Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: TJ on May 01, 2013, 08:59:36 AM
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Title says it all. What is a good brand jacket to wear for hot riding times?
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I wear a Tour Master Intake Air myself; I love it! Sure, I could have spent more, but why?
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I wear a Tour Master Intake Air myself; I love it! Sure, I could have spent more, but why?
+1! Great jacket, flows LOTS of air, it's the one I use. I have version 2 but it seems that there's a v3 out now. Plus with the 2 liners included, it's a great cold weather jacket too.
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I have an older Joe Rocket Alter Ego jacket and it is a great jacket year round. The new version 3.0 looks way better. Zip off the outer liner and you have a great summer mesh jacket. If it gets cool on your summer evening ride put the outer shell back on. Done deal.
http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/joe-rocket-alter-ego-30-jacket (http://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/joe-rocket-alter-ego-30-jacket)
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I've worn a Joe Rocket Phoenix for about 6-7 years now. I don't know if its the best but it's reasonably priced and comfortable. About 25,000 of the 34,000 miles on my C14 were in that jacket plus another 50,000 or so miles on my Valkyrie. So it also wears well.
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I've got the Alpinestars T-Scream Air jacket and really like it. :thumbs:
http://www.alpinestars.com/moto/jackets/t-scream-air-jacket.html#.UYFPlRTn-po (http://www.alpinestars.com/moto/jackets/t-scream-air-jacket.html#.UYFPlRTn-po)
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I had the Tour Master Sonora jacket. It was really good with the one exception being that it was 3/4 length. Wore it through two Texas summers and was as comfortable as you can get. Pretty good protection, too. It's now my backup jacket depending on how my new Rev-It Ignition 2 jacket works out this summer. Tour Master makes a normal jacket length of the same jacket (a buddy has one), but I don't know the model.
It comes with a rain liner and a full-sleeved thermal liner that I've worn to below freezing temps before. It's not ideal for cold weather riding, but it will work.
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I wear a Tour Master Intake Air myself; I love it! Sure, I could have spent more, but why?
Yup
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Do the Tourmasters run small or large as far as sizing goes?
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Shift Airborne Mesh jacket on end of year sale price for $79.99
Good jacket for the price, better than nothing, no liner, light armor in elbows and shoulders, pocket for a back protector but none provided.
Should've gotten a jacket with a liner, but that would've costed another $100, you could always take the liner out if not needed. Cooler temps not an issue in San Diego.
Shift Avenger mesh jacket would be nice.
Nicer jackets out there but cost always the final factor.
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Do the Tourmasters run small or large as far as sizing goes?
For me it falls just about right in the middle. I wear a medium/42.
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I bought a Scorpion Exo on sale. While I am moving, it is nice, but when stopped, I get cooked. Does any of these jackets alleviate that? I was thinking of just getting a leather jacket, get rid of the lining, cut some holes and put mesh over them.
My main problem is that I can handle it, but my wife just does not like it getting cooked. I think hers is a fieldsheer (will have to look). And she is outright refusing to wear it this summer :( I need to figure out a solution fast - can't let anything happen to that woman (god forbid).
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I bought a Scorpion Exo on sale. While I am moving, it is nice, but when stopped, I get cooked. Does any of these jackets alleviate that? I was thinking of just getting a leather jacket, get rid of the lining, cut some holes and put mesh over them.
My main problem is that I can handle it, but my wife just does not like it getting cooked. I think hers is a fieldsheer (will have to look). And she is outright refusing to wear it this summer :( I need to figure out a solution fast - can't let anything happen to that woman (god forbid).
My solution in really hot weather is to completely wet my t-shirt every 20 minutes or so. This really works well in the hot desert country like NM, AZ, UT. This solution may or may not be something your wife would embrace but it sure works for me.
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I've worn a Joe Rocket Phoenix for about 6-7 years now. I don't know if its the best but it's reasonably priced and comfortable. About 25,000 of the 34,000 miles on my C14 were in that jacket plus another 50,000 or so miles on my Valkyrie. So it also wears well.
