The Genuine Harley-Davidson® Leather Jacket VS. The “I can get a leather jacket for $150″
This is a guest post written by Tina Mason, MotorClothes™ manager at Gateway Harley-Davisdon. You can contact her directly at tmason@gatewayhd.com. Her specialties include helmet fitting, product ordering, and bandana tying. You can see her pig tails bobbing around the showroom floor most days from open to close.
I cannot tell you how many times I have heard this. And yes. You can go and purchase a leather jacket for $150 at a local swap meet or off-brand retailer. But there are plenty of questions that arise from this $150 jacket:
- Is it real leather?
- How thick is it?
- Is it made for riding?
- Does it have a warranty to back it up?
- How long will it last?
These are just a couple of questions I would ask.
Harley-Davidson® has a large variety of choices as far as leather is concerned. There are some leather jackets that are better for riding and others that are more of a fashion statement. When it comes to Harley-Davidson® Leather Riding Jackets, here are some things you need to know
- Is it real leather? Depending on the jacket it is made of pigskin or cowhide leather.
- How thick is it? Harley Davidson offers lightweight and midweight leather jackets.
- Is it made for riding? The leather riding jackets are made for riding with options that vary from jacket to jacket. These options include venting, precurved sleeves for stretch, body armor, reflective materials, removable liners, windproof and water resistant liners, interior pockets, and removable kidney belts.
- Does it have a warranty to back it up? Warranty on these Harley-Davidson® Leather Jackets is 5 years and if you decide to get the “Mac Daddy” “FXRG leather riding jacket, my personal favorite, you will get a limited lifetime warranty. Yes, I said it. Limited. Lifetime.
- How long will it last? You will get a long use out of these jackets.
Prices on these jackets range from $300-$650 so look at what you get for the money. Many people think that they are just paying for the brand name of Harley-Davidson®, but what you have to understand is that Harley-Davidson® jackets are made by Harley riders, sold by Harley riders, and worn by Harley riders. The make your ride more comfortable and protect you from the elements. I hope I gave you enough information to really compare and see that you can purchase that $150 jacket and have to replace it over and over or you can spend a little bit more and get great features and benefits from Harley-Davidson® leather jackets. Feel free to contact me with any questions. My e-mail is tmason@gatewayhd.com.
Check out these videos that talk about the detail that goes into creating the Harley-Davidson® MotorClothes™ Apparel.
Protect Your Bike From Corrosion
You made a large investment on a motorcycle. There are many things that you can do to protect your bike from corrosion. Joe, one of our knowledgeable Parts Specialists, wanted to share a few tips and tricks with you.
As we all know snow salt is one of the most corrosive chemicals on the road. And it is all over the roads right now. Riding in it is fine as long as you know how to clean all of that junk off your bike when you get back to your garage.
Harley® Preserve is a very effective bare aluminum protectant that comes in little wipes. It’s great for protecting the stock wheels on some bikes and some engine covers and cases. These are typically the first things to corrode on a stock Harley-Davidson® motorcycle. A pack of these retails for $14.99 and will probably last two life times.
Harley-Davidson® also offers travel care kits that are pretty handy. They include concentrated sunwash, polish and sealant, gloss, wheel and tire cleaner, and bug remover. All neatly packed together in mini spray bottles, this is a perfect pack to toss in a saddle bag and bring with you on any length of trip. Even a short trip across town, this will help keep your bike looking and running great. These travel kits from for about $24.99.
S100 carries a lot of good products as well. The Total Cycle Cleaner seems to be the most popular. It is a spray and wash type cleaner. S100 also sells a corrosion protectant that is just sprayed on and rubbed to a shine. Since it is safe on plastics and rubber it is one of the easiest ways to maintain the look of your bike.
Basically there is a cleaner, gloss, protectant, or polish available for every type of surface on your motorcycle and it is important to keep those surfaces clean.
What types of protectants do you use on your motorcycle?
Holiday Gift Buying Guide: Give the Best
When considering what gifts to give the riders in your life, why not consider giving the best that money can buy? When it comes to Harley-Davidson gear, the best is the Harley-Davidson FXRG High-Performance Gear. Here are some features of the H-D FXRG collection that will keep you comfortable in virtually all weather conditions.
Schoeller c_change™ waterproof/windproof system – This is the liner in the men’s and women’s textile and leather jackets and pants. It actually reacts to changing temperatures and moisture levels to make sure you stay comfortable. If it senses heat, the structure of teh c_change™ membrane opens up so excess heat can escape to the outside air. If it senses cold, the structure of the membrane closes to retain body heat and keep you warm.
Cool-Max® fixed, breathable liners – Keeps you dry and confortable. This liner actually moves perspiration away from the body to the fabric’s outer surface, where it evaporates quickly. It’s soft, lightweight and breathable.
