Harley Davidson will go down in history as one of the most famous and recognizable brand names in the world. Since its inception in 1931, Harley Davidson has been known for its commitment to detail and quality. Because of this, many companies make imitation Harley’s high-quality clothing and other gifts such as helmets, boots, and bike accessories. It’s important that you become aware of the signs of authentic HD vintage clothing because fakes are everywhere!
Below are some tips to help you distinguish what is real and what is fake. If you keep a few helpful signs in mind, you can spot imitation Harley gear from a mile away.
Tip #1: Study the Harley Davidson logo
The Bar and Shield logo has been around for decades. In fact, it has changed only slightly since its original design in 1931. When shopping for vintage Harley Davidson clothing, be sure to know the exact colors, shapes and details of the real Harley Davidson logo. Imitations often change the logo first. For example, a common logo variation contains the misspelling of “motorcycle”. On a fake you will see this in the center of the logo, “Harley Davidson Motor Cycle”. Note the distance between motorcycle? Always check the logo and look for minor changes. This is the best way to identify a knockoff!
Tip #2: Check the price. If you think it’s too good to be true, you’re probably right!
Pay special attention to this tip when shopping for vintage or antique Harley clothing. Vintage Harley clothing can be very valuable and expensive when in good condition! The same goes for antique bikes and parts. If you think the price is an incredible bargain, the chances that it’s authentic decrease.
Tip #3: Pay special attention to the details and quality of the clothes.
As previously mentioned, HD is known for producing quality products. This has been the company’s philosophy from the start. So if the item of clothing you are about to buy is of poor quality, it is probably a fake. Authentic vintage Harley-Davidson apparel is made with great attention to detail and includes genuine leather, precise stitching and premium linings.
