All right, full disclosure upfront: Harley-Davidson’s FXRG leather overpants for women are more expensive than most riding pants and chaps. They’re also one of the most functional and comfortable riding pants I’ve ever worn, making them well worth the investment of four beans! Although some riders dismiss apparel made by Harley or other brand-name manufacturers, it’s important to realize that these companies do make quality gear that’s worth the investment, no matter what motorcycle brand you ride.
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Speaking of rain, the FXRG pants are waterproof. I didn’t ride through any heavy rainstorms while wearing them, a few light rain showers proved that the Cocona waterproofing keeps the pants dry inside. To see if the pants would hold up to a serious downpour, I had a friend spray me with a hose while I wore the pants. The water bubbled right off of both the leather and the fabric.
One of the biggest complaints about overpants is that they are hard to put on and take off. Harley-Davidson addresses that with a zipper that runs the length of the side of your leg. This allows you to easily step into and out of the pants. The zipper is strong and sturdy and doesn’t get caught up in the fabric of the gusset. This has to do with the way the seams are sewn, such that the inner fabric stays angled in when you’re zipping and unzipping this zipper.
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FXRG is Harley-Davidson’s line of functional riding gear, meaning the pieces include armor and function as protective gear. What I love about these the FXRG pants—and the reason why they are the most comfortable riding pants I currently own—is that I can hardly tell the armor is there. The type 2 CE armor located at each hip and knee is the soft-sided kind, providing an extra barrier on areas of the body that typically take the brunt in an accident.Harley-Davidson knows most of its riders are not used to wearing armored jackets and pants, and so the bendable armor in the FXRG line is designed so riders will hardly know it’s there.
Pockets are the only item obviously missing from the FXRG pants. The description of these pants on Harley-Davidson’s website says there are interior pockets, but I couldn’t find them. None outside, none inside—not even a slit for lip balm. Oh well. I’ll just use the pockets in my jacket.
Another thing I like about these pants is that they wear and look like leather fashion pants but are hugely functional, with all the protective and waterproof features built in. They wear like a pair of jeans, falling just below the waist and with a bit of a flare at the legs (they’re meant to be worn over boots, rather than tucked inside them).
What was weird for me, though, was that when I tried to slip them over a pair of jeans, I couldn’t. Way too tight. I wear them as leather pants, which is fine by me. I love how they look and fit, and I love knowing that I can wear them as a summer riding pant and slip on pair of leggings underneath when the weather turns cooler. The lining is soft on my skin, and there are no annoying seams.
The Harley-Davidson website says to order your normal size, and for me these days that’s a size 2. Fortunately for all of us, sizing goes from 2 to 18. Perhaps the larger sizes will allow for jeans underneath. If that’s important to you, try on both your regular size and one size bigger.
You can order the FXRG leather overpant online at Harley-Davidson.com or at your local Harley-Davidson dealer. The part number is 98033-12VW. These pants have been available for awhile and have become a staple in Harley’s women’s collection. To reiterate the price, they’re a flat $400—and worth every penny, as you can forgo chaps and rain pants.
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Unfortunately, these are no longer available from Harley. I was too late to the party.
Yes, some our product postings have been on the site for some period time during which time the manufacturer may discontinue a particular product.
I am wondering if these are still available as seem to be having probs locating places to buy? Are they not available now?
Hi Colleen,The FXRG leather overpants are still available to order through Harley-Davidson’s web site. The link to this product is:http://www.harley-davidson.com/store/fxrg-leather-overpantThank you for reading WRN!
What is the inseam on these please? I checked the HD sales page you linked to and see a 1-year-old question without an answer, so no help there.Thanks in advance.
Good question. I measure the pair I have and it is 31 inches.
How heat resistant are they on the inner thigh? I have short legs and the heat exhaust from my Heritage really heats up my leg! I would gladly pay to combat that.
The first thing I recommend is to spring for a set of heat shields. Harley offers them for various models, as do aftermarket companies like Kuryakyn, that I know of. As for the pants, they are certainly a barrier to heat, but because that inner thigh material is fabric and breathable you do feel some heat, but not a lot.
How do you clean them?
Great question! The label says professional leather dry clean only. And that is what I will do when they get really, really dirty. However, until then all I do to clean the leather and the fabric panels is take a damp cloth to wipe off dirt, road and bug grime.
So how breathable are those pants? I hate after being in the saddle for a few hours, my jeans are wet in areas that are not good. I’m not a big fan of the fabric pants, so this might be an option for me. I think you hit a point where the price isn’t important when you end up sitting in “wet” jeans through a great day of riding! I’ll pay anything to be dry and still look good!
The stretch fabric panels are breathable. I know this because I can feel the air coming through the fabric areas when the temperature gets cooler. This tells me that my warm body heat can otherwise escape.
OK, they seem functional but I am not sold on their looks. Sorry I’ll keep my money.
For $400 I can get a FAR more functional (better pockets, etc) waterproof pair of leather pants from Rev’It and still have money left over to upgrade the armor to 3DO armor that is light, and barely noticeable on my knees and hips. Unfortunately, most, if not all of women’s pants are nowhere nearly long enough for my 32″ inseam, but most Rev’It women’s pants come with tall sizing. Thankfully, for other brands, like Fieldsheer, etc., men’s pants fit me just fine as long as they have good waist cinching and I zip them into my jacket.
OK, I’m sold! Heading to my local HD dealer, Kent’s to get a pair. I’ve been searching long and hard for good riding pants that are not only functional but look good, too, and these appeal to me. Thanks Genevieve!