KADOYA's 90th anniversary special leather jacket

Hello, this is Aikyo.
Today, we will introduce three new leather jackets from Kadoya.

This season, Kadoya has released a total of six new leather jackets, but the three we are introducing today are special models commemorating the brand's 90th anniversary.
We were able to borrow all of them, so we'd like to introduce them to you in detail.

DETAIL

VALENZ-XC

After some research, I found out that "VALENZ" is a German term used in the fields of chemistry and electricity.

Color: Black

Sizes: S to 4L

Price: From 79,200 yen

Protectors are sold separately, but the jacket is equipped with protector pockets on the shoulders, elbows, and back, and also comes with Velcro for attaching a chest protector.

First of all, a common feature of the 90th anniversary model is the deep blue lining.
The material is smooth polyester, which makes it easy to slip on and comfortable to layer.

VALENZ is Kadoya's standard single jacket series, and is currently also on sale as "VALENZ-NEO."
A common feature of the series is the use of leather padding on the elbows.

The VALENZ-NEO is padded with cushioned leather and comes in sizes starting from M.

On the other hand, the VALENZ-XC has a classic design without cushioning and is available in sizes starting from small.

Additionally, the NEO has action pleats that improve mobility around the shoulders, but the XC does not have these.

However, the cowhide used in the XC is very soft and allows for ample movement.

The front is a single type with one main zipper in the center.
The zipper is designed to be hidden by the placket, so there is no need to worry about the metal fittings coming into contact with your bike and causing scratches.

In addition, there is a leather wind flap behind the zipper to effectively prevent wind from entering.

There are pockets on both sides and on the left chest, as well as two inner pockets with buttons.
The left chest pocket has a partially lined lining made of perforated leather, which also serves as ventilation.
The texture has been improved by using perforated leather instead of mesh, but because the lining is double-layered, we plan to conduct a driving test later to confirm how well the air actually passes through.

All of the pockets can hold large smartphones, and I was able to fit my beloved iPhone 16 Pro Max (with cover) in without any problems.

It seems like it would be a good idea to keep it in your chest pocket during seasons when you don't need ventilation, and in your inner pocket when you do, so it doesn't get in the way of riding.

In terms of design, patches symbolizing the 90th anniversary are placed on both shoulders.

The patch on the right shoulder is the same color black, giving it an elegant impression.

The patch on the left shoulder is a vibrant tricolor crown patch that symbolizes Kadoya.

In addition, a leather patch has been added to the center of the lining and the "90 to the 100" logo is printed on it.

This is a worthy commemorative model, carefully finished down to the smallest detail.

GERMAN DOUBLE-XC

Color: Black

Sizes: S to 4L

Price: From 84,700 yen

Protectors are sold separately. The jacket is equipped with protector pockets on the shoulders, elbows, and back, but is not compatible with chest protectors.

The GERMAN DOUBLE-XC does not have leather padding on the shoulders or elbows, so the placement of the patches has been slightly changed, but it still retains the same specifications as the 90th anniversary model, such as the dark blue lining, shoulder patches, and leather padding in the center of the lining plus the "90 to the 100" logo.

I had never heard of this model before, but it is apparently a revival model of the German double that was popular from the 1970s to the 1990s.

When I first saw the lineup, I thought the GERMAN DOUBLE-XC was just a double-breasted version of the single-breasted VALENZ-XC, but in fact, they are very different in every detail.
One thing to pay particular attention to is the size.

The GERMAN DOUBLE-XC is tighter overall, and while you won't notice much difference if you wear it with just a thin inner layer, it can feel a bit tight if you wear layers.

However, the GERMAN DOUBLE-XC features action pleats that improve mobility around the shoulders, and combined with the soft cowhide leather, it gives the impression of being easy to move in even when the size is just right.

As is typical of a double rider jacket, there is a large vertical wind flap behind the zipper.
This structure provides better heat retention than the single type, but due to its silhouette, the VALENZ-XC is easier to layer.

The methods of ensuring breathability are also different: while the VALENZ-XC lets in air by opening the chest pocket, the GERMAN DOUBLE-XC is designed to let in air by slightly opening the front zipper and fastening it with buttons on the left and right.

In terms of design, the zipper is clearly visible, emphasizing a heavy and wild impression.
Double riders come in two types: American jackets with belts and long jackets without belts with adjusters on both sides, but this is the American jacket type.

In the past, it was said that "American jacket" meant "wide" and "long jacket" meant "tight," but recently the boundaries between the two have become blurred.
In fact, even though this GERMAN DOUBLE-XC comes with a belt, it still has a very tight silhouette.

The rugged and wild atmosphere is also reflected in the pocket design.
The pockets on both sides have hidden zippers, just like the VALENZ-XC, but the left chest pocket has a visible zipper design that emphasizes its presence.

All three pockets on the front of the bag can hold a large smartphone. There is also one zippered inner pocket, which also fits a smartphone.

