Our Top 5 Picks For Summer Motorcycle Gear
With the summer days only getting hotter, investing more thought (as well as a few bucks) into your wardrobe will help keep your rides cool and way more comfortable in the months ahead. Keep in mind, however, that keeping cool doesn’t mean that you have to sacrifice protection by riding around in shorts, a T-shirt and flip-flops. Today’s technologies allow for protective function in riding garments designed to provide impressive temperature regulation in the heat.
From base layers to footwear, as well as gloves and jackets, we’ve gathered some heat-busting options to keep you safe without having to sweat it out all summer long.
Whether you’re out riding your motorcycle or just hanging out anywhere outdoors, Harley-Davidson has just the shirt that could help keep you up to 9 degrees cooler—no joke!
H-D’s coldblack Technology collection of summer garments includes the short-sleeve shirt seen here, as well as a long-sleeve option and a polo shirt to better suit less casual occasions. Women’s selections are also available for comfortable summer riding. These shirts have been specifically designed to act as a sun reflector as well as a UV protector. H-D’s treated 100-percent polyester closed-hole mesh really can keep you nearly 10 degrees cooler—even in direct sunlight!
A first for the bike industry is this functional base layer tee from Dainese that allows the ability to integrate protective elements to match the rider’s individual needs.
Dainese
The Trailknit Pro Armor Tee eliminates the need for multiple layers as it incorporates protection directly into your first, next-to-the-skin layer.
The Trailknit Pro Armor Tee also features temperature-regulating and muscle compression properties, which is perfect for summer riding. Constructed of high-performance Dryarn, the Trailknit shirt provides superb breathability and insulation in a single lightweight package.
The last thing you want is wet, sweaty hands when riding your bike this summer.
Indian Motorcycle
First of all, it’s uncomfortable. Second, it’s gross. Third, excessive moisture could really affect your ability to control your motorcycle.
Keeping your hands comfortable in any riding climate should be a top priority, and Indian’s mesh gloves aim to do so for those hotter situations. They feature a leather palm that offers impressive grip as well as mesh fabric panels for airflow, which will help keep your paws cooler and more comfortable during the warm riding season.
For riders searching for a boot that doesn’t really look or feel like a regular riding boot, the Street Ace Air from TCX should be one of your top options on the market.
TCX Boots
It looks like a sneaker and protects like a boot, while delivering superior airflow with an extra-breathable upper that is perfect for summer temps.
The cooling abilities of the Street Ace Air revolve mostly around the perforated leather upper and the interior Air Tech breathable liner. The toe and heel areas are reinforced for the ultimate in protection, and the replaceable footbed has been anatomically formed to provide 24/7 comfort in a boot that offers way more than you’d expect from a typical riding boot.
Ladies who ride also demand top-notch protection and the most comfortable gear for the long rides ahead.
Alpinestars
The Alpinestars Vika leather jacket delivers more-than-capable road armor with a garment that features fashion-forward design as well as all-day breathability.
The Vika has been tailored to not only earn high marks in fit, but also in high-performance, cutting-edge style, as well as protection—which includes lightweight, highly contoured, and removable CE-certified elbow and shoulder protectors that are perforated for maximum airflow during warmer months. The reduced thickness of the protectors allows for a more formfitting style. The pre-contoured sleeves and extended back profile add comfort to the jacket, making the Vika a natural go-to for lady riders this summer.
