Protective gear

[Travelor]

^^^ What he said. Elbows and forearms don't hold up well on pavement, so do what you need to protect yourself. I slammed on the brakes tonight to avoid a groundhog. Can't believe I didn't hit him. Even a critter that size could (though unlikely) send you down to the asphalt in a hurry.

It was in the upper 80s here tonight, with no shortage of humidity.

I still wore my fluorescent vest, armor jacket (partially mesh), Schuberth helmet (that thing is too damn hot), armored boots, gloves with leather.

I was steaming at anything below 60. Even lowered the Madstad down. Still, I just don't feel safe without that gear on.

My gear needs an update. I bought it five years ago from Motorcycle Superstore and Leather Up and its kinda cheap. However, it has somehow held up this long.

1st Gear has a very reasonable mesh jacket for summer use. I think they go for about $175. Has removable shoulder, elbow and back armor so you can take it out when (if) you wash the jacket. I have one in high-vis yellow and it does a pretty good job in hot weather.

[3Chief]

I like my Draggin Shirt...probably too much as it's just a Kevlar mesh with no armor. I wear it most of the time. I have a nice First Gear jacket, however I regained some weight and it currently doesn't fit...

[wjduke]

I'm a full gear guy, but I admit to taking off the jacket at 90 plus a few times. Still always long pants, gloves and boots. I have a Klim mesh jacket that can't be any better.

[JGF6B]

Mesh jackets are nice as long as you avoid black. I have a first gear in black but I stopped wearing it when hot and sunny. I now have a light grey tour master flex series 3 that I wear all the time. I still break out my black first gear mesh pant for long trips.
One thing to consider is where the liner is. My first gear has a water proof internal liner. Keeps me fairly dry/warmer but the outer mesh soaks up a lot of water. Also, it is a pain to take off the jacket and install the liner.
The flex series 3 has an outer shell that goes over the mesh jacket. It is very easy to put on when it is chilly out. I don't even bother zipping them together, just put it on over the mesh jacket and the velcro holds it in place. I have not done any serious riding in the rain, I'm a fair weather rider.

Gloves are all about habit. I finally started wearing gloves 2 years ago and now I feel naked w/o them. Rode without gloves for about 15 years.

[Bigcityd]

I believe in full gear. I have an Olympia 3 season jacket with the shell being mesh with armour at the shoulder's elbows and back. It pretty comfortable. I was riding in 80+ degree heat at 40 mph and was quite comfortable. I have a vented windscreen as well which helps put some air on my torso when riding.

[Hodgey1]

Thanks for all the input.

Does anyone have a summer use, mesh jacket that is their favorite, that they would highly recommend for hot days?

[F6B1911]

Thanks for all the input. Does anyone have a summer use, mesh jacket that is their favorite, that they would highly recommend for hot days?

I found a Fieldsheer mesh jacket at a local dealer, has two zip in/out liners, one for warmth, the other for rain.
With both liners out it's still cool on the hot days and the Hi-Viz gets noticed.
There's removable pads for the elbow, shoulder, and back.

It's a nice jacket thats multi-seasonal.

[53driver]

Thanks for all the input.

Does anyone have a summer use, mesh jacket that is their favorite, that they would highly recommend for hot days?

As written...get a light colored one. Mine is light grey and....black.
I can feel the heat on the black areas!