Topic: Belstaff motorcycle gear

[Glenn Stauffer]

Every year at the DC motorcycle show we've run into this bunch selling Belstaff motorcycle gear (pants & jackets) and the sales pitch is always the same.  Something about how wonderful these jackets are, but, for various reasons, they are not generally available in the US.  It never quite makes complete sense.  The signs above the jackets quote great reviews in a variety of publications and the salespeople tell how the jackets are worn by the famous adventure riders, Paris-Dakar racers, etc.

The jackets themselves are interesting and seem to be of good quality for the price.  They are made in Pakistan or China and all have a Belstaff label with the words 'Designed by Belstaff in the UK'.  I did a little looking around and Belstaff is currently more or less a brand owned by an Italian fashion house and they no longer list any motorcycle accessories on their website.

Does anyone know anything other than what you'll find through a general google search about the Belstaff motorcycle gear?  Did the original Belstaff company ever sell any motorcycle apparal other than the famous Trailmaster jackets?

[SteveD CB500F]

After the Trailmaster range, they introduced a range of fabric waterproofs (this was in the 70's). The products were really no different to anyone else's though.

I haven't seen them around for years.

[mcpuffett]

Hi Glenn, i have the old trialsmaster type Belstaff jacket served me well bought it in 1989 when we were going to Belgium & Holland, give it a spray every spring with some waterproofing wax from the army & navy stores , keeps the rain out  ,   mick.

[DarkRider]

I have a newer Belstaff Airstream nylon armor jacket. Dont recall seeing any tags indicating where it was made other then a british flag on one of the cuffs. Cant really say what its like to wear while riding yet due to it coming in after snowfall here.

[andy750]

Ive had a Belstaff waterproof jacket - waxy surface - not sure of name but may be similar to Micks -its lined and is very warm and very waterproof -had it since 1991 and still have it. Excellent quality. However I bought a newer Belstaff lightweight waterproof jacket from MAW in 2001 for my Mexico trip and the mesh lining inside the jacket didnt last the trip. First jacket = great value for money, second jacket = waste of money.

cheers
Andy

[nickjtc]

Glenn, if you are looking for that retro appearance in a quality item which you know will go the distance, try Aerostich stuff:

http://www.aerostich.com/catalog/US/Falstaff-Motorcycle-Jacket-p-16378.html

The more modern look is the Darien jacket/pants. I had a Darien jacket when I got back into riding....no complaints at all (except for the inevitable shipping/handling/duty/taxes involved in getting it to Canada).

I started my riding career with Belstaff waxed cotton gear which I got in lieu of money for a babysitting job I did. It was great stuff and saved my hide in all of my spills. I wouldn't compare it to modern stuff though.

[SteveD CB500F]

Interesting play on words. They reflect the original Belstaff name and give it an "English" or Shakespearean flavour.

Shakespeare's Falstaff was a "fat, vainglorious, cowardly knight" (Wiki) - not something I'd want associated with my products...

[Uncle Ernie]

Around here, quite a few people are leaving Aerostitch for Olympia Motorsports jackets and suits.  That sort of look updated.
I still wear a leather jacket that weight about 38 pounds.  Sure feeels good at the right temps.