Harley-Davidson’s Triple Vent System (TVS) jackets must be the first piece of motorcycle apparel developed in a wind tunnel.
Last year the company unveiled its Project Rushmore range of Touring bikes which were tested in the wind tunnel for aerodynamics and to divert hot air from the rider and cool air on to the rider. They also used their time in two university wind tunnels to test their TVS jackets which catch the cooling air exactly where it is directed. To my knowledge no motorcycle manufacturer has ever gone to such lengths for rider comfort.
General merchandise director Christian Walters told me at the Rushmore launch in Colorado last year the wind tunnel tests were “an unprecedented effort” to engineer a motorcycle jacket for maximum cooling even behind Harley’s big fairings and windscreens. “It ensured that riders got exactly what they asked for. I think that’s cool,” he says.
The TVS jackets have zippers in three tiers. The leading vent is the lowest and the others are gradually higher so the air moves up from one to the other to cool the rider. The vents also have snap tabs to hold them open to catch more air. Now Harley has added new styles to their TVS range – Passing Link for men and Waterproof Textile for women.
MEN’S
Harley-Davidson Evolution Waterproof Leather Jacket with Triple Vent SystemInnovator Waterproof Functional Jacket with Triple Vent System (RRP: A$491, NZ$675)
- Waterproof 600 denier polyester shell with mesh lining
- Removable quilted leather liner
- Body armor pockets at the elbows, shoulders and back (elbow and shoulder armor includes- back armor sold separately)
- Adjustable waist tabs, snap sleeve tabs and stretch Cordura® panels
- 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material – a lightweight, leather/textile fabric designed specifically for warmer climates.
Beginnings Leather Jacket with Triple Vent System ($590, $815)
- Midweight cowhide leather shell with mesh lining
- Body armor pockets at elbows and shoulders (body armor sold separately)
- Action back and pre-curved sleeves
- Power-stretch waist and lightly padded back waist, elbows and upper arms
- Interior zippered MP3 player pocket with headphone tab
- 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material piping
Passing Link Leather Jacket with Triple Vent System ($649, $891)
- Midweight vintage cowhide leather
- Polyester mesh body lining and polyester taffeta sleeve lining
- Body armor pockets at elbows and shoulders
- Snap-tab mandarin collar
- Interior pockets including one zipper MP3 player pocket with headphone tab
- 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material
- Oiled dirty canvas patch and embroidered graphics on front and back
Harley-Davidson TVS jacketsEvolution Waterproof Leather Jacket with Triple Vent System ($754, $1035)
- Waterproof midweight cowhide leather shell
- Removable full-sleeve quilted liner
- Body armor protection at elbows, shoulders and back (body armor included for elbows and shoulders)
- Action back and pre-curved sleeves
- Eight spacious pockets
- 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material
WOMEN’S
Waterproof Textile Riding Jacket ($386, $531)
- 100% polyester- polyester mesh body and sleeve lining
- Pigskin leather quilted trim at shoulders
- Snap-tab mandarin collar
- Action back and slightly pre-curved sleeves
- 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material graphics on front and back and piping on arms and back
- Embroidered applique’ graphics on front and back
Eclipse Waterproof Leather Jacket with Triple Vent System ($590, $775)
- Waterproof, lightweight cowhide leather construction
- Light padding at the back waist, shoulders and upper arms
- 3M™ Scotchlite™ Reflective Material
Harley-Davidson Triple Vent System jackets are available from authorised dealers across Australia and New Zealand and online.