About this episode
How’s this for a company motto? “Hand built. Made to last.” Those aren’t just words, either: Top Fuel Motorcycle drag racer and former world record holder Kory Hogan survived a 246-mph crash in a leather suit designed and manufactured under the unyielding direction of the guest on this episode, the founder and CEO of Vanson Leathers, Mike van der Sleesen.
Founded in 1974 and operating since 1988 from a century-old textiles mill in Fall River, Massachusetts, Vanson has produced competition leather suits for many racing greats, including Giacomo Agostini, Freddie Spencer, and Jay Springsteen. Vanson products also have appeared in countless films and television productions and been worn by some of Hollywood’s biggest stars.
Despite these successes, Van Der Sleesen is as grounded as they come. He has a deep understanding of international business and a wealth of manufacturing experience, yet he is one of the great characters in the motorcycle industry. On this episode, show host Mark Long discusses the Norton Commando 850 ownership experience with van der Sleesen.
Connect with Us:
Website:
Instagram:
www.Instagram.com/driventoridepodcast
Facebook:
Email:
Get every episode summarized
Each time Driven to Ride publishes, we email you a written briefing from the transcript — the topics, who appeared, and any specific claims, with the ad reads skipped.
Email me new episodesFree for 3 shows. No card needed.
Hosts & guests
No transcript yet
This episode has not been transcribed. Request it and it moves to the front of the queue.
More episodes
More from Driven to Ride
Dmitry Pavlovsky's Reinvention Through Motorcycles
Driven to Ride
The Many Lives of Rob Brooks of RoadDirt.tv
Driven to Ride
Motoblot 2026: Chicago’s Motorcycle Homecoming
Driven to Ride
Cat MacLeod: Where European Motorcycle Touring Meets the Racetrack
Driven to Ride