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Today I want to talk to you about a very important topic: your new Summer Motorcycle Jacket. Yes, you heard me right. A jacket.
In summer. I can tell what you’re thinking: “Are you out of your mind?” It’s way too hot to wear a jacket!
Believe me, I understand. The last thing you want is to feel like a baked potato on two wheels. But you can take my word for one thing. It’s better to wear a summer motorcycle jacket than to get sunburned or injured.
This article highlights the importance of a summer motorcycle jacket for protection and comfort in hot weather. Different materials such as leather, fabric and mesh are discussed and the need for proper care is emphasized.
Ultimately, a well-chosen and well-maintained jacket will enhance the overall riding experience.
For more helpful information on various aspects of motorcycle jackets, check out the FAQ section.
Why a Summer Motorcycle Jacket is so important for you
A summer motorcycle jacket is not only a fashion accessory, but also your best friend on the road. It protects you from everything that can make your life difficult, such as:
Sun:
A sunscreen with factor 50 is all well and good but a summer motorcycle jacket has the equivalent of factor 1000, protecting you from the harmful UV rays while ensuring you don’t look like a lobster on a bike.
Wind:
A good jacket keeps the air circulating around you and keeps you cool. It’s like having your own air conditioner. And if it’s a bit chilly in the evening it keeps you warm and you don’t freeze your ass off.
Street dirt:
The wind blowing towards you is not just air. It would be nice. But also dirt that is swirled up by cars and other vehicles. And don’t forget those little bugs, mosquitoes and gravel.
Comfort:
Another advantage for a summer motorcycle jacket is comfort. Especially when you are on your bike, you don’t want your jacket to constrict you but feel like a second skin.
Breathability:
Is also an important point. Imagine, the wind blows you around the nose, but under your jacket you start to sweat like a pig. Not cool, is it?
Features you should look for in your Summer Motorcycle Jacket
First, abrasion resistance! You don’t want to look like a plucked and disheveled bird if you ever get thrown off your bike, do you? That’s why some jackets are made with breathable stretch nylon for superior abrasion resistance in key areas like the shoulders, sleeves, and top of the back. Other jackets have a dense fabric that increases protection and abrasion resistance.
Second, ventilation. A good ventilation is a must! So look for a summer motorcycle jacket with good ventilation systems that will keep you cool even on the hottest days. Breathability is an important point, as mentioned above.
Third, good armor. A summer motorcycle jacket should have CE protectors on the shoulders, back and elbows to protect you in the event of a fall or accident. This way you can be sure that you are protected when the going gets tough!
Last but not least, visibility. You want to be seen, whether it’s day or night. Good jackets come with reflective logos and panels that give you excellent visibility.
Things that are essential for your Summer Motorcycle Jacket
And these include:
Shoulder pads:
Shoulder pads protect what? That’s right, your shoulders! That’s why some summer motorcycle jackets have removable, easy-to-clean shoulder pads.
Elbow Protectors:
Elbow pads protect your elbows. Some summer motorcycle jackets have adjustable elbow pads for a better fit.
Back protectors:
Back protectors protect your back in the event of a fall. That’s why some summer motorcycle jackets have removable back protectors.
It is important to note that CE protectors must meet the EN 1621-1 standard to be considered safe.
In addition, pockets can be very useful for not losing important items such as wallet, cell phone or keys.
Tips for maintenance and care of your Summer Motorcycle Jacket
Proper care and cleaning of your summer motorcycle jacket is important. After all, you don’t want it to look like you inherited it from your great-grandfather after a few rides. Here are a few tips to help keep your jacket in tip-top shape:
Care Tips:
Every summer motorcycle jacket has its own unique needs, so it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s specific care instructions. You can usually find them on a label inside the jacket.
But hey, if you really want a surprise, go ahead and ignore them! Who needs clear instructions? Just wash wildly and see what happens.
Protectors:
If your jacket has protectors on the shoulders, elbows, or back, remove them before cleaning if possible. This makes it easier to clean the jacket and protects the protectors from damage.
And if not? Just leave them in and watch them get tangled up in the washing machine.
Washing:
Depending on your needs, you can hand wash or machine wash your summer motorcycle jacket.
If you hand wash, use a mild detergent and lukewarm water. Be careful not to rub the jacket too hard to avoid damage.
If you are washing the jacket in the washing machine, simply place it in the machine and select the strongest program. What could possibly go wrong?
Just kidding! Use a gentle program and wash the jacket separately or with similar colors.
