I have a Joe Rocket Big Bang jacket and a Joe Rocket licensed Honda CBR jacket. Both are textile and both have removable, zip-out liners. They also both have armpit vents, forearm vents, and back vents. I am pretty hot-natured, and even for me they are not uncomfortable in the Tennessee summer heat (as long as your moving as was said before). I would recommend them to anyone.

 

blkwolfcbr -

I guess you decided against that Shift M1 leather for $129 on motorcycle superstore. That's cool - that color/style isn't for everyone.

I also just bought a mesh for riding around town and lower speed ( right . . . ) rides. It's the Icon Tarmac - I bought one in red, but they have black, blue, gray, green, white, yellow . . . . . . Here's the link:

http://www.kneedraggers.com/details/...-ICON05-2.html

The sleeves will zip off, and the body of the jacket really flows a good amount of air. A nice plus is that it does have CE armor in the elbows and shoulders. I paid $129 for it from kneedraggers.com.

Tell ya what - I've never heard of anyone saying - 'Damn, I wish I woulda spent less money on gear'. I spend a lot of time with the US Coast Guard, and let me tell you - people buy 50-100k boats and buy the cheapest junk they can find for safety gear. You bought a great bike - now it's time to protect it and your life/body. It just doesn't make sense to not protect yourself with the best you can afford. Other guys have said it, but leather will protect you better than just about anything else out there.

Buy the best gear you can afford for the type of riding you do.

Some other links to online stores:
http://www.cyclegear.com/
http://superbikesupply.com/
http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/
http://www.newenough.com/

Have fun!

 

I don't think it is a bad idea to have both mesh (for summer), and leather (for winter). Leather is superior for sure, or the super bike guys would be wearing mesh, but I am confident that mesh is always better than a tank top and flip flops, and you can stay pretty cool (gets 90+ here in southern Oregon). Anyway, just a dumb guy chiming in.

 

I live in southern New Mexico (110+ degree summers) and have a mesh Joe Rocket jacket. I like it, but it always gave me the "under-dressed" feel. I felt that if I hit the pavement, it wouldn't do crap. So I went with a textile jacket (Official Honda SuperSport Jacket from Joe Rocket). With thick leather stripes. That is a kick *** jacket, a little short though. - But vents VERY well and it is very seldom I ever sweat in it. - Highly recommend it. ($189-$200)

I also ordered (a week ago, just got it yesterday) a Shift Racing Leather Jacket. I got it from http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/ and I love it. It fits pefect, looks great, and it's leather. Today its was 85 with 100% humidity and was a little warm, but not unbearable.

I got that jacket for $129.99 (orig. $379.99). They are on clearance, so they're gone when they're gone. I got the light-gray one. They have a tan and red one, but they were out of my size (medium). If you get it, make sure you order a size larger than you normally wear. They fit small.

 

fishnride i like the jacket..but the camo desert i like that more..lol.........