Leathers versus Synthetics

Leathers versus Synthetics

by Jeanna
(California)

I'm buying my first bike. I want to be warm (even though it's California -- I turn blue at the first sign of a breeze), I want to be comfortable, and I don't want it to involve rhinestones.

I'm not buying a Harley, but I stopped at the retail store to price out gear and came out with a list that totaled $1200 for a massively armored jacket, chaps, boots, and armored gloves.

Do I need to spend $1200? It's worth it to me to be safe, but can I do warm and safe is something that's...like...$600 total? Does the Harley name jack up the price?

Just curious.

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Leathers versus Synthetics

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Oct 15, 2011

Gear
by: Sapphire

Hubby has been complaining on the price of my gear since I just started riding and he doesn't. I did tons of online research and visited local shops before I bought anything.
$108 for a full face helmet
$30 gloves
$90 mesh textile jacket with shoulder, elbow, and back armor.
$25 rain overcoat
$90 for mesh pants with knee armor
$70 for boots that cover the ankle and have good traction.
Gear is expensive, but I came no where close to $1200. I still need waterproof pants, but hubby has banned me from buying more gear. Lol.
Even the stuff I got in store, I checked online for reviews.

Oct 14, 2011

Shop Around!
by: Sandra

I got a simple, feminine cut black leather jacket for about $100. It has a removable liner, but no extra pads at shoulders, elbows, spine...

But husband and I went to a small leather shop in a small town to purchase our leather jackets. We window shop lots at HD stores, and I have picked up the CUTEST $35 T-shirt and $25 hat that I would never pay that much for if not for the HD logos...but sometimes it's okay!

I would like to start over w/gear shopping! Know so much more about padding and reinforcements and durability and breathability that I did when I bought...and it IS a lot of money!

I spent $85 on durable "biker boots" on-line close-out. I spent $85 on a SNELL 3/4 helmet the same way - on-line closeout item. I've shopped for pants/chaps for 2 years and never found the exact pair I wanted to purchase yet. I have ANOTHER leather jacket in my sights - this time with removable pads - for $89 - CLOSEOUT!

Yes, I would prefer to try everything on before buying, but with careful measurements so far I have been very fortunate in my purchases.

Take some time to ask others you trust what is important in riding gear; shop for those features first, and styles second; then wait for those close-out deals...

Or, drop $1200 at your local HD dealer! It's mostly about what you want. I wish I had known what I wanted (I had no idea what all was available) before I started buying.

Oct 14, 2011

gear
by: Lynn - FL

Due to the economy I buy a lot of my riding gear online at various suppliers. I've found the best prices on LeatherUp.com, Motorccyclesuperstor.com and Compeitionaccessories.com. I like that they post past buyer's opinions about sizing, comfort, etc. Check out the "close-outs" for great prices. Usually you can get free shipping when ordering over $100.

I live in Florida and have found I like the textile jackets with a removable quilted liner. I also wear layers so I can easily peel down as the day warms up. My favorite item is my rain chaps. I use them like windbreakers on a cool morning over my jeans. Luckily I don't have to resort to my leather chaps very often.

There is plenty of non-foo foo items to pick from.

Oct 13, 2011

What temp will you likely ride in?
by: Sandy

I'm a fairly new rider, but have ridden in temps from the low 40's to the low 100's. It generally feels 10 degrees cooler than the actal temp when you're riding your bike. If it's the 70's, I can go with either my leather jacket or my mesh jacket with the liner. The key is to make sure it's sealed up around your neck. As far as pants, I have leather chaps, but prefer just jeans, maybe with my thin silk underwear if the temp warrants. I also have some flannel lined ones if it's really chilly. I have a problem keeping my hands warm when it's 60's. I have some battery operated gloves for riding if it's colder than that and they are nice, but the charge only lasts about 4 hours. I have a variety of other glove styles for warmer weather. My feet have never gotten cold. I feel like Harley Davidson jacks their prices up, but I ride a Harley and I'm very proud of it, and I'll spend the extra for the name. It's not superior in quality, generally speaking. Hope that helps and congratulations on your bike purchase!

Oct 13, 2011

bike clothing
by: Yvonne - NC

You can easily spend a fortune on clothes. Need to shop around. I found a nice leather jacket for about $100 and it's not a guys jacket. Also, have a lighter synthetic one for warmer weather. I started by wearing my husband's until I found one that fit me better. To me, leather chaps are a must in colder weather, the price range varies, but mine were around $30. The web has a lot of good sites, if you can, get to a rally, usually the prices are very good. Comes down to good helmet, jacket, chaps and boots are a must. I also have several types of gloves, depending on the weather. Good luck.

Oct 13, 2011

riding gear
by: Anonymous

Check out Aerostich....if you have any questions you can call them and talk with an actual person. As far as Harley brand jacking up the price, the answer is YES, it's a HUGE markup. When my hubby worked for a dealer they were able to buy for 10% over dealer cost, he bought me a really nice denim jacket which retailed for $400 or so, but ended up paying only $150. That's monstrous.
Anyway, Aerostich is top notch stuff, and you should read their descriptions and reviews. Expensive, but not as high as anyHD stuff. And they're built for riders, not the rhinestone crowd. Just my humble opinion..

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