Not only was Harley’s new Touring model range been developed in a wind tunnel, so was their new leather jacket.
Senior product engineer Abid Jeevraj says they developed the new range to divert hot air away from the rider’s legs, and cool air on to their torso.
So they also developed a new Triple Vent System (TVS) air management strategy
For their Touring jackets with three zippered vents at exactly the right height to take that incoming cool air for the summer ride.
For optimal airflow while idling in traffic where you get the hottest, the three vents are tiered, with the leading vent the lowest and the others gradually higher so the air moves up from one to the other to cool the rider.
Not only that, but the vents have snap tabs to hold the vents open to catch more air.
General merchandise director Christian Walters says they developed the jacket system in the wind tunnel.
“It was an unprecedented effort to engineer a jacket, but it ensured that riders got exactly what they asked for. I think that’s cool,” he says.
Cool seems to be the operative word.
I didn’t get to test the jacket on the Harley 2014 model launch in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado, but I did get to test the new Touring range of bikes and I could feel the cool air rushing on to my torso with the fairing vents turned toward me.
The jacket also has two vertical exhaust vents at the back to allow the air to pass through, rather than horizontal vents that could be disrupted by a pillion or a backrest.
The TVS jacket is initially available on three jackets for men in leather and textile options, and one women’s leather jacket.
The new men’s Beginnings Leather Jacket with TVS is made from midweight cowhide leather with a mesh lining and comes with with. pre-curved sleeves, stretch waist, seven cargo pockets and 3M Scotchlite reflective piping in sizes S – 5XL and Tall sizes.
The men’s Innovator Waterproof Functional Jacket with TVS is made from waterproof 600 denier polyester and has a removable liner, body armour at the elbows and shoulders, plus stretch Cordura on the elbows, waterproof leather accents and 3M piping. It comes in S – 5XL and Tall sizes.
The men’s TVS Evolution Waterproof Leather Jacket in cowhide leather has a removable full-sleeve quilted liner, body armour protection at elbows and shoulders, eight pockets, 3M and comes in S – 5XL and Tall sizes.
The new women’s TVS Eclipse Waterproof Leather Jacket in waterproof, lightweight cowhide leather has light padding at the back, waist, shoulders and upper arms, plus 3M™ and comes in XS – 3W and Tall sizes.
Harley Australia says they are available soon in limited supply from $540.
