HD Leather Jackets: Worth the Bucks?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,950
Likes: 4
I have both: a FoxCreek and a Harley FXRG. I actually wear the FC; the Harley sits in the closet.
Anybody ever checkout Chilhowee Leather ( http://www.chilhowee.net/ )? They sell quality leather jacket for about half the price of Harley and FC.
Anybody ever checkout Chilhowee Leather ( http://www.chilhowee.net/ )? They sell quality leather jacket for about half the price of Harley and FC.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 4,558
Likes: 5
From: Massachusetts
That's the way to go! First you get yourself shirts, a belt, a jacket, socks and toilet paper with a big american "1", a lamp with a harley logo, the matching boots, sunglasses from MOCO, and a "live to ride" doo rag. Don't forget the HD sticker for your car.
The bike can wait, don't you think so?
The bike can wait, don't you think so?
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,950
Likes: 4
That's the way to go! First you get yourself shirts, a belt, a jacket, socks and toilet paper with a big american "1", a lamp with a harley logo, the matching boots, sunglasses from MOCO, and a "live to ride" doo rag. Don't forget the HD sticker for your car.
The bike can wait, don't you think so?
The bike can wait, don't you think so?
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 7,090
Likes: 3,882
From: Murfreesboro , TN
I happen to like my HD jacket. It's a thick leather model (not an FXRG, but close) with armor in it. I've had it for about 4 years now and can't complain. I also happened to get it for about 40% off because it was 'last years model', which helped my decision.
I happen to like the Vanson leathers too. They're pretty good quality, thick leather jackets (they tend to be pretty pricey). Quite a few of the racers wear Vanson (or used to), so that should tell you how well they will protect you in the event of an accident.
I've heard alot of good things about Fox Creek, but haven't seen one in person. It's just hard to judge unfortunately for me, but then I'm a very visual person.
I happen to like the Vanson leathers too. They're pretty good quality, thick leather jackets (they tend to be pretty pricey). Quite a few of the racers wear Vanson (or used to), so that should tell you how well they will protect you in the event of an accident.
I've heard alot of good things about Fox Creek, but haven't seen one in person. It's just hard to judge unfortunately for me, but then I'm a very visual person.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 5,865
Likes: 168
From: Potsdam, NY
I have found good quality textile gear (1000D Cordura or better) has just as high an abrasion rating as leather and it includes impact protection in shoulders/elbows/back as well. The big advantage of textile gear over leather is it is lighter weight, breaths better, and is more comfortable and versatile in the hot and cold tempature extremes with a good insulated liner and chest and back vents, plus it is waterproof, at least with vents closed. The downside though is that it is more expensive, in some cases than leather. I also like the fact it does not make you look like a 1%er wanna be.
http://www.revzilla.com/product/revi...ket#videos_tab
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/rev-it/cayenne-pro/
http://www.revzilla.com/product/olympia-ast-jacket
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/olympia-ast/
http://www.revzilla.com/product/revi...ket#videos_tab
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r2/rev-it/cayenne-pro/
http://www.revzilla.com/product/olympia-ast-jacket
http://www.webbikeworld.com/r3/olympia-ast/
Last edited by fat_tony; Jan 11, 2010 at 03:43 AM.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 2,049
Likes: 6
From: Oregon City, OR
They used to be almost worth it. Back when they weren't made by a 12 year old Chinese girl. I still have the one I bought back in 1999 when I bought my FLSTF. Every zipper still works and by the way it abuses wire hangers I'd swear they used 2.5 cows for the leather. Wouldn't have spent that much cash, but they financed it with the bike and over 60 months it wasn't all that horrible. Now all the ones I've seen at the dealership seem to be much lighter and just feel cheap. These days I'd go with Fox Creek, Vanson or Langlitz.
I got one 4 years ago , and it was even "Made in the USA" 
! I like it , and it has worn well .
! I like it , and it has worn well .
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Thread Starter
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Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 2,705
Likes: 2
From: D.C.
That's the way to go! First you get yourself shirts, a belt, a jacket, socks and toilet paper with a big american "1", a lamp with a harley logo, the matching boots, sunglasses from MOCO, and a "live to ride" doo rag. Don't forget the HD sticker for your car.
The bike can wait, don't you think so?
The bike can wait, don't you think so?
I am still shopping for my first HD lol....
Club Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 18,301
Likes: 26,515
From: Northwest of Los Angeles
Riding almost 45 years, I've owned Fox Creek and HD jackets, among others (anyone remember the wax-coated canvas Barbour rain jackets and pants from the UK?).
My take: My FXRG leather jacket, while pricey, is the best riding jacket I've ever owned. Fit, detail work, shoulder, back and elbow armor, total warmth, all there. It doesn't have a huge logo emblazoned anywhere, just a couple of discreet identifiers that don't bother me.
My Fox Creek experience (2 jackets from them) is that while their reputation for superior customer service is hard-earned and well-deserved, the quality of their jackets (in my experience) leaves something to be desired. Yes, they're heavy, yes, the leather feels nice. But the fit (for me) has always been sketchy, and quality control has been an issue. Sleeves that are too voluminous for a riding jacket in one case; one side of the jacket an inch-and-a-half longer in front than the other when zipped up; and two sides of the jacket having completely mismatched leather grain. They made it right in one case, and in another they could not so I returned the piece for a refund. Also, at the time, they had no provisions for armor, and I wear ATGATT. I wouldn't use them again, but unless the FXRG jacket "shrinks", I won't have to. And no offense to those who love their Fox Creek jackets. I was probably just unlucky with mine. Twice.
My take: My FXRG leather jacket, while pricey, is the best riding jacket I've ever owned. Fit, detail work, shoulder, back and elbow armor, total warmth, all there. It doesn't have a huge logo emblazoned anywhere, just a couple of discreet identifiers that don't bother me.
My Fox Creek experience (2 jackets from them) is that while their reputation for superior customer service is hard-earned and well-deserved, the quality of their jackets (in my experience) leaves something to be desired. Yes, they're heavy, yes, the leather feels nice. But the fit (for me) has always been sketchy, and quality control has been an issue. Sleeves that are too voluminous for a riding jacket in one case; one side of the jacket an inch-and-a-half longer in front than the other when zipped up; and two sides of the jacket having completely mismatched leather grain. They made it right in one case, and in another they could not so I returned the piece for a refund. Also, at the time, they had no provisions for armor, and I wear ATGATT. I wouldn't use them again, but unless the FXRG jacket "shrinks", I won't have to. And no offense to those who love their Fox Creek jackets. I was probably just unlucky with mine. Twice.