+1 They still sell it.
http://www.joerocket.com/catalog/index.cfm/236/103/Textile_Jackets/Phoenix_5.0_ (http://www.joerocket.com/catalog/index.cfm/236/103/Textile_Jackets/Phoenix_5.0_)[mesh]
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I really like the First Gear Mesh Tex; http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/mesh_jackets_and_pants/first_gear/2010_mesh_tex_mesh_motorcycle_jacket.html (http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/mesh_jackets_and_pants/first_gear/2010_mesh_tex_mesh_motorcycle_jacket.html)
My pet peeve is mesh jackets with a lot of solid black panels that get hot as h*ll here in the south, the silver and hi-viz Mesh Tex have a minimum of black. I bought the silver first, liked it so much I bought the hi-viz later.
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I have a Tourmaster Intake 2 and an Olympia Airglide. The Olympia seems to be the better made of the two, but the Tourmaster flows more air. On the hottest days, I'm wearing the Tourmaster.
It also has a wind liner and thermal liner for cool days but you really can't get away with wearing it on a cold day. It just flows too much air. Even with my Gerbings, it's not sufficient on a cold day. But then again it wasn't designed to be.
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Title says it all. What is a good brand jacket to wear for hot riding times?
I have a Tourmaster Flex Series 2 which works quite well. It is a 3-in-1 jacket (three parts that all zip together. It is a pain to get the outer shell on and off the mesh, but beats the hell out of having to carry and/or buy multiple jackets. The insulated liner is easy to add/remove, though. Seems like good quality, built in reflectors, lots of armor, and good price.
I do wish the outer shell had more vents (it has only two- one on each shoulder)... I have been thinking about cutting open some new vents and sewing in zippers (perhaps a long back one and maybe two chest ones). However, I am not that great with the sewing machine (and I have very little experience with zippers). Why do this? Because sometimes the mesh is too cold and the shell + mesh is a little too hot or I just need a bit more coolness but don't want to have to spend 6 minutes disassembling the shell from the mesh.
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Do the Tourmasters run small or large as far as sizing goes?
I actually fit in a Small/40, which is surprising, and that is what I purchased. I tend to wear a medium in most stuff. So I would say they run a bit large. Their online sizing chart was pretty close... my issue is that I just rarely fit into anything right (I am a square peg in a world of round holes, I guess).
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I am a square peg in a world of round holes, I guess
:goodpost:
We already knew that Max... ;D
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I actually fit in a Small/40, which is surprising, and that is what I purchased. I tend to wear a medium in most stuff. So I would say they run a bit large. Their online sizing chart was pretty close... my issue is that I just rarely fit into anything right (I am a square peg in a world of round holes, I guess).
I agree I wear a large Intake 2 other jackets I wear a X large, I always remove liners, South Florida not needed, Ok If It's really cold I always wear a long sleeve shirt under my shirt , winter is RUFF .
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+1 They still sell it.
http://www.joerocket.com/catalog/index.cfm/236/103/Textile_Jackets/Phoenix_5.0_ (http://www.joerocket.com/catalog/index.cfm/236/103/Textile_Jackets/Phoenix_5.0_)[mesh]
I have this Joe Rocket, great jacket for the price!!!!! :thumbs:
]http://www.joerocket.com/catalog/index.cfm/236/482/Textile_Jackets/Velocity_[mesh] (http://www.joerocket.com/catalog/index.cfm/236/482/Textile_Jackets/Velocity_[mesh)
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I'm really happy with my REV'IT Tornado, flows lots of air and has a great liner for cooler temps.
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Doesn't get cold in Florida so we don't need a jacket...ZG could you tell Max that.....something about squares and holes.......etc.
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Fulmer AirTrac hi viz green with armor and a liner that can be easily removed.
89.00 dollars US.
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Thanks for the info, leaning towards the Tourmaster Sonora at the present time.
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Thanks for the info, leaning towards the Tourmaster Sonora at the present time.
It's a great choice if you like the 3/4-length. I really liked the elbow/forearm/shoulder protection. I've worn mine from 28F up to 110F.
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Shorter jackets just seem to crawl up my back leaving me with a cold, exposed spot. Always seem to feel like they are about 3-4 inches to short.
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Doesn't get cold in Florida so we don't need a jacket..
?? A jacket is just as much about safety as temperature control. Doesn't matter what the temps are, proper riding procedure requires a jacket, preferably with armor. Mesh is as light and cool as possible for hot weather riding. "ATGATT" http://www.atgatt.org/ (http://www.atgatt.org/)
.ZG could you tell Max that.....something about squares and holes.......etc.
