Warm Weather Riding Clothes

[Mactoys]

I bought my RTS in November, so I ended up getting the normal motorcycle jacket, gloves, pants, etc. for winter riding. As a Spyder noob, I want to know what you wear for Spring/Summer riding. Do you still wear all the normal motorcycle safety type clothing or regular clothing and shoes because the dynamics of the trike are different than a two wheeler?

So far, I have been riding with the liner out of my winter jacket, but it gets a little warm :riding:. So, I m interested in whatever you and/or your +1 ride in. Thanks!

 

[Chupaca]

Shop around....

There are summer jackets with protection like the mesh ones as well as wicking clothings such as heat out etc. Many of the bike shops carry these. Always wise to have good gear while ryding. Find some that suit you and keep you comfrotable. Check Cycle Gear, Jarfrum etc...:thumbup:

 

[vondalyn]

vents?

first, see if your existing jacket has vents, and open them up. You'll find a lot of the time that the vents will keep you comfortable as long as you're moving. Then you take the jacket off as soon as you stop.

Look into getting a mesh jacket with or without a removable rain shell for summer wear.

It's a personal preference as to whether you ditch the safety gear in the warm weather, but there's always a chance of a car/sypder interaction and if you're not wearing better (aka motorcycle) gear, you're going to get more damage to yourself than you would if you had that gear on.

 

[Brentc]

Base layer clothes

I was quite impressed at the difference wearing the under armor heat gear made in keeping me cooler on those warm days. I'm sold on it and now have heat gear and cold gear from them, would by again in a second. :thumbup:

 

[ARtraveler]

Kevlar Jeans, Mesh Jacket (textile or leather), boots, light gloves (prefer fingerless), and helmet.

Not perfect for safety (ATGATT)...but that is my choice.

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree: Kevlar jeans and mesh jackets (with the body armor still intact...) will keep you safe...
If you get too warm: stop for ice cream!! :yes::yes::yes:

 

[Fat Baxter]

I've ridden in the Deep South for some time now.

There are a number of cotton motorcycle jeans that have Kevlar or cordura in the hips and butt, along with harder CE armor in the knees. I prefer these to regular textile bike pants (e.g., full cordura or cordura mesh), as the cotton transpires much better than other textiles. This is important if you ride a fully-faired bike, as there will be less air movement to wick away heat and moisture. So, IMO, cotton does a better job of passive transpiration.

I used to wear just a Draggin' Jeans mesh Kevlar shirt over a t-shirt; no impact protection, just skid protection. Same rationale as above, behind a fairing. But I finally decided that the market has matured enough to look for better alternatives. I did some research and bought a Joe Rocket Phoenix 5.0 mesh jacket (not the newer Phoenix Ion that the dealers are currently pushing. It flows even less air than the older 5.0, for more money!). Another good choice would be FirstGear's Mesh Tex jacket. I'll soon find out how the new jacket works in this subtropical heat and humidity!

I haven't had any luck with UnderArmor-type clothing. I have found that cotton wicks and retains perspiration better than the plastic clothing. It probably works OK on an unfaired bike where you get plenty of airflow, but that's not the case with a BMW RT (my previous machine) or a Spyder RT. IMO, cotton works best in high humidity. (And this, of course, will engender as passionate a discussion as Chevy vs. Ford pickup trucks. Or .45 vs. 9MM.)

Also, if you can find them, go with natural tan gloves -- they suck less heat from the sun than the usual black leather. Even better is deerskin -- thinner, more supple. I found some in Tractor Supply for about $30.

 

[IdahoMtnSpyder]

I've found the most comfortable boots to be genuine leather without lining. Pricey, but worth it.

 

[youngers]

hey mac...

pretty much the same with most folks here , 2 wheels , the heavier leather jacket , { nice and warm on the 90 degree days , but go a little faster and the wind helps ... on the 3 wheeler , feel more comfortable with a not much there out fit ! { ride next weekend buddy , will keep in touch }

 

[PrairieSpyder]

I use Olympia Expedition (https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/olympia-womens-expedition-jacket) gear. It's good for all seasons. Available for men and women. No need for spirit gear for the seasons. For long summer riding I add an evaporative vest under the jacket.

