warm weather gear

coyotelance · 07-14-2004, 11:51 PM

Hi, I am looking to get my first motorcycle soon, but want to get all my gear first. I want to get the best bang for my buck. I am a college student, so cost is a factor, but I want to be safe, so I also want quality gear. What kind of gear do ya'll recomend for warm weather, say 90+ degrees?

firefighter81 · 07-15-2004, 03:07 AM

Well, you could try one of those Joe Rocket mesh jackets. Personally I don't ride with anything but leather, but I also spent alot of money on a nice vented 1-pc leather suit. But then again I'm a big gear fanatic, most people would consider a Joe Rocket mesh jacket perfectly acceptable, I think they only run about $150 or so new. Or check out www.newenough.com you can get some good deals there.

mercutio80 · 07-15-2004, 08:10 AM

I bought a Meshtext jacket last year when I went to Sturgis. I rarely wear it, because it just doesn't feel like it would offer much protection. I usually wear my Aerostich suit but occasionally wear my perforated leather jacket if I'm going to be walking around after.

gpTT · 07-15-2004, 08:29 AM

Firstgear Mesh-Tex. Great air flow, better built than the Joe Rocket mesh jacket, and comes with a zip-out waterproof liner for versatility. Runs about $130.

sjlee · 07-15-2004, 11:22 AM

With those temps, you'll definitely want to go with something mesh. I'd recommend checking out the mesh jackets from FieldSheer. Excellent quality and all their jackets come with CE armor (something that neither the Joe Rocket Phoenix nor FirstGear MeshTex jackets offer).

nolimitbodnar · 07-15-2004, 03:53 PM

Heh.. I was going to get a mesh jacket, but they had Joe Rocket leather ones for 50% off when I went to buy my gear (last years model or something), so I got one.

It was 115 a couple days ago, but I rode in jeans, leather jacket, gloves, and helmet... doesn't feel too bad once you get moving though. The slight breaze and all the sweat keep you fairly cool.

Mykl · 07-15-2004, 04:07 PM

I've heard that these things are handy for warm weather...

http://www.newenough.com/joe_rocket_..._vest_page.htm

...also, some jackets have large pockets that accomdate bags of ice quite well. If you're wearing a non mesh jacket something you can do is loosen up the cuffs all the way and run your gloves beneath them. That way the sleeves will act as air ducts and route air along your arms and to your back.

sjlee · 07-16-2004, 09:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mykl

I've heard that these things are handy for warm weather...

http://www.newenough.com/joe_rocket_..._vest_page.htm

...also, some jackets have large pockets that accomdate bags of ice quite well. If you're wearing a non mesh jacket something you can do is loosen up the cuffs all the way and run your gloves beneath them. That way the sleeves will act as air ducts and route air along your arms and to your back.

The one thing I'd be concerned about if you're going to put your gloves under your jacket cuffs is in a crash, the sleeves might not stay put and start sliding up your arm (and not giving your forearms much protection).

Mykl · 07-16-2004, 10:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sjlee

The one thing I'd be concerned about if you're going to put your gloves under your jacket cuffs is in a crash, the sleeves might not stay put and start sliding up your arm (and not giving your forearms much protection).

That is a concern... but when it's over 90 degrees out I'm more worried about heat stroke and am willing to risk the possibility of road rash on one isolated part of my body.

firefighter81 · 07-16-2004, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mykl

That is a concern... but when it's over 90 degrees out I'm more worried about heat stroke and am willing to risk the possibility of road rash on one isolated part of my body.

I've ridden in 100+ degree weather wearing full leathers. The key is to keep yourself hydrated and moving. Avoid traffic as much as you can, traffic isn't any fun on a bike in any temp anyways. Just be sure to carry a water bottle or two with you in your bag or under your seat. Stop about every 20-30 minutes and drink, not huge gulps either, slow small sips.

sjlee · 07-21-2004, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mykl

That is a concern... but when it's over 90 degrees out I'm more worried about heat stroke and am willing to risk the possibility of road rash on one isolated part of my body.

I've ridden when it's been over 90F and over 90% humidity. If you have a mesh jacket on, there's no need to put your gloves inside your jacket cuffs. You won't get heat stroke just because you don't have that extra ventilation.

jasfrmn · 07-21-2004, 12:43 PM

Fieldsheer Mach I, II, or I have and love the new III

sjlee · 07-21-2004, 02:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jasfrmn

Fieldsheer Mach I, II, or I have and love the new III

I know that the difference between the Mach I and Mach II is that the Mach II has the addition of leather. What makes the Mach III different?

mercutio80 · 07-21-2004, 08:30 PM

The heat index was 105 today. I was ok wearing my perforated leather jacket.

cole · 07-21-2004, 08:59 PM

I would stay away from Joe Rocket's mesh gear. Their armor is much cheaper than Alpinestars armor and the jacket seems thinner as well.

If you're looking for a good, do-it-all jacket, I would suggest the perforated Alpinestar leather Stunt jacket. I think the only color you can get the perforated model in is red and black. I have the mesh version of this jacket and I really like it but compared to leather, it doesn't protect me nearly as well. My jacket is also very cold in the spring and fall whereas the leather one would be a lot nicer with the removable liner in.