Hot Weather Gear recommendations

[JPS]

Hi, I recently moved to sunny Arizona, and wonder if anyone who is hot weather savvy can make some recommendations as far as helmets, jacket, boots that work best in this heat.

I haven't biked in years, but expect to have a Gen 1 Venture Royale very soon, and have no gear as of yet.

 

I'm especially concerned about helmets that won't toast the old noggin. I'm hoping to find something that protects well, but allows some cool air to pass through. I'd also like to wire the helmets to work off the intercom/radio system.

 

Although leather looks great, not sure if it is the best answer for warm weather. Experienced comments would be helpful.

 

Lastly, does anyone know where to find reasonably priced riding gear in the Phoenix area?

 

Thanks in advance for all your help!

Joe in Chandler

[muffinman]

Look at the Gmax helmets they have a great venting system as far as the other questions I cant help you.Sorry only use leather in the winter here in N.C..

Welcome to the site.

Jeff

[hig4s]

Light colors help. I wear a Shoei RF1000 full face all the time and just live with the heat.. I do have a vented windshield and I only put the visor down on the helmet if it is raining or cold out.

 

Jacket I wear a TourMaster Intake,, mesh with removable rain and insulated liners.

 

Boots, not a clue, I have two pair, one tall water proof and one just over the ankle, but both are black and which ever foot is facing the direction of the sun, the top of it is always roasting.

[rosebud]

We picked up OSI cool mesh jackets for summer riding here in Tulsa this year. They too have an waterproof insulated liner, but the air flow through the mesh has made riding a whole lot more comfortable.

 

Helmets - we wear 3/4 HJC white helmets with a flip shield, and have found on the really hot sunny days that a dew rag under the helmet helps keep are heads cooler.

[JPS]

Thanks for the tips. Wifey and I went out last week and bought some nice mesh jackets (Frank Howard) with removable liners, on sale on spec we'd get the bike soon. Should pick up the bike tomorrow, a '90 Royale with 48K miles, in really nice shape. Rode it last night and it runs like a dream, but man, it's heavy! Gonna take some getting used to.. I'm going to take a course and bring the rusty skills up to speed.

 

Cheers,

Joe

[eazyduzzit]

The only jacket I've been able to wear comfortably in hot weather is a denim jacket from Levi's. My wife won't ride without a jacket on and she actually got sick from the heat while wearing a leather jacket.

[JPS]

I've found the same. Denim breathes well. We picked up some nice Frank Howard Mesh jackets with removable liner. The weather is starting to turn now, so I think we'll get some use out of them soon. If you live in the Phoenix area, I can't say enough good things about Boot Barn.. wow, they had lot of styles and types of boots. My wife and I had no problem finding great fitting boots. Okay, they were Harley Davidson boots, but I'm not a snob when it comes to boots. Wife had to go to a Shoei 3/4 helmet for comfort, while I found a Zox Genesis flip up with built in flip up sun visor to be the right choice.

 

By the way, I'm loving our First Gen Venture. What a great bike!

 

Ride Safe!

Joe

[sarges46]

I know this is too late, but for later consideration regarding gear you should have a peak at www.newenough.com

 

They sell new old stock at bargain basement prices. Many of us have bought stuff from them. As long as you dont feel the need to have the most current up to date model then this is the place. They do sell the new stuff as well if you want.

 

The best deals I have gotten have been found in the bargain basement and clearout sections of their site. They are great to deal with as well.

 

You cant go wrong giving their site a look at.