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First, please do not make this a bashing session of those (myself included) who don't always go full leathers every time they get on a bike. I understand the risks involved in my choices and have accepted them so please leave it at that. In cooler weather, I wear my leather coat, jeans, leather boots, gloves and full face helmet. In warmer weather, I have been known to run to the store up the street without the jacket and occassionally (but not usually) in a pair of shorts and running shoes although I frequently will still throw on jeans and boots instead. My general rule is that I won't get on the highway or any other higher speed road without helmet, jeans, boots, gloves and a jacket though. I always wear the helmet and gloves no matter where I'm going.

So, the question is - what are some good, relatively inexpensive options for summer gear, especially jackets. Anything over 75-80 degrees and my leather gets hot. When I get hot, I sweat bad and I've noticed that if I get hot while riding sweat starts running down my face at times which is not real safe inside a fullface helmet. So, I've been looking at the mesh jackets but are there any other good options that don't cost a fortune?

Perforated leather is your only other option.

I wear a JR Rio Mesh jacket, and with the extra shoulder armour removed it is quite comfortable.

take a look at some of the motogp jackets. if you take the liner out its pretty good for 70 degree weather i have to admit. plus you still have crash padding. its a little cheaper in price than the joe rocket jackets but still nice and comfortable. i got the mesh one for 130.

http://street-bikes.ridegear.com/shop/MotoGP.html

Myself it's an afforability issue. All I have is my HJC full face helmet and a cheap pair of leather gloves. Unfortunately Canada Pension does not allow extra funds for bike gear. I am always on e-bay looking for a deal of the century but i fear it may never happen. Until I find an affordable jacket I'm stuck with what I have which is not even close to being adequate.

I bought my leather jacket from bikerleather.com. Excellent quality and great prices. I'm very happy with it. I went down at low speed about 3 months ago (long story) and it barely even scuffed the leather and I was well protected.
The budget issue is also an issue for me in buying the summer gear. I can't afford to spend $100+ right now.

sounds dangerous to me.

Sevulturus wrote:sounds dangerous to me.

Huh? What sounds dangerous?

I had a lot of trouble getting the pic to upload so instead I'll just say, I've crashed wearing regular pants... and it's been two months, i'm still trying to grow skin on my knee.

That doesn't sound good. On the other hand, I crashed in heavy weight jeans and they still look almost new. I'm not a light guy either at 6' 230 lbs. Those jeans had a bit of weight on them while I was sliding. I slid about 30-40 feet in them.

If your only issue with leathers is that they are too hot, consider buying something like Under Armour to wear underneath. Whenever I wear my JR suit I wear the Under Armour underneath and it keeps me cool. There are also lots of similar products that you could wear. Just a thought. After all, leather is the best protection, so I wouldn't give up on them so quickly just because they make you uncomfortable.