Summer riding offers the freedom of the open road without the constraints of cold weather, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Riding in high temperatures can quickly turn from exhilarating to exhausting if you’re not dressed appropriately.
To ride comfortably and remain safe in the heat, your gear needs to include cooling features while remaining protective, comfortable, and of course, stylish.
Why cooling motorcycle gear matters in summer
When temperatures soar the first instinct for many people is to start peeling layers off, but on a motorcycle that’s a dangerous choice. Exposed skin may feel cool at first, but it’s extremely vulnerable to risks like sunburn, impacts and abrasion. Instead, you want to opt for gear that’s lightweight and has airflow and cooling features, as well as being abrasion resistant and impact cushioning.
What summer motorcycle gear to buy
Knowing what motorcycle riding gear to buy for summer can be tricky at times, especially with all of the developments in protective technology. Here’s a guide to some of the key things to consider while shopping, to help you with your next purchase.
Protective riding jackets
No matter the time of year, knowing how to choose a quality riding jacket is important. For summer, the key is finding one that keeps air flowing but still protects you in a fall.
Jackets that feature mesh pockets or perforations are ideal as they allow for continuous airflow across your chest and armpits. Look for designs that include:
- CE approved armor protecting the elbows, shoulders and back
- Adjustable zippered vents to regulate airflow
- Lightweight textiles or reinforced mesh fabrics
An example of a jacket that ticks all these boxes is the Capo Cor 03, a black motorcycle shirt made of stretch Cordura combined with Coolmax technology. It features a Coolmax mesh lining, YKK ventilation zippers at the armpits, and comes with SAS-TEC TripleFlex CE Level 1 elbow and shoulder armor. Quatroflex CE Level 2 back armor comes as an optional extra that slides straight into the jacket’s back pocket.
Some jackets, like the Pando Moto Tatami 01 or Falcon Leather Aviator, feature removable liners which give you the flexibility to wear the jacket all year round. Even in summer, those liners can be worn in the early hours of the morning or at night, then be taken out as the temperature heats up.
Armored motorcycle jeans
Like the riding jacket, protective motorcycle jeans are one of the core items that should be part of every motorcyclist's wardrobe. The problem is, in hot weather, thick pants can feel heavy and trap heat against your skin. Instead, you want to choose single-layer protective jeans made from abrasion resistant materials.
When choosing the best motorcycle pants for summer riding, look for something that's light and allows for airflow. The riding jeans should have CE compatible armor pockets at the knees and hips, as well as ventilation zippers for enhanced airflow. At their core, the jeans should protect you while keeping comfort and breathability a top priority.
A good example of motorcycle jeans that do this well, are the Karldo Slim Black. Made with super-stretch Cordura combined with Coolmax technology, the jeans are CE approved as Level AA protection and feature SAS-TEC TripleFlex CE Level 1 armor at the hips and knees. There’s mesh details at the thighs and just below the knees which keep the air flowing, and the rider cool.
Cooling base layers
Some may question whether base layers are a must-have or fashion accessory, but when it comes to summer riding they are a great way to stay protected and cool.
Base layers for motorcycle riding are long-sleeve, lightweight and armored, made of abrasion and tear resistant materials. Pando Moto makes some that are well suited for summer riding, thanks to the use of Balistex. It’s a lightweight fabric that is 15x stronger than steel and has high heat conductivity, meaning the heat dissipates easily through the fabric, keeping the rider cool.
Among the Pando Moto range there are base layers for men and women. These are designed to go under other jackets or be worn by themselves in summer, with each piece being CE approved as performance Level AA or AAA protection. You can also team the base layers up with some casual wear over the top, knowing that the base layer will protect you in the event of an accident.
Breathable gloves
Gloves are non-negotiable out on the road, trust us, but you don’t need something that’s thick and insulated in summer. Instead, opt for short-cuff summer gloves that combine protection with ventilation, such as the Ivy gloves, made of 1mm goat skin leather.
These leather gloves feature CE-approved knuckle protectors, palm sliders for abrasion resistance and touchscreen compatible fingertips for convenience. The choice of leather thickness and small perforations keep your hands safe while allowing maximum airflow, which is crucial since hands are prone to overheating and sweating during long rides.
Riding boots with airflow
Heat doesn’t just build up in your torso or legs, it gets trapped around your feet too, and that doesn’t make for a comfortable ride.
When deciding what the best motorcycle shoes to wear are, let’s make something very clear from the start, don’t even consider using everyday sneakers. They might be lightweight and comfortable when it’s hot, but they offer zero foot protection in a slide. Instead, invest in riding boots that are fit for purpose.
Motorcycle boots that are best for summer end just above the ankles and feature perforations for air flow. They should still have non-slip soles, ankle protectors and be CE approved, like the stylish Apex motorcycle sneakers.
Maintenance and smart riding habits
Even the best gear won’t perform if it’s dirty, worn-out, or misused. As a rider you want to make sure you keep your gear clean and well-maintained, to keep it performing at its best.
Here’s a few things to consider when it comes to maintaining summer motorcycle gear.
- Wash regularly your gear regularly as sweat, dust, and debris can clog mesh and reduce airflow
- Check ventilation openings, making sure zippers and vents are functional and lubricated
- Condition leather to prevent cracking
- Replace damaged armor or worn stitching promptly
It’s also a good idea to wear sunscreen on exposed skin and adapt your riding routine by doing things like starting early before the heat sets in, taking breaks, and adjusting your route to avoid traffic jams.
What motorcycle gear to wear in summer
Bringing it all together, here’s a quick checklist of the essential motorcycle gear you want to be wearing during the summer, to ensure maximum comfort and protection.
- Ventilated riding jacket that draws heat and moisture away, or a Balistex base layer shirt
- Single-layer armored jeans or Balistex base layer pants
- Short-cuff gloves with perforations
- Riding boots with perforations
- Breathable helmet
- Motorcycle googles if the helmet doesn’t have a visor
- Cooling accessories like hydration packs and sunscreen
Each piece plays a role in keeping you cool, comfortable, and safe, which is exactly what’s needed for summer riding. Make sure each piece is CE certified, and as you shop look for guarantees which show the brand backs their products. A great example of this is the Pando Moto lifetime warranty, which covers gear damaged in a road accident for life.
Stay cool this summer
Summer riding doesn’t have to be a sweaty slog, because with the right gear you can stay cool without compromising safety. Having a blend of cooling features, protective materials and sensible inclusion means you can ride comfortably and safely this summer.