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Festive Season - FAQ

We hope you’re enjoying the Holidays. It’s that time of year where we close down for our Christmas Break too, this year is a bit different for everyone so here are some key dates & FAQ’s we thought might help. and we

 

When do you close? – We’re closed from 24th December 2020 3pm until January 5th 2021, there will be no order processing in this time period. However, we will reopen digitally from January 5th 2021.

 

Can I still order from your clothing department? – Absolutely. You can continue to shop at westcoastharleyshop.com with confidence.

Can I click and collect clothing and general merchandise?  Yes you can! Please select ‘Click and Collect’ at the checkout stage of the store and we will contact you directly to arrange collection when we re-open in the new year.

When will my clothing order be processed and sent? – Following the placement of your order, it will be handled and sent once we reopen.

 

Something went wrong with my order, what do I do?If you have experienced a problem with your order, don’t panic, please email clothing@westcoastharley.com and we’ll respond as soon as we can.

 

We wish you a fun filled festive break and a kickass new year.

 

From all the team here, thank you for your custom and we look forward to sending you more goodies in 2021!

The BIG 500 Competition!

Welcome to our Winter Give Away! As a thank you for all your support and custom this year, we’ve got a very special giveaway competition for you to enjoy. The BIG 500 is here, it’s your chance to WIN £500 worth of goodies from the West Coast Harley-Davidson Motorclothes Shop*. Each week we’ll reveal a new item or two which are up for grabs. We’ve got Harley-Davidson goodies, and other surprises from our other suppliers Merlin, Roeg and Motorcycle Storehouse.

To enter, simply register online, like this Facebook post and drop “I’m feeling lucky” in the comments too!

The winner will be selected at random on January 22nd so there’s plenty of time for you to enter and get your friends in on it too! So go ahead, what are you waiting for?

 

*T’s & C’s Apply, Competition closes, 22/01/2021 12pm. Full T’s & C’s below.

*Terms and conditions apply, no cash alternative or exchange available on the prizes. Competition start date 17/12/2020, competition concludes 12:00pm January 22nd 2021. You must be aged 18 or over to enter. No purchase necessary. UK residents only. One entry per person. You must collect your prizes within 1 month of the draw. West Coast Harley-Davidson reserve the right to use images of the winner for promotional purposes. The winner will be announced and published through our online channels. In order to be included in the draw you must register online, “like” the competition post and comment in the section on the West Coast Harley Shop Facebook page. West Coast Harley-Davidson reserve the right to re-draw a new winner if we are unable to reach the first drawn winner.

Winter Gear Check

We rely on our bikes to perform when the time counts, the brakes, good tyres, top fuel, so we keep them serviced. No one likes to be That guy with the flat battery holding up your Saturday ride out! Bur how bad would it be if you held them up because of a zipper? So what about your gear? The weather might not be inspiring us to ride right now, so why not settle down with one of your favorite movies, “On Any Sunday” is my pick, and check your riding gear for 2020.

Yeah, I get it, your boots are comfy and you’ve had that jacket for years, it’s just right – but is it? Let’s face it, we all like to look good on our rides, but should the necessary occur for that kit to stand up to an “off” is it going to do the job? Here’s my top tips for checking your riding gear this winter to make sure you’re set for 2020:

Stitching and zips: take a good look across the seams, are they still holding, is anything fraying, or is the material its stitched through holding well? The stitching of your kit comes under massive stress during an impact or slide, it’s what keeps the integrity of the garment. Any zips are also a part of that, has it bust a couple of times and you’re getting away with a couple more rides? If the rest of your garment is fine, get it replaced with an equally heavy duty, rugged zip if not, replace it. Check your waterproof seams too, are they still sealing, no one likes a cold leak seeping in or a wet arse.

Boots: oh yeah, the ones that feel like slippers now right? How’s that sole looking, has your foot slipped away a couple of times on those kinda gravelly roads? Check that just like your tyres, you’re not out of grip!

Gloves: again, check on your stitching, but also how the leather/material is wearing, particularly on the palms, they’re one of the first things you’ll put out during a spill.