Well, that is for sure.
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http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/jackets_and_vests/mesh_jackets/first_gear/2010_rush_mesh_motorcycle_jacket.html (http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/jackets_and_vests/mesh_jackets/first_gear/2010_rush_mesh_motorcycle_jacket.html)
I have this and like it. Liner comes out when it's hot, I wear it down to 60 or so with the liner in. Below that, I may turn on the grips or add a heated liner if it's gonna be a long day in the saddle at high speeds and colder temps.
I saw this posted above and looked at it, it's cheaper but the same brand. I like high vis and hate black, black is HOT and not visible. Actually, I had a first gear high vis before and it got ruined, so I bought another just like it.
http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/mesh_jackets_and_pants/first_gear/2010_mesh_tex_mesh_motorcycle_jacket.html (http://www.motorcyclegear.com/street/closeouts/mesh_jackets_and_pants/first_gear/2010_mesh_tex_mesh_motorcycle_jacket.html)
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I'm using a Joe Rocket mesh I bought a couple years ago I can't remember the model and it doesn't appear on the Joe Rocket site anymore.. :-\
It gets the job done.. :)
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I have a Tourmaster Flex Series 2 which works quite well. It is a 3-in-1 jacket (three parts that all zip together. It is a pain to get the outer shell on and off the mesh, but beats the hell out of having to carry and/or buy multiple jackets. The insulated liner is easy to add/remove, though. Seems like good quality, built in reflectors, lots of armor, and good price.
I do wish the outer shell had more vents (it has only two- one on each shoulder)... I have been thinking about cutting open some new vents and sewing in zippers (perhaps a long back one and maybe two chest ones). However, I am not that great with the sewing machine (and I have very little experience with zippers). Why do this? Because sometimes the mesh is too cold and the shell + mesh is a little too hot or I just need a bit more coolness but don't want to have to spend 6 minutes disassembling the shell from the mesh.
I have a Speed and Strength jacket and pants which works quite well. It is a 3-in-1 jacket (three parts that all zip together. It is easy to open the outer shell to reveal the mesh, AND beats the hell out of having to carry and/or buy multiple jackets. The water-resistant liner is easy to add/remove. The quilted vest liner zips in and out nicely too. Seems like good quality, built in reflector piping, lots of armor, and good price.
I do like that the outer shell has more vents, two in front, one across back shoulders. And the outer sleeves zip off to reveal the mesh arms (the sleeves can be put into a back pouch of the jacket too!)
My matching outer pants have a liner for cold weather. When it gets hot, the pants can be zippered open but closed with velcro fasteners for airflow.
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Dainese or REV'IT FTW :finger_fing11:
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I have a Tourmaster Intake as well. It's a pretty good jacket.... nice armor. I find it on the heavy side and a bit loose fitting. Last Summer I bought a Rev'it Airwave jacket and haven't worn the Tourmaster since.
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Last time I was in the UK I picked this one up. All Mesh and full armour. Rode through SouthEast Ohio saturday with 69 degree temps ....almost too much airflow...a might chilly, but I will welcome that airflow come July. Has a nifty emergency raincoat in the waist but it says not to wear it over 120KPH/70MPH
(https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-o5vOyFJp_AY/UkSt9zaSIDI/AAAAAAAAI2c/siZPApMTq-g/w297-h528-no/13+-+1)
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I have a motoport Kevlar mesh jacket and pants. Bought it last fall so haven't been through the summer with it yet. I am really hoping that I can wear it through the Vegas summer. What I have noticed is;
It is heavy duty-read heavey and bulky
I feel safe in it
It breathes very well, even the armor is ventilated
It is expensive
It will scuff your paint
It has liners so can be worn in cold weather, I've seen mid 40's with it comfortablely
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My solution in really hot weather is to completely wet my t-shirt every 20 minutes or so. This really works well in the hot desert country like NM, AZ, UT. This solution may or may not be something your wife would embrace but it sure works for me.
If your wife embraces the wet T-shirt concept we want pics------couldn't resist. :rotflmao:
I use a Joe Rocket 3 season jacket that they don't sell anymore also. It is still in really good shape and is probably around 12 years old...It will need replacing soon as I just don't fit in it very well anymore. :-[ Leaning towards the Tourmaster also.
