An American leather jacket in its most accomplished form.

The J-21R takes up the characteristic lines of the historic Buco J-21: asymmetric fastening, D-Pocket, Coin Pocket, shoulder panels and action pleats at the back. A construction built for the road, faithful to the codes of the American motorcycle jacket as it established itself in the 1940s and 1950s. The leather chosen for this model – a Cow Vintage cowhide with a specific finish – delivers a rich visual depth and a subtle satin sheen that smooth, uniform leathers simply do not have. A material that does not seek to impress at first glance, but develops a naturally unique patina with time and wear. In black, the contrast between the dark leather and the Dull Silver metal hardware is particularly pronounced – a timeless combination, without compromise.

Construction details inherited from a real history.

On the J-21R, every detail has an origin and a purpose. The D-Pocket – a zip pocket set at an angle on the chest – is one of the most recognisable codes of historic Buco models, inherited directly from American work jackets. The Coin Pocket, a small change pocket integrated into the front panel, is its discreet counterpart. On the back, two zip openings – the Pillion / Map Pockets – are among the most characteristic functional details in Buco's history: they were originally designed to carry and protect a road map flat against the rider's back, and to allow the pillion passenger to slip their hands inside the jacket to keep warm while riding. The press-stud belt loops allow a belt to be threaded through and keep the jacket in position in the saddle. The action pleats at the back and shoulder panels guarantee freedom of movement. The Dull Silver metal hardware – wrist zips, asymmetric centre fastening, press studs – unifies the whole with considered coherence. Inside, the body lining in 100 % cotton checked flannel provides thermal comfort in mid-season, while the polyester sleeve lining makes the jacket easy to pull on. An interior zip pocket completes the construction.

Detroit, Michigan. Buco, since 1933.

Buco was founded in Detroit in 1933 by Joseph Buegeleisen – the brand name is a contraction of Buegeleisen Company. Initially a manufacturer of motorcycle accessories, the brand evolved in the 1940s towards the production of leather jackets made entirely in-house, quickly recognised as the benchmark pieces of the American motorcycle jacket. The models of the 1940s and 1950s remain to this day a reference in terms of construction and design – pieces that equipped generations of riders, flat-track and drag strip racers, before becoming sought-after collector's items.

Detroit, Michigan. The golden age of American industry, working-class strength, the culture of performance and risk-taking – it is in this world that Buco forged its identity. A brand that does not try to tell a legend: it lived one. The J-21R sits squarely in this direct line of continuity, with the same construction codes and the same demand placed on the material.

Features

Cow Vintage cowhide leather, 100 % (0.8–0.9 mm): specific finish with pronounced visual depth and a subtle satin sheen, developing a natural patina over time.
Black colourway: pronounced contrast between the dark leather and the Dull Silver metal hardware, for a timeless result.
Asymmetric fastening: a historic code of the American motorcycle jacket, in Dull Silver finish consistent with all other metal elements.
D-Pocket: angled zip pocket on the chest, a signature construction detail of historic Buco models.
Coin Pocket: small change pocket integrated into the front panel, a direct inheritance from American work jackets.
Pillion / Map Pockets: two zip openings at the back – for carrying a road map or allowing the pillion passenger to slip their hands inside the jacket while riding.
Press-stud belt loops: allow a belt to be threaded through and keep the jacket in position in the saddle.
Shoulder panels and action pleats at the back: freedom of movement in the saddle, in keeping with the generous American cut.
Body lining in 100 % cotton checked flannel / polyester sleeve lining: thermal comfort in mid-season, easy to pull on.
Interior zip pocket: secure and discreet storage.
Generous American cut: size down from your usual size.

Frequently asked questions

How do I choose my size for the J-21R?

The J-21R has a generous American cut. It is recommended to size down from your usual size for the correct fit. If in doubt between two sizes, go for the smaller one.

What is Cow Vintage leather?

Cow Vintage leather is a cowhide treated with a specific finish that gives it a pronounced visual depth and a subtle satin sheen. It is not a smooth, uniform leather: it has a defined character from the very first wear and develops a natural patina with time and use – particularly visible in black, where the contrast with the Dull Silver metal hardware deepens progressively.

What are the D-Pocket and the Coin Pocket?

The D-Pocket is an angled zip pocket on the chest, inherited from American work and motorcycle jackets – one of the most recognisable codes of historic Buco models. The Coin Pocket is a small change pocket integrated into the front panel of the jacket, a functional detail taken directly from the original constructions. These two elements are not decorative details: they are part of the construction DNA of the J-21.

What are the Pillion / Map Pockets?

The Pillion / Map Pockets are two zip openings at the back of the jacket, among the most characteristic functional details in Buco's history. They originally served two purposes: allowing the rider to carry and protect a road map flat against their back, and giving the pillion passenger a way to slip their hands inside the jacket to keep warm while riding. A construction detail rooted in real use, which the J-21R perpetuates unchanged.

Is this jacket suitable for everyday motorcycle use?

The J-21R is a motorcycle jacket in the historical sense of the term – built for the road, with construction details that confirm it: shoulder panels, action pleats at the back, Pillion / Map Pockets, press-stud belt loops. It does not include CE-approved armour. For sporting use or on a track, approved protective equipment remains recommended.

How do I care for this jacket?

A quick wipe with a slightly damp cloth is enough for surface marks. A nourishing smooth leather cream, applied once or twice a year, preserves the suppleness of the material and maintains its natural patina. Avoid prolonged exposure to rain or direct sunlight.

What sets the black colourway apart from the other J-21R colours?

The black colourway plays on the contrast between the dark leather and the Dull Silver metal hardware – a particularly pronounced and clear material/metal relationship. The brown and cognac colourways bring out more of the nuances and depth of the Cow Vintage leather, with a more visible progressive patina over time, playing on the richness of the warm tones.

Men's Jacket BUCO J-21R BLACK