Held Harvey ’76 Review – Motorcycle Jackets
The Held Harvey ’76 is something that could have been pulled directly from Steve McQueen’s personal stash. With asymmetrical striping and quilted shoulder pads, this motorcycle jacket takes quite a bit from yesteryear without sacrificing the quality that the modern motorcyclist has come to expect.
The Harvey ’76 is a full-leather garment, featuring a distressed-lovingly broken in finish that translates to this jacket being undeniably comfortable – especially on a cruiser such as the Harley-Davidson Low Rider S I rode during my initial test.
The sewing work is immaculate – not a single loose thread in the bunch. Ultra soft, pliable leather that is more in line with something handed down from dad than a shiny new jacket off the rack. That translates to loads of good movement when on the motorcycle.
On the exterior, you’ll find four pockets of varying size, that in my case were able to hold my keys, cell phone and wallet with ease without causing any fitment issues. Held spared no expense and went with heavy-duty zippers all around and they also have handy leather pull tabs to make it easy when dealing with gloved hands. Additionally, hip adjustment straps tighten things up around the waist, and zippers up the cuff keep your sleeves where they need to be.
One of the best features is the soft collar which has a bit more material on the rear to protect your neck a bit. The days of dealing with a painful ring of sunburn are no more with the Harvey jacket. Two clasps at the neck pull it all together, one magnetic clasp to make sure the zipper undo itself on its own and a button clasp at top of the collar.
On the interior, the Held Harvey ’76 features 100% poly lining that doesn’t bunch up around the joints – again something that we can all appreciate – along with two interior pockets that can hold whatever else you might need to keep close to your chest.
In terms of protection, the Harvey ’76 comes equipped with D3O CE EN 1621-1 shoulder and elbow protectors. I’m the type that appreciates any kind of armor in a jacket, if anything, for my own peace of mind. The Harvey ’76 does not come equipped with a back protector however, it does have a compartment in the liner for one an optional Sas-Tec back protector. The good news is, if you happen to have a shield style back protector from another jacket, there is a good chance it’ll fit but we recommend using the manufacturer spec armor.
With an all-leather motorcycle jacket, things can get a little warm, but after spending a full day in the mountains of Southern California, the Harvey ’76 was nothing short of wonderful. Up front on the shoulders we have to easy to use zippered vents and on the rear, two more vents if need be. No matter the condition, Held designers have you covered.
What makes this a fine choice isn’t just the looks; it’s the quality and care that has been put into the construction. A liner that doesn’t bunch up, great stitching throughout, zippers that don’t require a massive battle to get on and a functionality that references a simpler time. Just what you need, just when you need it.
Held is offering the Harvey ’76 in two color variations: Black/Off White and Burgundy/Off White. The Held Harvey ’76 is priced at $550; for additional information, visit Held.
Held Harvey ’76 Jacket Review – Photo Gallery
