I just bought a new to me 2001 Deuce. My last Harley was in 1982 followed by a number of BMW's and Triumphs. The Deuce is a beautiful bike kept in excellent condition by it's original owner.

In the last 30+ years I've been in HD Dealers a few times but not on a frequent basis. Today I was shopping for a HD Riding jacket at the local Harley dealer. Saw one I liked looked it over and then saw "Made in Bangladesh".

I understand it is a new World with global economy, blah, blah, but it just kind of hit me. It especially hit me when next to the Bangladesh tag, was the $295 price tag for a non-leather jacket.

It's just the way it is.

 

Cheap labor is overseas, not here. Most of the cost is when they put HD on anything.

 

It's a $95 jacket with a $200 HD label on it. There are better leather jackets out there.

 

I personally dont care to be a rolling billboard for HD, so I dont buy their goofy overpriced leather advertisements.

I've got a cheap (but good) leather jacket from Leatherup.com.

A top quality USA-made leather jacket will cost you a minimum of $500

Next fall I'm planning on buying one from Fox Creek or any number of other high quality USA suppliers.

 

You can have that American made jacket, just pay $495 for it.

 

Find an older used US made jacket that fits .Not hard to find,may need a zipper or seam repaired.Ride with a little class....
This Lesco was bought for $75,well made and beautiful jacket.

 

It's Black Friday go to www.jpcycles.com , Leather up.com or wilsonleather.com and find one on sale.

 

My American made Aerostitch Transit jacket cost me about a thousand when I bought it. The price has since gone up.

http://www.aerostich.com/transit-jacket-9.html

 

From the Aerostich description - The main pant and jacket zippers are an all new waterproof type which further increase the Transit's functionality. Jacket sizes 38–52, short, regular and long. Pants sizes 30–44 waist, short, regular and long. Imported.

Don't get me wrong - it's great stuff. How many leather jackets are waterproof? Only one that I know of. But sadly, even with Aerostich you have to read the fine print. It's not all made in USA.

On the other hand, Fox Creek is. My "summer" leather is Made in USA. I love the quality and I got it on sale for under $400. They make them in long sizes and will customize if necessary. As far as it being a summer jacket, it's heavier than a lot of "regular" weight jackets. It has vents, which make it useful in warmer temps, but I use it all year.

And no........no imported Harley gear for me. Especially at the prices they get.

 

Then they have switched where this jacket is manufactured. When I bought mine it was still made in the USA. I guess that is a sign of the times.