Talk Morgan Forums Community The Malvern Arms Flying Jacket or Not?

I'm taking delivery of my new (2012) three wheeler later this week. And I'm intending on using it through the winters months (not in snow/ice of course!). It's been suggested that a sheepskin jacket is a 'must' for this.

Does anyone have an opinion on this? I fell off my chair when I saw the prices of some of them! Are they really that good, or just a 'must have' to fit in with the car?

I've looked at the Morgan/Holden/Cirrus and a few of the avaition sites. I know there have been posts before covering some of this, but was looking for some fresh insight if possible. I'm no where near anyone who sells them, so I can't even try them on.

I going to start off with my old ski jacket, as it is quite warm and water resistant.

My other query (should I post a new topic?) was about eyewear. I guess in the rain a pair of sunglasses is no good, is a leather flying helmet and a pair of goggles a good route or are there better alternatives? Really grateful for any advice here.

I'm not looking for answers just opinions/advice really.

Mike

Flying jackets are the bees knees in looks, but every one I've tried feels very restrictive round the arms & shoulders.
At present I'm using a Centenary heavyweight jacket in winter and that does the trick. Two pairs of socks are as important, knee length in my case.

In my motorcycling days, I used to wear a sheepskin flying jacket. I'd say two things.

1. You need to be slim. Chubby blokes in flying jackets is not a good look. I couldn't wear one now.

2. They are not THAT warm when out in the breeze of a motorcycle.... You are a little more protected in a M3W, might be OK.

I'd be tempted to find a good looking Belstaff, or a yachtie jacket.

Dave W's suggestion of a heavyweight Centenary jacket well worth a try. Fraction of the cost of a flying jacket and much reduced last time I was in the factory shop.

Well worth an e-mail to Angela Hymas the shop Manager, even as a back up to a leather flying jacket.

Cheers - David.

I was given an Aviation Leathercraft Irvine flying jacket by 'er indoors. When it's truly cold it is the absolute business; when I went into Paris to rétromobile in february it was minus 6° and I had the top down. With the flying jacket & sheepskin flying helmet on & the heater going full blast I was really toasty. However in view of the total absence of weather equipment on the M3W I'd think you'd be better off buying one of those aero barnstormer WW1 style horsehide leather flying coats that Martin Culling recommends as horsehide is waterproof. I'm thinking of getting one for when it's not actually arctic conditions as the sheepskin can be too warm.

Thanks for the tip on the jacket, its a fifth of the cost of a flying jacket!

Hmm, I think Chubby is me! Good advice!

Remember it is a motor bike not a car, think of the rain and cold wind etc. Ski jackets, ski gloves and ski hat perhaps.
Centenary jackets (in extra large which you will need because you will have layers on underneath) were available at £35 - original price over £100 - in the MMC shop a couple of weeks ago.

I agree hence moved years ago to German tank overall with a teddy bear lining you can remove in the summer . Plenty of pocket's in body arms and legs the zip is a two way so if you need a pee dont have to remove them . They go in the w/machine and would not be without them never use my f/jacket now . The collar goes up and the zip to protect my face and ears . Dont feel the cold and can get under the mog and not worry about getting dirty. Zips on each leg and wrist would not part with it and best of all a few year ago I put it away during the summer popped it on as the weather changed and found a tenner in my pocket . Must belong to someone else .

Sheepskin jackets are the mutts nuts as far as warmth goes, but my feeling is that for a M3W you need to look at serious waterproofing also....sitting in a puddle of water is not fun.

Space in the 3W is tight so you might like to consider quality waterproof biking gear that is also warm without being bulky..(safe too).
I can fully recommend Rukka..but quality comes at a price, so perhaps you should try a more budget solution until you have a bit more experience with how you use the car....eg borrow a sheepskin to see for yourself, for example.
Good luck