Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: Awaz on June 27, 2011, 11:01:45 AM

Title: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Awaz on June 27, 2011, 11:01:45 AM
I have a Scorpion Cool Rod Mesh Jacket that was more or less an impulse buy since I needed one. Now I feel there are better mesh Jackets out there for the price. This one cooks me at close to 90c weather. Is there any other mesh jackets you guys can recommend me that lets more air flow through?

Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Bourne2Ride on June 27, 2011, 11:13:14 AM
I purchased the Tour Master Sonora Air Jacket. Works great in 90 degree weather, as long as your moving  ;)
I purchased it on sale from Motorcycle Superstore. I have the High Vis Yellow
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/39/20968/ITEM/Tour-Master-Sonora-Air-Jacket.aspx (http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/1/1/39/20968/ITEM/Tour-Master-Sonora-Air-Jacket.aspx)
(http://images.motorcycle-superstore.com/ProductImages/300/2009_Tour_Master_Sonora_Air_Jacket_Gunmetal.jpg)
(http://images.motorcycle-superstore.com/ProductImages/300/2009_Tour_Master_Sonora_Air_Jacket_Hi-Visibility_Yellow.jpg)
(http://images.motorcycle-superstore.com/ProductImages/300/2009_Tour_Master_Sonora_Air_Jacket_Black.jpg)
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on June 27, 2011, 11:22:40 AM
Joe Rocket Alter Ego 2.0, it is a great all weather jacket.  I stay very cool as long as I am moving.
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: lt1 on June 27, 2011, 11:50:08 AM
I have a Scorpion Cool Rod Mesh Jacket that was more or less an impulse buy since I needed one. Now I feel there are better mesh Jackets out there for the price. This one cooks me at close to 90c weather. Is there any other mesh jackets you guys can recommend me that lets more air flow through?
Hopefully you meant 90f.  At 90c, I don't think there is a motorcycle jacket made that will keep you cool.

I have a TourMaster Intake II that has very good protection and airflow.  I'm not sure if it is still in production.  These days, I normally go ATGATT and wear an Olympia Stealth one-piece suit.  The airflow is not as good as with the Intake, but it gives me knee/hip protection that the jacket alone doesn't offer.  FWIW, I saw 114f on the thermometer yesterday here in the Phoenix, AZ area.
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Conrad on June 27, 2011, 11:54:06 AM
Hopefully you meant 90f.  At 90c, I don't think there is a motorcycle jacket made that will keep you cool.

I have a TourMaster Intake II that has very good protection and airflow.  I'm not sure if it is still in production.  These days, I normally go ATGATT and wear an Olympia Stealth one-piece suit.  The airflow is not as good as with the Intake, but it gives me knee/hip protection that the jacket alone doesn't offer.  FWIW, I saw 114f on the thermometer yesterday here in the Phoenix, AZ area.

+1 on the TourMaster Intake II. As long as you're moving it flows very well.
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Bourne2Ride on June 27, 2011, 12:08:09 PM
Hopefully you meant 90f.  At 90c, I don't think there is a motorcycle jacket made that will keep you cool.

I have a TourMaster Intake II that has very good protection and airflow.  I'm not sure if it is still in production.  These days, I normally go ATGATT and wear an Olympia Stealth one-piece suit.  The airflow is not as good as with the Intake, but it gives me knee/hip protection that the jacket alone doesn't offer.  FWIW, I saw 114f on the thermometer yesterday here in the Phoenix, AZ area.
Good catch. It was supposed to be 90 F. I don't think I'd be riding out in 90 C. Hell if its 90C I have bigger issues than keeping cool with a mesh jacket.
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Zman on June 27, 2011, 02:22:46 PM
I'm looking at the First Gear Mesh Tex........ Decent price and comes with a wind proof removable liner........

Z
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: kdm on June 27, 2011, 02:51:01 PM
The original Joe Rocket Phoenix mesh  jacket was the coolest one around . It was like wearing nothing .
Don't know if version 5.0 is as good . They still call it Free Air mesh like before , but who knows ?
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Bob on June 27, 2011, 02:54:26 PM
+1 on the TourMaster Intake II. As long as you're moving it flows very well.