Airguard™ Fabric – This is the fabric used for the textile FXRG Jackets. It is 20% lighter than nylon and 52% lighter than polyester. This means you still get the wind and waterproof protection that is abrasion and tear-resistant without all of the bulk. It is constructed to regulate body temperature in both warm and cold conditions.
Heat/Sun Deflecting Leather – Black leather typically is much warmer than white leather. With the leather used to make the FXRG Leather Jackets and Pants, the sun’s rays are reflected off the jacket as if it was white, even though it’s black. This helps to reduce your core body temperature when it is sunny.
Pre-curved arms and knees with an “action back” – Designed to fit you best when you are actually sitting on a motorcycle in the riding position. This means when you are standing next to your bike, the gear will feel weird and slightly uncomfortable. The gear feels best because it is designed to match your riding position.
Lightweight, removable body armor – Special little pockets inside the shoulders, elbows, spine, hips and knees hold the body armor pieces. They can each be adjusted to conform to your individual shape.
3M™ Scotchlite™ reflective piping – This feature is all about visibility. This reflective material is visible from at least 500 feet, which makes you as a motorcyclist more visible to other motorists. This is high-tech stuff in that it uses “retro-reflection” which helps the human eye perceive light even in low-light conditions. The material then reflects the light directly back towards teh light source. This material is found on all items in the FXRG Collection to make you more visible to others on the road.
5-Year Warranty – This warranty covers all of the leather and textile jackets and pants. There is a similar 1 year warranty on all the helmets and gloves.
Will you be giving your loved ones the best in riding technology, performance, and comfort this holiday season?
Need More Riding Time? Extend it with H-D® Heated Clothing
Everyone wants to spend more time out on the road each day and each season. With Harley-Davidson® Heated Gear you can do just that. But with the advances in technology there are so many options and combinations of heated gear and accessories that we want to make sure you know the whats and the hows so you can make an informed decision.
Heated gear is not just for those riders that insist on riding when it’s below zero and snowing. Heated gear is all about COMFORT AND SAFETY. If you are the slightest bit uncomfortable, it dramatically impacts the ride. If you are concentrating on how cold you are or how best to keep your fingers warm, you aren’t concentrating on the road or drivers around you. This can be a safety issue. Another safety issue is that as your joints and muscles get colder, your awareness, reflexes and body movement suffers. The H-D® Heated Gear works with your body by supplementing the body’s natural ability to generate heat.
The gear is designed for motorcyclists so it can be comfortably warn with other gear options. It also incorporates new Microwire® heat TECHNOLOGY to provide the thinnist, lightest, strongest and fastest heating system ever. That means that heat is going to be dispersed throught the gear quickly but evenly without making the gear bulky and difficult to move in.
Most people are concerned with HOW the gear is hooked up to the motorcycle. The gear can either be connected to the battery of the bike or to a separate battery that is placed in the pocket of the pants or jacket. The best resource for hooking up the heated gear to your bike is to check with the heated gear manual that comes with the gear. This will also give you vital information about how much voltage is used and how that affects your bike’s performance.
Another key to finding appropriate heated gear is making sure the gear FITS PROPERLY. The H-D® Heated Gear works best when it is worn close to the body however, a base layer is recommended to prevent direct contact of the skin with the heating elements. It’s also important to think about wearing outerwear, typically a jacket, chaps or rain gear, over the top of your Heated Gear to protect you from the wind, rain and other elements. Gloves that are too tight or two small may feel too hot. Gloves that are too loose or too big may not provide optimal heat. Also, if gloves do not fit appropriately, they might not allow you to comfortably or consistently operate the controls of the bike. The best thing you can do is to try try the Heated Gear on under your outerwear and sit on a bike in the dealership before you buy anything.
Here’s one last thing to consider when buying Heated Gear. There is a one yaer WARRANTY on all Harley-Davidson® garments. There is a three year warranty on all thermostats, connecting harness, three-prong harness, power switch, Y-plug Splitter, and adapter plugs. There is a lifetime warranty on all electrical components within the garment.
Harley-Davidson® Heated Gear allows you to ride longer and safer, extending your riding time into seasons with colder temperatures. It also allows you more opportunities to create memorable riding experiences.
So how do you plan on extending your riding time?
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Rainbows. Lolly Pops. Unicorns. Not with the Black Label.
Rainbows, lolly pops, fluffy kittens and unicorns. Just kidding. Did you puke in your mouth a little bit? Come to the dark side with the Black Label Collection from Harley-Davidson®. Tradional Harley® clothes usually have a lot of eagles, flames and fringe. Denim and black leather is common. But what do you wear when you have an edgier style? You’ve got nothing against vintage or nostalgic, but you dig the more modern trends. Black Label Collection is for you. 
