First Mfr Street Cruiser Jacket Review: Does It Live Up to the Hype?

With so many options on the market, it can be tough to determine which jacket offers the ideal blend of features, comfort, and value.

One newer model that stands out is the First Manufacturing Street Cruiser, released in 2021. In this in-depth review, we’ll break down everything you need to know about this leather motorcycle jacket.

But, the main question I will answer in this review will be: Is this the best leather motorcycle jacket for you? Let’s find out!

Our First Manufacturing Street Cruiser Verdict

An Overview of the First Manufacturing Brand

While it may not be a household name yet, First Manufacturing has quietly been producing quality gear for over 30 years.

Operating their own tannery and manufacturing facilities, they supply leather to many major brands. Recently,

First Manufacturing decided to start selling jackets directly to riders as well – skipping a few distribution steps and passing the savings along.

The Street Cruiser represents First Manufacturing’s initial independent offering. It provides riders with premium naked cowhide leather at an accessible price point.

Retailing for around $300, it delivers robust 1.0mm leather that feels substantial in hand. Given the materials and construction, it’s an impressive value play for the cost.

Street Cruiser Build Quality

The Street Cruiser uses naked cowhide leather sourced from First Manufacturing’s own tannery. The leather has a smooth, matte finish that resists scuffing and abrasion.

While not waxed, the leather has a lightly protective coating for durability.

With 1.0mm thickness, it’s thicker than the leather on many comparable jackets. This enhances abrasion resistance in a slide while giving it a pleasing, weighted feel.

Despite the hearty construction, it remains flexible enough for a comfortable fit in the riding position.

The leather itself has a premium look and hand that belies its reasonable cost. While offered in only classic black, the naked cowhide has visual depth and character.

All the zippers are heavy-duty YKK, with the main zipper featuring a sturdy metal First Manufacturing-branded pull tab.

First Mfr Street Cruiser Sizing

One of the standout features of the Street Cruiser is how well it’s tailored for riding. The sleeves are slightly longer with extra gussets to prevent binding when you grip the handlebars.

A flexible panel at the back adds stretch, so you can easily tuck and move on the bike.

It uses a relaxed fit through the body, with plenty of room to layer underneath. For reference, a size medium comfortably fits a 42-inch chest and 195-pound, 6-foot-tall rider. The length falls to the hips for coverage on a cruiser.

Despite the casual silhouette, the Street Cruiser doesn’t forget function. The sleeves have adjustable snap cuffs and stretch panels.

Zippered vents under the arms and rear exhaust ports enhance airflow. While not overly technical, it’s a purposeful design.

The only caveat is that it does not ship with CE-rated armor. You’d have to add that yourself for true impact protection.

However, at just $20 for a set of CE elbow, shoulder, and back armor, the upgrade is easy and affordable.

True to Size

Based on customer reviews, this jacket tends to run true to size compared to other motorcycle jacket brands. Most riders find they can order their normal size and get a good fit.

Key Measurements

Here are some key measurements to help you pick the right size:

Size	Chest (in)	Waist (in)	Sleeve (in)
S	38-40	32-34	33
M	42-44	36-38	34
L	46-48	40-42	35
XL	50-52	44-46	36
2XL	54-56	48-50	37

Measure your chest circumference, waist at your belly button, and sleeve length from the center back of your neck to your wrist to find the closest fit.

Adjustability

The Street Cruiser offers several ways to fine-tune the fit:

• Waist belts to cinch the jacket at your midsection
• Snap sleeve cuffs to keep the sleeves in place
• A mandarin collar that can be snapped down for a tighter fit around the neck

These adjustable features let me dial in and fit perfectly for my body. I like being able to loosen it on hot days for more airflow or tighten it up in cooler weather to keep the wind out.

Unique Touches and Convenient Features

A few other thoughtful components give the Street Cruiser unique flair. The stand-up collar has an inner zipper to attach a removable sweatshirt-style hood. When not in use, the hood stows in the back pocket.

For carrying essentials, it boasts two zippered hand pockets, an interior stash pocket, and a vertical chest pocket. The front hand pockets are subtly angled for an ergonomic, natural hand position while riding.

