• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
Motojustice Logo orange

MotoJustice Motorcycle Attorneys

  • About
    • Your Motorcycle Lawyer
    • About Jacque Touzet
  • Services
    • Types of Cases We Handle
    • Motorcycle Towing
    • Accident Reconstruction
  • Testimonials
  • Commercials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Show Search
Hide Search
Mesh motorcycle jackets on rack

Mesh Motorcycle Jacket Benefit Breakdown: Protect Yourself & Keep Cool

I was reading a 2007 NHTSA report for one of my cases, and the need to promote safety gear came to mind. In the study, they showed that within the test group, 52% of the drivers that were in accidents were only 5 miles from home when trouble found them. I thought this was an astounding percentage and seriously important for motorcycle riders to understand.

If you have been reading the V-Rod Chronicles, you know that I bought the bike from a guy that rode it very short distances, hence the low mileage and the cooling fan issues. The bike was almost 3 years old, but had really not been broken in. But that’s how many of us ride our motorcycles: quick rides around the neighborhood after work to unwind. Run to the store to grab a pack of cigarettes. Quick deposit at the bank? 

I say ‘us’ because I’m guilty of it too. If I’m doing a dedicated track day, or a sponsored ride, then we put on some miles. Honestly, the track shouldn’t count, since that is an ultra-controlled environment and most riders don’t have an ambulance waiting nearby if they wad up a bike on the road. If we do a longer “destination” style ride, well everyone is geared up and ready for anything. But what about that quick workout at the gym ¾ of a mile from the house? Why not hop on with shorts, muscle shirt and helmet only? What could go wrong? Well, take a look…..

So how do we prepare?

Well, we start with the helmet, since that single item can save your life.  But what about the other parts of ATGATT? The Motorcycle jacket is the next thing I beg riders to wear. I’m in South Louisiana and it’s hot as hell most of the year. But, I still make myself put on that jacket; even if it is over a gym shirt. If you look at my testimonials, you will read about Ryan N. and his run in with another driver. The other guy didn’t even stop and to make things worse, the cop that showed up gave him a ticket! He was lucky to be alive since his helmet hit the rear tire of the car that cut him off in traffic. Guess where he was going? The gym. He was wearing, shorts, t-shirt and running shoes, and the road rash was pretty horrific. He said the pain was intense, especially after it scabbed over. So, how can we protect ourselves and not pass out from heat exhaustion?

Mesh Motorcycle Jacket: The Goldilocks Gear

Get a summer riding jacket, and one that anticipates you sliding across pavement.  I am a big fan of Vanson jackets.  The Baja is pretty close to the old jacket I have and it has the mesh you need to keep from melting in the Louisiana summer.  I have a whole rack of jackets to pick from, but my go to jacket is a black mesh deal that allows air in easily but is tough enough to handle some major abuse. I tested it once when leaving a party with a little too much throttle and not a enough sense. It literally saved my hide!  Vanson products are made in the USA and they offer a ton of jackets to pick from.  I wish I lived in San Diego where the sun is always shining and the breeze is always cool.  Leather looks damn good on most of us.  But if you live in the deep south, skip the leather and look for breathability, such as a mesh motorcycle jacket.

Other manufacturers make great summer riding jackets and they don’t cost as much as a Vanson, but remember: you get what you pay for. Klim has quality jackets at a lower price point. The Marrakesh isn’t as heavy duty as Vanson’s Baja, but it’s still protective, breathable, and comfortable. The Marrakesh it made of a light and flexible material that is, as one reviewer put it, “Slightly stretchy to fit over my pale ale belly.” However, many reviewers mention that the jacket can be somewhat stiff until it is broken in.

If the Baja isn’t your speed and you want something with more flare than the the Marrakesh, perhaps the Helite Free-Air Mesh motorcycle jacket is what you’re looking for, if you’re willing to pay for it. This jacket is breathable, with a removable fleece liner for winter riding as well, and it’s most impressive feature: a built in airbag. The Heletite is a quality jacket, but it’s price point may make it out of budget for the average rider.

ATGATT & Comfort Go Hand in Hand

Remember: if it’s uncomfortable to wear, you will leave it on the hanger. So, shop around and find what fits you and what offers max protection with minimal sweat.  Fit is important since a large jacket will roll up on you if your slide for some distance. That won’t help you avoid scrubbing asphalt out of your skin while chewing on a #2 pencil.  That’s why most track riders ditch the 2 piece riding suits for one piece suits, those won’t roll up on you! 

I’ll be writing about gloves soon enough, but in the meantime, let’s pull on jackets before we head to the coffee shop.  Don’t be the rider that I see whipping through traffic with safety flip flops and muscle tank in place to save the day. As a dedicated motorcycle accident attorney, I have plenty of pictures that suggest that we suit up. Even if it’s just a quick ride around the block.

Published on:
August 26, 2021

Categories: Uncategorized

Explore more

Been in an accident? Call us anytime.
1-833-GOT-MOTO

Motojustice logo

Footer

Copyright © 2022 Moto Justice


  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
  • Home
  • About
  • Services
  • Louisiana Motorcycle Towing
  • Accident Reconstruction
  • Testimonials
  • Commercials
  • Blog
  • Contact
  • Privacy Policy
  • Sitemap
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
Cookie settingsACCEPT
Manage consent

Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary
Always Enabled
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
CookieDurationDescription
cookielawinfo-checbox-analytics11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checbox-functional11 monthsThe cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checbox-others11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance11 monthsThis cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy11 monthsThe cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytics
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
Others
Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet.
SAVE & ACCEPT