Protective gear
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Thread: Protective gear

  1. #1
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    Protective gear

    I'm trying to ride safer and smarter as I get older. I told myself when I bought this last bike, that I would wear a helmet, boots, gloves and riding jacket every time I ride. Problem is, my 3 Season, riding jacket, with removable liner, is still to dam hot on days over 80, which has me riding without a jacket.

    I'm looking at mesh jackets, particularly the Joe Rocket and was wanting to see what others are doing and using during hot weather.

  2. #2
    Senior Member 53driver's Avatar
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    One thing you can do besides an air mesh jacket, is get Baker Hand Wings and vector some air on your torso.
    Add a BeadRider and that same air gets under your arse and keeps things cool.

    I have an air mesh jacket with some reinforcement in the elbows, shoulders, and back.
    I feel safe with it.

    Cheers,
    Steve
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  3. #3
    Senior Member VStarRider's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by 53driver View Post
    One thing you can do besides an air mesh jacket, is get Baker Hand Wings and vector some air on your torso.
    Add a BeadRider and that same air gets under your arse and keeps things cool.

    I have an air mesh jacket with some reinforcement in the elbows, shoulders, and back.
    I feel safe with it.

    Cheers,
    Steve
    ^^^ 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.
    Former Ride:
    2013 F6B Standard, black; sold 7/2019
    Latest Addition:
    2016 Gold Wing Level 3, red; SCT transmission stuck in manual mode
    2019 Miles:
    7,900 as of 10/6

  4. #4
    Senior Member Travelor's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by VStarRider View Post
    ^^^ 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.

  5. #5
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    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...

  6. #6
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    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.
    “Gibraltar” 2016 white deluxe has been sold.

  7. #7
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    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.
    Riding the upward spiral.

  8. #8
    Member Bigcityd's Avatar
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    Mesh Jacket

    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.

  9. #9
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    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?

  10. #10
    Senior Member F6B1911's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Hodgey1 View Post
    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.

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