Inside the lining, a moisture-wicking mesh liner helps keep you cooler on warm rides. The mesh fabric also allows any vents to flow air effectively through the jacket. It’s a simple addition that boosts comfort in warmer weather.

Comparison to Similar Jackets

Model	Leather Type	Armor	Perforated?
Alpinestars Faster Airflow V2	1.3mm Cowhide	CE Level 1	Yes
Roland Sands Ronin	1.2-1.4mm Cowhide	CE Level 1	Yes
Dainese Racing 4	1.1-1.3mm Cowhide	Composite Protectors	Yes
Highway 21 Motordrome	1.2mm Cowhide	Removable CE	No

The First Manufacturing Street Cruiser compares very favorably to other leather motorcycle jackets in the $200-$300 price range.

It uses a high-quality 1.0mm naked cowhide leather, more commonly seen on pricier jackets. The Street Cruiser manages to keep costs down through direct sales, allowing it to offer premium materials at a budget-friendly price point.

Compared to the Alpinestars, Roland Sands, Dainese, and Highway 21 listed above, the Street Cruiser holds its own in terms of leather quality and thickness.

Many of these rival brands use leather between 1.0 mm and 1.3 mm thick, quite similar to the 1.0mm leather on the Street Cruiser.

The biggest difference is the Street Cruiser does not come with CE armor installed. However, CE armor can be added affordably as an upgrade.

And while the other jackets feature perforations for ventilation, the non-perforated Street Cruiser may have an advantage in cooler weather.

For riders seeking a well-made leather jacket without the premium markup, the Street Cruiser deserves a close look.

It provides comparable materials to pricier options for hundreds less. While not loaded with features, it focuses on high-quality leather for protection and durability.

First Mfr Street Cruiser Ventilation

The First Manufacturing Street Cruiser provides decent ventilation to help keep you comfortable in varying weather conditions, though it may not be as breathable as some other cruiser-style jackets on the market.

Venting Effectiveness

The Street Cruiser has a few key features to promote airflow:

• Perforated action back for increased ventilation
• Underarm gussets and grommets to let air in
• Zippered sleeves with gussets for adjustable airflow

I’ve found the perforated back does a reasonable job of letting air circulate across my body while riding, helping evaporate sweat on warm days. Opening the sleeve zippers provides additional ventilation for my arms.

However, with the full-sleeve thermal liner zipped in, ventilation is significantly reduced. This makes it well-suited for cold weather but less ideal for hot summer riding. Removing the liner does improve airflow though the interior.

Comparison to Other Cruiser Jackets

Compared to some other popular cruiser-style leather jackets, the Street Cruiser falls somewhere in the middle in terms of ventilation:

• Jackets with full-body perforation, like the First Manufacturing Turbine, will flow significantly more air.
• But the Street Cruiser is more breathable than classic leather jackets with no perforations or venting at all.

So, while it may not be the most ventilated option out there, the combination of the perforated back, underarm gussets, and sleeve zippers makes the Street Cruiser a decent choice for moderately warm temperatures. Just don’t expect it to flow as much air as a fully perforated summer jacket.

First Mfr Street Cruiser Armor

The First Manufacturing Street Cruiser comes with pockets for optional CE-rated armor, allowing you to customize the level of impact protection. While the armor isn’t included, it is designed to accommodate high-quality armor inserts.

Armor Material and Thickness

The Street Cruiser’s armor pockets are sized for standard CE-rated viscoelastic armor inserts made from materials like D3O, SAS-TEC, or Seesmart. These advanced armor materials are incredibly thin, flexible, and breathable:

• D3O Ghost armor is only 0.24″ (6mm) thick
• Typical SAS-TEC armor is about 0.4″ (10mm) thick
• Seesmart CE Level 1 armor is a mere 0.2″ (5mm) thick

Despite their low profile, these viscoelastic armor materials offer excellent impact protection. They remain soft and pliable during normal use but stiffen upon impact to absorb energy.

