When I first saw the title I was thinking of Bates race leathers. I had no idea there was a cheap copycat company using their name. On my Bucket list is getting a custom jacket or set of Bates riding leathers. I can actually drive to their shop and be fitted.
Here are the real Bates footwear:
www.batesleathers.com
I had wanted a set of Bates leathers since i was 10 years old. 4 years ago, i found myself in Long Beach, and i finally visited Bates. I was measured up for a jacket, pants, boots, and gloves. Whole hog. I went with my road name on the left side of the jacket, front and rear zipper vents, checkerboard on the front and rear, and white stripes on the jacket. Pants, gloves, boots just standard fair fit to my size.
Total bill was $3,200, which was 3x more than my aerostich (which i also had custom fit - long arms, long legs). The Bates stuff is beautiful - almost too nice to wear. To be honest, with a move to Montana, 2 daughters finishing college and moving them here/there, i haven't ridden with this stuff yet. i've only tried it one once - when i was about 10# lighter (Thanks, COVID.) I hope that it still fits.
I was laid off from one of my two jobs, so maybe if it quits snowing in MT, i'll have time to wear it this year. We'll see.
No comment on the other Bates boots. The boots which I had made for me are pretty nice.