Drying:
After cleaning, allow your summer motorcycle jacket to air dry. Hang it in a well-ventilated place and avoid direct sunlight as this will damage the leather or synthetic materials of the jacket. However, if you want to see it deform, you can tumble dry it.
Waterproofing:
Come on, who needs waterproofing? To keep it that way, you can treat it with a waterproofing spray after cleaning. This will protect the jacket from dirt and moisture and keep you dry when it rains.
Regular inspection:
Regularly inspect your summer motorcycle jacket for damage such as tears, wear, or loose seams. If you notice any problems, have them repaired as soon as possible to ensure the safety and functionality of the jacket.
Or you can just close your eyes and hope the jacket stays intact. That’s a lot more exciting!
If you follow these tips and regularly care for and clean your summer motorcycle jacket, you can be sure it will stay in great shape and protect you when you ride.
After all, your jacket deserves a little love too!
How do you choose the right size for your Summer Motorcycle Jacket?
Finding the right size can be a challenge. I’ve got a few pointers to assist you:
- Measure yourself: Take a tape measure and measure your chest, waist, and hip circumferences. These measurements will help you find the right size for your jacket.
- Check the sizing chart: Most motorcycle jacket manufacturers have a sizing chart that will tell you exactly what size you need.
- Try it on: If possible, try the jacket on before you buy it. This will give you a better idea of how it fits and if it is comfortable.
- Pay attention to the fit: The jacket should be snug, but not too tight. If it’s too loose, it can flap in the wind.
- Check the elbow cuffs: The elbow cuffs should fit about 2 finger widths above the elbow.
- Read reviews: Read reviews from other buyers to see if the jacket tends to run large or small.
The best materials and the most popular models at a glance
Leather, Baby, Leather!
However, in the summer it can get quite humid inside a leather jacket. That’s why I recommend choosing a perforated leather jacket to improve air circulation.
However, leather jackets also have some disadvantages. Leather jackets are much heavier than fabric jackets and can be a real substitute for upper body workouts at the gym on long rides.
And since it sometimes rains in the summer, you should think twice about leather jackets.
Leather jackets don’t offer enough protection in the rain, which makes them even heavier. Leather jackets also offer less protection from the cold than fabric jackets, making them less suitable for cold temperatures. Unless, of course, you’re as cold-resistant as a penguin.
REVOLT Natural Premium Buffalo Leather Motorcycle Jacket
Pros:
- High-Quality Buffalo Leather
- Removable CE Armor
- Includes a removable thermal liner
- Offers multiple inside pockets for storage
- Price and Value
Cons:
- Initial Stiffness
- Limited Color Options
- Armor Quality
The REVOLT Natural Premium Buffalo Leather Men’s Motorcycle Jacket is a stylish and functional alternative for bikers who want to look cool as well as be protected. Made from premium buffalo leather, the jacket is extremely durable and flexible enough to stay comfortable on long rides.
It features removable 5PC CE protectors for extra protection in key areas like the elbows and shoulders, and a removable thermal lining to keep you warm in inclement weather.
It also has ventilation zippers so you won’t melt in the blazing sun. This summer motorcycle jacket has more pockets than a kangaroo, so you can stash all the essentials you need. And the best part? It won’t cost the earth!
Textiles are cool too!
But textile is just the generic term for all the cool synthetic materials like nylon, polyester or Kevlar. They are often used for motorcycle jackets and are the rage! Not only are they lighter and cheaper than leather jackets, but they are also super breathable and waterproof. So you can stay cool and dry in rainy weather without looking like a soaked poodle.
Speaking of cool. Textile jackets with vents are a big hit! These are small openings in your jacket that you can open and close with zippers or Velcro. But what about safety? Safety first. Right?
Ventilation panels are strategically placed so they don’t interfere with your jacket’s protection. You’ll often find them on the arms, back, or sides, but not on the shoulders or elbows, where you need more padding. This means you’ll feel safe while staying literally cool.
There are different types of vents, depending on how much air you want to let through. Some are just holes in the fabric, others have a mesh or membrane behind them. Some are even cleverly designed to open and close automatically depending on how fast you’re moving.
Oxford Delta Air 1.0 Jacket
+Pros:
- Waterproof
- CE Level 1 Armor at the Shoulders and Elbows
- Double Vents to the Shoulder and one to the back
- Available in different Colors
–Cons:
- Back Protector not included but available separately
This summer motorcycle jacket is waterproof! That means you don’t have to worry if it starts to rain. And hey, it has CE Level 1 armor on the shoulders and elbows to protect you in the event of a fall. That’s cool, right? Speaking of cool, it also has double vents on the shoulders and one on the back to keep you cool in hot weather. And it comes in a variety of colors to match any of your outfits.
