If you ask almost any rider, they’ll tell you there’s nothing better than a comfortable cruise on a bright day, cutting through the summer breeze.
If they’re an experienced rider, they might also tell you that’s summertime cruising isn’t all sunshine and roses. If you’re heading out on a summer tour or even just on some quick errands, during this season, you’d better be equally prepared for stifling oftentimes heat and sudden downpours. This, of course, means having the right jacket to help protect you from the elements.
Check out what you should consider in any search for the best summer motorcycle jacket—and find some of our top jacket options to consider—in this quick guide to an essential part of any rider’s wardrobe.
In the world of riding, the approval of other riders goes a long way. These summer motorcycle jackets are our best and most popular according to real riders. Explore the options below to discover what makes these the best warm-weather riding jackets.
When it comes to breathability, these summer jacket options can’t be beat. Keep things breezy and comfortable even as things heat up—way up—during the summer months with the help of our most breathable motorcycle jackets for hot weather.
Although some of them may have the look and feel of a casual shirt-jacket, all of our best mesh jackets mean business when it comes to features fit for summer weather. Without sacrificing durability or tip-top slide and abrasion resistance, smaller-hole mesh materials can help you stay cool all summer.
Feel the summer breeze even better in one of our best men’s and women’s motorcycle vests. Since vests don’t have sleeves, they offer less coverage but more breathability compared to a jacket. Show off the iconic Bar & Shield in a rugged and versatile leather vest—or stay ultra-cool with the help of a cooling vest that can be layered beneath your jacket of choice.
While dressing for a ride throughout the rest of the year is mostly about withstanding winds and wet conditions, one aspect of summer motorcycle jackets stands out in its importance: breathability.
When the outside temperatures soar and the sun bakes the blacktop beneath you, you’ll need a jacket that’s lightweight and lets your body get some air. So, you need a jacket made from the right materials to enhance breathability.
What are the right materials for the summer months? Lightweight leather options offer classic style in a manner that suits the warm season. Riders who opt for a leather motorcycle jacket can still enjoy the timeless look (not to mention protection) afforded by high-quality leather, and modern features like advanced ventilation systems and moisture-wicking liners can help them stay cool.
Aside from leather, many of the best and most popular summer riding jackets utilize textile and mesh materials that feature top-notch breathability and versatility. Thanks to layered liners that can be added or subtracted (along with optional body armor for extra protection) these jackets can be adapted to changes in the weather—and be kept around even after a change in the season. Many of these jackets also feature reflective elements, such as 3M Reflective piping, to help increase visibility when you’re still out on the roads on warm summer nights.
$50 USD / $50 CAD Offer Code valid at participating U.S. & Canadian H-D Dealers towards the purchase of Genuine H-D Parts & Accessories.
The private promotional offer is valid for the customer named in this offer only and is non-transferable except to the spouse, domestic partner or child living within the same household and at the same residential address as the customer named in the offer. Offer valid on the purchase of Genuine H-D Parts & Accessories and General Merchandise only made on or between August 15, 2022 through September 30, 2022 (the “Promotion Period”) at a H-D dealership.
The $50 USD / $50 CAD offer code cannot be used towards the down payment on a motorcycle, must be used by September 30, 2022, and is not available to be applied on previous purchases, future motorcycle orders, or deposits outside of the Sales Period. Limit one $50 USD / $50 CAD offer code per 2021 or 2022 Harley-Davidson motorcycle purchased at authorized Harley-Davidson dealerships. It is single use only. Harley-Davidson and/or dealer are not responsible for lost or stolen offer codes. Offer is subject to change by Harley-Davidson at any time without notice. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Cannot be redeemed for cash or cash equivalent and is non-refundable.
Promotion expires September 30, 2022.
DEALER: Review the P&A Offer Code landing page on H-Dnet for the promotion terms and conditions.