Harley-Davidson Eclipse Triple Vent System Jacket

Instead of the usual product review where we start out with a pristine new item photographed for your visual enlightenment, we decided to take the new Triple Vent System jacket out for a test ride first to see how it weathered the miles. Having been delivered to your duly-appointed THUNDER PRESS wrecking, er, testing crew, we knew our readers would expect a thorough review so we did our best. We’re happy to report that after more than 7,000 miles through eight states and all kinds of weather, this Triple Vent still looks as sexy as when it came out of the box. Even though we’ve beat the hell out of it.

The TVS is not your typical riding leather for a number of reasons. H-D put the genuine cowhide leather jacket with the mesh liner through a battery of tests. Designed and wind-tunnel tested specifically for the riders who own motorcycles with fairings and windshields, the result is a well-thought-out system that functions as intended. The airflow was factored in when determining where the three strategically-placed zippered vents would be, and when it gets hot, the vents really work. I wore this bad boy during an Arizona ride with triple digit temperatures and as long as there was wind flowing through the open front and back vents, it was actually cooling. The mesh liner creates a layer between your skin and the leather shell where airflow offers comfort. The included paperwork declared the garment as waterproof and this is where we expected failure, but instead we were pleasantly surprised. The front flap proved effective at keeping the rain out and even the zippered vent areas stayed relatively dry. What we found missing was a hood, which was an issue. When caught in a nasty downpour, rain ran down into the collar and down my neck. This is an oversight in design as far as we’re concerned.

Adjustable straps at the waist is convenient for layering, which is necessary when riding in cool weather since this lightweight jacket alone was not enough to keep me warm on cooler rides. The wind does come through the vent zippers so undergarments are necessary when the temperatures drop. Optional armor can be purchased to fit the provided inner pockets.

The Company’s branding, blocked out on both front and back, is highlighted in a 3M Scotchlite reflective material that glows when headlights hit it, thereby making the rider visible to cagers when riding at night. The leather shell is soft and deceptively durable, looks dressy and fits the female form well. Despite the months of less-than-tender treatment we’ve given the smartly designed garment as we crammed it in and out of saddlebags and bungeed it to sissybars, the TVS jacket still looks nice and has held its shape well. Overall, we love the Eclipse Triple Vent System jacket and consider it a keeper.