Hey guys, 

I just picked up a Roadwarrior jacket and am about to purchase a couple of sets of lightweight body armour (or armor as the septic tanks spell it) for the shoulders and elbows. 

Few questions

• Does anyone know which jackets actually use the back armour they have advertised in catlouges? I can't see a slip in my Roadwarrior Jacket so I do not believe this is possible. 
• Does the kidney built work for non HD jackets as well? seems like a loose piece anyway. Any experience out there? 
• If all else fails, anyone recommend any additional armour for the cautious rider? 
• Boots - any recommendations? I have some great Sidi's from my learner days on a sports bike, but not really HD  

 

Jye. 

 

I bought some H-D waterproof Dustin type boots .Very comfy , got em through amazon $140 delivered .

 The back armour, or at least padding, is more important than people realise. A doctor who works on a lot of bike victims told me all you have to do to get  a broken back is land on a pebble. You could be all ok but for that and still be crippled for life. Personally I'd like to ride in a t shirt but in the end I fall back on dressing for the crash not the ride. Shame though!

Yep - that's exactly why I am so keen to get some. But I can't actually see which HD jackets have the pocket for it. @Taffy: know any good body armour sets?

I really appreciate your thoughts: that's along the lines of what I was thinking. The dedicated back-protectors look like great value and fairly comfortable. Thanks for the assistance on brands (Dianese: http://www.mcas.com.au/_product.php?section=1&prodid=11731). Really helps. Time to try a few on I think!

you could just go to the nearest HD shop and have a look at what they have and try the fit. not all brands fit our individual shapes well.

 Mate, the FXRG gear is the only Harley branded gear that takes the back armour that I am aware of. I have a Harley Spoiler jacket with the elbow and shoulder armour, but feel better riding in my RST jacket that has a back plate as well. I am looking at getting a dedicated back protector to wear under the Harley jacket, like you suggest. TC

http://www.harley-davidson.com/mcm/mcm_product.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524448767452&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374309040960&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374309040960&locale=en_US&bmUID=1337822119343&bmLocale=en_US

Yep you can buy it separate.

only advice is not to fall for the HD marketing hype . So , for a start go to MCA and try on some stuff for size ..... i would be staggered if you find something better in a harley dealership... particularly when you are talking about crash protection.

jye,
I had a look at the HD leather jackets. I don't think they represent good value for money (as you have to add armor to an already pricey jacket). A part from the price, I wasn't thrilled with some of the designs.
I went a plain heather jacket, from RST. I did have to add back armor ($25), but shoulders and elbows/forearms were standard.

http://www.motorcyclesuperstore.com.au/home/on-road-accessories/leathers/rst/12731-rst-interstate-leather-jacket-black.html?vmcchk=1

You've all been exceptionally helpful. Stickin with the road warrior with a few extra pads and a back protector for anything up and down the coast.