Motorcycle Gear for Summer

There’s no better time to get out and ride than during the summer; the sunshine, blue skies and dry roads are inviting to any motorcycle or scooter rider. Wearing traditional motorcycle leathers would be pretty uncomfortable in the hot weather and tempting as shorts and trainers may look, they offer little protection.

Finding the right motorcycle gear for summer is important and luckily, there are plenty of options available to keep you comfortable and safe while you enjoy your ride.

Modern textile jackets and trousers are much lighter than leather and feature mesh panels, to allow plenty of airflow and keep the wearer cool. Kit like the WEISE Air Spin suit has CE-approved armour throughout, for added protection. Some, like Rev-It’s Turbine ladies’ jacket, combine mesh with a breathable waterproof membrane to keep you dry in sunshine and rain. They can also be stylish enough for everyday wear away from your motorcycle.

Kevlar-lined riding jeans are a popular choice with riders during the warmer months. Although they look and feel like normal jeans, super strong Kevlar panels are attached inside around the hips, knees and seat. Manufacturers like Draggin Jeans and Red Route offer a range of styles and fits for both men and women, with water resistant versions, and the option to fit knee and hip armour too.

An open-face helmet is appealing in hot weather, but it won’t offer as much protection as a full-face model. However, there are options that give you the best of both worlds. Schuberth’s J1 model has a chinguard hoop and a sun visor built in, and the Arai X-Tend is an open-face model with full visor and extended cheek guards. Or you could consider a quality flip-front design, so as soon as you get off your scooter or motorbike you can open up to the fresh air.

Summer gloves and boots can also help you keep your cool. It’s worth checking out the off-road ranges, even for road riding, as they’re designed for riders working up a sweat!

Gloves with mesh panels or ventilation on the back of the hand can stop you getting sweaty palms, especially in town riding where the heat can build up. Make sure you still get a tough leather palm and some knuckle protection.

If you can’t face wearing high boots for your quick journeys around town, there’s still no excuse for risking your feet in trainers. Try some short, paddock-style boots like WEISE’s Urban with impact protection and proper fastenings for a secure fit. They are comfortable to wear on and off the bike, but with a waterproof membrane your feet will stay dry in summer showers.

And under your summer motorcycle gear, you don’t have to sweat in a cotton T-shirt. Technical base layers from manufacturers like EDZ and Forcefield Climate Control help regulate body temperature by wicking moisture to the outer surface, where it can evaporate. These products are also designed to prevent rubbing and chafing, so you’ll arrive cool and comfortable.

So you don’t have to sacrifice either fashion or safety, just because we’re getting some good weather for a change. Now your only dilemma is which kit to choose!