+2  I've had my Intake since 2006 or early 2007. An excellent jacket!
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Awaz on June 27, 2011, 03:11:48 PM
I will check out the Joe Rocket and the Tour master one.

And yes, I meant 90F. Been dealing with some CPU temps lately and so brain has been registering celcius only.
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Ron Dawg on June 27, 2011, 06:44:49 PM
Good catch. It was supposed to be 90 F. I don't think I'd be riding out in 90 C. Hell if its 90C I have bigger issues than keeping cool with a mesh jacket.

 :rotflmao:

Touring Chernobyl.
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: mikeboileau on June 27, 2011, 08:42:54 PM
I'm still riding with a liner in......
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Irish-14 on June 27, 2011, 09:10:11 PM
I agree with Bourne2Ride, the Tourmaster Air Sonora is awesome. The material is really soft, very comfortable, and it gets plenty of air flow. We rode to Kingman AZ on Sunday, it was 115, and it makes it bearable. I actually found one on sale at GoAZ Kawasaki for 130$ out the door, but I think they're all gone. I too, sadly, wear the HighVis yellow...guess I'm getting old. Go Irish!
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Awaz on June 28, 2011, 08:54:16 AM
Checked out the Tourmaster at motorcyclegear.com. I think I like that one. Seems the weave is looser than the one I have thus allowing more air through. Wish I can check it out up close and in person before I fork out the cash.
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Conrad on June 28, 2011, 09:04:41 AM
Checked out the Tourmaster at motorcyclegear.com. I think I like that one. Seems the weave is looser than the one I have thus allowing more air through. Wish I can check it out up close and in person before I fork out the cash.

Which one you thinking about Awaz? The Intake Air Series 2 or the Air Sonora? I don't think you can go wrong with either. I see that you're in Illinois, how close to DeKalb? You can take a look at mine if you want.    8)
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Conrad on June 28, 2011, 09:19:30 AM
Checked out the Tourmaster at motorcyclegear.com. I think I like that one. Seems the weave is looser than the one I have thus allowing more air through. Wish I can check it out up close and in person before I fork out the cash.

Hey Awaz, Bike Bandit has that jacket.   Just sayin...      :-X
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Awaz on June 28, 2011, 09:37:16 AM
I think I was looking at intake air 2. I am at 62650 - aka middle of corn field.
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Awaz on June 28, 2011, 09:40:16 AM
Hey Awaz, Bike Bandit has that jacket.   Just sayin...      :-X

Aha!

Sooo....when did you join their sales force?  ;D
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Joncon11 on June 28, 2011, 09:46:51 AM
Joe Rocket Alter Ego 2.0, it is a great all weather jacket.  I stay very cool as long as I am moving.

I had a 60mph deer strike last year with the Alter Ego pants and jacket on and it proved to be less than adequate. I ended up with rash on both of my arms and 3rd degree burns on my right knee due to the material melting. For me, pants are a crap shoot (Vanson Odessy pants, 1000 denier cordura) but the jacket is always leather, and my hands and feet can never be too hot <<opinion. Lets face it, you can ride naked and still be hot in the summer so if i'm going to be hot regardless, I would rather be protected. That said I do use a Roadcrafter when it drops below the 40's, but Aerostitch textile is in a category of its own.
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Conrad on June 28, 2011, 09:49:05 AM
I think I was looking at intake air 2. I am at 62650 - aka middle of corn field.

That's a big corn field cuz I'm in the middle of one too.

Looks like your about 3 hours away. Come on by and take a look at my jacket, I'll let you buy me lunch.
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Conrad on June 28, 2011, 09:50:58 AM
I had a 60mph deer strike last year with the Alter Ego pants and jacket on and it proved to be less than adequate. I ended up with rash on both of my arms and 3rd degree burns on my right knee due to the material melting. For me, pants are a crap shoot (Vanson Odessy pants, 1000 denier cordura) but the jacket is always leather, and my hands and feet can never be too hot <<opinion. Lets face it, you can ride naked and still be hot in the summer so if i'm going to be hot regardless, I would rather be protected. That said I do use a Roadcrafter when it drops below the 40's, but Aerostitch textile is in a category of its own.

