Leathers in hot weather...
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 529
Likes: 2
From: Minnesota
FF helmet, mesh jacket with armor, jeans always. Below 70 I'll put the waterproof liner in the jacket to block the wind. Below 50 I'll add chaps for highway rides. Below 40 I wear a Gerbings heated liner under my jacket.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2012
Posts: 6,129
Likes: 143
From: Santa Cruz
I rode without a helmet (first new bike in '67) til they passed a law around '90. Rode shirtless and barefoot often too. Call me old and wimpy but I've been down enough to know it hurts and I don't heal so good anymore. Least I wear now days is mesh jacket/Kevlar jeans/half helmet/hightop sneakers when over 85-90. Chaps and old "scout" leather jacket is my go to from around 55 to 95. Heated gear colder. But I got alot of "gear" depending on ride, weather and how I feel.
Last edited by 0ldhippie; Jun 10, 2014 at 07:28 PM.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
Having wrecked in chaps, they're worthless.
I wear leather in certain circumstances. I have an FXRG jacket, and I'll get the pants for this winter. They're waterproof, comfortable, and will withstand a wreck. Leather sucks when it gets hot though. The best textile riding gear I've ever owned is the BMW Rallye 3 suit. I may look like an astronaut, but I'm safe and comfortable.
I wear leather in certain circumstances. I have an FXRG jacket, and I'll get the pants for this winter. They're waterproof, comfortable, and will withstand a wreck. Leather sucks when it gets hot though. The best textile riding gear I've ever owned is the BMW Rallye 3 suit. I may look like an astronaut, but I'm safe and comfortable.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,766
Likes: 16
From: Roseville, CA
sssshhh! Don't tell that to all the stylish old men on here!
Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,882
Likes: 83
Having wrecked in chaps, they're worthless.
I wear leather in certain circumstances. I have an FXRG jacket, and I'll get the pants for this winter. They're waterproof, comfortable, and will withstand a wreck. Leather sucks when it gets hot though. The best textile riding gear I've ever owned is the BMW Rallye 3 suit. I may look like an astronaut, but I'm safe and comfortable.
I wear leather in certain circumstances. I have an FXRG jacket, and I'll get the pants for this winter. They're waterproof, comfortable, and will withstand a wreck. Leather sucks when it gets hot though. The best textile riding gear I've ever owned is the BMW Rallye 3 suit. I may look like an astronaut, but I'm safe and comfortable.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 7,439
Likes: 884
From: 'Noke, VA
My chaps were Fox Creek, which everyone loves. The stitching blew apart upon impact. Nevermind that your *** and junk aren't protected, but if the stitching isn't done well, they'll come apart once the slide starts. Oh, and if you've got jeans underneath, the cotton will melt to your leg (ask me how I know).
Textile overpants are a better alternative 100% of the time. Add some knee and hip armor, and you're golden.
Textile overpants are a better alternative 100% of the time. Add some knee and hip armor, and you're golden.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 6,500
Likes: 332
From: Blue Grass (KY)
Cold weather, Gerbings Union Ridge jacket and pants. Also have Harley ( Hien Grickle) leather pants ( cut like jeans), summer I have a HD leather perforated jacket and a HD textile mesh, both comfortable when moving. Helmet, mostly shorty, but have a 3/4 and full for cold and inclement weather...always leather gloves, usually leather work type...and boots...
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I am not a fan of Fox Creek leathers. I've had a Fox Creek jacket that I got rid of after one season, and I still have a pair of Fox Creek chaps, but rarely ever wear them. Soft, comfy leather, but the seams are weak. I generally wear Kevlar or cordura jeans, and Vanson jackets. The best leathers I've owned weren't all that comfy when new (kind of like good boots), but once broken in, fit like a second skin.
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,766
Likes: 16
From: Roseville, CA
Chaps are better than jeans but its a bit silly that your rear and crotch is wide open to some extent. My chaps are very thick Pakistan bison leather. They could take a hard slide easy. For a daily commuter like me leather pants and or kevlar jeans are an inconvenience. If you ride an open bike meaning no fairing or wind shield then chaps are not uncomfortable at 80-90F if your moving. I wear HD textile waterproof spinner triple vented jacket with a hoodie when temps are 40F-60F and just a T-shirt when its warm. Leather is a horrible cold weather riding jacket although probably offering the best skid protection if its heavy. Textiles are lighter and they will keep the skin on your upper body in a slide and are a lot lighter. I prefer a mid weight Textile waterproof with a hoodie over a leather jacket any day. I always have a high quality rain jacket and pant in my bags all the time.