Harley Davidson Factory Softshell Jacket – Havidson Race Soft Shell

Our Harley Softshell Jacket brings pockets ready for CE-rated armor and weather-resistant protection together for unpredictable forecasts and early starts, without the bulk you might expect. The main material is softshell (polyester/elastane), chosen for durability and a clean finish. Extras include practical storage pockets.

Harley Softshell Jacket: Details & Construction

• Style number: 96817-26MM
• Brand: Harley-Davidson, supplied by an authorised reseller
• Main materials: softshell (polyester/elastane)
• Features: pockets ready for CE-rated armor, weather-resistant protection, practical storage pockets, signature Harley-Davidson graphics
• Sizes: 2XS to 5XL, plus 1W–3W (13 options); see the size guide on this page

A Jacket That Doesn’t Stay on the Bike

Most riding jackets clearly announce their purpose the moment you put them on. The Factory Race Soft Shell Jacket from Harley-Davidson (SKU: 96817-26MM) takes a different path, built to ride comfortably and then walk into a coffee shop without looking out of place five minutes later. You will notice the difference the first time you wear the Harley Softshell Jacket on a long ride. Riders comparing options often pick the Harley Softshell Jacket for its fit and finish.

Factory Race Soft Shell Jacket crossover appeal comes from soft shell construction, a material choice that trades some of leather’s rugged bulk for flexibility and everyday wearability.

What Soft Shell Construction Actually Offers

Soft shell fabric occupies a specific niche in outdoor and riding gear, and it’s worth understanding what that means before buying. Unlike hard shell jackets built purely for weather resistance, soft shell materials prioritize flexibility and breathability while still offering meaningful wind and light moisture resistance. Use the size guide to choose the Harley Softshell Jacket size that matches your chest measurement.

This Harley Softshell Jacket soft shell material resists wind and light moisture effectively, though it won’t match the waterproofing of a dedicated rain shell. RideApart has noted that riders should treat soft shell jackets as a versatile middle option rather than a substitute for committed wet-weather gear during heavy rain.

Built for Movement, Not Just Riding Position

Flexibility sets soft shell jackets apart from stiffer leather or heavily armored options. The Softshell Jacket’s construction allows a full range of motion, which matters as much off the bike as on it.

Motorcyclist Online has pointed out that riders increasingly want gear that doesn’t feel restrictive once they’ve parked, since many riders wear their jacket well beyond the actual ride itself. This Factory Race Soft Shell Jacket tailored fit supports that use case directly, avoiding the bulk that makes some riding jackets feel awkward in casual settings.

Ribbed cuffs and an adjustable hem help lock in warmth and block drafts, addressing the practical cold-weather gaps that loose-fitting casual jackets often leave open. This detail matters most during cooler mornings or transitional seasons when temperature swings throughout a single ride.

Racing Heritage, Everyday Application

Racing-inspired graphics and Harley-Davidson branding give this Harley Softshell Jacket a bold, athletic identity that separates it from traditional leather riding jackets. Motorcycle News (MCN) has covered how major manufacturers increasingly draw on racing heritage for casual apparel lines, giving riders a way to display that connection without wearing full leathers.

This approach reflects a broader shift in rider preferences. Adventure Bike Rider has noted growing demand for gear that carries brand identity and performance heritage into everyday wardrobes, rather than confining that styling strictly to track-focused apparel.

Storage and Practical Everyday Function

Multiple pockets provide practical storage for essentials like a phone, wallet, or keys, keeping the Harley Softshell Jacket functional well beyond the ride itself. This everyday usability separates the Factory Race jacket from more specialized riding gear that only makes sense while actually on the bike.

Web Bike World has flagged pocket accessibility as an underrated factor in casual riding jacket reviews, since jackets meant for dual riding and everyday use need storage that works in both contexts rather than pockets designed purely around riding position.

Durability Without Added Bulk

The Factory Race jacket’s durable soft shell material holds up to regular wear while staying light enough for all-day comfort, whether layered over a base layer in cooler weather or worn on its own during milder conditions. Fighters Market has pointed out that riders often underestimate how much wear a soft shell jacket takes on simply from being worn constantly throughout the day, not just during actual riding time.

Factory Race Jacket Specifications

Ribbed cuffs and an adjustable hem help block drafts, but pairing it with a base layer improves warmth during colder rides.

Related picks from the same range: the women’s Miss Enthusiast softshell jacket and the H-D women’s Horizon softshell jacket.

Caring for Your Harley Softshell Jacket

Wipe the Harley Softshell Jacket with a damp cloth after dusty rides and let it dry naturally away from direct heat. Check the care label before washing, and hang it on a wide hanger so the shoulders keep their shape.

Looking After It

Choose from 13 sizes, 2XS to 5XL, plus 1W–3W. Measure your chest and compare it with the size guide on this page before ordering. Wash it on a gentle cycle with a technical-fabric cleaner, then re-treat the outer shell to restore water beading. More context is available in the Wikipedia entry for Waterproofing. That is what makes this Harley Softshell Jacket such an easy recommendation.

Building a full riding kit around the Softshell Jacket? Explore more women’s riding jackets in this collection, see everything in our men’s riding jackets and check out the Harley Davidson Womens Soft Shell Jacket – Miss Enthusiast as a close alternative.

Order your Harley Softshell Jacket now and enjoy free worldwide shipping, with orders processed within 3–4 business days. Questions about the Harley Softshell Jacket? Our team is happy to help with sizing before you order.