Although I'd love to ride in a short sleeve shirt and denim shorts, as a new biker that's probably not the best choice.  I'm just curious about what newer bikers use when it's hot outside.  Helmet is assumed of course...I'm using a full-face helmet now, although I like the 3/4 better (I may switch to a 3/4 after getting some more miles and experience under my belt.)

I've picked up some mesh riding pants (to go over whatever pants or shorts I'm already wearing) that have armor in the knees...they are surprisingly cool, but quite a pain to put on and take off (have to take the shoes off). I'm wishing there were some mesh chaps with the armor built into important areas.  In the summer, I'm usually in denim shorts, so something easy to put on/take off would be great, but I think leather chaps are going to be way too hot. Anyone know of some mesh chaps with body armor?

I've been using a leather jacket, but it's just too hot in this NC sun.    I'm trying to figure what riding jacket might be the best choice.  Something mesh that lets good airflow through.  I also think the elbow, shoulder, and forearm armor is an awefully good idea.  Just curious if anyone has any specific recommendations that are in a reasonable price range (like in $100 or less).

I'm using some close-fitting leather work gloves right now, but prob should think that over some too.

Cheers,
Dave

A ff helmet with the visor open will give just as much ventilation as a 3/4.  Unless you're using goggles.

Armored mesh jacket and pants will give you plenty of ventilation.

leather gloves and boots are mandatory as far as I'm concerned.

I'm in the exact same boat thinking about the same question.  I ALWAYS wear a FF helmet and will probably always will, not only for skull protection, but I've had decent sized moths hit my face mask at 60 mph and it makes quite a sound - I couldn't imagine taking the pain of that on my face while navigating a narrow country road with oncoming traffic.

I also always wear my black-and-white Tourmaster mesh jacket with the built-in armor, even if over just a t-shirt.  It's surprisingly cool when you're moving.

I feel the same way about mesh pants and have been thinking about leather or fabric chaps but just haven't found any I'm happy with for a reasonable price.  As it is, I wear my leg armor when it's under 75 but tend to just wear jeans when it hotter.

Good quality gloves are mandatory of course - your instincts will be to extend hands on a fall.

Dave Sisk wrote on 05/07/12 at 05:31:56:


Ankle protection.  Otherwise they could grind down to the radius of your foot and calf in a slide.

Scott McCrory wrote on 05/07/12 at 05:34:20:


Oh...uugh.  Guess I didn't think about that.  Boy, thanks for that mental picture...I think I'll look for some boots too.

Dave

Perhaps spat (half) chaps would be a decent option?

http://www.coloradochaps.com/motorcycle_spats.html

Easy to get on and off, and much better than nothing, but alas they don't cover one's arse or hip bones.

I don't care how hot it is out , I always wear my Bell Star FF helmet, my Icon mesh jacket with armor, and my Alpinestars Scheme armored gloves. By the way, I just picked up those Alpinestars Scheme gloves- they are really nice- fully armored with kevlar and plastic but very lightweight and they breath very well in summer.

Dave,
New rider here and want all the protection I can get. Watch the sales on-line. I picked up a Fieldsheer armor mesh jacket in hi-viz yellow, Fieldsheer mesh armor pants, and a Bell full face helmet for about $275 total. Nobody sells motorcycle boots in my size, 13 AAA. Found an Army surplus site and got a pair of hot weather desert tan boots in my size for $14 bucks. Had all the gear on a 70 mile ride yesterday, about 85 and humid and no problems at all.