Confused about vests
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 13,537
Likes: 34,734
From: Pine Flat Dam/South Bay Area, CA
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Kakadu-Trade...0AAOSwuAVWxA0L
I wear this vest. Carries everything including spare magazines.
I wear this vest. Carries everything including spare magazines.
Tourer
Joined: Nov 2011
Posts: 421
Likes: 4
From: Alabama
Hornets - in hot weather.
After one smacked into my shirt at 50, stuck, & had his way with me, I ran out & bought a vest (after the swelling went down). Had a couple of bee-strikes since and they just bounce right off. Don't fool with idiotic patches; couldn't care less about the OMG look.
After one smacked into my shirt at 50, stuck, & had his way with me, I ran out & bought a vest (after the swelling went down). Had a couple of bee-strikes since and they just bounce right off. Don't fool with idiotic patches; couldn't care less about the OMG look.
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2015
Posts: 50
Likes: 8
From: Van Alsytne
Interesting that you should ask the question as it's nothing I've ever pondered.
Suspect in the case of vests, like others have said, that tradition plays a large part of what would normally be a function of fashion. What's the function of fashion? Probably to look good and feel good about one's self in public.
One could say that, if it's leather, the vest can lightly serve as a protective covering while independently skidding down the road , but with all the new stuff on the market to really help in a skid, it's questionable.
I know from a recent experience, it certainly cuts the wind/cold when worn under an external light jacket.
Suspect in the case of vests, like others have said, that tradition plays a large part of what would normally be a function of fashion. What's the function of fashion? Probably to look good and feel good about one's self in public.
One could say that, if it's leather, the vest can lightly serve as a protective covering while independently skidding down the road , but with all the new stuff on the market to really help in a skid, it's questionable.
I know from a recent experience, it certainly cuts the wind/cold when worn under an external light jacket.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 17,148
Likes: 6,171
From: SE Michigan
Its all part of the costume, basically. Including our bikes, Harley shirts etc. We all wear many costumes. Different ones for work, church/synagogue/temple/mosque, riding, etc etc.
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 28,842
Likes: 16,583
From: Wisconsin, USA
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/gener...ther-vest.html
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/gener...st-or-not.html
I just bought the HD Bar and Shield Mesh Jacket for hot days. I wanted the added protection, over a vest.
If I lived somewhere where it is hot, and didn't want to wear a jacket off the bike, I would get a vest to hold my keys, wallet and phone. I like to keep my phone on me, on the bike. I ride in rural areas. If I ever fall off the bike, I can't call 911, if my phone is on the bike.
I don't carry, but obviously that is why many wear a vest.
https://www.hdforums.com/forum/gener...st-or-not.html
I just bought the HD Bar and Shield Mesh Jacket for hot days. I wanted the added protection, over a vest.
If I lived somewhere where it is hot, and didn't want to wear a jacket off the bike, I would get a vest to hold my keys, wallet and phone. I like to keep my phone on me, on the bike. I ride in rural areas. If I ever fall off the bike, I can't call 911, if my phone is on the bike.
I don't carry, but obviously that is why many wear a vest.
Tourer
Joined: Oct 2014
Posts: 460
Likes: 20
From: Manitoba, Canada
For me, vests are 'comfort wear' when it is a little cool for shirt sleeves but not cold enough for a jacket. Also different vests carry different patches depending where I am going and with who.