We have the mesh jacket from First Gear. Purchased it from www.newenough.com,
They were great to deal with. The jacket runs a size small. I had to return it for a larger size, with no problem. It has the armour, but is cool as if you were riding is shirtsleeves.
I like the Harley edition too. But had the other first.

 

The Tour Master Flex is the jacket I wear. It can be up to 4 layers thick for cold and rain but zip down to just mesh and armor. Very cool.

spiz

 

I just bought a First Gear mesh jacket two months ago, and wore it while going to training in Tucson last month. Every weekend I rode from Tucson to Winslow and back in it (600+ miles round trip). I stopped every hour or so and soaked my tshirt in water, and it was like wearing an air conditioner. Worth the 120 dollars IMO. Now I'm back in Winslow and wear it daily to ride to work.


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Thanks for all the info, great stuff. I also don't understand why they would make a mesh jacket in black etc. Seems like they should be made not to absorb heat. I guess looks trumps comfort. I know I have worn, ridden things that were uncomfortable but looked good! I like some of the silver ones but am having trouble getting past the fact that they look like something I should have worn when driving a 1977 Trans AM. Those of you that are old enough will remember what I mean.

"Hey Ponch, want to go to the Disco tonight? We'll wear our shiny jackets and take the Trans AM."

 

I suppose they make mesh jackets in black because people will buy them in black. Most mesh jackets are available in several colors (except maybe the HD branded stuff).

And I'm sure Burt Reynolds will forgive you if you don't buy a shiny silver one.

 

I got the transformation jacket also. Pricey but looks good and will have you protected for 3 out of the 4 seasons. In winter just put on a base layer or wear the waterproof lining to block more wind.

 

Any Black jacket will show less dirt. I wear a silver/gray (when first purchased) Fieldsheer mesh jacket. It now appears to be a silver/bronze color. With 12,000 miles on it, it really needs a good washing.

Ride Safe/Ride Often/Ride Respectfully
daryl

 

Triumph's clothing division has a jacket available in black or red. It's mesh with armor and has a zip-away rain layer that stuffs into a sacro-pocket. Better pricing than HD's.

 

Tourmaster intake , the most versatile of the 4 I own, (Fox Creek is my cool weather fave) Mesh with removable rain and insulated liners.

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Firstgear Mesh-Tex here also, love it when the weather is consistently over 80. I've used it in over 100deg and it's better than riding with a t-shirt and still have some protection.