Helmet: So we all know they’ve got a 4-5 year shelf life (cheaper lids only 2!), but if you’ve stored it in your garage you might want to check no beasties decided to nest in there over winter (true story). Also, remember at last years rally when Dave had a few bevvies and bumped your lid from the handlebars, now might be the ideal time to replace that lid. Although the outside looks good, inside the impact will have already compressed the protective inner and won’t be able to protect that area to the same level.

Protectors: Yup, those wedgy pads we’re counting on to do the job during an impact. At the shoulders, elbows, back, knees and hips, nicely hidden away and we don’t think anything of them. They’re not visible, but certainly have a lifespan! Usually mounted close to your skin and in your protective clothing, these guys are prone to sweat, deodorant, water, heat, chemicals and more, so take your time to look them over. Check for discoloration, cracks, hardening and inconsistency in movement.

We’ve all got kit that could share stories, this rally, that ride out, the time you didn’t actually go home. Riding gear technology is progressing all of the time, and for nostalgias sake you could be missing out on extra protection and comfort. So, kick back, grab your gear, check it over and be ready to ride when you get that Saturday morning call from your mates.

Sian

Need to check when you bought your lid? If you bought it with us at West Coast we’ll be happy to check that date for you. Discovered something’s not right with your gear – CE approved gear available right here Shop Mens & Shop Womens 

Physically closed, digitally open

Physically closed, Digitally open

As you may be aware, we are complying with the latest Government guidelines within our area of Glasgow and having to close our store to the general public as of Friday 20th November 5pm. Whilst we may be physically closed, we will remain fully open online. What does that mean for you guys, our fabulous customers?  Well, you can expect to see new and interesting arrivals over the next few weeks like new Dealer Teeshirts, biker clothing, Jewelry, and more Christmas gifts!

Our lock down is scheduled to last 3 weeks, which means we will re-open on the 12th of December. In the mean time we will continue to send out your orders from Tuesday till Friday, orders placed after 2pm will not go out until the next day.

There’s still plenty taking place online here, our main site, Facebook and Instagram, so stay in touch!

Cheers,

Sian 

Deck the Halls

The gift giving season has finally arrived. We’ve put together a Christmas shop just for you, featuring Christmas figurines, baubles, special items and a selection of gifts from our wider store.

To help you with your gift selections we’ve put them into handy spend categories – don’t forget orders over £100 are shipped for free in the UK. For far away friends and family, we’ve added special wrapping services – if you can’t make it for the big day, we can still make that surprise happen.


Make sure you get what you actually want this Christmas by compiling a wish list. Simply hit the *heart* button next to the item you want, head to wishlist and email it over to everyone who needs to know!

 

Be sure to check back to our Christmas shop as we have goodies, clothing, glassware and much more arriving daily – you can also follow us on Facebook too.

Shop Christmas Goodies here
 

Keep posting dates in mind – we anticipate a higher volumes of deliveries running through Royal Mail and courier services this year and we send our parcels on Tues/Wed/Thurs/Friday -  so be sure to get your gifts on their way ahead of the following dates:

 

International:

International Economy – This week - Canada, Cyprus, Eastern Europe, Greece, Iceland, Malta, Turkey, USA

International Economy – This week– Western Europe

 

UK orders below £35

Friday 18th December before 3pm – Last post for our 1st Class signed for, that’s anything below a £35.00 spend bracket.
Tuesday 22nd December before 3pm  – Last opportunity for Royal Mail Tracked 24* - this would carry an additional charge – if you require this service contact the shop after placing your order clothing@westcoastharley.com

 

Orders over £35 UK

Tuesday 22nd before 3pm Last day for courier deliveries to arrive by 24th*

 

And for everything else…… there’s gift vouchers!

So stay tuned for new arrivals, extra gift ideas and more festive fun from the Team!

 

Season’s greetings!

Sian

 

*We endeavor to turn around all orders as soon as we receive them and we use trusted courier and postage services, however, things can happen and we would strongly recommend placing your orders as soon as possible to gain a timely delivery.

 

Autumn at West Coast

It’s certainly getting cooler, we’ve noticed the nip in the air and the change in the colours from our big window on the Campsie’s. We’re thrilled to announce our Autumn/Winter collection has started to arrive in store.

