Any recommendations for hot weather riding gear?

[Matt Story]

I've not been riding too much the last few years.  A bit out of the loop on what the going riding gear is.

My 850t is slowly re-coalescing since I tore it down for refurbishing a few years back.  Its growing roots and is the sole occupant in my garage.  I need the garage back and the bike parts serve to mock me there.  It will go together this winter after my son is off to school. 

Due to that, I just picked up a second hand R1100RT for a trip (from MI) to WY this August for the eclipse, meet my brother there, and ride on together to CA where I plan to drop the bike and fly back home to MI.  My 15 yr old son will be riding pillion.

One of many things I need to do is gear up for hot weather for myself and more importantly my son who has little to no gear at this time.  I want to get us outfitted with good protection and not spend a fortune.

We are doing OK in foot wear, gloves and are covered for helmets.  I have a Brooks heavy leather that I'd rather leave home, but could be used in a pinch with a rain coat over if necessary.

My primary focus right now is on riding pants and jackets that offer decent impact and abrasion resistance as well as rain protection.  I don't

Do you guys have any recommendations for good value gear?

Thanks a ton.

Matt

[Matt Story]

Anyone familiar with this coat by Joe Rocket that I found on an auction site?  Not sure how suitable it would be for high temps.

[Ncdan]

I just returned from a 3 day ride in the smokies and it got pretty warm. On the way home temps was in the 90. I wore a mesh, black, with elbow, shoulder and back padding, Power Trip jacket, cargo long pants and merrill 3/4 hiking boots. It was a little warm but when we stopped for breaks I was a well off as the other two guys in shorts and  t-shirts. I just feel being a little warmer maybe is better than the alternative if I must lay her down.

[ITSec]

The best option if you are going to only have one main jacket is one of the ones that has a mesh main jacket, a liner for cooler temps, and a detachable outer shell for wet conditions. It won't be a rain-proof jacket, but it will be comfortable. Up to about 90-95, mesh is cooler than anything else. Once it gets above body temps, the hot air will actually heat you up - and you'll want a solid shell with some venting instead of an open mesh.

An example of what I'm talking about is here: http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/textile_jackets_and_pants/tour_master/flex_series_3_jacket.html - I own one of these and it's a very good product for spring-summer-fall. Happens to be on closeout right now too!

There are other similar products that may be preferable depending on what you want.

[Triple Jim]

I have a couple pieces of Joe Rocket gear and find them of very good quality and value.

For hot weather riding I  wear a mesh jacket with armor built in, and perforated leather track pants.  Both have very good air flow and protection.  Your weather is somewhat less oppressive in the summer than mine, so I'd think you'd be fine in something similar.

[Matt Story]

I've been relying for years on the Brooks leather, jeans and a rain suit over as necessary.  I know that's rolling the dice safety-wise - especially the jeans.  I want better protection especially for the boy.

I'm thinking mesh armored pants and jackets with some accommodation for rain protection.  Maybe the rain protection is Frog Togs on the outside when needed.

[kingoffleece]

You're two up.  Space is limited.  Gear that covers more than one use is a good thing.

[Matt Story]

You're two up.  Space is limited.  Gear that covers more than one use is a good thing.

True.  Another strike against the bulky Brooks coat.

I'm doing a bit of shopping tonight.  I'm not sure I get the advantage of having a waterproof liner inside garments.  In my experience, when you ride up on a rain storm, you generally pull over and slip the waterproofing on as quick as possible.  Undressing to add/remove a liner doesn't seem like a good idea.  Also wouldn't want to wear that liner constantly.

I like the versatility of the Flex Series 3 ITSec.  Price seems reasonable too.

In a way, there are too many choices.  I'm going to research a bit.  The guy selling me the bike also has some gear that may foot the bill.  I am not opposed to used stuff.

[Shorty]

I carry an  NFL nylon sweatshirt rather than a jacket liner for my hot weather mesh jacket. Easier and faster than having to zip in the liner when it gets cold or in light rain. I hate fiddling with that flimsy liner.

[jdgretz]

A lot of it depends on what your particular definition of "hot" is.

My year 'round gear is a Tourmaster Sonora Air 3/4 jacket.  Two liners work for me from the 40s to the 100+ realm (saw 120 in Arizona at the nata-rally and 115 a couple of times last week at home).  Under 40* I add an electric vest.  Normally I pull the liners when the temperature gets above 75 on a regular basis, but the liners remain in the top box or panniers unless I'm sure I won't be going to cooler areas as it can be in the 60s at the coast and 100+ where I am - a distance of less than 30 miles.

Pants?  Always wear my Motoport stretch Kevlar overpants.

Boots?  Always (unless it's raining when I leave) Alpinestars S-MX3

Some folks look at me like I'm crazy to wear that gear in the summer, but I'm used to it, hydrate a lot, and like the protection it affords.

Of course, you pays your money and takes your choice.

jdg

[Huzo]

I travelled from Nordkapp @ 4 deg to Rome @ 30 ish and found a vented gortex jacket with armour to be good in the heat and loose fitting enough to fit a good sweater underneath, and with a rain proof jacket over the top, was not cold at the Nordkapp. Reckon that's the way I'll always go...If you can keep the draught out, you've got half a chance to stay snug.

