You know how the old song goes. “Mad dogs and Englishmen go out in the midday sun.” Well, we’re here to tell you that there’s a third category that needs to be added here – motorcyclists. And that’s because ever since ancient Greek soldiers realised that going into battle in loincloths might make you look like a legendary warrior and keep you super cool, it sadly does diddly squat to keep you safe from danger.
Fast forward to the present day and that eternal tug-o-war is still going on. Sure, we know about All Of The Gear All Of The Time, but when the mercury really starts skyrocketing, who in their right mind wants to dress head-to-toe in toasty black leather?
So with that thought in mind, here are five killer options to keep you cool and safe next time you decide you want to enjoy a little summer motorcycling without the unwanted mobile sauna extras.
The ‘Just Get This One’ Option: Icon’s Mesh AF textile Jacket
- Price: $185
- Buy: Revzilla
Why?
No prizes for guessing what the ‘AF’ initials stand for here; and Icon aren’t kidding around, either. It’s not until you see this jacket in the flesh that you realise – surprise, surprise – it’s nothing but mesh across the chest, inside the arms and on the lower back. Yes, it may seem a little MC Hammer at first, but when worn with a suitably modest tee, it’s a really great option to keep you as cool as the Icon once the sun starts doing its thing. Although do note that if it rains, you’re totally taking a bath as it doesn’t come with a waterproof lining.
Of course, all those holes do have a downside, and that is much less abrasion resistance should you ever find yourself in an intimate encounter with some fast-moving bitumen. But being an Icon piece, the fit and finish is sure to please as will the company’s dedication to including top quality 3DO armour in all their jackets.
Specs
- Colours: White, black & grey
- FIT: Sporty
- MALE/FEMALE OPTIONS: Yes
- MATERIAL: Durable textile chassis
- PROTECTORS:D3O removable back, elbow, and shoulder impact protectors
- DETAILS:
- Pre-curved arms
- Reflective accents
The ‘Money’s No Object’ Option: Helite Free-Air Mesh Airbag Jacket
Why?
While uber airflow mostly means a reduction in abrasion resistance, it’s nice to know that you can still get both providing your pockets are deep enough. Enter the Helite ‘Free-Air’ Airbag Jacket. Equipped with their impressive-yet-comical-sounding ‘Turtle Airbag’ technology for maximum protection, it also has a 600D Cordura exterior with mesh panels for windtunnel levels of breeze. And unlike the Icon jacket above, the Helite comes with a removable waterproof liner for those unexpected downpours or cold snaps.
Put simply, if you plan on crunching some serious road miles in the summer months and you want ultimate safety, real cooling and max convenience, you’re going to want to get this one. Sure, it’s not as cool-looking as some of the other options here, but you probably won’t care after you step off your bike at the end of the day still cool, alert and comfortable.
Specs
- Colours: Black & grey, black & hi-viz
- FIT: Touring/comfort
- MALE/FEMALE OPTIONS: No, but check out the Helite Xena for a leather airbag alternative
- MATERIAL: Abrasion-resistant 600D Cordura
- PROTECTORS: CE approved shoulder and elbow protectors, SAS-TEC CE 2 back protector
- DETAILS:
- Airbag fully inflates in less than 0.1 seconds
- Removable waterproof liner
- Retro-reflective piping at front, back and arms
- Abrasion-resistant 600D Cordura
- Comfortable neck
- Mesh panels
- Zippered cuffs with strap adjustment
- 1 60cc CO2 cartridge and 1 lanyard included
- Multiple pockets
- All sizes use the 60cc CO2 cartridge
The ‘I’m Not Wearing a Jacket’ option: REV’IT! Tracer Air 2 Overshirt
- Price: $299.99
- Buy: RevZilla
Why?
Because sometimes in summer you don’t want to look like you’re about to ride across the continent; especially if you are just riding around the block. But staying safe isn’t about the length of the ride you’re going on, as accidents can happen anytime, anywhere. So here’s something from Dutch gear gurus Rev’it that’s lightweight, vented and safe – and it also just happens to make you look as casual as you like.
