look around and buy what you like regardless of the label , I hate to buy such stuff on line because sizes are so different so if you do find out how hard it is to return or exchange things , I have some HD branded things but I bought them because I liked the fit or look or what ever , not because it says HD on it

 

I can't believe the majority of responses thus far. Unless you are willing to spend a small fortune on FXRG gear, the ONLY HD apparel worth buying is the HD Hi Viz rain gear, especially with the gaiters. Just check the labels and where the stuff is made. I for one have become so fed up with the HD junk I will only buy American. Someone mentioned Fox Creek and great that I live less than an hour from them. Even their Gerbings stuff I have issues with as (I believe) there is a limited warranty. I have everything Gerbings makes for a bike. One HD branded pair of gloves (my first mistake) and a pair of G3 as well as T5. Boots??? I have an old pair of HD boots that are US made but try finding them now. Again, I buy American. So OP, don't wear the HD badge, wear quality if you can. Too many great companies out there that will kick butt over anything HD branded.

 

Any other response is just soooooo wrong.

 

Also look on Ebay, I've found some amazing deals on HD stuff that somebody didn't want, jacket, chaps, jeans.
Raingear that doesn't melt on your pipes and doesn't blow you up like the Michelin Man so IMO the HD brand for that is worth the extra.
Good boots with Vibram soles - over the ankle, whatever brand is comfortable for you. WileyX glasses work for me but you'll have to try a few pairs, don't forget a pair for night time (clear).

 

If you want quality and American made, go to the Aerostich catalog.
I have a Roadcrafter suit, fabulous product.

 

What's your budget? There's gear for the cheapskate, the budget minded, the quality/value person, the branded conscious, the I'll-spend-money-on-high-quality-gear rider and the price is no object dude.

That runs from $80-$1500 for a jacket.

Throwing out brands is meaningless without knowing what you stand to spend. My advice is to get the best you can afford. Going the cheap route ends up costing you more in the long run. Don't be ashamed to buy a used jacket. You can usually buy one for a fraction of it's retail.

As for boots? I'd get new. The same with helmets and gloves. But those are too personal a choice to truly recommend a specific brand. I like my Nolan N43E Trilogy. You might want something different.

 

 

Congrats on the bike!

I actually went though this not too long ago as I just started riding in April. After a LOT of researching and frustration, I finally settled on what I like: Joe Rocket perforated leather (actually breathes!!) with armor, mesh Harley cutoff and regular gloves, a modular helmet and a half helmet from Bell and some Bates boots. (The Joe Rocket jacket is about to have the small logo-labels removed because I'm tired of people asking what crotch-rocket I ride, haha. I absolutely love it and it was around $300 cheaper than the Harley version. I can wear a t-shirt underneath and ride upwards of 85ish degrees and it still provides a ton of air, although I may get a vest for 'round-town ridin'.)

Ultimately, it's up to your preferences/needs and obviously budget. Check out your shops an see what fits to you and don't buy the first time you go! Go home and think about it since there are THOUSANDS of options are there.

Rain gear, Frogg Toggs makes some absolutely awesome very lightweight and well ventilated rain gear. We got some for use on the farm and emergencies from Tractor Supply. Not expensive either!

 

First of all, welcome to the forum… Not sure where you are in MI but up here near Traverse City, I find that I am quite comfortable pretty much all season long in leather. As far as I'm concerned, Fox Creek is the way to go as far as leather jackets are concerned. I do have a pair of H-D boots that I really like. Beyond that, you'll figure it out over time. Enjoy your short riding season and ride as long as you can into the fall.

 

Welcome to the Asylum.

This is my experience. My wife and I back in 2006 when I bought my Ultra, went out and bought matching HD leather Jackets. $900.00 worth. Then we bought cheaper chaps about $200.00 combined. Then we bought matching HD overpass rain suits. About $300.00. And then we both have a couple of light weight HD jackets.

My wife also rides and when ever we go anywhere it takes a ton of space just to be prepared for all types of weather.

My wife last year bought a pair of First Gear, textile riding pants with armor and a Hi Vis all weather textile coat with armor. If I had it to do over again I too would have a Hi Vis armored textile coat and black textile pants. It would be just as practical and a whole lot cheaper. I would also purchase heated liners for when the temp really drops.