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My leather jacket has zip vents on the front and rear...four total. I've worn it in temps up to 90 degrees F. At speeds over 35 it's plenty cool, but stop and go traffic is way hot in that temperature.

ronboskz650sr wrote:My leather jacket has zip vents on the front and rear...four total. I've worn it in temps up to 90 degrees F. At speeds over 35 it's plenty cool, but stop and go traffic is way hot in that temperature.

You know, I think people tend to forget... when it's 90 degrees out, you're going to be hot no matter what! The leather isn't the source of the problem, it's the big, bright, shiny thing way up in the sky.

Telesque wrote:You know, I think people tend to forget... when it's 90 degrees out, you're going to be hot no matter what! The leather isn't the source of the problem, it's the big, bright, shiny thing way up in the sky.

Excellent point!

My Mom tells me to wear a wet towel around my neck. If you're just riding around, that's a very effective option. Gives you that WWII fighter pilot look, too.

True, but when it's a mode of transportation and not just a hobby, the wet towel thing just won't work. And there is absolutely no way I can wear my leather jacket all summer. I sweat like a pig. One of the problems I've encountered is that when I let the rest of my body overheat - i.e. wearing leather in 90 degree heat - my head and face start sweating inside my full face helmet. Sweat running in your eyes on a bike is probably not real safe either. Hence, the search for a reasonably priced alternative to offer some degree of protection. Agreed that it won't be as much as leather, but as I said earlier, the risk is understood and accepted.

At one point, I even considered taking my old riding jacket (old school biker style) that is a little small now in the shoulders/arms and removing the sleeves and cutting out the insulated liner. Wouldn't cover the elbows, but would cover shoulders and back. I imagine it would be cooler that way than my good leather jacket. Not sure how it would work though...

I saw a Joe rocket lightweight jacket, with armor for around 100-150 dollars, depending on the style. i'm thinking of getting one.

I've been looking on Ebay tonight. Looks like $100 and up for mesh so I guess that's what I'll have to do. Hope fully I can find a gently used one.

Good luck... I know the frustration. I'm a sweater, too.

ronboskz650sr wrote:Good luck... I know the frustration. I'm a sweater, too.

Wool, or cotton?

HAHAHAHA

I crack myself up.

I bought a mesh jacket with armor yesterday and rode about 60 miles with it. It had pretty good air flow through it and I stayed pretty cool when the temps were in the mid 80's. I'm hoping it stays that way when it's in the 100's. I just hope I never find out if it works well in a crash.

I'm going to try to go out and look at a couple mesh jackets tomorrow. I think the dealer here has the First Gear MeshTex and maybe a few others. Anybody know how good the kevlar Draggin' Shirt is?