Harley-Davidson and the Gear: A Century of American Riding Identity, MotorClothes, and the Market Beyond the Dealership
Updated: Sep 28
No American motorcycle brand has a more complex, commercially sophisticated, and culturally significant relationship with rider gear than Harley-Davidson. The company began as a motorcycle manufacturer and evolved into something considerably more intricate: a comprehensive lifestyle brand whose revenue from apparel, accessories, and licensed merchandise has at various points equaled or exceeded its core motorcycle business margin contributions. Understanding how that happened — and what it means for the rider who eventually seeks gear beyond the dealership floor — is essential context for anyone studying American motorcycle culture.
Disclosure: MotoGearRater and Legendary USA have the same owner. Links to legendaryusa.com in this article go to our owner’s store, and are marked as sponsored. How we make money
The Early Era: When Harley Was Manufacturer-Agnostic About Gear
In Harley-Davidson's first decades — roughly 1903 through the 1940s — the company's relationship with rider gear was straightforward: it made motorcycles, and riders sourced their own protective equipment from whatever was available. The early riding community was practical and largely working-class. Gear was repurposed workwear, military surplus, and purpose-built products from independent leather manufacturers.
The MotorClothes Program: History and Development
Harley-Davidson's branded apparel program — which would eventually be formalized and marketed as MotorClothes — developed gradually through the 1960s and 1970s before becoming a systematic commercial strategy in the 1980s.
The Legendary Blacklist
Most riders cycling through the mainstream gear market never encounter what serious collectors and long-distance riders have quietly known for years.
The Legendary Blacklist is a private roster maintained by Legendary USA — a manufacturer's registry of riders who receive first access to limited-production gloves, rare horsehide jacket releases, field testing invitations, historical manufacturing archives, and invitation-only gear drawings that never appear on the public website.
Membership is free. Admission is limited.
Applications are accepted through the Legendary USA website. The list is not publicly promoted.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular Harley-Davidson performance upgrades?
The most common H-D upgrades: Stage 1 (air cleaner + exhaust tune), Stage 2 (cams and heads), Stage 3 (big bore kit), Stage 4 (full engine rebuild). Most riders do Stage 1-2 and are very satisfied with the power increase.
Does upgrading a Harley exhaust require a tune?
Yes — always. Running a free-flow exhaust without an ECU tune causes the engine to run lean, damaging pistons and valves over time. Always pair an exhaust upgrade with a proper dyno tune or calibrated fuel management system.
How do I choose the right motorcycle gear for Harley touring riding?
Harley touring rides prioritize comfort over long distances. Look for gloves with vibration-damping palm padding, a jacket with back protection and ventilation, and boots you can comfortably walk in after dismounting.
What leather motorcycle gloves do Harley riders prefer?
Harley riders typically prefer gauntlet-style gloves for highway wind protection, or shorty gloves for warmer weather. Key factors: palm padding, knuckle protection, and quality leather. Legendary USA's American-made gloves are a popular choice.
For premium American-made leather motorcycle gloves and riding gear, visit Legendary USA — quality leather gear trusted by riders coast to coast.
