Wear an old unlined Brooks leather most all the time,unless it's just bitchin hot.
I wear it for the protection!

 

If you are going to wear leather in the Texas heat for protection--drink plenty of liquids. I don't have the statistics to prove anything but I bet more people in Texas suffer from heat related illness's then road rash. I am content with no sleeves and sun screen but I also keep my *** and other parts off of the pavement.

 

I do the stop-n-go city commute all summer and mesh is my answer. I have a vented jacket too, but for the hot days I prefer the all mesh (w/ armor).

 

I have a perforated leather jacket, and when it's real hot I use a hydration vest underneath.

 

Too much stop and go traffic around here for full leather. Must say that I wear a vest in hot weather for that reasons. I have been down before and have the scars already on my arms.

 

Perforated leather can be fairly cool but not as cool as mesh gear. Cheap mesh gear sucks for protection though (avoid joe rocket, tourmaster, first gear etc). Make sure you get ballistic nylon or better yet Cordura with mesh. Any jacket that costs less than $200MSRP probably is polyester. Recommend Olympia, Rev'It, Vanison.

 

The DOT 1/2 helmets are stupid huge and bulky. Most cops here don't really frown on the novelty helmets on HD riders. They usually stop you if your doing something else stupid like unsafe passing or outrageous speeding. they offer little protection if you go down, but better than head on pavement. maybe why some in your area where them.

 

it doesn't match the "Harley Look" but Dianese makes a VERY comfy mesh jacket... but it is stupid pricey.

 

The cops may not do anything, but the insurance companies may not want to pay off if not using a DOT helmet and involved in a crash.

 

What he said.There is no was in hadies I'd be wearing any kind of jacket in the blistering heat of summer here.Bring plenty of gatorade & drink it between stops or you'll end up like a piece of beef jerky!