Belstaff Trialmaster Waxed Cotton Motorcycle Jacket: A True Classic

Every classic or modern classic, retro motorcycle rider needs a Belstaff Trialmaster Pro motorcycle jacket.
In fact, every biker deserves to have Belstaff’s iconic waxed cotton jacket hanging in his or her cloakroom.

Not just to channel the King of Cool or other famous Belstaff ambassadors. Not just because it’s the culmination of over seventy years of expertise in all-weather, outerwear by Belstaff but more so because it’s the epitome of style and function.

Appearing within Belstaff’s Pure Motorcycle collection the Trialmaster Pro is an evolution of the jacket that first appeared in the late 1940s.

Belstaff Trialmaster Pro: Luxuriously Understated

In an era that’s filled with shouty influencers, brands will plaster loud logos on anything that stands still for long enough. There’s something refreshingly satisfying about Belstaff’s logo.

It forces you to take a closer look if merely to confirm what you already know. Yes, it’s a Belstaff. It’s a dignified silence in a boisterous world.

That, combined with Belstaff’s understated styling, underlines the Tourist Trophy is an outwear garment made for true ladies and gentlemen. Gentlefolk, who seek peace within adventure and silence away from the deafening crowds will gravitate towards Tourist Trophy.

“Nothing strengthens authority so much as silence.“

― Leonardo da Vinci

Belstaff Trialmaster Pro (Classic Tourist Trophy)

Belstaff: Suppliers to Adventurers

Belstaff has a rich tradition of supplying outerwear garments to adventurers, explorers, thrill-seekers, and men and women in extreme environments. In addition, it provided garments to protect front-line troops from harsh weather in both major conflicts of the 20th century.

In the late 1940s, decades of research and development were consolidated to create Belstaff’s (arguably) most celebrated garment – the Trialmaster.

Belstaff Trialmaster: Developed for Highlands Moto Trials

With Great Britain emerging from the tumultuous and destructive conflict of World War II, attention gradually began to turn to lighter pursuits. 1948 heralded the launch of the distinctive four-pocket, mandarin-collared, belted, waxed-cotton Belstaff Trialmaster jacket.

The Trialmaster was developed specifically to endure the grim conditions of the gruelling Scottish Six Days Trial. The highlands moto event continues to this day and the jacket came to be lauded by riders. Its functional and stylish design was the key. Yet simultaneously it allowed plenty of room for freedom of movement while looking spiffing off the bike.

Soon this jacket became the apparel of choice for the tough and brave few who participated each year. A firm favourite of motorcyclists around the world, including Steve McQueen in the 1960s.

You can still purchase the Trialmaster jacket however it appears in Belstaff’s fashion line and doesn’t come equipped with the internal lining, to accommodate CE approved, D30 T5 EVO X back protector, as well as shoulder and elbow armour.

A Classic Investment

Winter is the perfect time to invest in this classic. The word invest is not used lightly. This is a jacket that you should expect to last for many years. Also, it’s not an inexpensive item, well at least in comparison to other waxed-cotton motorcycle jackets. Actually, it wouldn’t be fair to use price as a comparison with respect to this jacket. Belstaff’s Tourist Trophy is really in a class of its own.

Dry & Breathable

Would-be Usurpers

In recent years following the success of the Belstaff Tourist Trophy and the relaunch of ‘The International’ by Barbour, many new waxed-cotton jackets emerged from a number of brands. And sure, most are of high specification and look great on and off the bike, but none surpass the specifications of Belstaff’s flagship jacket.

Looking at the finer details of Trophy – it’s clear the quality of materials and construction is superior in all aspects.

An embroidered Pheonix emblem on the belt buckle cover prevents scratching of the tank. Two vulcanised rubber buttons at the bottom of the jacket, do the same and are quite exquisite to the touch. A slanted breast pocket allows easy access. All are designed with the motorcyclist at the front of mind.

The King & Queen of Waxed Cotton Motorcycles Jackets

The Belstaff Trialmaster [Classic Tourist Trophy] is, without doubt, the King and Queen of all waxed cotton jackets. All other waxed cotton jackets secretly aspire to be it. As good as those jackets may be, surely in the presence of the Tourist Trophy they’re merely would-be usurpers to the throne? Long live the Trialmaster.

Belstaff Trialmaster – Classic – Tourist Trophy, Women’s

Buy from: £575

Belstaff Trialmaster Pro – Classic Tourist Trophy, Men’s

Buy from: £575

Editor’s Note

The Belstaff Trialmaster was superseded by the CE-approved Trialmaster Pro in 2019.

With variations for men and women found in the Pure Motorcycle collection, the Trialmaster Pro’s silhouette and weight remain true to its predecessor. And reassuringly, so too does the price, despite the significant enhancement in its safety.