Best Motorcycle Jacket for Summer and Extreme Heat in 2023 (Reviews and Comparison)

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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
Alpinestars Men's Viper V2 Air Motorcycle Jacket, Black/White, X-Large 1. Alpinestars Viper V2 Air
  • Built in armor at the elbows and shoulders
  • Really detailed styling that’s also reflective
  • Excellent ventilation properties
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Joe Rocket 1254-0605 Men's Velocity Mesh Motorcycle Jacket (Grey, X-Large) 2. Joe Rocket – Velocity
  • Waterproof liner
  • Nice styling
  • The padding is not over bulky
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TourMaster Men's Sonora Air 2.0 Jacket (Black, Tall Large) 3. Tourmaster – Sonora Air
  • Lined cuffs and collar are really comfortable
  • Great reflective details, especially with the Tourmaster logo
  • Excellent shoulder and back protection
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FLY Racing Flux Air Mesh Jacket, Motorcycle Jacket for Men and Women (BLACK, X-Large) 4. Fly Racing Street Air Raid
  • Comfortable waterproof liner that can be removed
  • Arm adjusters help to keep the armor padding in place
  • VELCRO waist and arm cuff adjustments
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Revit Overshirt Tracer Air Motorcycle Jacket Black XL 5. REV’IT! Tracer Air Overshirt
  • Cool design, looks like a regular shirt with chest pockets and an inner pocket.
  • Come in some nice styles
  • Durable stitching, very good quality
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1. Alpinestars Viper V2 Air

Alpinestars Men's Viper V2 Air Motorcycle Jacket, Black/White, X-Large

Specification

COLORSBLACK/RED, BLACK/WHT, BLACK/RED/WHT
FITSML – 3XL
MALE / FEMALE OPTIONSMEN’S
MATERIALMESH
PROTECTORSLevel 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

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Joe Rocket 1254-0605 Men's Velocity Mesh Motorcycle Jacket (Grey, X-Large)

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Joe Rocket 1254-0605 Men's Velocity Mesh Motorcycle Jacket (Grey, X-Large)

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Joe Rocket 1254-0605 Men's Velocity Mesh Motorcycle Jacket (Grey, X-Large)

Specification

COLORSBLUE, RED, GREY, BLACK, GREY/BLACK
FITSML – 3XL
MALE / FEMALE OPTIONSMEN’S
MATERIALFreeAir MESH
PROTECTORSRemovable 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

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TourMaster Men's Sonora Air 2.0 Jacket (Black, Tall Large)

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TourMaster Men's Sonora Air 2.0 Jacket (Black, Tall Large)

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TourMaster Men's Sonora Air 2.0 Jacket (Black, Tall Large)

Specification

COLORSBLACK
FITMED – 2XL
MALE / FEMALE OPTIONSMEN’S
MATERIALCarbolex and Armor-Link mesh
PROTECTORSCE-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

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FLY Racing Flux Air Mesh Jacket, Motorcycle Jacket for Men and Women (BLACK, X-Large)

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FLY Racing Flux Air Mesh Jacket, Motorcycle Jacket for Men and Women (BLACK, X-Large)

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FLY Racing Flux Air Mesh Jacket, Motorcycle Jacket for Men and Women (BLACK, X-Large)

Specification

COLORSBLACK
FITSML – 3XL
MALE / FEMALE OPTIONSUNISEX
MATERIALFlux Air Mesh
PROTECTORSCE 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

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Revit Overshirt Tracer Air Motorcycle Jacket Black XL

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Revit Overshirt Tracer Air Motorcycle Jacket Black XL

Specification

COLORSBLACK, BROWN/’BLUE, GREEN/BLUE
FITSML – 3XL
MALE / FEMALE OPTIONSMALE
MATERIALPWR|mesh
PROTECTORSSEESMART 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.

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