Topic: thoughts on jackets

[Mod Newb]

Hey all...

About a month ago I dropped my bike going about 15mph in a construction zone.  I hit the brakes a bit too hard and took a 2-wheel skid all the way down to the left side.  The skoot is fine except for a hole in the left side engine cover (fixing it today) and some cosmetic damage to a bunch of stuff I was going to change anyway.  Chalk it up to my novice riding skills.

I ended up with some scrapes, a little bit of road rash, and 8 stitches where a particularly fiesty piece of gravel dug in.  The wife was not so happy about this and had a little freak out.  Long story short, from now on I need to wear a jacket when I ride.  Small price to pay, I guess.  I've already got a great old vintage leather that works great for cool (below 65) weather.  Now I've got to find something that won't make me sweat my balls off, but doesn't make me look like Robocop either.  I commute in the city, which means a lot of sitting and waiting at red lights.  Here are the two options:

Tourmaster Raven - fabric
http://www.newenough.com/protective_apparel/textile_jackets_and_pants/tour_master/raven_textile_motorcycle_jacket.html
It's got some annoying logos that I would need to patch over, but otherwise isn't offensive.

British Motorcycle Gear Montana - leather
http://www.britishmotorcyclegear.com/montana-jacket.asp
Beautiful jacket.  It's got venting, but will that be enough to keep the temp down?

Let's pretend that the cost of the jackets don't matter.  Opinions?  Thoughts?  Suggestions on other jackets?

Thanks.

[ev0lve]

I'm eyeballing this as minimum summer protection. No CE. Cheap though. Better than a tshirt


http://www.bikebandit.com/product/9517

[Gordon]

I'm glad you learned that lesson with relatively little injury.  Skin is precious and difficult to replace.  

For keeping relatively cool while riding in hot weather textile is the way to go, but get a lighter color than black that will reflect some or most of the sunlight instead of absorbing it.  

[Gordon]

I just got this one earlier this Summer for $85 on clearance at a local bike shop.  Good armor padding, and even though it doesn't look like it in the picture the whole thing is made of airflow material so the wind just goes right through it.

http://www.firstgear-usa.com/fgweb2.nsf/Products/A6F99B0A1BE385CF862571EA00725D81?opendocument

[Speed King]

A mesh jacket is the way to go for summer. Anything else is going to be warm. I wear an UnderArmour t shirt under mine so when you are stopped you're not soaked with sweat.

[tramp]

nothing will keep you cool standing still in the summertime
a vented leather is the way to go for me

[Gordon]

nothing will keep you cool standing still in the summertime

If there's any kind of a breeze, a mesh jacket lets it blow right through. 

Perforated leather is probably the best option when it comes to safety and comfort in the Summer, though. 

[my78k]

I wear a Joe Rocket Phoenix. with the liner out it is about as cool as you can get and is armoured. Doens't exactly have a vintage look but it also doesn't look ridiculous either....mine is grey/black

Dennis

[JS550]

motorcyclesuperstore.com is having some great clearence deals right now. I just picked up a leather Honda jacket for $130. They have a ton of jackets on sale, just thought I would pass it on. I have ordered with them before & always have been happy. Also free 3 day shipping anything over $75. I also have a tour master that I picked up last year that I like. Has the thermal liner & wind/rain liners, mesh, that is a really a good jacket too.

[shacolaid]

For me and my skin, leather is my choice. I have an Alpinestars red,white and blue "monza" jacket from several years ago. Yes it is hot and has armor and is bright as heck, but my body is precious and I intend to keep it that way.

I wear my leather even in the heat of summer, better that than having skin removed.  I just shake my head when I see people on their bikes with shorts and t-shirts and a helmet. Believe me, if you survive the crash without a head injury, the lack of skin will kill you eventually. It's just like having 3rd degree burns.

[Frankenkit]

My Joe Rocket Alter Ego is my best friend.  It's got CE armor everywhere, doesn't have that 'spaceman spiff' look, and is good from about 60 to 90+.  Still gets a little warm, but like someone else said, nothing will keep you cool when you're just sitting there. As soon as I'm at 30 mph, I'm already cool. Lighter grey would be better than the black I have, though.  I'm loving my Olympia airglide pants, too.  If you're afraid of sweating your balls off, just wear wicking boxers and the olympia mesh pants over them. A lot of people have compared it to riding in shorts.  I've never done so, but I can guess that'd be pretty close.  I was actually a little chilled around 65* the other morning with light jeans underneath.