[elvisboy77]

I recently got an Aerostich waxed cotton jacket, the Falstaff.  Amazingly cool and decent protection.  For pants, check out worsewear.com they make jeans with denim interlaced with ballistic type thread.  It has some sort of Euro protection rating.  Better than regular jeans and every bit as comfy.

[Darren Williams]

I use mesh jacket and pants, add electric jacket liner for real cold, fleece for moderate cool, regular shirt under for warm, and layered cotton t's with water poured down neck when real hot. Same for pants, sans the electrics.

Edit to add rain gear goes over the mesh when needed. And frog toggs are ok for light rain and short distance but long wet days it doesn't hold up over the long run. Even the Bilt rain jacket and pants have held up better in my experience.

[ChuckH]

The AdvRider website has a For Sale area.  Sometimes there are good value in riding gear there.

[Diploman]

Olympia Moto Sports makes an extensive line of high-quality, moderately-priced gear that is well-designed and durably constructed.  Their "Transition" line includes jackets and pants that have large outer panels that unzip and fold down to open mesh panels that flow air like a mesh jacket, but which can zip closed for cooler temps.  Highly adjustable ventilation.  Some of their jackets feature 2000 denier Cordura in the sleeves, a protective measure not typically found elsewhere.  Many Olympia jackets come with a hooded rain jacket that can be worn either under or over the exterior shell.  I find Olympia an excellent value-for-money brand.

https://olympiamotosports.com/en-US   

[Sasquatch Jim]

 I just go with cargo pocket shorts, tank top T-shirt, and velcro strap tennis shoes.
 But that outfit doesn't offer much in protection.

[Guzzistajohn]

I use a mesh jacket and pants with built in armor too. I usally wear shorts underneath the pants. The jacket has a waterproof liner, but if it's warm, I just get wet. The mesh drys fast and summer rains really don't last long especially if you're moving.

[Matt Story]

A lot of good points of view here and some specific suggestions.  Not feeling so overwhelmed now.  There are a tremendous number of options

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[Sheepdog]

The best I've ever used for all kinds of weather (including very hot weather) is my Aerostich DarienLight Jacket/pants in the Khaki color. Is is well armored (with options for more) and vents very well. The light color keeps radiant heat down, yet I comfortably wore it in rainy 40 degree weather in the Northern Rockies. It has a Cordura outer with Gore-Tex incorporated within and lots of zips and Velcro to customize fit and airflow. Highly recommended...

http://www.aerostich.com/jackets-pants/darien-light/darienlight-jacket.html

[calfruit]

I just purchased an Olympia Air Glide 5, to replace my tired Air Glide 3 . Lots of improvements, mainly it is now a 3 piece instead of 2. Jacket, liner and rain cover that can be worn under or over the jacket.

I live in the Central Valley of Calif and routinely  ride in 100 plus temps and find this with a long sleeve polypropylene t-shirt underneath works quite well.

Rev Zilla currently has 15% off on Olympia MotoSport gear, with free shipping.

[Rich M]

Kevlar mesh long sleeve shirt by Draggin' Jeans. Awesome piece of clothing


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[webmost]

I just go with cargo pocket shorts, tank top T-shirt, and velcro strap tennis shoes.
 But that outfit doesn't offer much in protection.

Don't like tank tops cause I'm too smelly to let my pits hang out. It's 93 degrees and 76% here today. Sportin the short sleeve Henley, Jesus sandals, and cargo shorts.... commando. My beemer buddies always thought I must be suicidal. Nope; just enjoyin' life. This is how I was dressed the day we hit a bear, btw.

[Sasquatch Jim]

  So how was the bear affected by your smelly pits?

[Ncdan]

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Well what y'all think :)

[Huzo]

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Well what y'all think :)

Does it matter?

[kirkemon]

I use a mesh jacket (zip out liner) and the wet t-shirt method. I've seen some cooling vest that you soak in water for around $50 that look like they might be a goo investment.

[Ncdan]

Does it matter?

Of course it does Huz, as I value the opinions of my guzzi buddies:)

[Huzo]

Ok Nc. The one I hate is the guy on the R1 with all the Rossi replica race leathers, one day glo boot and one black, with the little tart on the back in a crop top and shorts disappearing between her cheeks. I can understand it from one point of view but you feel like belting him over the head with his own Shoei.

[Ncdan]

Ok Nc. The one I hate is the guy on the R1 with all the Rossi replica race leathers, one day glo boot and one black, with the little tart on the back in a crop top and shorts disappearing between her cheeks. I can understand it from one point of view but you feel like belting him over the head with his own Shoei.

LOL, that's a good one buddy!! You definitely got a point there:)

[JeffOlson]

This week, temperatures are likely to hit 110 to 120°! I had thought I might ride my Norge to and from my office this week, but nothing I have would keep me anywhere near cool enough. Oh, except for my automobile with air-conditioning and cooled seats!