I'm out here in Hawaii and was thinking about getting a leather jacket (with vents of course) but not sure if i'm gonna sweat my b@llz off. The weather here is almost always 70+ degrees and humidity is about 60-80%. Usually just ride with a long-sleeved t-shirt but it gets a little chilly (for me at least) in the mornings and early evenings/nights.

Any opinions, pros/cons, are welcomed.

Main reason I was considering leather was for the protection. Second was I just always wanted a leather jacket to use on my FXDF.

Thanks in advance for the opinions and advice.

alohas.

 

Don't worry, a jacket won't change the temperature of your *****. Go for it.

 

Maybe a vest would be enough?

 

I'd suggest buying an uninsulated one.

 

I dont know what Hawaiian weather is like, but in Florida, leather is out of the question except in winter. even a leather vest is pushing it.

protection is one thing, but you have to factor in the possibility of heat stroke and dehydration if its that hot.

some times, i wear a cooldana (bandana that is made to be soaked and stay soaked) in the hot florida sun (can be bought at any walmart in the camping isle). they can be a god-send on some days

as for the leather? if its hot, its hot. you could always try a mesh jacket with armor in it, if you feel that you want protection

 

Where I live in VA it is often in the 40's in the morning when I ride to work(20 miles) and in the 80's on the way home. I wear my heavy leather jacket with the vents,sleeve zippers and front zipper open (partly) and have no problems. As I am in a rural area, I rarely have to stop in traffic etc. I have worn it on trips as far as 300 miles in August with no problems as long as I keep moving. It actually may help prevent dehydration as you don't have the wind across your body. I DO peel it off as soon as I stop. Just my 2 cents.

 

Were I live a leather jacket is nice to have,you can be in a t-shirt during the day and ride at night and it gets cool,being its lake country you can be rideing and go into the low lake area and have a 10-20* change...

 

A jean jacket might be better if you just need to take the chill off in the mornings and evenings. Not quite as tough as leather in a spill, but not bad either. They even make armored ones if you feel the need for such a thing.

 

Try this: http://power-trip.com/mens/mensjackets_intercooled.html Good mix of leather and mesh. When it's cool, you can wear a light jacket underneath. I have one of the earlier versions and pretty much swear by it.

Bill

PS: Web site's a little over the top, but the jacket is pretty good.

 

I would suggest you get a cheap one. I believe you can get one for like $150 or so. It may look like a cheap jacket, but as long as it's leather it's going to behave like any leather jacket. Use that for a season then see if you want to shell out $600 for a nice one.