$800 Jacket? FXRG Switchback, other options?

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Sep 15, 2015 | 02:03 PM

#21

PSRumors

Thread Starter

Road Captain

Joined: Jul 2015

Posts: 547

Likes: 43

From: Cartersville, GA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hasher

I bought one of the early switchback jackets for the versatility and let me tell you, it's kind of a pain in the a$$. Assembly, disassembly, and what to do with the extra panels and liner when they are removed.
I love the idea but, in execution it's not really that convenient.
HD has a lot of jackets that are waterproof leather, treated to reflect radiant heat and
comfortable from 40-80 degrees, down to 25 with the liner in and they are less than $800.

I went back by the dealer to look again and tend to agree. It was not quick to remove and replace everything and here in GA weather can change in an instance.

I believe I will be better served to have two or three jackets (light, medium, heavy) so I can just grab one off the rack and go.

Sep 15, 2015 | 02:06 PM

#22

UUNetBill

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Aug 2012

Posts: 2,442

Likes: 418

From: South Carolina

Quote:

Originally Posted by scoriden

I've ridden MOTORCYCLES that don't cost $800

Bwahahaha! Amen to that...

Sep 15, 2015 | 02:32 PM

#23

E8USMCRET

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2014

Posts: 15,365

Likes: 24,241

From: NC, USA

My first car was $300. I have no problem dropping up to $375 on a Vanson but I couldn't do $800 for something made in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Pakistan or China, just can't do it. The wholesale on that jacket is under $300 for the Dealer I'll bet.

Sep 16, 2015 | 09:12 AM

#24

Tampa Fatboy

Seasoned HDF Member

Joined: Feb 2012

Posts: 13,456

Likes: 10,452

From: Sunshine State

Found this in my email today, thought I'd share since you showed an interest in jackets.

Sep 16, 2015 | 02:12 PM

#25

01fxdxt

Stellar HDF Member

Joined: Jul 2010

Posts: 2,142

Likes: 124

Schott in NYC was the first manufacturer to use a zipper on their jackets.So,they know a wee bit about making a jacket (100 years). they wear like an anvil too....

Sep 16, 2015 | 03:01 PM

#26

Mike

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2009

Posts: 6,786

Likes: 40

From: Centralia, Wa

Vanson made their reputation making race leathers. Tough, hard as nails, and they take awhile to break in. They're not soft right out of the box, you need to put in some time and miles. Stick with the US made Vanson jackets, many of which have double panels in critical areas. Rider jackets, not fashion jackets.

I need several jackets, in a range of weights, to accommodate the seasons. Probably the jacket that sees the most use is a Vanson SportRider in perforated leather jacket that is comfortable and cool. My favorite is my Vanson B.

I also have a horsehide jacket from Hillside, which is fairly comfortable, but doesn't have the armor-plated feel of my Vansons. Over the years I've also had Schott and Foxcreek. Either of which are good choices, and easy to wear right off the rack. Certainly better than a lot of the Chinese and Paki jackets.

Best jacket I've ever owned was a Langlitz, but at 1200 bucks, they're no longer in my price range. My least favorite was my Harley FXRG. For the money, it was inexcusably cheap, and the front zipper would separate if you didn't get it exactly right. Not my idea of a quality jacket.

Sep 16, 2015 | 03:36 PM

#27

mazz

Road Master

Joined: Aug 2007

Posts: 943

Likes: 200

From: northern illinois

Quote:

Originally Posted by PSRumors

Really like the "convertabilty" of the FXRG Switchback - http://www.harley-davidson.com/store...leather-jacket - but at $800 / $600 for Nylon, are there better options?

i have a jacket from the same fxrg family i think it is the best i have ever owned , arms are long enough for riding all material and seams just right best cold protection insulated jacket that fits underneath and when its warm vents on front and back zippers on sleeves.......it has real value at 20% off i think

Sep 16, 2015 | 05:11 PM

#28

nytryder

Grand HDF Member

Joined: Jun 2008

Posts: 4,012

Likes: 298

From: Central Fl

Fox Creek leather is the way to go for price and quality. US made as well. Check them out. Just got an email from them today and if I remember correctly they are having a sale right now. customer service is second to none as well.