Removable for Washing and Upgrades

One advantage of the Street Cruiser’s armor pocket design is that you can easily remove the armor for washing or replacement. This allows you to:

• Take out the armor inserts before machine washing
• Upgrade to higher-level armor (e.g. from CE Level 1 to Level 2) as desired
• Replace worn-out armor after a crash to maintain optimal protection

I appreciate the flexibility to remove the armor as needed. It makes caring for the jacket much easier.

Overall Protectiveness

While the Street Cruiser doesn’t come with armor included, the ability to add CE-rated inserts gives you a good level of impact protection.

Assuming you install quality CE Level 1 armor in the shoulders, elbows, and back, the Street Cruiser will provide solid coverage for key impact areas.

However, some other armored jackets on the market offer even more comprehensive protection, with features like:

• CE Level 2 armor (higher energy absorption than Level 1)
• Chest armor inserts in addition to shoulders, elbows, back
• Larger back protectors for more coverage

So, while the Street Cruiser with added armor inserts will give you good impact protection, it’s not necessarily the most protective option available if that’s your top priority. But it provides a nice balance of style, comfort, and safety features.

First Mfr Street Cruiser Wear and Tear

Motorcycle jackets are designed to protect you in case of an accident, but they’re not indestructible. Over time, even the highest quality jacket will experience some degree of wear and tear that can impact its protective capabilities.

Types of Wear and Tear

The most common types of wear and tear I’ve seen on motorcycle jackets include:

• Abrasion and scuffing of the outer shell material, especially on high-wear areas like the elbows and shoulders
• Loose or broken stitching, particularly along seams and around pockets
• Worn-out or compressed armor inserts that no longer provide adequate impact protection
• Broken zippers, snaps, or velcro closures that prevent it from fitting securely
• Fading or discoloration of the outer material due to sun exposure or frequent washing

Impact on Protective Capabilities

As a jacket experiences wear and tear, its ability to protect you in a crash can be significantly compromised:

• Abrasion resistance is reduced as the outer shell material gets thinner or develops holes
• Seams and stitching can fail, causing it to tear apart on impact instead of staying intact to protect you
• Armor that’s worn out or fits poorly due to a stretched-out jacket won’t absorb impacts as effectively
• Closures that don’t work prevent it from staying put during a slide, exposing your skin to the pavement

So, while a well-worn jacket may still look cool, it’s important to recognize when wear and tear has progressed to the point that it no longer provides adequate protection.

I inspect my gear regularly for signs of damage and replace items as needed to ensure I’m always riding with safe, protective equipment.

First Mfr Street Cruiser Care Instructions

Proper care and maintenance are essential to keep it looking great and protecting you for years to come. Here’s what you need to know to take care of this high-quality leather motorcycle jacket.

Cleaning and Maintenance

The Street Cruiser’s top grain cowhide leather outer shell is durable and easy to care for, but it does require some regular maintenance:

• Wipe down the leather with a soft, damp cloth after each ride to remove bugs, dirt, and debris
• For deeper cleaning, use a ph-neutral leather cleaner and conditioner like Lexol or Bick 4
• Avoid harsh chemicals, solvents, or alcohol-based cleaners that can strip the natural oils from the leather
• Never machine wash or dry the jacket, as this can damage the leather and ruin the armor

I find that a quick wipe down after each ride and a more thorough cleaning and conditioning treatment every few months keeps my Street Cruiser looking and feeling like new.

Leather Conditioning

In addition to regular cleaning, it’s important to condition the leather periodically to keep it supple and prevent drying and cracking.

I recommend using a quality leather conditioner like Obenauf’s, Saphir, or Chamberlain’s every 3-6 months or whenever the leather starts to feel dry or stiff.

Here’s how I condition my Street Cruiser:

1. Make sure that it is clean and dry before applying conditioner
2. Apply a small amount of conditioner to a soft cloth and rub it into the leather using circular motions
3. Pay extra attention to high-wear areas like the elbows, shoulders, and collar
4. Allow the conditioner to absorb into the leather for at least an hour before wiping off any excess
5. Let it air dry completely before wearing or storing

Regular conditioning helps the leather maintain its moisture content, keeping it soft, flexible, and resistant to cracking.