Those are the pants that I ride with. Did they melt right through the knee pads?
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Joncon11 on June 28, 2011, 10:00:14 AM
Those are the pants that I ride with. Did they melt right through the knee pads?

Yes sir they did, as a matter of fact, last week the last (I hope) piece of chared fabric popped its way out of my knee (accident in October). Don't get me wrong, the construction is top notch and maybe under different circumstances they would have been adequate, but I do suggest staying away from anything with "poly" in the name. There's a lot of gear out there that does...

Edit: To be fair, it shaved the edge of the pad down and worked its way through from there.
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Conrad on June 28, 2011, 10:01:56 AM
Yes sir they did, as a matter of fact, last week the last (I hope) piece of chared fabric popped its way out of my knee (accident in October). Don't get me wrong, the construction is top notch and maybe under different circumstances they would have been adequate, but I do suggest staying away from anything with "poly" in the name. There's a lot of gear out there that does...

Edit: To be fair, it shaved the edge of the pad down and worked its way through from there.

Damn!
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: ManWorkinghere on June 28, 2011, 10:07:39 AM
Looks like your about 3 hours away. Come on by and take a look at my jacket, I'll let you buy me lunch.
I have a Speed and Strength jacket with separate overpants.  You can check these out and buy me dinner.  But I am north of ConraD so he gets the first meal.  :)

I'm still riding with a liner in......
That's the nice part about my SnS gear.  You can zip off the sleeves to reveal mesh in warm weather.  Plenty of vents to unzip too.
However, WI does not reach 112f for days, like in TX or AZ, so I just took off sleeves today.
And the SnS jacket has two liners for warmth.  I put one liner in come September and the inside vest when October comes.  And then a parka over those in November.  I may have to try a heated jacket one of these days.  :)  The pants have a liner too.  And the pants have a zip-off panel to reveal a mesh butt.

I got my SnS gear from a LaCrosse, WI dealer during the COG rally last year.  ATGATT since then.
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Awaz on June 28, 2011, 10:10:58 AM
That's a big corn field cuz I'm in the middle of one too.

Looks like your about 3 hours away. Come on by and take a look at my jacket, I'll let you buy me lunch.

I might have to take a trip down that way one of these days. I will PM you before I come. Nothing else, will be very interested to see what else you have to offer from Bike Bandit ! lol !
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Conrad on June 28, 2011, 10:43:45 AM
I might have to take a trip down that way one of these days. I will PM you before I come. Nothing else, will be very interested to see what else you have to offer from Bike Bandit ! lol !

I was riding down in the Starved Rock area a couple of weekends ago, too bad we didn't hook up then.
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: JoeR on June 28, 2011, 01:01:57 PM
Joe Rocket Phoenix.
 :thumbs:
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: mikeboileau on June 28, 2011, 01:43:00 PM
I have a Speed and Strength jacket with separate overpants.  You can check these out and buy me dinner.  But I am north of ConraD so he gets the first meal.  :)
That's the nice part about my SnS gear.  You can zip off the sleeves to reveal mesh in warm weather.  Plenty of vents to unzip too.
However, WI does not reach 112f for days, like in TX or AZ, so I just took off sleeves today.
And the SnS jacket has two liners for warmth.  I put one liner in come September and the inside vest when October comes.  And then a parka over those in November.  I may have to try a heated jacket one of these days.  :)  The pants have a liner too.  And the pants have a zip-off panel to reveal a mesh butt.

I got my SnS gear from a LaCrosse, WI dealer during the COG rally last year.  ATGATT since then.


How many WI guys do we have?
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Stavee on June 28, 2011, 05:58:02 PM
 I have 60k on an Olympia air glide 2 and it has been from Glacier in a snow storm to death Valley at 118 deg. and all the other states as well. So last week I purchased an air glide 3 to replace this jacket at the end of this year.;D ;) ;D
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: t2sfd on June 28, 2011, 06:42:38 PM
2nd on the Tour Master Sonora Air Jacket. I recently wore it on a trip to Ocean City, MD. The trip down from PA was 97 deg F for about 3 hours of the trip and it kept me as cool as can be expected. There was some stop and go on the one section for about 15 miles or so and I didn't mind having the jacket on at all. I'd definitely recommend it. I also have the Hi-Viz Yellow.
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: ZG on June 28, 2011, 07:17:25 PM
How many WI guys do we have?

