TO coincide with the launch of Harley-Davidson’s first adventure bike, the Pan America 1250 Special, the bike maker teamed up with REV’IT to produce a line of motorcycle apparel, including the Grit adventure jacket we’re testing.
Out of the box, this has to be the one of the most versatile motorcycle jackets on the market, especiallly if you own a Harley-Davidson motorcycle. It features removable thermal and waterproof lining that is tear and abrasion resistant.
The idea behind the gear is that whether you’re riding in the extremes of summer or the worst that winter can throw at you, the Grit adventure jacket has you covered, thanks to a design that’s focused keeping you warm or cool, depending on the climate.
It will keep you bone dry in the rain, meaning this jacket has proven an invaluable bit of kit for us, especially when touring. Thanks to REV’IT, that ensures Harley-Davidson can offer its customers one of the best all-terrain jackets around.
And if you want to go the whole hog, as it were, there are matching pants, gloves and boots to complete the look. Now back to the jacket, and its multipurpose liners, which were somewhat intimidating when we first unboxed the Grit.
We were worried. If we unzipped them – how would we ever get them back in and of course, was it worth the risk of potentially never getting the jacket back to its glorious entirety by doing so.
Amazingly, a few little clips made it easy to remove the lining. Then its just a case of undoing the zip like you would any other jacket, and you’re away, with a summer friendly bit of kit. It even features ventilation for a nice breeze while riding.
The good news is, putting the liners back in is simple, and you don’t need to put both liners in for the jacket to be functional. In our colder testing months, the jacket was a god send, with the thermal liner working its magic to keep our chest toasty warm.
We were most impressed with the functionality and execution of the Harley-Davidson Grit adventure jacket. It’s light and comfortable, and feels great, on and off the bike.
There are some nice safety features incorporated into its design too, including a range of body armour. REV’IT Seeflex CE Level 2 shoulder and elbow protectors are nice inclusions, and match to an abrasion resistant shell.
The PW Shell 500D textile offers tremendous durability when you are getting amongst it. It’s also certified to EN 17092-3:2020. Offering a great alternative to Harley-Davidson’s leather offerings, the Grit adventure jacket should be considered by all riders.
It’s versatile, working well off road, as well as when you’re out touring, with a heap of storage pockets, both internal and external, providing places to stash pretty much everything. Add in the invaluable waterproofing and it’s hard to go past.
Not only does it look stylish, with minimal in-your-face branding, but the fit and finish is excellent. The Grit adventure jacket retails for $956, and is available from all good Harley-Davidson retailers.
Our test product was provided by Harley-Davidson Australia. Exhaust Notes Australia has not been paid to review this product.
Pros – great all round, versatile jacket.
Cons – you may look silly wearing it if you don’t own a Harley-Davidson.