But there’s a downside. The back protector is not included, you have to buy it separately. But hey, you can just buy it separately and then you are protected all around. After all, safety is priceless! Isn’t it?
Mesh it up!
Mesh is a special type of fabric that consists of a network of mesh that provides maximum ventilation. Mesh jackets are ideal for hot days because they allow cool air to circulate around the body and wick away sweat. Mesh jackets offer a combination of airy lightness and secure protection, as they also come with protectors to keep you safe in the event of a fall.
And some jackets even have added features like waterproof membranes to keep you dry underneath in wet weather. Cool, right?
But because of the airy material, they may not offer the same protection as a leather or textile jacket.
WICKED STOCK Mesh Motorcycle Jacket
Pros:
- CE Level 2 Armor
- Breathable Mesh
- Adjustable Fit
- Storage Galore
Cons:
- Limited Waterproofing
- Only One Color Available
This literally cool summer motorcycle jacket is made from breathable mesh and features CE Level 2 armor so you can feel like a superhero on your bike. It also has an adjustable fit, which is great after a big lunch. The downsides include limited color options and limited weather protection. For that, the price is awesome!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What type of motorcycle jacket is best for summer?
Basically, it all depends on your preferences and personal style. Whether you choose a leather or fabric jacket is not important. The main thing is that it keeps you cool and has CE-approved reinforcements on the back, shoulders and elbows. After all, who wants to show off their summer body in the outdoor pool with scrapes and bruises?
Do you wear motorcycle jackets in the summer?
Yes, because in the summer, motorcycle jackets can help you stay cool and dry in hot weather. They also protect you from sunburn and injuries from falls.
What should I wear for summer motorcycle riding?
Summer jacket:
Choose a lightweight, breathable jacket that protects you from the wind and sun. Look for mesh fabrics, and add vents for a cool breeze while you rock the streets!
Motorcycle pants:
Motorcycle pants aren’t bad either, as they offer protection from injury and abrasion, and can be cool and comfortable in high temperatures. Look for pants with vents and reinforcements at the knees and hips.
Motorcycle gloves:
Motorcycle gloves protect your hands from injury and provide extra grip on the handlebars when you start to sweat. Look for gloves with ventilation and palm reinforcements.
Helmet:
Last but not least, the helmet! A helmet is the most important part of riding a motorcycle and should be worn at all times! Look for a helmet with good ventilation and a sun visor to protect your eyes from the sun.
What are the different types of armor used in motorcycle jackets?
Shoulder Armor:
This is usually made of reinforced material such as plastic or foam and is integrated into the jacket. It protects the shoulders from impact injuries during falls.
Elbow Armor:
Similar to shoulder armor, elbow armor is made of reinforced material to protect the elbows. It is often flexible to allow for freedom of movement.
Back Armor:
Consists of a shock-absorbing material such as foam or gel and protects the back from injury. It may be integrated into the jacket or available as a separate back protector insert.
Chest Armor:
Provides additional protection to the chest area and can be integrated into the jacket or sold as a separate chest protector insert.
Can I wear a summer jacket in other seasons?
A summer motorcycle jacket is actually designed for use in high temperatures to keep the rider cool. When the weather is mild in the spring or fall, a summer jacket can be a good choice to protect against wind and light rain.
However, as soon as the weather turns colder, it is advisable to wear a warmer jacket or additional layers under the summer jacket to stay warm.
What signs indicate it’s time to replace a summer motorcycle jacket?
If your jacket has become so uncomfortable because you’ve eaten too much ice cream that you feel like you’re in a vice, it’s a good sign to either lose a few pounds or get a new jacket.
Or your jacket has been damaged in a fall or accident. If the armor is damaged and/or the jacket no longer closes properly, it is advisable to replace it to ensure full protection. After all, who wants to ride around with a jacket that offers less protection than an umbrella?
And if your jacket is so outdated that it looks like a relic of the past, it may be time to upgrade to a newer jacket with more advanced safety features.
Can I wear a backpack over a motorcycle summer jacket?
Sure, you can wear a backpack over your motorcycle summer jacket! If you wear a backpack over your motorcycle summer jacket, make sure that it does not affect the ventilation of the jacket.
Conclusion
Whether you choose a true classic like a leather jacket or a lighter fabric jacket, the important thing is that you feel comfortable in your summer jacket and that it provides the protection you need.
And don’t forget to care for and clean your jacket. After all, who wants to ride around in a smelly and dirty jacket? Give your jacket the love it deserves and you will enjoy it for a long time.