If you read the regulation, Army Regulation 190–5, OPNAV 11200.5D, AFI 31-218(I), MCO 5110.1D, DLAR 5720.1 no matter what branch of service, and all DoD civilians states:
c. All soldiers, DA civilians in a duty status, and all persons on a DA installation, must properly wear the personal protective equipment (PPE) listed below while operating or riding a motorcycle, (DODI 6055.4, paragraph E3.2.7.1). Army requirements reflect the DOD requirements discussed below except where differences are noted, (AR 385-55, Appendix B, paragraph B-3).
(1) A motorcycle helmet that meets standards established by the U.S Department of Transportation. The helmet must be fastened under the chin.
(2) Impact or shatter resistant goggles or full-faced shield properly attached to the helmet.
(3) Sturdy footwear. The Army specifically requires the wear of leather boots or over-the-ankle shoes, (AR 385-55, Appendix B, paragraph B-3e).
(4) Long sleeved shirt or jacket, long trousers, and full-fingered gloves or mittens designed for use on a motorcycle.
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(5) A brightly colored outer upper garment during the day and a reflective upper garment during the night.

So the reflective vest is only at night, as long as your long sleeve shirt is "bright". I know how commands can get, and for safety I would wear an armored mesh. With this heat I just wear my uniform with a Icon vest, or long sleeves with a vest.

 

I recently started wearing an Under Armour Heat Gear Tech long sleeve tee ($24.99). It is much cooler than cotton. Perforated leather gloves are not too bad. I still wear cotton jeans and western boots. It's hot now unless you're moving fast no matter what you wear. As for your reflective vest, I have seen some that are mesh.

 

Thanks for all the inputs............I take it the concensus don't wear riding gear then. Jeans and long sleeve moisture wicking shirts seem to be the theme.

 

I wear a Tour Master Intake jacket, it's a mesh with armor plus rain and warmth liners. I'm in Florida and I wear it all summer to/from work. Too many idiots on the road and 2 small children. I want to be as safe as possible.

As for pants, I use First Gear HT Overpants. They're nice because they are lined, so you can wear shorts under them if you want. They breath pretty well and work in the rain. I'd like to buy their mesh pants though.

 

Harley Charley,

Review some of the posts above like Jimmer's here...

With respect, I was stationed in DC from 2003-2008. Like jimmers1817 I wore a Joe Rocket mesh jacket with armor. They're excellent for the weather, but they provide decent coverage in case of falls. I also wore a full-face helmet, and found it cooler in the hottest weather than the half helmets - mine was a Shoei.

At least four other guys in the thread also mentioned that they wear mesh jackets with armor.

Concensus is where you find it. You can wear decent protective gear and still be cool. The armored mesh jackets provide a pretty good compromise. Joe Rocket isn't the only one, but they make a quality product.

Enjoy riding in the DC area. Try heading out to Skyline Drive in the Shenendoah Valley.

Doc

 

+1 On the Heat Gear. Try a pair of Heat gear shorts under your jeans they will make your seat fell much better as well.

 

Mesh jacket and armor here too... Not sure about pants yet though. For now it will just be jeans, but I need to get something to offer more protection. I am new to Harley's, I come from sport bikes and I mostly just wore jeans a leather jacket on that for general commuting and then when we really went riding I was in full leather.

I am older now and more cautious and like Phrogman I have 2 small kids and want to be around as long as I can. Just have not made up my mind what I like as far as pants go. What do you guys like?? I was getting ready to start a thread about it, but thought I would ask here...

Phil

 

Fieldsheer Mesh Jacket with armor.

I'd look into getting a mesh jacket with Ballistic Nylon (I believe that is the name of it) and armor. A friend of mine has one. I think it is manufactured by Vanson.

 

I recently bought a HD mesh jacket for hot weather. Works great and I have armor pads on order.

 

I were a Vanson perforated leather jacket, Fox Creek leather chaps, Arai Astral-X, HD Gortex boots and the HD reflective vest. I only get really warm when I stop. I also ar Under Armour underwear and typically an Under Armour heat gear t-shirt. I grew up in DC and the weather does not really bother me. (I only change my jacket from season to season.)

(I am at Belvoir.)