REVIEW: HARLEY-DAVIDSON FXRG LEATHER JACKET

Those who are closest to me know that I am somewhat of a tightwad. For example, a few years ago when all my friends were rushing out to buy Ultra Classics I opted for the less expensive Electra Glide Standard. Last year when others were going crazy, trading in their 3-year-old cars for something new, I was (and continue) to drive my 10-year-old truck. I think you get the idea. I’m so cheap I even wear Levi’s and Dickies work shirts every day for cryin’ out loud!

So what is it that shapes one into the self-proclaimed “Edward Scissorhands of budget” you may ask? Two things. First there is the fact that I have never had a lot of money to begin with but secondly, my parents taught me at a very young age that you don’t spend your hard earned cash flippantly and always opt for the best value when making a purchase. It’s just in my upbringing, and I don’t suppose even a lottery windfall would change that about me. (Although, I’d  like to find out!)

So, as you can imagine, when my friend at Harley-Davidson called and asked if I would be interested in reviewing the new Men’s FXRG Perforated Leather Jacket, which sports a hefty $625.00 price tag, I literally laughed. “You want me to do what?” Despite confessing that I was probably the wrong guy to give a fair review of a high-dollar piece of H-D Motorclothes, she convinced me to take a look at the FXRG and promised no retribution for my honesty.

Well, last week my review jacket arrived and the first thing I noticed when I pulled it out of the box was how heavy it was. A quick trip to the bathroom scale revealed that the FXRG adds 10 pounds to my load, but what do you get with that extra load? Well, a whole lot of safety and protection.

For starters, the perforated leather is bonded to Cordura mesh for added strength and abrasion resistance, but there is a more. Removable Body Armor (CE Approved) covers your shoulders, elbows and spine, a detachable Kidney Belt gives you extra back support while 3MTM ScotchliteTM reflective piping provides added visibility at night.

Beyond the safety considerations are the functionality issues and the FXRG has you covered here… pun intended. The removable liner features Gore-Tex Windstopper technology providing a windproof barrier for those colder days and you won’t have to worry about having enough pockets. Other than the barely visible front hand-warmer pockets, on the inside the FXRG sports an entire interior pocket system with 2 zipper pockets, a cargo pocket, cellphone pocket, and an eyewear pocket that includes a lens wipe.

But the best part about the FXRG is how it feels when you put it on. You know that constricted feeling that you get with a lot of leather jackets, like you can barely reach your handle bars? Forget about it with the FXRG. The ergonomic pre-curved sleeves and what H-D calls an “action back” make this jacket feel like a million bucks when in the riding position. Mobility is not an issue in the least and the added weight of the jacket seemingly disappears in comfort.

What’s my verdict? Well, the bottom line is that I am still a tightwad but with value being my highest consideration, even a penny pincher like me would have to recommend that you check out the Harley-Davidson Men’s FXRG Perforated Leather Jacket. Yes, it’s a hefty investment but given it’s superior build quality, tremendous protection capability, abundant features and no-frills good looks (I hate those jackets that look like a H-D billboard), the FXRG would no doubt provide outstanding service well beyond the 5 year warranty that it comes with which translates to pretty good value. Check one out and decide for yourself but I love this thing.

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this product free from Harley-Davidson. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

This review indicates my own personal opinion of this product and should be taken as just that. Yours may vary and you should try this product yourself before drawing any conclusions about it.

© 2009 Biker Swag, All Rights Reserved. No part of this review may be reproduced in any format without express written permission.

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