Most riders have a leather jacket hanging in their closet. They come in every style, thickness, and purpose imaginable. I loved the leather jacket my wife bought for me years ago, but once I discovered Vanson Leathers, I realized just how much the right leather matters.
That lesson came into focus when I attended the press launch for the Royal Enfield Guerrilla 450. Rider requires us to wear protective armor when testing bikes, and my old jacket didn’t have any. I called Kim and Mike Van Der Sleesen at Vanson to ask about something that would fit both the bike and the occasion. Kim invited me to their headquarters for a fitting.
Vanson’s headquarters is a destination for anyone who appreciates leather. For over 50 years they’ve produced premium jackets, pants, race suits, gloves, belts, and more. Their leather apparel outfits motorcyclists, racecar drivers, Rhode Island State Troopers, and police departments across the country. Kim gave me a tour of their multifloor operation, and the attention to detail was remarkable. From cutting and stitching to fitment and finishing, every garment carries the mark of care and craftsmanship. It’s no wonder they’re still considered the best of the best.
After trying on a few options, Kim handed me the Drifter Mk2 with stripes. The moment I adjusted it on my shoulders, I knew this jacket was built for riders. The thick-yet-soft 1.2mm black leather with bone-colored stripes gives it a classic, understated look, and the cut is tailored for a natural riding position. Sitting in their “riding chair,” nothing pulled or bunched. The dipped back and extended kidney panel promised protection, while functional touches – a snap collar, the front zipper, and handwarmer pockets – kept things simple. One small but meaningful detail: The zipper pulls lay flat when closed rather than sticking up, which solved one of my longtime leather jacket annoyances.
Ventilation is where the Drifter shines. Vanson’s patented RamAir forearm vents hold their shape whether open or closed, preventing that parachute effect at speed. Combined with rear exhaust vents and underarm grommets, the airflow is impressive for a full-leather jacket. For those who prioritize airflow, Vanson also makes a perforated version. For colder rides, the Drifter accepts Vanson’s insulated, reversible Mk3 Streamliner liner (sold separately for $359).
Inside, two secure zippered pockets easily handled my phone and wallet. Full leather facings and black oxidized metal zippers give the jacket tough durability, while racing-style wrist zippers with shaped guards add both function and style. Protection comes via Vanson’s patented Floating Armor System, which lets you adjust the CE-approved armor at the shoulders and elbows to your comfort. It’s a unique design that delivers safety without bulk.
While riding the Guerrilla 450, I was impressed with the Drifter. In the Wisconsin heat – and even after the sticky humidity following an afternoon downpour during a lunch break – the airflow kept me reasonably cool and comfortable. Paired with jeans, boots, and a T-shirt, the jacket looked just as good off the bike. I’ll admit, I caught myself feeling a little like James Dean or Marlon Brando.
The Drifter offers a thoughtful balance of style, technology, and real-world performance, and its hand-made quality will last a lifetime. For riders who want a jacket they’ll instinctively reach for, whether it’s a full day in the saddle or a short evening run, the Drifter more than lives up to its name.
Read all of Rider’s apparel reviews here
The Vanson Leathers Drifter Mk2 with stripes is available in sizes XS-XL for $669, XL for $735.90, and 3XL-4XL for $835.90. It’s also available without stripes in the same sizes for $639-$802.90.
$670 to $840 for a jacket and you have to pay $350 for a liner!
I’ll pass on that deal.
Heirloom quality leather costs money. Use a thin heated liner, or a thin puffer jacket. Rain jacket is needed with all leather jackets, also cuts wind for cold days. Much tougher leather and better stitching than anyone out there. Best patterns and off the shelf fit anywhere. Truly an icon. That is why you see these jackets 30 years old, used, still selling on eBay. All the “motorcycle jacket brands” sold at the big conglomerate stores, not so much. Their jackets even have serial numbers on them, if lost or stolen, and can be repaired by the manufacturer. Vanson is the best kept secret in the leather industry by far.
Sounds like a quality leather jacket and it’s made in the USA. Perfect.
Nice! Glad to see USA produced products still providing top quality to riders.
$670 to $840 for a jacket with no EN 17092 rating… pass.
After a long journey of riding and trying so many different jackets, leather and textile, cheap and expensive, when I finally discovered Vanson it solved the problems the other jackets did not. Protection in competition weight leather, finished in a way that allows it to get wet without damage, armor done right, and their patterns / fit are bar none. Versatility, heirloom quality garment. Ratings be damned, you have to pay for those tests and Vanson doesn’t need that to sell their jackets, for those who know, they know. I would guarantee you it would pass an EN 17092 or become AAA rated if tested. Armor is replaceable to whatever you’d like, and the skin of the jacket is easily tougher than anything else out there. I now have 6 Vanson’s and will not ride in anything else.