Just curious what everybody's take on riding jackets are? I had a textile jacket when I had my sport bike and I'm looking in purchasing me a different one for the cruiser. The only thing I didn't care for about my last jacket was that it was just so damn hot during the summer. I'm not a big fan of riding without a jacket, and i hate to say that I had to last summer because I would sweat uncontrollably (not to be gross). Any and all opinions are welcome. Thanks in advance.
Jeremy
A few years ago I bought a mesh jacket... now I never ride without it. Besides the obvious safety considerations, during the hottest weather I actually stay COOLER wearing this jacket. You don't lose moisture as quickly. My wife has one as well. 2-3 years ago we did 15 days out west... 112 degrees in some places. I think we would have dried up and blown away without the jackets. We wet our t-shirts and had some AC for about 2 minutes!!!
Almost any mesh jacket will work.
I have one made by power-trip (equivalent to their new "intercooler" model)
http://www.power-trip.com
And my wife's is Cortech
http://www.tourmaster.com/
For the not-so-hot days, last year I bought a very nice/cool denim style jacket... I've worn it a lot even when not on the bike. (of course have the leather jackets too.)
http://www.autoandmotorcycle.com/merchant.ihtml?pid=2427&lastcatid=166&step=4
But the mesh is really the way to go. The power-trip site uses flash so no quick way to get a pic of the jacket.
thanks man...i'll check into them
Go to any dealer, they have mesh jackets at 99% of them nowadays. At least you can get an idea of how they feel... though you have to be moving to really feel the difference.
this is the one I have, I like it.
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/39/10578/ITEM/Tour-Master-Range-Denim-Jacket.aspx
I've been real happy with a fringed black leather jacket from US Made Leather in Danvers, MA. Tough, thinsulate, quilted lining, 72,000 miles on it so far and no problems at all. Heavy, warm, great for cold climates.
Joe rocket vented for the summer,
Varooom
Wow, the Cortech on that page looks just like my "x" denim... which is sold on the autoandmotorcycle.com site... didn't know they were so much alike.
i have a Tourmaster Flex jacket. it comes with a quilted liner,rain liner and the exterior panel zips off of the arms and torso. also the rain liner can be used as a coat by itself.i've worn it comfortably down to the low 40's, and across the southwest with the mesh only. also it comes with impact padding in the usual spots...
Seems like the tourmaster line has a bunch of nice options.
I roll with the Joe Rocket....with the full waterproof windproof removeable liner, and kevlar mesh, I have been down in in, unfortunately but nothing serious and it didn't even snag or fray. It has all the CE armor in shoulders, elbows, back and all the ways to adjust it to make it fit you specifically. Also I am a "bigger woman" and this is the first line to come out with "Diva sizing" haha I love the way they phrase that, but they came out with good rider gear for us bigger girls without us having to wear "guy stuff" its made to fit women an all their potential curviness. I also have a vest that you wet in the summer months and it cools you off, its pretty terriffic, its really easy to overheat here in the southwest and be fooled by the wind and air when you ride. Gotta wear protection, safety is huge, but gotta look good and feel good!!