Vintage Belstaff Tourmaster Enduro Motorcycle Boots

Posted on by Rob Drews
Vintage Belstaff Tourmaster Enduro Motorcycle Boots

These rare 70s era Belstaff motorcycle boots were crafted in England and probably an expensive import for their day. The style is somewhere between a motocross and a road touring boot. The 15.5 inch shaft (measured outsides as the boots slope down on the inside edge of the shaft) is made easily accessible by the heavy gauge metal zipper at the back. The zipper features a large pull tag ensigned with the letter ‘a’, a maker’s mark I am not familiar with. Cinching straps at the heel and top of the shaft allow for a more custom fit. The solid one piece vamp rises high on the shaft for added protection from the road and elements. The soles are a heavy lugged rubber of similar style to that of a Vibram hiker, but are unlabeled. The inch and quarter tall heel has a metal insert which appears to have been hand carved and hammered in to prolong the wear and may lead to some show stopping sparks at night if dragged ever so lightly across the asphalt. The top of the shaft is finished with a yellow leather insert that creates a nice finish and compliments the gold Belstaff logo on the outside of each shaft.

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California Sportswear ‘Californian’ Leather Motorcycle Patrol Jacket

Posted on by Rob Drews
California Sportswear Company Californian Motorcycle Patrol Jacket

Highway patrolman style jacket by California Sportswear Company of Los Angeles, CA. The jacket is cut from “Selected Steerhide” which is “California Chrome Tanned” All this according to the label. Tan job is exceptional. Nice sheen on this heavy leather.

Very similar in style to the California Highway Patrol jackets but is lacking snaps at the collar for a fur add-on as well as the zippered cuffs. Instead has button close cuffs and epaulets. Has snap close loops for a belt and lace up side gussets, which are missing laces. Has stitch holes on left breast where an emblem of some type was one sewn.  Talon zipper. Probably of a 60s vintage.

Bell Helmets USA Super Magnum 3/4 Helmet – 1975

Posted on by Rob Drews

Here is one heavily worn 1975 Bell Super Magnum three-quarter helmet. From what I can tell the Super Magnum is just a later variant of Bell’s original three-quarter helmet the 500-TX. In comparing helmets it seems the Super Magnum has a bit deeper of a side cut for better peripheral and probably had some updated safety features in the construction. This helmet does not feature any of the Toptex markings found on older Bell-Toptex helmets of the 1960s.

The Super Magnum is  DOT and SHCA approved. This particular helmet would not be approved for much of anything safety related, except maybe taking a beer bottle over the head around a campfire.

This helmet has had some aftermarket stickers added, possibly by someone who raced in it at some point. 68 on both sides, blue reflective strips near the jaw line, and a Honda of Boulder, Colorado sticker on the back along with the original Bell front sticker and Super Magnum back. You can probably see from the pictures (and please examine them closely) this things been kicked around, banged on stuff, possibly crashed. On the riders left hand side, near the 6 the 8 and trailing off to the back there’s a series of three small chips that make it down to the foam core. Most other chips are just through the paint. On the back to the right of the Bell sticker there’s a patch of wear that looks like it was caused by some serious friction, like that of a tire. Inside all the soft protective foam is missing. The chin straps still hold tight, but the vinyl covering them is cracked and ratty. Marking on the strap is 7-75.

Currently available on the BCV eBay Store

 

1960s Bell Toptex Shorty Motorcycle Helmet – White with Silver Metal Flake

Posted on by Rob Drews

The Bell -Toptex Shorty helmet debuted in the early 1960s and was popular among motorcyclist through the end of the decade. the low profile and light nature made it a perfect helmet for roaming the cities and country roads on Triumphs, Harleys and small displacement UJMs. The helmet was Snell Memorial Foundation approved, predating DOT ratings and was very similar in style to the Buco Guardian helmets of that day. The shell extends down to about the top of the ear and a vinyl collar in connection with the chin strap secure and protect the rider from excessive wind. A variety of visors and shields were available for the front.

Still trying to figure out the role of “Toptex” in Bell helmets of this era. Originally I figured Toptex simply referred to a shell material, but in patent documents, it seems the name of the company was actually named Bell-Toptex. It seems that in the 70s the company dropped Toptex from the name and or shell material.

PERFECTO by SCHOTT model 618 leather motorcycle jacket – Late 1970s

Posted on by Rob Drews

Research I’ve conducted suggests this is a late 1970s model Schott Perfecto 618. Details used to surmise this date include the Talon main zipper, lack of snaps on the collar tips, Lack of internal breast pocket (map pocket). Also the upward closing pocket zippers and label details. Many of these items were changed in the early 80s. YKK zippers were introduced and pocket closing direction were reversed. There is some debate among enthusiasts when the other updates were made. A conversation surrounding about a very similar jacket can be found here on SchottNYC.com  This particular version is made of steer hide. 

Buco Motorcycle Half Helmet

Posted on by Rob Drews

This vintage Buco  helmet seems to be the same shape as the Guardian model, but is not labeled as such on the rear snap. Three snap front for shield and visor attachments. Buco embossed rivets on the exterior for the straps, rear snap is also embossed by the maker. Adjustable inside from 6 1/2 – 8″ Vinyl ear flaps, chin strap and and D ring. This helmet is very comfortable despite not  having  the cloth coated foam padding we are used to in more modern helmets. In fact the only real padding in this helmet is in the very top of the helmet allowing the heavy lid to sit more comfortably on the crown of the head.

The exterior is a blue sparkle paint with the addition of red reflective stickering. I am unsure if the stickers are aftermarket or not.

Hein Gericke for Hondaline Cafe Style Jacket

Posted on by Rob Drews

This Late 70s/early 80s Hein Gericke for Hondaline racing style jacket looks like something worn by a member of Toecutter’s gang in the film Mad Max and is the perfect jacket to accompany any mid to late 70s CBs or other cafe bikes of that era.

Construction features two offset zippers for tighter or looser fits depending on layers. There are 3 external chest pockets, one left sleeve pocket and one inside pocket. Adjustable waist belt is fixed at back. Adjustable snap close shorty collar. YKK zippers throughout, all working

Ribbed detail around shoulders and down torso sides provides stretch for movement. Back is cut slightly lower with thicker padding around lower back section.

This jacket is fully lined with red nylon and has a thin insulating layer between it and the leather.

Measures: Tag size 38

7″ shoulder to shoulder
21″ top of collar to bottom (front)
27″ top of collar to bottom (back)
17.5 ” pit to pit (tight setting)
19″ pit to pit (looser setting)

WESCO Motorcycle/Work Boots

Posted on by Rob Drews
Vintage WESCO Boss Engingeer Boots

Unique boots in the fact that they zip the length of the shaft on the outside. The lower part of the boot is essentially the same as the Boss engineer boot, showing the same construction and ankle strap, above that is a 10.5 inch, heavy gauge gold TALON Zipper. WESCO does make custom boots, It’s very likely this pair was a special order. WESCO West Coast Shoe Co. embossed on the fronts. Stacked leather heels with Vibram soles