This not only extends the life of the jacket but also ensures it remains comfortable to wear and provides optimal abrasion resistance in a crash.

First Mfr Street Cruiser Lining

It features a removable full-sleeve thermal liner that provides insulation for cold-weather riding. This versatile liner allows you to adapt the jacket to different riding conditions.

Thermal Insulation

The Street Cruiser’s liner is made with a quilted thermal material that traps air to keep you warm. When paired with some additional base layers, it provides good insulation for temperatures down to around 40-50°F (4-10°C).

The liner makes a noticeable difference in cold weather compared to just the shell alone:

• Without the liner, the jacket feels chilly below 60°F (15°C)
• With the liner, I stay comfortable down to around 40°F (4°C)

So, if you frequently ride in colder temperatures, the Street Cruiser’s thermal liner will help extend your riding season.

Removable for Versatility

One of the things I appreciate about the Street Cruiser’s liner is that it’s fully removable. This allows you to adapt the jacket to a wider range of conditions:

• Install the liner for cold weather
• Remove the liner for mild temperatures
• Ride with just the shell and some venting for warm weather

I find this versatility really useful for multi-day trips where temperatures can vary significantly. Being able to easily add or remove the liner lets me adjust my insulation on the fly.

Sleeve Liner Attachment

The Street Cruiser’s thermal liner attaches securely to the inside of the jacket with a zipper around the perimeter and snaps at the cuffs. This keeps the liner from bunching up or twisting uncomfortably inside the sleeve.

I particularly like how the liner’s sleeves are anchored at the cuff snaps. This keeps the liner from riding up my arms when I put the jacket on, which is a pet peeve of mine with some other lined jackets.

Overall, the thermal liner is a valuable feature that enhances the jacket’s cold-weather performance and versatility. It’s well-designed, easy to use, and provides good insulation for extending your riding season.

The Bottom Line

For those riders looking for a quality leather motorcycle jacket without breaking the bank, the First Manufacturing Street Cruiser hits a sweet spot.

Made with thick premium leather, it maintains a classic look with just the right amount of technical features for performance. Given the materials and construction, it’s a bargain at this price point.

While still a newer entry into the market, the Street Cruiser has quickly become a popular choice for cruisers and touring riders.

If you’ve been holding off upgrading your leather jacket, this fresh option deserves strong consideration. It walks the line between fashion and function, delivering durability, protection, and style all in one smart package.

Frequently Asked Questions

What types of riding is the Street Cruiser suitable for?

With its relaxed fit and cruiser length, the Street Cruiser is ideal for cruiser, touring, and vintage-style bikes. It provides great coverage when sitting upright in a cruising position. The leather construction also makes it versatile for urban street riding.

Does it run true to size?

Initial production runs of the Street Cruiser seem to fit slightly large. For the best fit, consider ordering one size down from the size chart. If between sizes, sizing up is preferable to allow for layering.

Is this a good jacket for tall or short riders?

The hip-length cut of the Street Cruiser works well for riders of varying heights. Taller riders have room for the sleeves and body to drape and move properly. For shorter torsos, the bottom can be cinched for a more precise fit.

Can you wear it off the bike?

With its basic moto styling, the Street Cruiser transitions seamlessly into casual wear off the bike. The leather gives it a classic appeal that works great for everyday use. Just remove the armor and exterior armor pockets when not riding.

Does it keep you warm in colder weather?

While not overly insulated, the thick leather provides good wind resistance. Layer a hoodie or mid-layer underneath, and the Street Cruiser can handle dropping temps into the 40s Fahrenheit. Stay warm by zipping up the fleece hood as well when riding in chillier conditions.

In summary

In summary, the First Manufacturing Street Cruiser exceeded expectations for a leather motorcycle jacket under $300.

While room for improvement exists in armor provisions and sizing consistency, it nails the fundamentals.

For cruiser riders needing a durable, quality leather jacket, it’s a recommended option that won’t break the bank.

After checking out this detailed review, head over to Revzilla to learn more or order your own First Manufacturing Street Cruiser.

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