The Barbour, when I started riding in the late 70s it was still the waterproof clothing to have. Made from a waxed cotton material it done its job well, but you did have to "treat" it every few months if you were using it everyday. I remember doing mine quite a few times, hang jacket and trousers over the back of a chair and place in front of a warm fire in the living room. Once warm you could rub in the wax easily as it melted into the fabric. Since then things have moved on a fair bit with all sorts of 100% waterproof materials on the market.
This year Barbour are celebrating 75 years since their Bike Jacket first came out, although they have been in the waterproof business since 1894.
The Barbour International Jacket was worn by virtually every British international motorcycle team from 1936 until 1977, and one of the most famous was Steve McQueen, who wore the Jackets while take part in the ISDT in the 60s... and they were the official motorcycle police jacket in 14 different countries.
For a link to the Barbour site, and more info click on the post title
Got an old Barbour jacket and Belstaff trews, both beat and well worn but still up to the job I think.
ReplyDeleteGot a"newer" version of the jacket made by Campbell-Cooper which seems just as good but will need to be treated. Need to get some new trews as well.
Good ole McQueen. My friend Jack was walking to school in San Francisco when he looked up to see Steve gassing up a Ferrari at a local filling station. He waved and McQueen gave him a "thumbs up". He was in town for the filming of "Bullet". It's one of his fondest childhood memories.I always fancied a "waxed cotton" jacket, never had one though. I suffered through my early winter riding with cheap yellow rainsuits over equally cheap "ski jackets". Those are not my fondest memories. Hairy Larry
ReplyDeleteOops! The title of that flick was spelled Bullit. HL
ReplyDeleteOops again, let's make that Bullitt. Went to some sites that had the Mustang from the movie. Saw that movie at a drive-in theatre, that is no longer around. HL
ReplyDeleteYou'll need to report back to us after you've tried the "new" jacket out Bodger.
ReplyDeleteBullitt, one of me favirot films, Ford Mustang, Dodge Charger, Steve McQueen, Jacqueline Bisset, great car chase... theres even a guy on a BSA A65 :-) that slides off near the end of the chase. Made in 1968, but I don't care, if you ain't see it get a copy!
I'm guessing that guy on the BSA might have been Steve's good riding partner Bud Ekins. HL
ReplyDeleteHey Larry you're right about it being Bud laying down the BSA (Hornet), just had a look for that and there's lots of info on the film... away for a read now
ReplyDeleteAye, can do on a product test of the jacket. Need to locate some wax to get it wet proofed to get a good test done.
ReplyDeleteWaatch this or another blog space for a report!
If you can't get the wax Bodger I'll get some and send it out for you, let me know
ReplyDelete