Triumphrat

jacobshapeups · 10-20-2009, 11:12 PM

I may be stupid for asking this but here I go anyway. Why do harley guys wear the leather vests. Is it for safety? Or something else that I'm not lookin for. This is a stupid thing to start a thread about. But I have always wondered. Thanks

ocguyocguy · 10-20-2009, 11:51 PM

I know you do not mean reflective vest but they should...I know your talking about dark vest with a bunch of meaningless patches but not ALL Harley riders wear a vest but I agree that alot do...it's part of their little uniform that alot of guys feel that they have to wear when on an HD...alot of "them" remind me of someone trying to look like a pirate or TRYING to look bad azz, BUT not all HD riders are like that, I know alot of normal ones who ride cause the like it...like our Triumphs it is sort of like buying a new 57 chevy, there are "better" "faster" bikes but we enjoy those, I like ALL types of bikes and ride all types of bikes...I do not care for that pirate image scene and Harley Davidson ads are so silly with guys and their lip rings and studs...NOT MY THING and sending the WRONG message in my opinion...I must say that I also own an H.D. touring bike which I like ALOT for long distance but I wear a white leather jacket to be seen by people that don't see motorcycles... black jackets DO NOT help being seen...I ride like I am invisable to stay alive and I wear the same on my Triumph...I guess we could ask why do so many riders wear BLACK when a light or bright color reduces their chances of getting wacked (killed) and let's not get started on those little skull caps that both Triumph and HD people wear...I would not be here typing to you if I had not had on a full face helmet in one bad crash I had that was not my fault...OK I'm done for now...

GySchmit · 10-21-2009, 08:17 AM

I think it is because, like OCGuy said, it is part of the uniform.

Now as for black leather jackets. That is easy! Leather because it adds another layer of (thicker) skin in case you go down. Black because black absorbs heat from the sun keeping you warmer on cool days and it shows less road dirt.

hobbes80 · 10-21-2009, 10:35 AM

they actually help keep your torso warm when you are riding. I know it sounds like BS, but they do. Speaking from personal experience.

There is some, albeit little, protection from at least having something tough on your body. But, as many have said, its mostly about appearance. Its a place to affix all the patches you have gathered from various events. Whether it seems dumb or not, it is important for some people to advertise things like their platoon number, the rides they've done, their moose lodge, etc...

whether or not you care for the style, its probably good to respect what they are attempting to do regardless. I have met a lot of people whose personal taste I don't care for, but have been decent people that know some awesome roads.

BlueTrophy · 10-21-2009, 11:08 AM

To quote Tim Allen from Wild Hogs "What shal I wear today, sleevless or... sleeveless?"

redhawk34 · 10-21-2009, 11:38 AM

I've worn a vest for decades, on Honda, Harley, Royal Enfield, and Triumph, for the best possible reason; I like it.

I make no judgements on others' choice of riding gear, couldn't care less about anyone else's opinion of mine. I've met good people in full Harley getup, and utter Dorks in "Rocker" gear. And vice versa.
The patch? There are those who recognize it.
Best,
Redhawk

GrandPaulZ · 10-21-2009, 11:45 AM

I have a leather vest that I wear from time to time on group rides with our CMA chapter, because it has the full-color backpatch, and my personal memorabilia patches and pins on the front. It actually is somewhat of a "uniform", but I only rarely wear it for major events (it's just not my "style").

Many in the HD crowd can't get on thier bike without their vest, it's thier "badge".

Jeremell · 10-21-2009, 02:00 PM

Its not just HD riders. I ride a BMW and a Triumph. I have a denim vest with patches and a leather Icon vest. Its not just a HD thing, its a biker thing.

Dangermouse · 10-21-2009, 04:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jacobshapeups

I may be stupid for asking this but here I go anyway. Why do harley guys wear the leather vests. Is it for safety? Or something else that I'm not lookin for. This is a stupid thing to start a thread about. But I have always wondered. Thanks

So they can look exactly like all the other free-thinking rebels in their little club.

Isn't it just precious?

vonginti · 10-22-2009, 12:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dangermouse

So they can look exactly like all the other free-thinking rebels in their little club.

Isn't it just precious?

I LOL'd