 

[Highwayman2013]

Get a good quality mesh jacket and riding jeans. Experiment with regular or wicking shirts to see which is more comfortable. In the desert the wicking shirts under the mesh jacket work for me.

 

[Bob Denman]

My Speed & Strength jacket has lots of vents in it, and is comfortable up into the eighties:



But when the thermometer is getting into the "Fire Alarm" range: I've got a TourMaster mesh jacket that is awesome!

 

[Trbayth]

TourMaster 4 seasons jacket for longer distance rides pounding the superslab not during the dog-days of Summer. Then I switch between the CanAm mesh and denim jackets.

 

[blacklightning]

Flip Flops, tank shirt, and shorts:joke:. But seriously, I wear 3/4 height boot type shoes, a mesh/armored jacket, jeans, and a 3/4 helmet.
But I do have a buddy that actually rides his M109 with the flip flops, tank shirt, and shorts on. I have tried to convince him to do better for his own safety, but have had no luck.

 

[Bob Denman]

Flip Flops, tank shirt, and shorts:joke:. But seriously, I wear 3/4 height boot type shoes, a mesh/armored jacket, jeans, and a 3/4 helmet.
But I do have a buddy that actually rides his M109 with the flip flops, tank shirt, and shorts on. I have tried to convince him to do better for his own safety, but have had no luck.

 

[jaherbst]

Pretty much depends on the climate your riding in. At 110* + here in the "old Pueblo" a rayon/nylon t-shirt, Cooling Vest, neck cooler, and a vented fishing shirt with long

sleeve is highly recommended. Of course boots and long pants with light colored gloves. Many summer riders have passed out here at extreme temps (110-120*) wearing

ATGATT.

I am a firm believer in it but common sense sometimes "Trumps" ATGATT. Let the Flaming begin! :joke:


Oh and the most important thing, drink lots and lots of water!

Jack

 

[Bob Denman]

Pretty much depends on the climate your riding in. At 110* + here in the "old Pueblo" a rayon/nylon t-shirt, Cooling Vest, neck cooler, and a vented fishing shirt with long sleeve is highly recommended. Of course boots and long pants with light colored gloves. Many summer riders have passed out here at extreme temps (110-120*) wearing ATGATT.
I am a firm believer in it but common sense sometimes "Trumps" ATGATT. Let the Flaming begin! :joke:
Oh and the most important thing, drink lots and lots of water!
Jack

If somebody passes out because they weren't using common sense, and taking steps to hydrate properly: :dontknow:
Wearing the gear may be a bit uncomfortable during periods of really high temperatures...
But so is falling off of your bike, while wearing comfy clothes.

Wear your Beach Clothes on the Beach!

 

[asp125]

Summer heat can be dealt with in a number of ways, but the underlying theory is evaporative cooling and keeping cooler air next to your skin. To make that effective, choose under layers that wick moisture. Then add a layer to keep air flow next to your skin and shield you from direct sun.

Usually, bare skin loses moisture too quickly when riding - you basically dehydrate yourself. A light wicking layer absorbs perspiration, releasing it slowly to evaporate. Mesh gear and vented gear give you airflow management, while also adding protection if you get thrown off.

Cooling vests, neck rolls etc, help augment any natural sweating. The neck rolls help cool the arteries supplying blood to the brain, the vests help cool the upper body to maintain stable core temperatures.

 

[Mactoys]

Thanks

Thanks. I guess I should rule out my shorts and sandals

I have the Tourmaster 4 Season Jacket. It has been great in the cold and cool weather. It is still pretty toasty with all the events open. I ordered the Joe Rocket jacket that was recommended. It arrives tomorrow.

 

[Rogue Hawk]

I am looking at getting this jacket. The whole thing is a cordura mesh, super tough. Its pricey though.


https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/rukka-airall-jacket