Vintage 1970s West German Heavy Steerhide Motorcycle Jacket

A serious piece of 1970s West German motorcycle leather, cut short and purposeful through the body with a clean riding profile. This is not fashion leather. It was built with weight, structure and intent, designed for sustained road use rather than display.

The hide is exceptionally heavy full-grain steerhide, dense in hand and substantial across the shoulders, sleeves and belt line. It carries real mass. Decades of wear have produced deep, natural patina throughout, with high points burnished lighter and flex areas darkened through oil migration and exposure. The tonal variation across the chest, shoulders and sleeves is entirely authentic. The leather remains thick, strong and structurally sound, with no thinning or weakness.

The cut is classic mid-century European rider: short waist length, angled front zip, single chest flap pocket and vertical zip hand pockets. Side buckle adjusters allow the hem to be drawn in securely. The overall construction is clean and direct, built for function and durability.

Hardware is period correct to 1970s West German civilian production, including the Turkish metal zip. The zip runs properly and sits securely in its tape. All fastenings remain sound.

Inside, the jacket is fully lined in black velvet, soft and substantial against the weight of the leather shell. The lining is bagged rather than bonded directly to the hide, allowing natural movement while maintaining structure. It remains intact and serviceable.

The jacket has been specialist leather cleaned to remove accumulated surface soiling and odours. Conditioning has been applied sparingly using our workshop dressings to preserve suppleness while retaining original tone and character. It presents clean, stable and ready for continued wear.

Overall condition is very good for a 1970s riding jacket. The leather is strong, seams are secure, hardware functions correctly, and the patina reflects genuine age and use.

A heavyweight example of West German motorcycle leather, increasingly difficult to source with this level of build quality and honest character.

Key Identifying Features

• 1970s West German civilian motorcycle jacket
• Heavyweight full-grain steerhide
• Short waist riding cut
• Angled front zip closure
• Single chest flap pocket
• Vertical zip hand pockets
• Side buckle waist adjusters
• Black velvet lining
• Strong seams and stable structural integrity
• Pronounced natural patina throughout

Garment Measurements Laid Flat

• Chest (armpit to armpit): 27"
• Shoulders (seam to seam): 22.5"
• Sleeve length (shoulder seam to cuff): 25.5"
• Sleeve length (underarm seam to cuff): 15.5"
• Back length (collar seam to hem): 26"

Best suited to approximately a 46–48 inch chest. Please note this is a bespoke piece and the sleeves are cut slightly shorter. Kindly compare the measurements with a similar jacket to ensure correct fit.