All of the clothing, for men and women, in the Black Label Collection still has that iconic Harley® feel but also has a touch of more modern aesthetic. New features to this collection include new looks, new styles, a new men’s slim fit and an all new women’s offering of clothes. Shop the whole Black Label Collection online now.
Do you already have a Dark Custom Harley-Davidson® motorcycle, like a Blackline or a Forty-Eight? Match up the latest fashion trends with the model in your garage.
Got the Gear? Didn’t Forget the Gloves Did You?
Gloves are essential to your riding gear ensemble. They are used to protect your hands not just from the scrapes of an unfortunate incident, but also the routine scrapes and bruises caused by flying rocks, gravel, and other debris that hit your hands. Have you ever leaned down to flip down a passenger peg and grazed your hand against your pipes? Not pretty, huh? Gloves offer more than just protection. They offer a more comfortable ride allowing the rider to easily operate the hand controls of their motorcycle.
Do you ride on the highway a lot? Or do you stick around the city? What kind of mileage are you logging on a daily basis? Are you a fair-weather rider? Or are you committed to leaving your garage in the rain? These are all things to consider when thinking about what types of gloves you need for your ride.
A couple different types exist out there. Fingerless gloves have open fingertips that allow for better dexterity. They are usually made from perforated leather or mesh for maximum air flow. Perfect for rides when it’s stupid hot and humid out.
Full-finger gloves offer the better protection as they cover your fingers and go up to your wrist. It’s a great style for an all-around good glove.
Gauntlet gloves offer the most protection as they usually go further up your arm and are made of a heavier material. These are especially great for colder, rainier weather.
Other things to consider when you are looking at that bargain pair of gloves at your local motorcycle rally…
- Does it have anti-slip grip? That’s what that extra material on the palm is for. Keep your hand from slipping.
- Are the palms padded? Gel or padding in the palm of the hand will reduce the vibrations transferred through your hands and keep you riding longer.
- Does it have pre-curved fingers? Motorcycle gloves have a pre-curved shape so you aren’t fighting with the glove the entire time you are riding. It’s in a natural position around the grip.
5 Tips for Hitting the Road on a Long Trip
As the Summer revs up here in St. Louis, we’ve noticed the annual rush of bikes looking to get pre-trip maintenance. School’s out for the summer. Summer vacation time has been approved. The bikes are hitting the road.
Here are 5 tips to your next great two-wheeled adventure, whether it’s across the country or across town.
5. Check your bike. If you’ve ever gotten a flat tire or needed a light bulb going down the road, you understand how important it is to keep your bike running right. A flat tire in a car will set you back a little bit of time and money but your trip probably won’t be ruined. No guarantees when you are on the bike. It’s important to get it checked out before any really long trips. Don’t forget to pack your maintenance manual and your HOG membership card in case you break down.
4. Check yourself. Are you ready to ride? How many miles have you put on your bike? How long has it been since your last long ride? Need to take a class and brush up on a few skills?
3. Check your stuff. You always forget something right? Rain gear? Toothbrush? Cell phone charger? Print out a “What to Pack Checklist“. Double check you got everything on the way. Pack less than your bike can handle and then you have room for anything you buy or forget. Going for a long trip? Pack a couple day’s worth of clothes, buy more when you run out and ship your dirty laundry home.
2. Check your route. Got any idea where you are going? Ever ask for advice from a friend? Ever get advice on where to stay, what to eat or what to do? Now you can get the same advice about where to ride from people all over the country. Go check out the Harley-Davidson Ride Planner before you leave on your trip. Just like you know where some sweet back roads are in your neck of the woods, riders from all over are sharing the sweet back roads in their areas. It’s a great way to leave all of the high-traffic tourist areas and maximize your ride.
1. Check your friends. Are they as ready as you are? Do you know what the laws are for motorcyclists wherever you are going? Do they know how to prep themselves, their stuff and their bike for the long haul?
Do you have any tips for the motorcycle traveler?
What to Pack
Below is a long list of potentially packable items, grouped into several different categories. Items that might be considered “essential” are marked with an asterisk. Consider this list a starting point – a “virtual” pile on the floor. Then remove (or add) items according to your own needs and limitations. Print this page and mark the boxes next to the items you pack for your trip. Then, save it for future reference as a handy packing checklist.
