Harleys and Kilts: Leather, Wool or Cotton?

[SeaBorn]

I need some advice. I live in Phoenix, AZ and ride a Harley Sportster every day. If I were to ride with a kilt and taking into considration the AZ heat would I be better off with a leather kilt as it would tend to stay put? Or would a wool be too itchy although more colorful? Or would a cotton one be better as it can be washed regularly? Do I just sit on it? Do I tuck it between my legs? Do I shove it under one le or what? Any motorcycle riding kilt wearers that can respond to this out there? ith:

[RobertParker]

I'm not a motorcycle rider, so take it for what it's worth, but I know this has come up a few times here before. I believe the general consensus is not to try to wear a kilt while riding motorcycles. Too much wind, the pleats could potentially get caught it in the workings of the engine, and if there is an accident, you've got even less protection (meaning bare skin up to your sensitive areas) than with a pair of pants when you hit the pavement. I'm sure some seasoned riders will chime in, but I can't see wearing a kilt when riding.

[ccga3359]

First bit of advice I'd offer is don't wear a kilt when riding, the potential for driver distraction is too great. Take a kilt rolled up and change when at your destination, kilt do work as their own change room.

Since you're actually determined to wear one kilted and really don't give a toss about my opinion let's discuss your options:

Wool. Unless you have to have a tartan kilt don't go with wool. There are other tartan option like Poly Viscous (USAKilts) or Acrylic (Stillwater Kilts). Both materials are machine washable but in my opinion are not your best option. USAKilts offer custom built kilts whereas Stillwater does not.

Leather. Might be your best option, it would go with the rest of your leathers. Would be heavy and bulky rolled up with your other gear the one drawback. Since you're back to custom built then perhaps you could look at black leather with orange leather features, sort of an HD kilt.

Hemp. Another option is a hemp canvas kilt, it has some wonderful qualities and tough as nails. Custom made, it's also half the price of leather.

Canvas. Not as durable as hemp but you have more colour options including a variety of camouflage. You'll find numerous manufacturers of canvas kilts, I'd recommend Freedom Kilts.

For hemp or leather check out RKilts.

[jkane]

I used to wear my Utilikilt until it didn't fit any more. Now I wear a Stillwater Thrifty. I don't find either to be too hot. But, sitting parked, the kilt does funnel the engine heat up more than jeans do. Be prepared for that on the air cooled Harley. I want a leather kilt to wear while riding, but not ready to pay that much for one yet. I threaten every month to make budget for it, but it never happens. Soon. ;)

I tuck the middle of the front down a bit. I used to worry about the sides. My wife makes remarks about getting arrested for exposure, but in reality, many people wear shorts that reveal more than a kilt tucked in the middle! I don't worry much about it anymore. At 60 MPH, the "flash" will be so quick going past me that they won't even realize what they saw. By the time they catch on I will be gone and they won't get a second chance to look! Even if they did see anything, it will be a lot of leg, and maybe even a hint of cheek. No more than a plumber bending over. Just a different angle, which means no crack, only flesh. That has to be better I think! As for the dangly parts, they are well situated on the seat. They are tucked a bit, and unless you have a foot or more, I don't think it's gonna sneak out enough to ever be seen! If you do, well then, have a tip jar with you. You're gonna make money on that monster!

Like I always tell people, What problem is there with wearing a kilt on a bike? They say there is a wind problem, and it might blow up! It's only about 23" long. If the wind grabs it, it only comes up to my chin. I can still see over it just fine. No problems!

[dfmacliam]

I ride an Ultra Classic and my advice will be.... Do not wear a kilt while riding... period. If you want to wear a kilt somewhere, bring one with you, and change into it when you get there. Safety should be your number one concern, and being properly dress, while riding is just plain smart. Most of the people I ride with prefer leathers, boots, it's smart, and less damaging when the unexpected occurs.

You can do as you like, this is my opinion on the matter.

[Zardoz]

I ride an Ultra Classic and my advice will be.... Do not wear a kilt while riding... period. If you want to wear a kilt somewhere, bring one with you, and change into it when you get there. Safety should be your number one concern, and being properly dress, while riding is just plain smart. Most of the people I ride with prefer leathers, boots, it's smart, and less damaging when the unexpected occurs.

You can do as you like, this is my opinion on the matter.

Mine too. I feel there are a few activities that just don't mesh with kilt wearing, and motorcycling is one of them.

[Semiomniscient]

History has shown kilts were never particularly popular for cavalry. This I think will apply to motorcycles.
I don't ride motorcycles, but I would also think that excessive road grime would do a disservice to the wool in a good kilt. As a fan of traditional kilts, I would never suggest anything but a good wool kilt. But by all means, like others have said, roll it up and bring it along.

[Good Egg]

I'm a qualified motorcycle instructor. There are only 2 types of biker. Those that have fallen off and those that have not fallen off yet.

I suppose you could get kevlar reinforced trews or tartan jodhpurs but...

Far better to tartanise your bike.

BTB I do like Harleys, the wife has one. I have a Bonny. Black paintwork with the registration ***2359, I call 'her' midnight.

[McFarkus]

I restrict my mixing of kilts and Harleys to my sgian dubh. The blade is Damascus steel forged from a used Harley chain.

[adrk]

i dont think i ever try takeing a long ride more than 20 to 50 miles in a kilt on my bike ..... i would i
think and will try a ride to local water holes here in new orleans ,...... i been a motorcyclist since i 15 now 42 so .... currently a 97 zx 11 so it should be intresting and yes i know is risk crash protection etc etc etc

just my thoughts thknk pv would be ur best use for some abuse and holding up etc