Although the capacity is modest, there is a small pocket on the left arm, which adds a military touch. It is an irresistible feature for military enthusiasts.

What I personally found nice was that there was a D-ring on the left chest area.
I keep my bike keys together on a carabiner, so it's convenient to be able to temporarily hang it up when I'm taking a break.

PULSAR-XC

Color: Black

Sizes: M to 3L

Price: From 75,900 yen

Protectors are sold separately. The jacket is equipped with protector pockets on the shoulders, elbows, and back, but a chest protector cannot be attached.

PULSAR-XC is a horse with a very different character from the two horses introduced above.
This is purely subjective, but leather jackets are made from traditional materials, so they cannot compete with the latest synthetic fiber materials in terms of comfort.
That's why I think of it as something you wear to look cool or for self-satisfaction, and I think that the slight weight and tightness are part of its charm.

I think of it as something you wear to look cool and for self-satisfaction, but if you want to look cool you have to be a little patient, the silhouette is tight and heavy.
However, the PULSAR-XC overturns this concept a little.

The design is already easy to move in, but it also features action pleats on the back.
Of the three horses this time, this one has the best athletic performance.

In terms of design, the dark blue lining and the patch of the same color on the right chest maintain the unity of the 90th anniversary model, but the tricolor crown patch has not been adopted.

As a Kadoya fan, I'm a little disappointed that there's no crown patch, but the simple all-black color scheme makes it more versatile for everyday wear.

The zipper is also black, unlike the other two pieces, giving the overall look a sense of unity.

The pockets include a large-capacity chest pocket with a gusset, pockets on both sides, and an inner pocket.
However, if you want to store a large smartphone, the inner pocket is the best option.

The loose silhouette means that the wind can easily blow it up, but there are adjusters on both sides of the hem, and the waist can also be adjusted.
It is designed to fit snugly to the body even when riding.

Size

VALENZ-XC

Author's specs: Height 164cm / Weight 59kg / Hobbies: Cycling and bodyweight training I usually wear a size S riding jacket.

I tried the S size and it fit perfectly.
It was a little tight around my slightly protruding stomach and my chest, which had thickened from weight training.
However, if you wear layers such as a shirt, you won't feel cramped.

GERMAN DOUBLE-XC

I also wear a size S.
It is slightly tighter overall than the VALENZ-XC, and felt a little tight when wearing a shirt underneath.
However, because there are action pleats around the shoulders, it's not as restrictive as it looks.
If you plan to layer it, we recommend going up one size.

PULSAR-XC

I'm wearing a size M (one size larger than the other two).

There is plenty of room in both the body and arms, making it extremely easy to move around.
The silhouette is already roomy, so I felt that it was possible to layer it even in my usual size.

Use on a motorcycle

VALENZ-XC

I rode in cloudy conditions with a temperature of 22°C wearing the VALENZ-XC over a thin, moisture-wicking, quick-drying, and cool-to-the-touch inner layer.
To be honest, I wasn't expecting much, but when I opened the chest ventilation, I was surprised to be able to take in air even when driving at low speeds of around 30 to 40 km/h.

However, the air only enters the left chest, so it cannot cool the whole body.
However, since it releases moisture from inside the clothing, it seems like it can be used in a wide range of temperatures.

GERMAN DOUBLE-XC

The vertical wind flap behind the zipper is larger than that of the VALENZ-XC, but the heat retention is almost the same.
While riding, I opened the zipper a little and buttoned the collar to the body, which allowed a strong breeze to flow into my chest, making me feel cooler than when the VALENZ-XC's ventilation was turned on.

Personally, I feel that it is more adaptable to a wider range of temperatures than the VALENZ-XC.
Even with just one inner layer, the overall size was just right, and I didn't feel any difficulty moving around when making U-turns, etc.

PULSAR-XC

Perhaps it's because the leather is thinner than the other two jackets, so it felt like its heat retention was a level lower.

However, since it was a little hot at 22 degrees, I tried opening the zipper little by little, but when I was in the position on my beloved CRF250rally, there was hardly any wind getting in.

The collar cannot be fixed to the body like the GERMAN DOUBLE-XC, so less wind gets in.
However, the soft, easy-to-move sheep leather and the roomy silhouette make it very comfortable to wear around town.

All three have completely different personalities

When you actually ride the three bikes, you'll notice that each one has a completely different personality.
It is important to carefully consider and choose a piece that suits your style and the environment in which you will be using it.

If possible, it's a good idea to tell the store staff about your intended use and riding style and have them help you choose.

The one that left the biggest impression on me was the PULSAR-XC.
Although it is a product of a motorcycle accessories manufacturer, it is also easy to wear around town, combining flexibility and comfort.
Furthermore, I realized that although I have several leather jackets in my closet at home, I don't own a genuine double rider jacket like the GERMAN DOUBLE-XC.

I'm turning 44 this year, so I think it would be nice to buy one of them and enjoy wearing it as a commemorative model 10 years from now.