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If your wife embraces the wet T-shirt concept we want pics------couldn't resist. :rotflmao:
I use a Joe Rocket 3 season jacket that they don't sell anymore also. It is still in really good shape and is probably around 12 years old...It will need replacing soon as I just don't fit in it very well anymore. :-[ Leaning towards the Tourmaster also.
Those darn jackets have a tendency to shrink up don't they? ;)
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If your wife embraces the wet T-shirt concept we want pics------couldn't resist. :rotflmao:
+1... :popcorn:
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I had a Firstgear mesh jacket that saved my shoulder from being crushed and a lot of road rash when I totaled my bike. So I just ordered another one. It does good in the summer with the ventilation and has a nice liner that is comfortable down into the mid 30's with just a sweatshirt. 8)
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+1 on the firstgear jacket. I bounced and slid on concrete at 70 mph for 300' when someone hit me last year and that jacket protected me great. It didnt keep me from breaking my wrist though:) It flows quite a bit of air.
I replaced with a new one in the safety yellow so they see me next time.
Jeff
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Bought the Hi Vis Tourmaster Sonora. Like the length, ton of features on the jacket. Just a tad heavier than what I expected but it was also softer than my previous cloth jackets. Does seem a bit big for the size and it will get even bigger once all the liners are taken out but that is just part of life.
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I picked up a Joe Rocket ballistic from ebay. I think loose weave mesh is the ticket. I tested it out in 90 degree heat and it is heck of a lot more comfortable than my Scorpion. Bought an exactly similar one in XS for the wife - paid $50 for hers. Lets hope she can deal with that.
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Bought the Hi Vis Tourmaster Sonora. Like the length, ton of features on the jacket. Just a tad heavier than what I expected but it was also softer than my previous cloth jackets. Does seem a bit big for the size and it will get even bigger once all the liners are taken out but that is just part of life.
Wore mine for a couple of years (before changing to a Rev*It Ignition 2). I liked how the sleeves could be tightened based on which liners you have in. I bought it so that it was fairly snug with all the liners in. That made it a little loose in hot weather, but that just helped the air flow.
You'll enjoy having it. (And the liners worked down into the upper-20's on the Connie.)
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About a half dozen guys asked me how I liked this jacket so thought I would post a updated review.
I love it! Since buying it I removed both liners and been using just the shell in our hot weather this summer. The air flow is really good and it has 4 huge pockets. The mesh is soft and the jacket is long which I like. I have been in temperatures down to 46 without any liner and only wearing a tee shirt underneath and never really got chilly except when caught in the rain or was on my Triumph which does not have as good of wind protection.
The jacket is sized on the large side but other than that it is worth every penny.
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I am on my 3rd Olympia Airglide jacket. They seem to offer the most versatility for me. I have had them down in death valley in the summer and to Glacier park just before they close the oh my god rd. You might give them a look.
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http://olympiamotosports.com/catalog/mens-airglide-4-mesh-tech-jacket/ (http://olympiamotosports.com/catalog/mens-airglide-4-mesh-tech-jacket/)
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I really like the quality of Olympia gear. I have a Bonneville and a Viper Mesh Tech, the latter being a slightly older version of the Airglide. Flows air pretty good (unless you fill both chest pockets with crap), and comes with two liners that work well in colder temps (wore it today at 35 degrees). Because the arms are made of denier 2000 Cordura, it's not as cool as total mesh, but I feel very safe in it. When it's above 100 out, I'll sometimes wear a total-mesh Fieldsheer Congo, but I know it wouldn't hold up near as well in a get-off.
The Viper Mesh Tech has been on sale at Motorcyclecloseouts.com for quite a while. It fluctuates between $129 and $149.
http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/insanity/4295 (http://www.motorcyclecloseouts.com/insanity/4295)
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I've been wanting to checkout an Olympia Nomad jacket. Can any of you give me some input on it?
http://olympiamotosports.com/catalog/transition-systems-gear/mens-nomad-all-season-transition-jacket/ (http://olympiamotosports.com/catalog/transition-systems-gear/mens-nomad-all-season-transition-jacket/)