Helmet and Mesh Jacket
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 585
Likes: 3
From: Boise, Idaho
This is the one that I decided to go with (HD Men's FXRG Leather Jacket), each person likes their own thing. I made my choice after a lot of forum searches, YouTube searches, and Google review searches; they make it in a perforated material..check it out. Good luck
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 7,138
Likes: 26
From: Southern Oregon
get something dark thats not fruit colored and they wont mistake you for a sport rider lol All heads are different, Id suggest trying a helmet on before buying or ordering. Arai and Shoei are popular brands, if they sell them at the exchange you could save some $$$$
6th Gear
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 11
Likes: 0
From: Blue Springs, MO
I picked up a mostly black Harley mesh jacket with armor pockets in the shoulders and elbows for $100 (+ $25 for the armor plates) at the dealership a couple of weeks ago. It's getting towards the end of the season for needing warm weather gear, you might be able to find a good deal.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2013
Posts: 180
Likes: 3
From: Ball Ground, GA
Call Revzilla and talk to a rep about your body type/size and they will point you to a jacket brand that will fit you best.
I'm 5'6", 150lb with a 40" chest and 30" waist. They told me to avoid Cortech/Tourmaster like the plague because they're cut for chubby riders. Same with Joe Rocket.
I was told Alpinestars stuff is cut for body types like mine.
For helmets you should go to a shop with a good assortment and try on one of each manufacturer. You can then buy cheaper online.
I'm 5'6", 150lb with a 40" chest and 30" waist. They told me to avoid Cortech/Tourmaster like the plague because they're cut for chubby riders. Same with Joe Rocket.
I was told Alpinestars stuff is cut for body types like mine.
For helmets you should go to a shop with a good assortment and try on one of each manufacturer. You can then buy cheaper online.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 1,317
Likes: 14
From: Idaho
+1 on the HD mesh jacket, had a joe rocket mesh but the pre curved elbows was a pain with my bars.
Helmet 500 is the best for me, and my riding style.
Helmet 500 is the best for me, and my riding style.
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Cruiser
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 242
Likes: 1
From: Boston, MA
First, thank you for your service!
I also wear a FF helmet. And I wear a mesh jacket while riding in hot weather. ATGATT! I really wish HD made a competitive product that met my needs, mostly because I like the styling/colors of HD jackets. But they just don't.
I bought a Joe Rocket plain black mesh jacket with a zip out lining for a couple of hundred bucks about 6 years ago. It's still going strong. You could probably get an even better deal at Motorcycle Superstore. That's about the same price as an HD mesh jacket, but the Joe Rocket comes standard with elbow, shoulder and back armour. HD charges you $25 for shoulder, another $25 for elbow and there isn't even a pocket for back armour. Also, the zipper is the heavy duty vinyl kind on the JR as opposed to the weaker kind on the HD jacket.
The Joe Rocket had other nice features like zippered and velcro'd cuffs, adjustable waist, and lots of zippered pockets. Even has a soft-lined interior pocket for glasses.
I'm not trashing HD clothes - I have a nice HD full leather jacket that I love. But their mesh jackets, while looking good, don't compare to the competition.
BTW - Cortech, Fieldsheer, Alpinestars, SS, etc also make other good options. I'm not saying Joe Rocket is the only answer.
As for looking like a sportbike rider - In my opinion, any armored jacket will make you look that way to some extent. But as long as you stay away from the versions with big graphics (see ICON jackets) or bright colors, I think you'll be OK.
Regarding helmets, I have a Shoei RF-1100 that I absolutely love! But take the other posters' advice and try them on at your local stores before you buy one online. Different companies make helmets that fit different shaped heads.
Let us know what you choose.
I also wear a FF helmet. And I wear a mesh jacket while riding in hot weather. ATGATT! I really wish HD made a competitive product that met my needs, mostly because I like the styling/colors of HD jackets. But they just don't.
I bought a Joe Rocket plain black mesh jacket with a zip out lining for a couple of hundred bucks about 6 years ago. It's still going strong. You could probably get an even better deal at Motorcycle Superstore. That's about the same price as an HD mesh jacket, but the Joe Rocket comes standard with elbow, shoulder and back armour. HD charges you $25 for shoulder, another $25 for elbow and there isn't even a pocket for back armour. Also, the zipper is the heavy duty vinyl kind on the JR as opposed to the weaker kind on the HD jacket.
The Joe Rocket had other nice features like zippered and velcro'd cuffs, adjustable waist, and lots of zippered pockets. Even has a soft-lined interior pocket for glasses.
I'm not trashing HD clothes - I have a nice HD full leather jacket that I love. But their mesh jackets, while looking good, don't compare to the competition.
BTW - Cortech, Fieldsheer, Alpinestars, SS, etc also make other good options. I'm not saying Joe Rocket is the only answer.
As for looking like a sportbike rider - In my opinion, any armored jacket will make you look that way to some extent. But as long as you stay away from the versions with big graphics (see ICON jackets) or bright colors, I think you'll be OK.
Regarding helmets, I have a Shoei RF-1100 that I absolutely love! But take the other posters' advice and try them on at your local stores before you buy one online. Different companies make helmets that fit different shaped heads.
Let us know what you choose.
Last edited by MikeK02048; Aug 12, 2013 at 05:26 PM.
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