I have been riding a motorcycle for some 35 years. I have acquired a lot of gear to wear when I ride over the years … jackets, vests, chaps, pants, boots … you name it, I have it.

When I was a novice biker, like most young guys, I looked around at what other bikers were wearing and admired the tough-looking style and appearance of leather gear and boots. I admit, I was (and am) “a bit more enthusiastic” for leather than most other guys. But I was young, had a tight budget, and have always been frugal, so I was looking for what appeared to be good-looking gear but within my budget. Or shall I say, I was looking for “cheap.”

Leather gear is priced…

… differently. Radically differently. You can find a tough-looking leather jacket for US$100 and a very similar-looking leather jacket for US$600. It’s even possible to find the same style jacket for US$1,000.

How do you sort through the clutter and pricing differences with motorcycle leather gear? Here is what I have learned over the years. Perhaps this advice can help you.

1. Find out where the garment is made.

Just because it may have a U.S.-branded label, such as Harley-Davidson, does NOT mean that the gear is made in Milwaukee (or anywhere in the USA.) Harley is like any other major company. It contracts with low-bid vendors to make gear with their name and signature logo on it, because they know that the name and logo has a perceived value and that many bikers pay more attention to the label and have misplaced trust in the brand name. Less-informed guys (and gals) like to wear the name for the image it presents to others. “I’m a tough Harley biker dude. See my jacket?” Don’t fall for this. Most Harley-branded leather is made in China with low-quality leather and poor machine-made construction.

2. Thoroughly check the design.

A motorcycle garment should be made to accommodate the needs of bikers — ease of movement in the arms and shoulders, ventilation, and pockets in a jacket. Ample room in the crotch of leather pants (to allow for swinging the leg over a motorcycle saddle). Well-fitted, outside zip chaps. Vests that close with secure snaps–not buttons or no closure at all. (Last thing a biker needs is to have a vest flap and beat him to death in the wind.) Solid lug soles on boots. All this stuff — the design is incredibly important. Cheap gear manufacturers take shortcuts–skimp on sizing so the fit isn’t right in the arms or legs; snap closures on the bottom of chaps; few or no pockets. I can go on and on — my point is to check the design to make sure the gear is designed so that movement is unrestricted and has features bikers require.

3. Be wary of certain design claims.

Harley-Davidson claims that their gear is “designed by bikers.” That claim may be quite true — but that doesn’t mean that their gear is made of quality leather or with good construction. Many bikers in the know have noted that Harley-branded gear is marked up in price for what the market will bear — for the perceived value of the label and name. That’s where the reference that “HD” stands for “hundred dollars” — the mark-up beyond actual value just for the name. Don’t get me wrong. I think Harley-Davidson makes an excellent motorcycle. My personal opinion about motorcycle gear with their brand on it is different.

4. Know the value of brand reputation.

Above, it sounds as if I am knocking Harley-Davidson products. My concerns are related to a brand reputation that is put first before quality. Examples of brand reputation that remains on a solid equivalency with quality include jackets made by Fox Creek Leather, Johnsons Leather, Langlitz, and Taylors Leatherwear. Motorcycle boots made by Wesco, Whites, Chippewa, Dehner. There are other U.S. makers and vendors of motorcycle gear and boots. These are a few with which I have direct experience. I can personally vouch for the consistent high quality of products made and sold by these companies. Leather is sourced from quality providers, construction is superb, and many steps of construction are done by hand (not machine).

5. Value is determined by length of service vs. perception of brand name.

You will pay more for gear from the companies I listed above. Bottom-line: you get what you pay for. If a garment or boots will last 20 years vs. seams break and garment/boots fall apart in a few years — what’s the value in that? Remember, overall: leather is a long-term investment. If you pay US$120 for a jacket that lasts 3 years, you can say the annualized cost is US$40. If you pay US$600 for a jacket that lasts 20 years (until you outgrow it), its annualized value is US$30. Do the math — invest in quality and you will get a much better long-term return on your investment. (Plus, quality garments and boots retain resale value which if you outgrow it, you can recoup some of your investment by selling it. A computation of resale value is not computed into the ROI described here, but should be considered.)

Summary

I can go on and on, but I will summarize here with these points:

a. Find out where motorcycle leather garments and boots are made, where they are made, and HOW they are made.

b. Choose quality and sourcing over brand name. Avoid being a billboard for the brand (as much as brand names would like you to do that. Be smarter than that.)

c. If you can’t afford to pay for quality, well-made gear, then wait. Save your money and buy the good stuff when you can afford it. Don’t settle for cheap today for tomorrow’s trash.

d. Be sure to read my “Guide to Motorcycle Leather Gear” tutorial on my website.

Life is short: choose quality which will provide long-lasting value.