In Reply to: Lembi Leather posted by chenille on Saturday, 31. May 2008 at 15:39 Bali Time:
All the leather shops can make motorcycle style fashion jackets out of soft thin sheep leather.
Only a few shops such as Dolphin and Puma can make real motorcycle jackets. Before handing over any money ask to feel the type of leather that they will use. Some shops do not have any thick cowhide leather in stock and you should walk away. Other shops will tell you that the thick cowhide leather would be too stiff or that it is only used in making shoes. This is because thick cowhide leather is more expensive and more difficult to sew. Stand your ground and insist on thick cowhide leather.
Also insist that the jacket have longer arms as you will be leaning forward over a motorcycle and that it be long at the back to reach your trousers when leaning forward. Ask that the jacket be loose as you could be wearing it in Australia over a thick jumper. It is unlikely that you will be wearing a thick jumper while being measured in Bali. Ask for heavy brass zips with the zips covered by leather and ask also for double stitching.
As the previous poster has suggested, it is better to bring plastic armour from Australia for your jacket.