While technically it’s still a mesh jacket, its finer, tighter weave has the look of a solid textile while still allowing air to flow around your buff, sculpted torso. It’s also a great example of the so-cool-right-now ‘Work look’ moto gear. But unlike a factory shirt, this thing comes with elbow pads, shoulder pads and the option of a back protector. Over all this mesh, already? No problems, as it also comes in a non-mesh style and yes, those shirt-style collars are button-down-able.
Specs
- Colours: Black
- FIT: Box cut
- MALE/FEMALE OPTIONS: No, but check out the Eclipse
- MATERIAL: PWR | Mesh
- PROTECTORS: Seesmart CE Level 1 protection. Pocket for optional SeeSoft back protector Type RV
- DETAILS:
- Triple needle stitching
- Jeans loop
- Short connection zipper
- Chest pockets
- Inner pocket
- Laminated reflection
Our Review
Check out our in-depth review on the REV’IT! Tracer Air 2!
The ‘Sculpted and Sporty option: Fly Racing Street Coolpro Jacket
- Price: $180
- Buy: Revzilla
Why?
The Fly Coolpro Jacket is a go-to choice for mid-Spring thru mid-Fall sport and street riding and features abrasion resistant mesh construction for maximum airflow with 840D ballistic nylon in impact areas. It also features an anatomically fitted construction that moves seamlessly with you on the bike making it super easy to get into the perfect riding position without any binding or constricting.
Specs
- Removable CE approved armor in the shoulders and elbows
- Protective PE back foam and spine protector
- 1680D ballistic nylon used in high impact areas
- High-visibility reflective panels and logos for added visibility
- HYDRAGuard removable liner is waterproof, windproof, and breathable so you stay dry without overheating
- Arm volume adjusters secure armor and provide optimum fit
- Zippered cuff with Velcro adjustment
- VELCRO® brand fastener waist adjusters for a customized fit
- Zipper pulls for ease of use
- Side expansion panels add an extra level of room and comfort
- Drop tail for added coverage
- Belt loop snap for quick attachment
- 8″attachment zipper connects to pant
- Micro fleece collar for added comfort
- YKK main zipper
The ‘Dirt Superhero’ option: Alpinestars Bionic Action Jacket
Price: $160
Why?
For those of us whose tires have more knobs than grooves, here’s a tried and true summer option from Alpine Stars, the snow-gear-turned-go-gear maker and one of motorcycling’s best-known brands. Yes, it looks rad but it also is surprisingly affordable. And with more holes than even Icon’s potty-mouthed Mesh AF, this thing is quite literally all protectors and not much of anything else. But boy, doesn’t it look tough? Sadly, it doesn’t come standard with superpowers, but it will protect you like a superhero.
Designed to be a motocrosser’s go-to protection, the jacket should also provide superior safety for dual-sporters and flat trackers, too. And if the plastic muscles look doesn’t take your fancy, you can always improve things by throwing a MX jersey over the top, such as this tasty little Fasthouse Carbon number. But as with all off-road gear, it’s important to note that they aren’t designed for on-road use, and they probably won’t be staying in place should you come off at freeway speeds on surfaces that have much higher friction coefficients than good ol’ dirt or grass.
Specs:
- Colours: Black & red
- FIT: Batman
- MALE/FEMALE OPTIONS: No, but check out the Stella Bionic alternative
- MATERIAL: High performance polymeric blend
- PROTECTORS: Back protector CE certified against EN 1621_2:2014 Level 1
Divided chest protector CE certified against EN 1621_3:2016 Level 2 - DETAILS:
- Back protector developed in three waist-to-shoulder dimensions in order to cover all body sizes
- All shells optimized flexibility and excellent weight-saving properties
- All shells are highly perforated for maximum breathability and air ventilation
- Single injected shells constructed with a back integrated grid structure which absorb and dissipate impacts forces
- Shells are vented and channeled to improve airflow and prevent heat buildup
- Ergonomic protection shell contour following the natural curve of the back ensuring optimum fit while riding
- Plates lock to prevent overextension of the back
- Removable upper back panel for Bionic Neck Support compatibility
- Soft touch BNS puller for convenient and safe engagement of the BNS
- Shoulder and elbow adjustment straps for personal fitment
- Lateral adjustment straps to tighten the back protector towards the chest shell for safe and secure fit
- Kidney belt to tighten the back protector to the body
- Technical elastane main construction is highly breathable and retains shape
- Shoulder reinforcement for BNS attachment and position stability of protector