By Greg Drevenstedt
The Cortech Rambler Wax Cotton Jacket is a mix of old school and new. Waxed cotton has been around, at least in rudimentary form, since the 15th century, when mariners applied fish oil to sailcloth. In dry weather, the sails worked more efficiently; in wet weather, they didn’t become soaked and heavy with water. This early form of waterproofing was also used in capes and jackets.
In the 1920s, several U.K.-based companies developed a process for impregnating cotton with paraffin, which was water resistant but also breathable (way before Gore-Tex came along). Around this time, Barbour and Belstaff started making waxed cotton motorcycle apparel, which was popular in Britain’s rainy climate.
Fast forward to present day. Cortech’s Rambler jacket looks like a cross between a Western-style button-front shirt and a canvas work jacket. The front closes with a heavy-duty YKK zipper covered by a placket with antiqued brass snap buttons. The same buttons are used for the two front pockets and the wrist cuffs, and smaller buttons secure the fold-down collar. Both the placket and the collar are lined with leather.
Inside the jacket are two chest pockets with leather edging and snap closures, and inside the soft-lined pockets are concealed-carry muzzle holders. The torso and arms of the jacket are lined with soft flannel with a classic plaid pattern.
The new school part of the jacket begins with Dyneema, the world’s strongest fabric. It’s woven into the shell, which is 64% cotton, 32% polyester, and 4% Dyneema, adding abrasion resistance. The jacket is also fully lined with Sycromesh, a highly abrasion-resistant mesh. Additional crash protection comes in the form of removable, low-profile CE Level 1 armor at the shoulders and elbows. There’s a pocket for an optional back protector insert.
The Rambler, which comes in black or brown, looks great on classically styled bikes like Triumph Bonnevilles or on cruisers like the Harley-Davidson Street Glide Limited tested in this issue (see page 30). On the brown version I tested, the jacket has a weathered look where there are variations in the wax treatment. On hot days the wax gets soft, and you might notice a greasy feel to the jacket or even a little residue on the seat of your motorcycle.
From the first time I put the Rambler on, it felt comfortable. It has a high-quality feel, especially all the brass hardware. But it’s a heavy jacket; my men’s large weighs 6.4 lb. And with the thick waxed cotton/poly shell and full flannel lining, it’s a warm jacket – perfect for cold or mild days, but it traps in too much heat on hot days.
If you’re looking for a classic riding jacket that offers protection from the elements and in the event of a mishap, then the Cortech Rambler Wax Cotton Jacket is a solid choice. It’s priced at a reasonable $199.99 and is backed by a four-year warranty.
By Chuck Cochran
Last fall, I set out to find a budget Harley to turn into a stripped-down bobber. I had one simple rule: It had to be an older model priced under $10,000. After comparing several bikes, I settled on a 2009 Fat Boy.
Once it was in the garage, the transformation came quickly. Off came the oversized fenders and on went a new exhaust, LED turn signals, and a reworked rear fender and seat. The weight dropped, and the bike took on a more aggressive presence. With parts coming from a mix of aftermarket brands, it quickly earned the name “Franken Fatboy.”
As the build evolved, one thing became clear: The stock air cleaner no longer fit the bike’s look or performance. Flipping through the December 2025 issue of Rider and its Holiday Buyers Guide, I spotted the Feuling BA Air Cleaner Slim and immediately knew it was a substantial upgrade over what I had. It had a striking look and perfectly captured the vision I had for this build.
The primary purpose of the Feuling air cleaner is to significantly improve airflow for Twin Cam and Milwaukee-Eight engines. My Fatboy runs a Twin Cam, so I opted for that fitment. By lengthening the intake runners, the Feuling air cleaner increases air velocity and creates a smoother, more balanced flow into the combustion chamber. The result is noticeable: stronger power, smoother throttle response, and quicker acceleration, especially paired with the bike’s now-reduced weight.
Beyond performance, the air cleaner’s construction stands out. A CNC-machined billet aluminum velocity stack sits at its heart, featuring an optimal inner taper, opening diameter, and outer lip to maximize flow. It’s wrapped in a one-piece billet aluminum cage, a cleaner and more refined alternative to the bulky multipiece designs commonly seen. The result is both functional and visually sharp, while also making installation more straightforward for garage builds. The backing plate, stamped with Feuling and “Made in USA,” reinforces the quality and craftsmanship behind the system.
For a winter bobber project, this upgrade does more than add power; it completes the look. The air cleaner, which is priced at $649.95, is available with a standard-width or slim cage, a chrome or black finish, a solid or clear cover, and a red or black reusable high-flow filter. That flexibility makes it easy to match any build style. I chose the slim cage with a black housing, a clear cover, and a red filter for a more aggressive contrast with the Fat Boy’s silver and chrome finishes.
Installation was straightforward, with clear instructions for Softail and Touring models, though a final ECM flash was necessary to account for the increased airflow and prevent the motor from running too lean.
Firing up the bike, the exhaust roared through the garage, and I couldn’t resist shouting, “IT’S ALIVE!” The Feuling BA Air Cleaner Slim has breathed new life into my Franken Fatboy. No longer just a garage project, the bike has been transformed into a full-blown monster, ready to terrorize the streets with stronger power and a more engaging presence.