 

Inspired by classic racing logos and autumn colours, this collection is exactly what we needed as the temperatures start to chill off. Fleecy jumpers, warm cotton knit sweaters, stylish Tee’s to layer with thick hoodies, 3-in-1 gloves and beanies are all perfect additions to keep you warm whilst looking cool.

You can find our Autumn/Winter collection here

 

And for intrepid winter riders, we have a range of base layers, packable thermal jackets and more to keep up toasty as you ride through these chilly months. Here are our top picks:

 

FXRG Base Layers – Stay warm, Stay comfortable, with enhanced riding performance and perfect fit. Our layers feature ISO-Pads which draw and retain natural body warmth, they’re moisture wicking anti-bac materials with fitting ribs to keep the layer in place. And they’re not just for winter, air channels and responsive fabrics keep you cool in the summer months too!

 

Shop Mens    Shop Ladies

 

FXRG Mid Layer – Loaded with innovative technologies and materials, our Mid-Layer traps air against the body to keep you warm when it counts. 3M Thinsulate Insulation is contained within the front and back of the jacket, it retains its shape over time meaning this top can be scrunched down to a small packable shape, ready to spring back when needed. Minimal seams and thumb holes make this top particularly comfy and cosey on long runs. This is a top pick in our team here at West Coast and among our customers, who also find it a handy piece for skiing and hill walking.

 

Shop Mens    Shop Ladies

 

Be Seen – On those foggy, Rainy days our Hi-vis vests feature military grade 3M Scotchlite Reflective Material help you be seen when it counts. The reflective material is used on the front, back and sides, giving 365 degree visibility when illuminated by a light source such as headlamps. Bright yellow or orange help you to be seen in low light conditions too. Fitment is always important, no billowing vests here, adjustable tabs insure a close fit, hand warmer pockets and rear pocket make this vest super handy. This is a top pick for folk traveling to Europe to comply with road laws, and with road captains alike.

 

Shop Vests

 

Whether you’re cozying up for the autumn or embracing fresh winter rides, stay tuned for our top picks for this season.

 

Cheers,

Sian  

The Legend of the Ride Bells!

It would be fair to say us bikers are a superstitious bunch, we all have quirks we either do or say on the road. But did you ever wonder where some of the come from? Our top question in store is about our collection of ride bells, what are they for? Where did they come from and who needs them?

In a land of wisps, myths and legends it’s not hard to see why Rider Bells are one of our most popular gifts among our rider Clan. The legend of the “Ride Bell” or “Guardian bell” stems right back in time, before motorcycles and cars in fact. Long ago, as far back as 1488, it has been documented that bells were often used to get rid of unwanted demons and gremlins who would cause havoc in the home, messing with pots and pans, and moving things from where they were left last. “Devils can’t abide o’bells” recalls a folklorist in 1862 – so, when one lonely night long ago an old grey bearded biker was heading home along a deserted road, carrying trinkets and gifts in his saddlebags for his family and village, he was surely lucky that some of those gifts were small bells.

As he approached an open stretch, he listened in to the purring motor, and thought about the many trips they’d made across the land. The bike was a faithful thing, they’d seen all weathers and still come through safe enough, in truth they’d bonded as man and machine over the years and miles. The road started to narrow, and he came upon a wooded section, the trees drawing close to the road, little did he know this was the dwelling spot of some mean road gremlins! For sport in past times, the road gremlins used to spook horses, but in this day and age, they preferred bikers and our chap was intended as their next victim. In the blink of an eye, they set upon the biker, hopping on the bike, twiddling wires and fuel lines, causing the bike to weave and swerve, bringing the biker to a wobbly stop and dropping the bike.

The old biker was furious, he ran round to his saddlebag, which the gremlins had ripped from the bike, and started throwing things at the gremlins – which delighted them further – until he reached one of the bells. As soon as a tiny tinkle was heard, the gremlins threw their claws to their ears, and screeched in pain. Spotting this, the biker reached for the others, shaking them with all his might ad the gremlins jumped about and scattered in sheer fright.

