It’s summertime and the hot days are upon us, which means getting out on your motorcycle to ride with friends and family. The sun can be a real pain for riders.
But what can you do to protect yourself from the sun and heat? We asked our readers what their favorite jackets are and sifted through some jackets ourselves – so that you can get the best protection as well.
This review article is all about The Best Motorcycle Jacket for Summer and Extreme Heat.
You can trust our choices because our many readers love our unbiased and honest opinions on what they should buy. We really appreciate them. Now let’s get to it!
COMPARISON CHART
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
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1. Alpinestars Viper V2 Air
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2. Joe Rocket – Velocity
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3. Tourmaster – Sonora Air
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4. Fly Racing Street Air Raid
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5. REV’IT! Tracer Air Overshirt
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1. Alpinestars Viper V2 Air
Specification
| COLORS | BLACK/RED, BLACK/WHT, BLACK/RED/WHT |
| FIT | SML – 3XL |
| MALE / FEMALE OPTIONS | MEN’S |
| MATERIAL | MESH |
| PROTECTORS | Level 2 CE-certified Bio Armor shoulder and elbow protectors |
Currently, Alpinestars Viper V2 Air Jacket is the best motorcycle jacket on the market when it comes to design and comfort. It is designed to provide thermal and ventilated fabrics as well as a mobile phone pocket and dual chest pad.
It is also available in three colors – black/red, black/white and black/red/white.
Alpinestars debuted its Viper V2 Air Jacket back in 2016. The jacket features a 3.0 Layer SmartMesh for optimal breathability in the heat and a wrap-around mesh print for ventilation.
We like the little details such as the waterproof inner pockets because well, who wants wet inner pockets? The pockets are zippered as well for maximum protection and loss avoidance.
The details of this attractive jacket are not just for looks, as they are totally reflective. For more protection there is Level 2 CE-certified Bio Armor built into the shoulder and elbow.
The jacket fits small, almost like European size, so order a larger size when purchasing.
Alpinestars have really outdone themselves with the Viper V2.
PROS
- Built in armor at the elbows and shoulders
- Really detailed styling that’s also reflective
- Excellent ventilation properties
CONS
- It’s recommended to order a size larger than you normally need as the jacket runs a little smaller than expected
- The red color actually appears more orange than anything else
- Buyer is responsible for return shipping
Where To Buy
2. Joe Rocket – Velocity
Specification
| COLORS | BLUE, RED, GREY, BLACK, GREY/BLACK |
| FIT | SML – 3XL |
| MALE / FEMALE OPTIONS | MEN’S |
| MATERIAL | FreeAir MESH |
| PROTECTORS | Removable Dual Density spine pad High density rib padding |
The Joe Rocket Velocity Jacket was originally released in 2012. In 2017, Joe Rocket updated the jacket with new features like a heavy-duty Gore-Tex shell, a removable back pocket.
The manufacturer also upgraded the ventilation with mesh inserts, and some additional side zippered vents that were previously only on the side panels of the jacket.
This jacket is designed for real road use with some added protection for the elements in mind, whether that be road spray or summer rain. Joe Rocket also includes some hidden features like a removable liner and a waterproof pocket for all your valuables.
Protection comes from the removable dual density spine pad and high density rib padding. There are more protective pads available as an option.
The only thing we don’t like about the jacket is the zipper. It’s just a finicky piece of crap. It either works or it doesn’t.
Other than that, this is a waterproof jacket you would wear day after day, and won’t hesitate to use in extreme heat or rainy weather.
PROS
- Waterproof liner
- Nice styling
- The padding is not over bulky
CONS
- Some customers have complained of zipper problems. This may be a quality issue
- The jacket fit is ‘Hit or Miss’ for some customers
Where To Buy
3. Tourmaster – Sonora Air
Specification
| COLORS | BLACK |
| FIT | MED – 2XL |
| MALE / FEMALE OPTIONS | MEN’S |
| MATERIAL | Carbolex and Armor-Link mesh |
| PROTECTORS | CE-approved Armadillo shoulder and elbow armor triple-density back protector |
The Tourmaster Sonora Air Jacket is an excellent option for summer riding in particular, but it’s ideal for riding year-round in the most extreme weather conditions.
