Leather Jackets
Motorcycle ClothingDiscuss Leather Jackets in the Harley Products & Services forums; I have 2 leather jackets, both with zip-off sleeves. One is a light weight that has all my patches on the other is a Willie G (heavy for early spring ...
I have 2 leather jackets, both with zip-off sleeves. One is a light weight that has all my patches on the other is a Willie G (heavy for early spring and late fall). I recently picked up a HD Switchback - not leather but gives me three jackets in one. Add to that the gortex FXGR, Orange & Black HD, Quilted reversible HD, Nylon Ball style HD, and a leather sleeved and fabric HD that is great for fall - winter - spring. My wife stated that the closet has NO more room. By the way she has 2 leather HD jackets, a ladies HD switchback and a nylon ball style.
I have a nice down lined black leather jacket with ealstic in the waste and sleeves. I bought it fifteen years ago at an after Xmas sale at Eddie Bauer in SF, Cal. for half off its regular price of $360. It's perfect for California winters but it's not waterproof. I love it! Light, warm, and, since it wasn't designed as a biker jacket but more of a casual style, I can wear it around town without being stuck in a "biker dude" mold. I don't like being type cast by anybody for any reason. The jacket's way too warm for summer though.
I recently bought a new typical biker jacket at one of the Bay Area MC shows for $220. Same features and quality as a $600 HD jacket. It's a Jim Leather brand of "Conyers Georgia" (yea sure- it's actually made in Pakistan!). Nice jacket but now I'm wishing I'd held off and bought a lighter colored Goretex jacket for these hot California summers. We'll see. The leather jacket will probably be ok with the liner removed. I've gone down a number of times in the distant past and nothing protects you like leather...Nothing!
For years I wore an old wool lined Levi jacket with added on extra snaps to keep the wind out. I'd add a down lined nylon vest on top if it was cold. I think it still dwells behind the seat of my pick up "just in case...".
The jacket question was a good one. I spent months deciding on which one to purchase due to the outrageous cost involved. But on the other hand, if the jacket lasts 15 - 20 years maybe that's justified. Apparantly with the newer styles out the cost comes down on those introduced a few years ago. I settled on the HD "Independence" jacket, a classic looking jacket made of premium leather which offers decent protection and even some back support with a decent fit. I found the best deal purchasing through St Paul HD on Ebay. Best price and very accomodating, even when I had to exchange the size, one of the drawbacks of online purchasing.
Currently have 2 one is a lightweight perf leather you can wear it at 95 degrees and it cools. The other is a HD basic rider pre china weighs 35 ibs.
Wife has 3 o4 lost count. She works at HD dlr gets cost + 10.
Back about 6 yrs ago before HD went to made in china leathers they had some of the best leather on the market. One peice from one cow not streched, drum dyed and weighed 25 to 40 lbs stuff today other than willie g is junk...
Hmmm...Tip, that hasn't been my experience. W/ all respect for American leatherworkers, my FXRG is remarkably well-made, detailed, and has for all intents and purposes, matched leather grain throughout. Dunno much about the cheaper coats, however....
The only things that give me heartburn on mine is the zippers. The jacket I bought in '02 has pocket zippers that get stuck, and the one I bought in '04 has a front zipper that requires both hands, manual dexterity, and all of your concentration.
__________________ ===================== Rob 2007 FXDB San Diego, CA
John 1:14
It is the duty of nations, as well as of men, to own their dependence upon the overruling power of God, to confess their sins and transgressions, in humble sorrow, yet with assured hope that genuine repentance will lead to mercy and pardon; and to recognize the sublime truth announced in the Holy Scriptures and proven by all history, that those nations only are blessed whose God is the LORD. ----Abraham Lincoln
The only things that give me heartburn on mine is the zippers. The jacket I bought in '02 has pocket zippers that get stuck, and the one I bought in '04 has a front zipper that requires both hands, manual dexterity, and all of your concentration.
Have you tried rubbing a little candle wax into the zipper-teeth ?
__________________ "If at first you don't succeed, try again...then swear"
Mark Twain
I have an Icon-moto strongarm fate, 14 oz. denim torso leather sleeves with skulls and flames lazer etched in the leather. removable body armor in shoulders, elbows, and back good fit, looks bad-a$$ nice pockets with good easy to use zippers (the inside pocket even has a St. Christoper's medalion sewn in, kinda cool if you ask me), zip out quilted liner, front and back vents. the only issue is that the jackets WAY TOO warm for the humid summers, even with vents open. Thinking about buying an Icon-moto Regulator "air cooled" vest for summers.
2 leather jackets - plus 
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