Returning to his bike, laid over by the side of the road, the biker tied a handful of bells to his bike, collected the scattered gifts and put the saddle bag back onto the bike. Up righting it, with a few strong kicks, it surely and faithfully came back to life and before he knew it he was on his way home. Later that week, resting in his local bar, he began to explain where the extra scrapes on his bike had come from to his fellow biker buddies. And in telling the tale, he gifted bells to each one to tie to their bikes so they wouldn’t befall the same fate as he did that night. So, if you receive or give a bell, be sure you’re receiving a gift of friendship and care from another biker.

A tradition, a superstition or folklore, a bell can make a wonderful, memorable gift for the biker in your life  - shop for ride bells here.

Cheers,

Sian

There's no place like home - unless it's the West Coast!

It’s pretty easy to get drawn into work these days, so to break the norm oor Bruce suggested an intrepid run out on the road after work. I think we’re pretty lucky to have some awesome roads on our dealership doorstep and the route Bruce chose for Don, Will and I didn’t disappoint! From West Coast to Aberfoyle, over the Duke's Pass to Callander.

Our chosen Milwaukee-Eight powerhouses were the Low Rider S, Fat Bob, Road Glide and Fat Boy, which took every twist and turn in their stride, and although we had set off in balmy evening sun, it got misty over the pass and the temperature dropped off. I was extremely thankful to be wearing my FXRG gloves and Stag neck tube for sure!

With a brief stop in Callander and as a sign of the times, with no coffee in sight, we headed back to Glasgow. Thankfully as we passed Lennoxtown the sun came back and we got to ride into our beautiful city in the same blissful sun we’d left behind. As I parked the Fat Bob up, I couldn’t help but think that West really is best!

West Coast Harley-Davidson Rideout

It would be an understatement to say the weather sure has been changeable the last few weeks, but we’ve still met some great riders from all over the UK heading to the North Coast 500 and many other destinations. Hurricanes aside, this weekend looks pretty good and we know plenty of you are planning trips and weekend getaways. We’ve broadened our Touring and Rallies section to offer even more great kit and suggestions for your stay-cations.

West Coast Harley-Davidson Rideout 2

We know plenty of you would have been heading for Thunder in the Glens this weekend and we’re definitely missing meeting you all up there and enjoying a few beers with you in the sun. Last year you may have seen the Livewire on display and even had a shot on the Jumpstart, so we’re thrilled to let you know we’re throwing the UK’s first exclusive Livewire event on Saturday, September 5th.

We’ll be joined by Harley-Davidson UK, their experience truck and several Livewire's for road riding. Spaces are limited on a first come, first served basis.

With Ewan and Charlie set to broadcast their Livewire trip on September 18th, this could be your chance to get a taste of their experience on the road. We’re pretty stoked to be hosting an event at all this year, so if you fancy something a little bit different – go ahead and register here.

Until then we have plenty of new production coming in store over the next few weeks and we’ll be working hard to get them online for you all. In the meantime, enjoy your time in the saddle, and check out our new arrivals right here.

West Coast Dealer Tee's

What are 'Dealership Tee’s', how did they start and where do the backprints come from?


Legend has it Dealership T-shirts started at a dusty racetrack sometime in the 70’s. Although there are several companies who create dealership Tee’s one of the originators is RK Stratman who got their licence in 1983. Ron K Stratman, a race fanatic and a Harley guy through and through, came into agreement with the motorcompany to create Harley-Davidson Tee’s for the dealer network complete with backprint. Over time, new and interesting designs for the dealer backprints became popular and shops started giving their own spin on their designs, so becoming a collectable item.

We still order our T’s from RK Stratman, who are based in Wentzville, Missouri. Over the years we’ve printed a wide range of designs, each one incorporating a little piece of Scotland, after all, Harley-Davidson do have roots here in Scotland! It’s not just the T-shirts we customise, it’s our shot glasses, decals, keyrings, patches, tubes and much more. So, where do our designs come from and how do we choose our designs? Over the years they were a standard print, modified to add our location, but over the last few years we took our design process inhouse. Various team members have come up with ideas and they would be sketched and set to the motor company for modification and approval for release.

