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Gang,
Every year I keep promising myself to buy a spring/summer riding jacket for when I go state to state. Next month, I'm gonna ride down to Jacksonville, Fl to be with my brother.
It may sound petty but I hate looking like a Harley bulletin board.
Anyone a fan of this jacket? If not, which mesh jacket do you like?
I'm looking for something that durable; lightweight; and vented. I'm not concerned about waterproof as I have a rainsuit.
The last thing I want is to buy another heavy, bulky spring/summer jacket. I have 3 sitting in the closet.
I just bought this new mesh jacket and I love it. I believe it's a seasonal item so it's available in store only. I got it on sale but the only bummer is it was another $50 for armor. It should come with it but then you wouldn't have to buy something to make it better. That's the HD way. Anyway, it's really comfortable and I feel plenty of air flowing through it. Highly recommended.
Another option is a Switchback jacket. It's a full jacket but the front and back zip off and it's mesh underneath. Great jacket for taking on trips since it's two jackets in one. The newer version even has a rain liner. Mine is an older model.
I picked this same jacket out over the winter for many of the same reasons you have mentioned. I have a couple of leather jackets one heavy and one light weight along with a textile vented one for summer months. I used the textile vented one anytime it was warmer weather and liked the ability to have the pads in or out but used it with the pads in almost always. Problem is that it was still hot unless moving at a good speed. I used it for 3 or 4 years and started to have problems with the zippers and decided to try this one. I have rode in cooler weather down to around 50-55 degrees and been comfortable with a sweatshirt or under armour base layer on. The warmest weather I have had a chance to check it out in was close to 80 degrees and was comfortable even sitting at a stop for short periods but have not had the chance to check it out in really hot temperatures yet so can't comment on that. I do like the reflecting properties of it at night. Have not put the pads in it to see how it feels with them in. Overall I like it much better than the other textile jacket with the vents and at this point would buy it again before just a vented one. Not to be a wise guy, I am glad it's got Harley Davidson on it instead of Honda!
I have two mesh jackets, and both are very nice on sweltering days. Better than just shirt sleeves, as they block much of the suns heat while still allowing lots of sweat evaporation. I really should have tried one many years ago.
I got mine at swap meets, where you can find things for a small fraction of the new retail price. But, this does mean shopping around and such verses just buying it now.
I have a Fieldsheer adventure type mesh jacket. It's very well armored, which does create a small amount of heat on the back under the plates, but all in all, it breathes quite well. It has a zip in shell for those times I need some protection from the cool weather. Look very similar to this:
I also have a Harley mesh jacket. It is one air flowing jacket! To the point where it can make me chilly at time. It is far cooler than riding in just a t-shirt. But, it is not nearly as armored as the Fieldsheer jacket. Mine looks like this:
I got this one. https://www.harley-davidson.com/stor...-riding-jacket. Not carried in many dealerships so I had to order it. Harley Logo but not like a billboard. I put armor from another jacket in it. First mesh I've owned and a very strange feeling at first, cold air running up your arms. 140.00
I have an earlier version of the scull mesh l jacket, wouldn't leave on a trip without it. Great at keeping the sun off you. I had melanoma a couple years ago so keeping the sun off is important.
If I were to get one now it would be this one
Now when you are riding out west (where it can get blazing hot but the humidity is low) in the heat this HYDRATION vest works great to keep you cool for a few hours. Just soak it with water and wear it under your mesh jacket. Sure makes desert riding a lot more comfortable.
I carry it in a zip lock bag, when needed pour in some water (at least one water bottle) let it soak it up and put it on. Like riding in air conditioning.
if it doesn't have to say HD on it, check out Olympia Motorcycle gear. https://olympiamotosports.com/en-US
I have a three season jacket I've had from them for about 5 years now. great quality, the gear lasts which makes it worth the $$. Check out Revzilla https://www.revzilla.com/
for riding gear too. they have free returns on almost everything and free shipping over 35 bucks. great bunch to work with. enjoy your trip.
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Mesh Riding Jacket
Anyway, it's really comfortable and I feel plenty of air flowing through it. Highly recommended. 
