Motorcycle guide: which jacket to choose for the summer?

Summer has arrived, it is finally hot, and riding a motorcycle with the necessary protection, without suffering from the heat, is becoming an absolute must. But which jacket should you buy then? Vented fabric but not waterproof? Perforated station wagon? With a removable liner? Suitable skin? Moto-Station will help you choose ...

It's summer now, the tires are getting hot quickly, and so is the inside of your oversized motorcycle jacket. The urge to put your hands up is very strong, but from a safety point of view, this is not the best. Therefore, you need the right jacket to avoid hyperthermia and a humiliating session in the event of a problem. Fortunately, we have summer sales and some of the jackets may have crossed out prices. But which model to choose from the many references available?

Which jacket to use for which? What's the budget?

Before you go shopping for your first summer motorcycle jacket, ask yourself the right questions. What do you already have in your closet? Winter jacket and mid-season leather jacket? You can just as well buy a summer jacket that will come out exclusively in the summer. A winter textile jacket and are you looking for a versatile jacket for another season? Why not choose a summer jacket with a removable waterproof lining. We have collected a panel of jackets for your needs. Before presenting our selection to you, we have grouped the strengths and weaknesses of each category. Here's what to remember.

Summer mesh jackets (short or long):

Advantages: lightness, excellent ventilation, often affordable price.

Cons: not waterproof, sometimes there is no back protection, less abrasion resistance.

Textile summer jackets with membrane / lining:

Advantages: lightness, good ventilation, waterproof to the card with removable lining.

Cons: sometimes no back protection, less abrasion resistance.

Unisex summer or leather jackets, ventilated:

Benefits: Abrasion resistance, often full protection, versatility with removable liners.

Cons: heavy weight, average high price, ventilation is generally lower than mesh jackets.

Motorcycle jackets summer 2012: a selection of Motorcycle stations

Long ventilated jackets

Helston Grand Tour

Helston's Grand Tour is a tailored three-quarter jacket that highlights its two-wheeled identity with ventilated mesh fabric panels on the chest. It is aimed at those who do not want to look "too motorcycle". Not waterproof, he has a waterproof jacket tucked into his back pocket. Elbow, shoulder and back protectors are standard, and a fluorescent yellow cuff is hidden under a zip on one arm. It offers the complete package for 152€.

IXS Mykonos

Absolute understatement with a touch of class for the IXS Mykonos jacket. Not waterproof, very lightweight and curved thanks to the waist adjustments. Nice finish, as is often the case with IXS. This jacket accentuates ventilation with the ubiquitous mesh fabrics. Elbow and shoulder protection without back protection as standard: € 149,95.

Ventilated Mesh Motorcycle Jackets

DMP Aero Mesh

With this DMP Aero Mesh jacket, Dafy Moto is playing out the price card. It has a nice cut, quite sporty. Wide mesh on chest and arms provides ventilation. Velcro fasteners on the hands. No back protection, but shoulder and elbow protection. Gray or black: 74,90 €.

All One Miami

Also in the Dafy Moto All One Miami is the typical mesh jacket competing with the Bering Fandor (€ 99) or the Rev'It Airwave (€ 149). It's pretty well finished, has a very soft touch fabric and wide mesh panels for good ventilation. It is not waterproof, it includes elbow and shoulder protectors, as well as a small foam for the back, which can be replaced with additional Knox back protectors, which cost about 29 euros. Two internal pockets, one for a laptop. 109,90 €.

BMW Ventilation

New for 2012 from BMW, this is a very lightweight jacket, the weight of which seems to be directly related to the weight of the back. The BMW Venting, cut close to the body, is lavishly trimmed with BMW ventilated materials. Not waterproof, it includes a flexible BMW protection that completely covers the joints. The back is orange, wide and thick. Similar to D3O materials, ultra absorbent. Delicious aftertaste. 319 euros.

BMW Airflow 4

High-quality jacket with BMW-specific mesh inserts on Cordura material, which is highly abrasion resistant. Not water resistant, the BMW Airflow 4 hides flexible BMW elbow and shoulder protectors as well as wide and thick orange back protectors. It also has some features such as inner straps that allow you to wear the jacket without wearing it when hiking, and a radiation-proof cell phone pocket. € 429.

Versatile combination jackets

Furygan Sydney Vented 2-в-1

The Furygan Sydney Vented is a mesh type jacket with high ventilation on the chest. It has a removable lining that protects from rain and plays a windproof role. Drawstring at the sleeves and waist for a sports-cut jacket. The flexible guards are designated D30 and the back, although narrow, covers most of the back. €199.

Rev'it Ignition 2

The Rev'it Ignition 2 is a leather and mesh blend jacket. Leather for protection against abrasion, mesh for ventilation. Good protection of the elbows and shoulders, perfectly closes the joints. The small foam on the back is mainly used to indicate where an extra back protector can be grafted. For versatility, this jacket has two independent, removable linings: a waterproof lining and an insulated vest. It exists in black or brown and is designed for women. 369 euros.

Customized leather jackets

Alpinestars S MX-Air

Withstands summer use, this perforated leather jacket lends a sporty look. The Alpinestars S MX-Air features the same level of protection as the brand's racing suits, with shoulder and elbow shrouds and molded plastic outer protection. The backrest is ventilated and comes standard with a foam back and vest lining. Its skin will keep out the rain even if it is not waterproofed, but the ventilation allows moisture to pass through. 799 euros.

Star Motors Santa Fe

Vintage style leather jacket with a cropped fitted cut. Extremely lightweight, Star Motors Santa Fe features micro-perforations that cover the entire jacket. The protectors, well integrated, protect the elbows and shoulders, while the back protector is standard. Available in black or brown. 299 euros.

For you ladies

If a few years ago motorcyclists and passengers had nothing to do with themselves, today this is no longer the case. Many manufacturers pondered this question, and if at first the fashion for "star-pink" prevailed, today the models are more diverse.

Thus, the Bering Lady Marta (left) has the same properties as men's mesh jackets with protection on the elbows and shoulders, mesh fabrics, space for additional back protection, the cost is 99 euros.

The Rev'It Airwave Lady (right) showcases superior fit and extra cushioning, still with elbow and shoulder protection and mesh panels to ventilate critical areas. Black and white, 149 euros.

Christoph Le Mao, photo by Mehdi Bermani