Our top designs over the last few years have been the Wallace print, our Anniversary print and the Stag logo. Our Wallace print features William Wallace’s “Pro Liberatate” family crest – having been born just a few miles from the shop’s current location, not only is he a local lad, but a bit of a legend here in Scotland and further afield. Wallace’s name has become synonymous with freedom, a value most bikers can relate to!

The Anniversary Eagle Print was a limited edition run designed by Ooor Big Ross. A mix of American and Scottish flags flank a Bald Eagle which is encircled by a traditional Celtic knot work stone circle, our 20th anniversary script and dates stamped proudly across a scroll. This design takes a fantastic mix of American and Scottish iconography and has created a logo which has been in high demand.

The Stag Print was designed by Sian in Motorclothes – Inspired by the Lochs and Hills of the West Coast and the stunning wild life you may see on our amazing road. These elements all come together by a geometry style design, culminating in a Saltire Flag in the centre. This design can be found on tubes, patches and decals and has been popular with locals as well as folk wishing to commemorate riding the North Coast 500.

The Rose Print, only available on women’s Tee’s this design was inspired by Charles Rennie Mackintosh & Margaret Macdonald. Born in 1868 here in Glasgow Mackintosh rose to become a leading designer and architect within the City of Glasgow and throughout Europe. This design fuses his famous Rose Design and Harley-Davidson logo for a proud yet subtle Scottish print.

So what’s next in the design line? Our latest sketch was drawn up to celebrate the 30th Anniversary of the Fatboy model. Both Scottish flags are featured on this print as well as an original Fatboy, and a proud Stag in the vista of Glen Coe. Designed by Sian, this logo will be available on Teeshirts coming towards the end of the year.

You can see our current selection of Dealer Tee’s right here and other unique prints in our Collectibles section. Grab your piece of Scotland today!

These boots are made for more than walkin’

Adventures always start with the first step and I think it’s safe to say we’ve all been itching to get out on our bikes lately in need of some adventure! We’ve had some intrepid riders in this week from over the border, even as far as Germany, each one have mentioned they’re using their bike more often now and in different ways to just the usual run out. Let’s face it, who isn’t chasing that much needed Zen we get out on two wheels?


Each one had a bit of a grumble about the weather and then about their riding gear- so it’s not surprising our instore consultations are keeping us busy, as well as advising our online riders too. One trend we’re seeing is a need to shift into different riding boots because of the requirement to commute without carrying extra shoes, or travel out further in one day, take in the sights and then head home. It’s easy to walk away from ordinary with the range of motorcycle boots we carry instore and online, that’s because they are not only tried and tested by the manufacturer, but by us too. We ride too, and we wear a lot of the riding gear we stock, so you can be sure of a valid recommendation.


Our top recommendation is the Harley-Davidson footwear range – you can find style in each stitch, and adventure in every detail. Made from full grain leather our Harley boots are built not only for the long road and touring, but also urban riding and casual hang outs too. More than that, what we’ve found is Harley-Davidson boots come into their own because they are built specifically for the journey in custom riding positions, providing all day comfort as well as protection against the elements out on the road. The riding boots you’ll find here online and instore might look cool, and even casual, but all our riding boots are all CE approved. This means they’re tested for abrasion resistance, impacts and cuts, and transverse rigidity (how the boot will resist your foot being crushed if a bikes weight fell against your foot as well as extreme sole compression). You’ve got piece of mind that not only will you look good, but you’re protected too.


Back to our intrepid riders, two of them were on the way further north, specifically they mentioned that their Dr Martins were starting to get wrecked out in the elements and the spare boots they packed weren’t waterproof either. Short story is they both went for a new set of Harley-Davidson boots to ride the NC500, both pairs waterproof with Poron protection (absorbs 90% of energy impact before you do). 6 Days later they were back in store with dry feet and commented not only on the comfort but also the sole had certainly saved one of their bikes from a drop in a stony car park!

We also carry other leading manufacturer boots such as John Doe and Merlin, for a choice of fit and function – you can see our current riding boots here. We’re anticipating more styles over the next two weeks so stay tuned.

 

Take it steady,

Sian