Clothing
* Helmet
* Rain jacket and pants
* Rain gloves
* Summer gloves
* Winter gloves
Overboots or rain gaiters
Heated gloves
Hand warmer packets
Glove liners
Heated vest liner
Skullcap
Microfleece neck warmer
Balaclava
Fleece head wrap
T-shirts
Socks and underwear
Synthetic long underwear
Long-sleeved shirts
Turtleneck shirts
Extra jeans
Light jacket
Leather/cold-weather jacket
Chaps
Leather pants
Riding boots
Leather or denim vest
Bandanas – two
(one for face; one for neck or forehead)
Sunglasses
Goggles/night eye protection
Change of shoes
Sock liners
Cooling neck wrap (such as Kool Tie)
Windbreaker or light jacket
Bike Maintenance
* Tool kit
* Replacement fuses
8-in-1 screwdriver
Spare spark plugs and plug wires
Genuine Harley-Davidson Motorcycle Oil
Paper funnel
Small can of multi-purpose spray
lubricant
Motorcycle jumper cables
Turn-signal and brake-light bulbs
Tire gauge
Bike cover
Harley Care Starter Kit
(cleaning supplies)
Softcloth
Locking pliers
Needlenose pliers
Sidecutters
Clutch cable or clutch saver
Thread locking adhesive (such as Loctite)
Various nuts, bolts, washers
Torx and allen wrenches
Closed/open-end wrenches (standard
and metric – bring only the ones
common to your bike)
Basic socket set with one drive
(bring only the ones common to your bike)
Personal
* Basic toiletries
Emergency cash
Change for tolls
(keep in easy-to-access place)
Sunscreen
Lip balm
Nail clippers
Handkerchief
Tweezers
Small package of tissue
Cotton or earplugs
Contact lens solution
Moisturizing eye drops
Fork and spoon in plastic wrapper
Traveler’s roll of bathroom tissue
Moist towelettes/baby wipes
Emergency Items
* Personal first-aid kit
* List of emergency contact numbers
(include doctor/medical professional)
* List of current medications
* List of medical conditions
(include allergies)
* Small waterproof flashlight
* Spare key
Basic cold and headache medicine
Antihistamines
Insect bite stick
Utility light
Emergency blanket
Cellular phone and charger
Telephone calling card
Small candle
Waterproof matches and fire-starting kit
Duct tape
Electrical tape
Small amount of (baling) wire
Bottle of water
Energy food bars
Eyeglass repair kit
Miscellaneous
* H.O.G.® Touring Handbook
* H.O.G. membership card
* Bike registration and insurance info
* Motorcycle owners or service manual
Motorcycle warranty card
Pen and small notebook
Kickstand board
Camera and film (or disposable camera)
Small sewing kit
Cargo net
Bungee cords (various lengths)
Swiss-style pocketknife or multi-tool
Tote sack
Two or three large trash bags
Small can opener
Bike lock
Extra zipper-lock bags
Small towel
PACKING TIPS
Lightweight synthetic clothing – such as T-shirts and underwear – can be washed in a hotel sink and dried overnight on a shower rod or towel rack (cotton fabrics take too long to dry in this manner).
Zipper-lock plastic bags of various sizes can be extremely useful for organizing items in saddlebags and duffle bags. They can make it easier to find and retrieve particular items without unpacking your entire motorcycle. Use the one-gallon size to pack one day’s worth of clothes – jeans, undergarments, and shirt. This makes it easier to unpack just what you need.
Don’t fold your clothes – roll them. They take up less space that way.
Pack items that have more than one use. For instance, don’t pack just a pocketknife; pack a “Swiss-style” knife or multi-tool.
When traveling with other riders, conserve space by comparing packing lists. You may be able to avoid packing some duplicate items.
When traveling (two-up) with a spouse or
“significant other”, ask yourself tough questions such as: “Can we share a tube of toothpaste?” and “Can I get by using her shampoo for a week?”
On long trips, consider bringing your rattiest underwear (or other clothing) – then just throw it away when you’re done with it!
Few things are as easy to pack as money or credit cards. If you’re struggling with whether to bring a particular item, consider whether it’s worth buying on the road if you end up needing it.
Don’t forget to consider the weight of what you’re packing, as well as the volume. Whenever possible, lighter is better. (And don’t forget to check the cargo weight limits of your bike – as well as the bags and racks – and adjust the tire pressure and suspension accordingly.)
When loading your bike, keep as much weight as possible close to the bike’s center of gravity. That means low and toward the tank, distributed evenly from side to side. Remember to check your owner’s manual for the cargo weight limits of your bike.
A day or two before you leave, do a dry run. Pack the bike and go for a short ride, then adjust the load as needed.
If you’re camping, set up your tent once or twice before you leave (and don’t forget to waterproof it). Practice setting it up in the dark. To save space, roll up some of your clothes in your sleeping bag.
Pack all your cold weather and raingear no matter what time of year it is.
Plastic bags make great boot liners if you forgot your gaiters. If you forgot your rain gloves, rubber dishwashing gloves make great, inexpensive substitutes.
A small towel can be wrapped around your neck during a rainstorm to keep water from running down your back – and doubles as a shop rag.
