Don't get me wrong... leather is the best. And I know, I know... if it's too hot to gear up, it's too hot to ride. But when I'm just going for a leisurely type ride, I go with my mesh.

The best leather in the world won't protect you even a tiny little bit.... if it's sitting at home because it was too hot to wear it.

In the perfect world, everyone would gear up in full leather every time. I don't know about your world, but my world very rarely looks anything at all close to perfect.

 

indeed i often see people riding with shorts no sleve shirts flip flops and no lid!Down here in PR ive only seen one person with just a leather jacket its rare in FL to well as far as i seen ive only seen one dude in full leathers and that was at bike week and thats something to say considering i was at bike week!Hell i wouldnt be here now if i wasnt wearin a lid when i ate it on my scooter first thing hit the pavment was my head then my arm witch i got a little road rash on hell pavment hurts goin 20mph imagine 200 yikes!

 

http://www.kneedraggers.com/list/3.4/manu/Sidi

There is a link to some Sidi boots. They just dont come any better man. I recommend the Vert Corsa. VERY nice boot. So much adjustability they are totally as comfy as tennis shoes. Best part, all the parts are replacable after a get off if need be. The main boot is obviously not, but all the sliders, adjusters, protection stuff is. I have the B-2, had the B-1, wore my brothers Vert Corsa's and they all take a bit of breaking in but afterwards, worth every penny.

 

Oh, and the hump, yes it is for air flow over the rider to optimize areodynamics, however you will never notice a difference I would guess. Some have the hump open for hydration packs, but I dont know if it's that one or not. Either way, good choice.

 

As for the mesh, yeah dump that crap. To battle the heat I love my Teknic jacket. Its full leather with armor and has zippered vents in the arms and back. I open up those vents and it cools me off fine (Except in stand still traffic) My helmet is vented as well. Vents are so nice for cooling you down while riding without really sacrificing your flesh in a crash. I also suggest a camel back or somehing. It's nice to be able get a quick drink on those hot days. (Probably doesn't need to be said but just because it can hold 40oz. of refreshment, doesn't mean to fill it up with a 40oz of Old English either. LOL)
Oh, and as for the black leathers looking cool, yeah maybe they do, but keep in mind, it does nothing to help with your visibility. How cool do black leathers look on a rider all sprawled out on the pavement because some idiot cager didn't see him. Just a thought, Function before fashion.
Just my .02

 

so sidi boots it is and about the black leather year your right but wouldnt riding with high beams also help?

 

There is no way to effectively get some dip **** on the phone, eating a donut, drinking his/her coffee, smoking a cigarette, looking for the right song on their I-Pod, to see you. Your best defense is reading traffic and be proactive in staying alive with cagers. I usually flow 5-10 over traffic flow so I determine where I can go, not some *** hat in an SUV. Leave plenty of room ahead of you so when you need to stop NOW, you have the room to move ahead if the guy behind you isnt watching (VERY likely he's not). Just always be thinking of an "out" while riding. Ask your self, if this guy moves into my lane with me, what is the best way to get away from him hitting me? Sometimes it's throttle out. Dont be affraid to use the gas, too many people rely on the brakes as their only defense. Dress for the crash, not the party. We've all seen racers get off at 100 + all the time and walk away, because they dont hit anything. If you have your gear on and avoid stationary objects, you'll be fine.

 

i haven't had any problems with my astars boots and i've had them for 2 years now. i would try out the boots first and see what's comfortable. i've heard sidi people that can't wear astars and vice versa. i wouldn't want to drop 300+ bucks on boots that didn't fit good.

 

Wow sounds like you have to be peranoid riding you guys never have relaxing ride id imagine you guys are stressed as hell having to worry about some *** not paying attention IMO using cell phones in cars unless you have hands free should be a law in every state that would help some so highbeams wont help much ive read exhuast wont do much for people in front of you but will annoy the **** out of someone behind you so i guess you have to always be on your toes any of you guys had any close calls your willing to share?

 

i commuted 80 miles a day in so cal traffic. it was horrible. i've had the usual cell phone run ins but i think the two incidents that stick out in my mind were the worst. 1) two idiots tried that were pissed that i was splitting lanes and tried to block me in but almost took me out. i had bikes behind me so i couldn't take out his mirrors. but it was such a crappy car i'm sure he wouldn't have cared. 2) a lady didn't see me and just switched lanes into me. i gave it too much rear and started sliding. i started doing some weird stuff since i had no control and i ended up kicking her car and somehow gained control and saved it. i was probably going 10 mph but that was the scariest thing. two things i am paranoid about when riding. people on cell phones and women drivers. if you can avoid them, you will live longer. trust me.