During the motorcycle boom that followed WWII, studded leather belts like the BUCO MOTORCYCLE BELT / SMOKY JIM were released by a number of manufacturers, but few carried the same blend of craft and character as Buco. Made from thick 5mm cowhide leather and set with jewel studs, this belt is both a decorative piece and a nod to early motorcycle safety gear, where reflectors were often integrated into gear as a functional detail.

Buco was founded in 1933 and initially specialized in leather helmets for pilots. After the war, as motorcycling surged in popularity, Buco began crafting jackets, helmets, and accessories, establishing itself as a leader in American motorcycle gear. The SMOKY JIM design reflects this golden era, when belts were more than just utility; they were a symbol of the rider's identity.

Studded leatherwork has roots in 18th-century Europe, but it was in 1930s America that it became part of Western wear, reinforcing holsters and saddles. By the 1940s and 50s, Hollywood stars like Roy Rogers and Gene Autry brought studded designs into popular culture, seen on belts, boots, and gear in countless Westerns. As motorcycle culture grew, that same decorative tradition crossed over onto the road.

5mm Cowhide Leather

Steel Buckle

Buco Branded Rivets

Nickel-Plated Steel Studs

Made in Japan