Nobody would actually admit that Mike...  ;D
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: manowarwi on June 28, 2011, 07:48:24 PM

Nobody would actually admit that Mike...  ;D

I guess its just the two of us...actually there are a decent amount up here.  I don't think its that cold still, but I only ride 5 miles into work so it doesn't bother me as much.

Back on subject, I have the Cortech GX Air with Leather (I think its been replaced with an updated version now).  Same company / quality as tourmaster gear, but the shoulders, back, and forearms are leather while the rest is mesh.  It seems like a great compromise that lets plenty of air through.  Also comes with a rain liner and winter liner, but even I haven't had to break out the winter liner and I ride down into the 20s.
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: koval68 on June 28, 2011, 09:09:05 PM
I really like my Rev'it Tornado jacket and pants. Great air flow and liners.
(http://cn1.kaboodle.com/hi/img/c/0/0/142/b/AAAADLgmSnUAAAAAAUK2Jw.jpg?v=1301961081000)
(http://images.motorcycle-superstore.com/ProductImages/OG/2011-REVIT-Tornado-Pants.jpg)
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: MrFurious on June 28, 2011, 09:27:54 PM
+1 for the Rev`It brand gear.  I'm running their grey/black Air jacket and Rotor pants

(http://assets0.revzilla.com/product_images/0010/9066/REV_IT_Air_Jacket_Grey-Black_zoom.jpg?1235160739)

(http://assets0.revzilla.com/product_images/0014/7916/REV_IT__Rotor_Pants_Black_zoom.jpg?1235172464)

About the only time I get warm is if I get stuck in traffic in town.  Just be forewarned that they can be a bit chilly after the sun goes down and neither has a removable thermal liner.  I usually just throw on my rain suit jacket over top to act as a wind breaker when the temp are cooler in the morning or after dark.  The bike keeps my legs plenty warm.   ;)
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: ZG on June 28, 2011, 09:41:36 PM
Mesh riding gear??


(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/smiley_dunno.gif) (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/hiding.gif) (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/smiley_smackbottom.gif) (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/facepalm.gif)


(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/aksfdhshdeuq324u3872409.jpg)
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Conrad on June 29, 2011, 05:17:02 AM
Mesh riding gear??


(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/smiley_dunno.gif) (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/hiding.gif) (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/smiley_smackbottom.gif) (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/facepalm.gif)


(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/aksfdhshdeuq324u3872409.jpg)

Whoa! Now THAT will keep anyone warm, but cool? Ain't gonna happen.

 :P
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Bob on June 29, 2011, 08:48:18 AM
I'm actually surprised that Jim hasn't nuked that photo!  ;D
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: stevewfl on June 29, 2011, 08:55:30 AM
Mesh riding gear??


(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/smiley_dunno.gif) (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/hiding.gif) (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/smiley_smackbottom.gif) (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/facepalm.gif)


(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/aksfdhshdeuq324u3872409.jpg)

(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/bigthumb.gif)
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Jeremy Mitchell on June 29, 2011, 10:03:07 AM
Mesh riding gear??


(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/smiley_dunno.gif) (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/hiding.gif) (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/smiley_smackbottom.gif) (http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/facepalm.gif)


(http://i1200.photobucket.com/albums/bb336/jaywilcox/aksfdhshdeuq324u3872409.jpg)

Holy crap, who stole her nipples?!!!!  ;)
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Zman on June 29, 2011, 10:53:53 AM
Well, some things money can't buy!!!........... but, I went out at lunch and picked up a Tourmaster Sonora Jacket in the gray to go with fast silver...... Thanks for the tip!!
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: NDCUNIONGUY on July 01, 2011, 09:03:37 PM
Old - Hi-Viz?  Nahhh. 

