Summer Riding Gear
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Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 189
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From:
Summer Riding Gear
Ok, I've come to a crossroads. Since I've been riding (just about 2 months now), I've always worn my leather jacket...now w/the hot Jersey summer, I'm starting to sweat my @ss off! Now I know nothing will protect me better God forbid I go down than a full leather jacket, but it's bloody murder in that thing.
How many of you ride during the summer in Leather Vests...I know they won't protect your arms at all, but they will your chest and back. I know none of us plan on going down ever, but we all realize that it could happen. Do most of you ride w/your leather jackets on year round, or do you switch it up to a Vest and t-shirt, or tank top. I want to be pretty safe, but I also don't want to be too hot, and sweat to death.
Marc
How many of you ride during the summer in Leather Vests...I know they won't protect your arms at all, but they will your chest and back. I know none of us plan on going down ever, but we all realize that it could happen. Do most of you ride w/your leather jackets on year round, or do you switch it up to a Vest and t-shirt, or tank top. I want to be pretty safe, but I also don't want to be too hot, and sweat to death.
Marc
Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 249
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From:
RE: Summer Riding Gear
I used to wear a jacket, but like you said, I sweat my *** off when it was hot out. Now, I'm in a "T" or my vest. I know it wont help as much if anything ever happened, but thought, if you are too hot riding does that take away from your concentration? good luck with your choice!
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 2,386
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From: Johnston County, NC
RE: Summer Riding Gear
Same here... I always wore my leather in the summer... Been getting lazy about it lately because it is so bloody hot out.
I am not sure I can go the Vest route... not really sure what the point is there. I think it would be good for protecting your chest from June Bugs and Rocks, but your arms will still get tore up.
I am seriously considering a mesh jacket for Summer. Probably going to create a mega-stupid tan but better than no skin...
I am not sure I can go the Vest route... not really sure what the point is there. I think it would be good for protecting your chest from June Bugs and Rocks, but your arms will still get tore up.
I am seriously considering a mesh jacket for Summer. Probably going to create a mega-stupid tan but better than no skin...
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 2,179
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From: Boca Raton, Florida
RE: Summer Riding Gear
Definately DON'T want to ride without the protection of a jacket (I have a leather one). But here in Florida an alternative is needed!!!
What does one look for (and avoid) when looking for a "Mesh" Jacket???
TIA...
Jim aka kiltiemon
What does one look for (and avoid) when looking for a "Mesh" Jacket???
TIA...
Jim aka kiltiemon
Tourer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 415
Likes: 0
From: St. Louis
RE: Summer Riding Gear
at what point does the excessive heat add to your fatigue levels?
I ride in a t-shirt on hot days. Some days with the windshield, some days without. I don't have any real issues with getting torn up by bugs and rocks....it's just part of riding.
I ride in a t-shirt on hot days. Some days with the windshield, some days without. I don't have any real issues with getting torn up by bugs and rocks....it's just part of riding.
Road Master
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 1,155
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From: Phoenix, AZ
RE: Summer Riding Gear
There are a number of threads on various mesh jackets.
Good skin protection from sun, and road rash, and the wind blow right through them.
Still warm when you stop...so don't slow down.
Good skin protection from sun, and road rash, and the wind blow right through them.
Still warm when you stop...so don't slow down.
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Cruiser
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 164
Likes: 0
RE: Summer Riding Gear
I bought the Harley Switchback jacket. It is a nylon mesh jacket with armor for the back, arms and elbows. Also, has removable liner and outer shell that zips on to cover mesh areas. Good air flow when moving but, can still be hot at a stand still. The jacket offers good protection just in case, haven't needed it yet and hope I never do. I still ride with it on.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 8,129
Likes: 1,981
From: Ottawa, CANADA
RE: Summer Riding Gear
I always wear my leather jacket. The value of wearing a full leather jacket was driven home to me last year when I got caught in a snow storm and and laid my ride down doing less than 10mph. My elbow got a good bruise, but the jacket got a nice scuff that would have been my arm had it been summer and I was riding without sleeves. I shudder to think what would happen at any kind of speed on bare skin.
Cheers!
[sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif]
Cheers!
[sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif][sm=icon_rock.gif]
Road Master
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 879
Likes: 0
From: Pittsburgh, PA
RE: Summer Riding Gear
Here in PA. you can almost always wear a jacket in the mornings but by afternoon it has to come off. I wear a vest or just a T-shirt, depends how I feel that day. I don't like the sweltering heat that's why I live up north....