The wife and I are new Harley owners and are going thru the process of finding the best protection for riding, (insert smartass coments here money can buy as the experience is not there for us. Has anyone rode with the new 09 FXRG leather jacket and pants?

I have seen a few posts on here about the FXRG but they were dated 05'. I'll be living in Bama so some warm weather for sure, but the way I figure it if can take 8 hours in 135deg heat with full flight battle rattle on; a run to the beach in leather can't be all that bad when compared to the burn unit for leaving half my **** on the road.

 

Check out some of the sport riders sites. Those guys ride in all weather with leathers and seem to do OK. I think most wear something called bodyarmor. It is very lightweight special something that wicks moisture to help with cooling. I've read a little bit along those lines, but cannot remember where.

http://www.whitehorsegear.com/ has some stuff.

You might try posting in the touring section asking about hot weather riding. Lots of LDRs over there with great ideas.

 

i don't recommend the fxrg stuff because it's way overpriced and not really that great as far as quality, performance, or protection. there are many other brands out there that will provide better protection and comfort for less, or the same. check out fieldsheer and aerostitch brands for all-weather protection.

 

Got my leather FXRG jacket from Ebay for a steal and could not be happier with it. I would not pay full retail price for any big ticket clothing items before doing a little Ebay, Craigslist search. I am still on the hunt for a pair of the FXRG pants for winter riding.

 

i have the fxrg midweight leather that i purchased in 07. i really like it. but for anything over 75 it is a killer. its expensive but based on what it is i don't find it completely over priced like a bunch have said. if you look you can get it cheaper than list. and i find the fit and finish to be top notch. yeh - its made in china. that is bad.

if you will be in hot weather i might suggest

http://www.motoport.com/_product_354..._Kevlar_Jacket

most things i read have been good. there are a couple of bad posts, but thats life. just don't believe the -20 to 80 thing. some of their other products look good also.

also consider that riding and sweating will dehydrate you real quick so with a heavy leather, you will dehydrate that much quicker. and racers, etc. are use to riding with a leather suit on. and then they don't wear them for a long time. just for the race.

the new fxrg leather with holes in it - i have looked at it and just don't like it for some reason, and that one is pricey - like $600. for that i would go with the kevlar.

 

I have an FXRG jacket that serves me well in Chicago winters. The zip out liner makes it good for the >60 days and longer rides. It is a bit heavy and I took out the removable armor for comfort. I do like the built in back support as well. I got it for 25% off list and it's been well worth it. Any hotter tha 80 and I leave it behind.

 

I love mine. under 40 and I like the liner zipped in. I keep the armor in all the time as I don't notice any restriction since its a double decker armor and its lighter than any flak vest you will ever find. Not to mention it won't help if you go down and its in your closet.

BTW I got mine (leather) on super sale as it was last years edition but still had the full 5 year warranty.

Dress for the crash!

 

I have the Aerostich Darien Jacket and pants, kind of a BMW thing (Hi, my name is Bob and I am a recovering BMW'oholic), and they offer great protection, waterproof, and vetilation in the heat, but are way spendy, make FXRG gear look cheap. I also have Vanson leather jacket that is ventilated leather that is awesome in hot weather, but also $500+. It seems that you get what you pay for, when it comes to extreme condition gear!!

 

If you're going to be in a hot environment go with a textile jacket. plenty of options at www.newenough.com/
great place to deal with

 

I have avoided the over priced HD garmets for some time, aways worn US made leathers such as Schott's & Vanson.

Must say I have a FXRG and just love it, best jacket I have ever owned in 35 years. I am also thankful it not a walking HD advertisment too!

It's Great on those cold mornings, and very good on the hot days. If it's above 80, I switch to my Tourmaster Flex 2 (mesh part only) as the Leather is just too warm. To me, that one of the best 3 season nylon jackets on the market - great from 40-100+ as you can zip in and out layers.
If your in need a great all around jacket & pants, the FXRG is the ticket - but look for a deal (20-50% off)

It sound like most if not all your riding will be Warm to Hot weather, I'd look at an decent mesh jacket with armor.