been well looked after. The leather remains thick, strong and supple, with a clean, even surface throughout.

The outer leather shows light, honest wear in the usual areas, nothing excessive or out of place. It holds its structure well, the seams are sound, and all hardware functions as it should. The buckle straps show some light wear, consistent with age, and are of the same type used by makers such as Lewis Leathers and Belstaff during the period. The press studs are period correct Newey fittings from the 1970s.

The main zip, originally a Clix zipper, has been replaced in the workshop with a new YKK for reliability, along with one cuff zip where required.

It has been through the workshop for a specialist clean and a light conditioning, carried out to support the leather while preserving its original look and feel.

Key Details

• Original 1970s TT “Easy Rider” café racer jacket
• Distinctive multi-stripe racing design
• Heavyweight leather construction
• Classic short café racer cut
• Period correct Newey press studs
• Buckle straps consistent with Lewis Leathers / Belstaff of the era
• Replacement YKK main zip (original Clix removed)
• One cuff zip replaced
• Professionally cleaned and conditioned in workshop

Garment Measurements (Laid Flat)

• Chest (armpit to armpit): 23"
• Shoulders (seam to seam): 19"
• Sleeve length (shoulder to cuff): 27.5"
• Sleeve length (underarm to cuff): 19"
• Back length (collar seam to hem): 26"

Best suited to a 42" regular chest or a 44" slim fit. Please compare with a similar garment to ensure an accurate fit.