It has ventilation in the sleeve panels, the rear pocket, and the chest pocket for a stream of air to get to your skin to keep you cool. It also features Tourmaster’s ErgoFit shoulders and a wide, padded collar for added comfort.
The light material of the jacket and short length give it a fit that’s comfortable and flattering. The one thing that we wish was different is the length.
This jacket can run small, so you may need to order a size larger. The length can also be short. Still, this is a very nice jacket made by a very reliable company. Both men and women purchase this jacket. A Tourmaster: Always.
PROS
- Lined cuffs and collar are really comfortable
- Great reflective details, especially with the Tourmaster logo
- Excellent shoulder and back protection
CONS
- The length can be a bit smaller than expected, so you may need to order a larger size
- Same for the overall fit, you will probably need to order one size up
Where To Buy
4. Fly Racing Street Air Raid
Specification
| COLORS | BLACK |
| FIT | SML – 3XL |
| MALE / FEMALE OPTIONS | UNISEX |
| MATERIAL | Flux Air Mesh |
| PROTECTORS | CE Level 1 armor in the shoulders and elbows as well as a protective back pad |
The Street Air Raid is a black mesh jacket, with a wool lining, woven with polyester fiber. The material allows for breathability and lets heat escape while still providing great cooling and weather resistance.
The design is pretty nice. It has removable CE Level 1 armor in the shoulders and elbows. It also has expansion panels in the lower arms for more comfort. There’s also back padding, but it really doesn’t seem to do all that much in our opinion.
This is a heat-specific jacket, meaning you won’t want to wear it in cooler temperatures by itself. The jacket features 360 degree reflective panels which is really nice and safe for night riding.
PROS
- Comfortable waterproof liner that can be removed
- Arm adjusters help to keep the armor padding in place
- VELCRO waist and arm cuff adjustments
CONS
- Some customers have mentioned that the jacket material feels cheap, although we don’t think so
- A few purchasers feel the jacket is a bit short in the torso area
- Fit is ‘Hit or Miss’, you may need to order one size larger
Where To Buy
5. REV’IT! Tracer Air Overshirt
Specification
| COLORS | BLACK, BROWN/’BLUE, GREEN/BLUE |
| FIT | SML – 3XL |
| MALE / FEMALE OPTIONS | MALE |
| MATERIAL | PWR|mesh |
| PROTECTORS | SEESMART CE-level 1 protectors at the shoulders and elbows |
The REV’IT! Tracer Air Overshirt This modern motorcycle jacket that looks no different than a heavy duty shirt. It has all the normal armor protection, using the SEESMART CE-level 1 protectors at the shoulders and elbows.
Overshirt jackets have proven to be quite popular these days and this sleek and lightweight design is meant to match the look of your streetwear. The REV’IT features a fabric that is breathable yet highly sweat resistant.
The overshirt is quite cool to wear and comes in a nice range of colors. With this jacket on, you’ll have the perfect summer attire.
PROS
- Cool design, looks like a regular shirt with chest pockets and an inner pocket.
- Come in some nice styles
- Durable stitching, very good quality
CONS
- Liner is not removable
- Ventilation is OK but could be better
Where To Buy
Frequently Asked Questions
How to choose the best motorcycle jacket for summer and extreme heat?
How do you choose the best motorcycle jacket for summer and extreme heat? One of the first things you need to think about is what you’re going to be doing during your ride.
Do you like to go fast? Or do you just want to cruise around at a lower speed? Do you want to do some hill climbs? When the weather gets hot, you’ll need to go for a mesh jacket if traditional jackets are too uncomfortable.
Should I buy a motorcycle jacket for all seasons?
It’s really up to you if you feel you need to buy a motorcycle jacket for all seasons. Another important consideration to make when choosing a jacket for the summer heat is the range of weather conditions you’re likely to encounter.
Are you going to be riding in a tropical climate? Perhaps you’ll be riding on your local roads in the middle of summer.
As long as you take into account your regional weather, there’s nothing wrong with having a single do it all jacket. Personally, we would prefer to have separate jackets for warm weather and cooler seasons.
Conclusion
Thanks for reading this article where we reviewed the best motorcycle jacket for Summer and extreme heat. Our top pick for this round goes to the Alpinestars Viper V2 Air Jacket. We feel it offers the best of both worlds between mesh and traditional jackets while still having enough protection to keep you safe and cool.
