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Racing Clothing circa 1915
A bit of History from the archives of Harley Davidson Inc.
Copyright Harley Davidson
Racing Clothing: The original rebel
image
by Maria Schoeberl, Archivist
The Harley-Davidson brand is known to represent something
that is the property of the rebel, and speaks volumes about
living life to its fullest. However, the Harley-Davidson
motorcycle rider is often branded as being a bit of an
"outlaw." But what does this label mean to our riders?
Most people do not know that the word "outlaw" was first
used in reference to motorcyclists as early as 1904. What it
applied to, however, was motorcycle racers who rode in
non-sanctioned events. These original outlaws were not
racing motorcycles to win a trophy or medal. Rather, they
raced for the thrill of the sport and the camaraderie that
flourished among the riders.
But they were also making a lifestyle statement by choosing
to enter an area of racing which labeled them "outlaws." An
essential part of this statement became the clothing they
wore.
From the start, racing clothing included specialized goggles
and sweaters, especially team sweaters with logos blazing on
fronts. As the years passed, standard apparel became fitted
leathers, stylized helmets and tight gloves. Add to that the
rebel swagger of the racer and you have a style statement
all its own.
In racing, style followed function in the clothing racers
wore. In the punishing environment of the motorcycle track,
where high speeds and long, non-stop rides put extraordinary
strain on the rider, it was essential that the rider's
clothing provide maximum safety, comfort and control. All
racing clothing was therefore designed from the start to
provide protection from potential accidents and the elements
while allowing for full freedom of movement.
It was therefore a natural conclusion that what would work
for the punishing environment of the motorcycle track, would
work for all riders. Gloves, goggles, helmets, leg
protectors (or "put-tees") and fitted sweaters eventually
became some of the standard apparel of the motorcycle rider.
And because the "outlaw" motorcycle racer had helped to
start these clothing trends, these styles continued to be
associated with the rebel image of these first, and very
visible, outlaw riders.
This is an image that Harley-Davidson riders honor and
continue to bring off the track and into popular culture.
Copyright Harley Davidson
Photographs and story courtesy of the Harley-Davidson Motor Company Archives.
