This week I received Harley-Davidson's new 2007 Summer catalog, filled with hard-core gear that my wife and I need to buy.

Gear such as this "Women's Harmony Leather Jacket", pictured here...


http://www.harley-davidson.com/....&bmLocale=en_US

Described as a "Feminine styled lightweight leather jacket", it comes with a snap-down collar so that chicks don't have to worry about getting slapped on the face while riding their Sporties.

The motor company says that this jacket features an "action back". An action back? I didn't know the backs of jackets could provide action. Perhaps I've been depriving myself with another aspect of riding fun. Will have to investigate.

The studs and faux gems along waist combined with the studded applique on back will make sure those BMW guys won't mistake your ride for some kind of sorry little "Moto Goosey" thing.

Perfect for going to hard-core biker bars like the Rock Store or even Cook's Corner, it's sure to sell out fast at just a cost of $350.00.

Labels: Harley Davidson Logoed Products, Jackets, Riding Gear

I've had some people tell me, "I can't believe some people wear shorts when they ride". Funny, because I do it all the time.

They say that to me, not just on a safety perspective, but on a style perspective. I guess it looks geeky to some people.

I wear shorts pretty much most of the time. I wear them at home, going out to eat, riding my motorcycle (did I say that already?). I wear those Levi's shorts, the loose-fitting kind that come down to your knees.

On my feet are my riding boots, the only ones I have. They look more like hiking boots but they're not. They're brown, and I usually have on those short white socks that come just up above my ankles, and barely peek over the tops of the boots. Then I wear a t-shirt, and sometimes my denim vest over it.

Does that sound geeky?

I suppose you need a photo to see, well I don't have one.

But anyways, I can only ride this way if I'm on my Road Star. The reason is because my legs never touch the exhaust pipes. In a comfortable position, they just never do. On the other hand, the left-leg is always touching the cross-over pipe on my HD Ultra Classic. I just can't wear shorts on the Ultra for that reason.

Only once have I ever burned my leg from touching the exhaust pipe. And I did it on my friend's bike. He has a Dyna Wide Glide. This time, it was my right leg that wanted to touch the pipe in a comfortable position. I knew ahead of time that my leg kept trying to touch the pipe, so I kept putting my legs far out everytime I came to a stop.

Except one time, I forgot about it. Tsssssss! Ouch!

My friend likes to ride with shorts also. He had a few really nasty burns on his right leg.

Why do they call them "heat shields" when they still burn like Hell?

Otherwise, the only problem you ever encounter when riding with shorts, is flying debris. Like pebbles getting picked up and thrown at you from the car ahead. I don't wear chaps, so I don't have any.

And wearing chaps with shorts would be geeky.

Labels: Riding Gear

Bonewrap is a brand of leather biker gear made by a guy who goes by the name of "Leather" at his shop in Temecula, CA.

I stopped by his place the other day to look at what he has to offer and was impressed with the quality.

The cell phone case pictured on the right is made with 100% bull hide, and fastens together with a metal snap. It clips to your belt with a metal clip, instead of the plastic kind you see so often. The case has a heavy feel to it letting you know you it's going to stand up to all kinds of abuse and will last a lifetime. It sells for $40.00.

Leather also makes a PDA case (also pictured), as well as boot straps, leather wrist bands, leather head wraps, leather hip pouches, leather tank covers, even a leather covered toilet seat.

It's all made in the USA of course, by himself.

He doesn't sell any of his stuff online or by mail order, you have to visit his shop, or find a retailer carrying his stuff. But if you really have to have something, contact him. You never know...

For you retailers, Leather is interested in hearing from you. His stuff is just now starting to sell in other outlets.

Bonewrap Products
Old Town Leather
28690 Old Town Front St.
Temecula, CA 92592
(951) 757-6972
http://www.oldtownleather.50megs.com

Labels: Leather Accessories, Riding Gear

Fairchild Sports recently introduced a new line of clothing made for women bikers, by women bikers. The new G-line apparel features safety and durability features of traditional biker gear, with more comfort and fashion in mind.

The days of wearing men's apparel to ride are over! We can now look stylish and feel great whether we are behind the bars, or sitting at the bar.

Jackets run from $240 to $500 and pants are available from $180 to $400. All styles can be viewed at www.g-line-store.com.

Labels: Jackets, Riding Gear

Holdsta™ is a new carrying pouch that looks and wears like a gun holster, but is designed to hold your personal belongings while riding the motorcycle, hiking, biking, or doing whatever else.

It's actually cleverly designed so that it would be concealed by a leather vest, and it's doesn't appear to be very bulky either.

Holdsta™ was designed by a biker and businessman who found the pockets of pants too small to carry several items, while the pockets of jackets tended to bulge out looking "unstylish".

Labels: Riding Gear