I'm running all Hi-Viz from the hips up, Tourmaster for winter and First Gear Mesh-Tex right now.  I keep the liner in a ziploc in the trunk for the chillier nights.  I am just amazed at the amount of air flow these jackets allow.  The shoulder and elbow armor feels slightly awkward when the liner is out but nothing too terrible.  I got mine over the winter for $59 at RMC in Kent, WA. 

Another benefit to the Hi-viz is its solar reflection vs. absorption.  Dark helmet and jacket were toasty.  Hi-Viz helmet and jacket are much cooler.  I may even leave the V-Stream on for the summer.  Liked the look of those Tornado pants, how'd they fit?
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: anycleavers on July 02, 2011, 12:38:55 PM
Tourmaster Intake Series 1. I'm thinking the trick is, just don't stop. I've used it with the thermal liner down to 30F, no problem there, and have had a chance to wear it this week, when it hit 95F. Not the best, but I'm sure if the Conc didn't have the wind protection it would be much better.
Oh yeah, stay away from the black. The only reason I'm wearing black is I got it for $50 with the tags on it. I just can't walk away from a deal. 
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: anycleavers on July 02, 2011, 12:50:24 PM

Quote
I was riding down in the Starved Rock area a couple of weekends ago, too bad we didn't hook up then.
 

Hey, I was riding over there a few weeks ago, with my buddy who rides a Sportster. We make quite the pair.
It's funny, the Harley riders aren't really sure if they should "give the wave". You can see the hand come up, then hesitate. Really confuses them.
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Conhardcore on July 02, 2011, 01:14:52 PM
I have the Tourmaster Sonara pictured on page 1 of the thread in gray.  Totally awesome jacket and breathes better than any jacket I've owned.
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: blue14 on July 02, 2011, 02:09:29 PM
Tourmaster Intake Series 1. I'm thinking the trick is, just don't stop. I've used it with the thermal liner down to 30F, no problem there, and have had a chance to wear it this week, when it hit 95F. Not the best, but I'm sure if the Conc didn't have the wind protection it would be much better.
Oh yeah, stay away from the black. The only reason I wearing black is I got it for $50 with the tags on it. I just can't walk away from a deal.

Got the same jacket.  Use it almost all the time from 25 degrees to 101.  Used it on a SV1000 and zx14 before the Concours.  Worked fine, agreed on Black definitely not the right color.
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: wally_games on July 02, 2011, 02:47:43 PM
I have the Sonora in gray and it's been working well. I've used it down to 30F with the liners and up to over 100F just his week. If you're really looking for the coolest option, you might look for the shorter version. I'm not sure what it's called, but the Sonora is a 3/4 jacket. Better in cool, but probably not as good in the heat.
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Conrad on July 03, 2011, 07:01:05 AM
 

Hey, I was riding over there a few weeks ago, with my buddy who rides a Sportster. We make quite the pair.
It's funny, the Harley riders aren't really sure if they should "give the wave". You can see the hand come up, then hesitate. Really confuses them.

I saw a silver C14 riding 2up down there, you?
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: maxtog on July 03, 2011, 09:50:58 AM
Is there any other mesh jackets you guys can recommend me that lets more air flow through?

I have the Tourmaster Flex Series II.  It is a 3-way jacket (mesh base, insulated liner, solid shell).  The mesh part of the jacket is well made, comfortable, soft, looks great, has significant safety features, and really lets air flow.  Now, zipping the outer shell on it is quite a challenge.  I also wish it had snaps instead of velcro at the cuffs.  But it was a great value and overall I am pleased with it.
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: anycleavers on July 03, 2011, 11:58:06 AM
Quote
I saw a silver C14 riding 2up down there, you?


Nah, '97 C10 Windsor Green. I haven't seen any Connies when riding over in those parts, but a hell of a lot of cruisers.    What are you riding?
Title: Re: Mesh Jacket
Post by: Conrad on July 04, 2011, 06:50:09 AM

Nah, '97 C10 Windsor Green. I haven't seen any Connies when riding over in those parts, but a hell of a lot of cruisers.    What are you riding?

I only saw the one C14 down there and it was as we were getting ready to head back home. Yep. a LOT of cruisers for sure! 

I'm on a 08 C14.