Ducati Monster Forum

Moto Board => Gear => Topic started by: hydra on June 21, 2008, 12:19:47 PM

Title: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: hydra on June 21, 2008, 12:19:47 PM
hey folks,

i've recently moved to the LA area and i'm originally from NYC and right now it's over 100 degrees. i'm staying with a good friend of mine in Canyon Country which is about 30 mi north of hollywood. i've been here to work on and off for the past 10 yrs but this is the first time i've been here for more than 2 mos....

it's been 90 to 100 degrees just about every day for the past 2 weeks and it hasn't even hit the height of summer. i've been riding in leathers and it's killing me. i dont like riding in jeans or w/o a protective jacket, etc.

what are you guys using for hot weather riding gear?
Title: Re: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: NAKID on June 21, 2008, 03:00:58 PM
Perf'd leather. That's what I wear in Phoenix. You should be fine in LA...
Title: Re: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: vwboomer on June 21, 2008, 03:19:47 PM
My Vanson jacket is very perf'd, but my FT suit flows pretty well at anything over 30mph. I was riding yesterday and it was between 85-92 in various places. Even in full leathers it wasn't too bad.
Perhaps moisture wicking undergarments would be a good addition too.

Around town at low speeds I might trust a mesh jacket, but I doubt I'd feel comfortable.
Title: Re: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: hydra on June 21, 2008, 03:20:09 PM
i don't know dude, i've got a 2 piece vanson that's perf'd and i still burn up. maybe there is no real "hot weather" gear.
i'm just wondering how much better the textile's are? maybe not much better
Title: Re: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: hydra on June 21, 2008, 03:21:52 PM
Quote from: vwboomer on June 21, 2008, 03:19:47 PM
My Vanson jacket is very perf'd, but my FT suit flows pretty well at anything over 30mph. I was riding yesterday and it was between 85-92 in various places. Even in full leathers it wasn't too bad.
Perhaps moisture wicking undergarments would be a good addition too.

Around town at low speeds I might trust a mesh jacket, but I doubt I'd feel comfortable.
yeah i use the "under armour" stuff which works great for wicking moisture. i was on the track at buttonwillow with 100 degree temps and they worked great.
Title: Re: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: DoubleEagle on June 21, 2008, 04:06:19 PM
I suffer w/ a real disease that I've seen 5 Doctors about over the past 4 years and none of them can tell me after all the blood work, stress tests, neurological evaluation ,etc. why my body rapidly heats up once the air temp gets above 70-75 degrees. If I try and stand in direct sunlight when the air temp. is 70 if there is not a 15 mph or more breeze blowing I will immediately start sweating profusely and exhibit signs of heat stroke. I don't ride when it is generally above 80 degrees. Once I get on the bike and take off I head for the hills and as long as I'm going faster than 45 mph that's enough to keep me cool enough by evaporation to not overheat. I  ride alone and generally only stop for gas and a long dring of water and I'm off again. With all the gear I wear , including a Dainese Safety Jacket under my Dainese perfed leathers I maybe already sweating heavy before I leave the house.

I wear Under Armor Heat Gear undershirts to try and wick away sweat as much as possible. If I were to break down out in the open I might likely die so riding for me is always a big risk in the warmmer months. I love to ride in the Spring and Fall here in Ohio when the temperature is in the low to mid 60s.

For me there is no such thing as cool hot weather gear.  One of the problems w/ leather, even perfed is it is almost always black. Black soaks up all the sunlight therefore it is going to be the hottest color you can wear. I recently bought a white perfed Dainese Santa Monica leather Jacket and that helps but if you want a light colored  pair of leather pants and you're a guy you will probably have to custom order them from someone like Dainese .Textile is cooler but not as safe.

I read where Honda maybe coming out w/ a Goldwing w/ A/C in 2010.
Title: Re: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: hyphen on June 21, 2008, 08:40:35 PM
Black Techniq perforated leather jacket.  I still sweat up a storm but once I get up to around 20mph it isn't so bad.  I'm looking into getting something a bit lighter too, 113 degree weather is no bueno.
Title: Re: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: NAKID on June 21, 2008, 11:00:14 PM
Quote from: DoubleEagle on June 21, 2008, 04:06:19 PM
I suffer w/ a real disease that I've seen 5 Doctors about over the past 4 years and none of them can tell me after all the blood work, stress tests, neurological evaluation ,etc.

I'm sure they've thought of this, but have you had a cat scan of your hypothalmus?
Title: Re: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: He Man on June 22, 2008, 07:56:01 AM
You could try the old put wet towel around your neck, see if that makes you more comfortable. i sweat at any temp above 70degrees too even if im just standing in the shade, but the heat stroke symptoms sounds like it kills the fun. :'(
Title: Re: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: Bizzarrini on June 22, 2008, 02:35:08 PM
This is how we roll!

(http://noshades.lutzkicksass.com/images/bikini-motorcycle.jpg)

Disclaimer: "Professional driver on a closed course. Do not attempt"
Title: Re: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: vwboomer on June 22, 2008, 03:14:15 PM
Quote from: Bizzarrini on June 22, 2008, 02:35:08 PM
This is how we roll!

(http://noshades.lutzkicksass.com/images/bikini-motorcycle.jpg)

Disclaimer: "Professional driver on a closed course. Do not attempt"

the problem with that is having to wash your passenger seat after every ride
Title: Re: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: sbrguy on June 22, 2008, 05:27:42 PM
Quote from: vwboomer on June 22, 2008, 03:14:15 PM
the problem with that is having to wash your passenger seat after every ride

and that is a problem how?

but seriously, i am in ventura county so i know the heat you talk about, i'm wearing the bmw venting machine suit with hip, knee,shoulder, elbow and back armor and while riding this weekend its like riding in an oven.  when the air temp is 100 even fi you are going 80mph you hve 100 degree heat at you at 80mph, tranlsation, you aren't finding any gear that is comfortable, you are sweating no matter what.  when you stop it gets worse.

honestly you just have to deal with it, either use perf leather or textile, the decision is up to you.  you are going go suffer either way.
Title: Re: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: jesse370 on June 22, 2008, 10:06:35 PM
Quote from: DoubleEagle on June 21, 2008, 04:06:19 PM
I suffer w/ a real disease that I've seen 5 Doctors about over the past 4 years and none of them can tell me after all the blood work, stress tests, neurological evaluation ,etc. why my body rapidly heats up once the air temp gets above 70-75 degrees. If I try and stand in direct sunlight when the air temp. is 70 if there is not a 15 mph or more breeze blowing I will immediately start sweating profusely and exhibit signs of heat stroke. I don't ride when it is generally above 80 degrees. Once I get on the bike and take off I head for the hills and as long as I'm going faster than 45 mph that's enough to keep me cool enough by evaporation to not overheat. I  ride alone and generally only stop for gas and a long dring of water and I'm off again. With all the gear I wear , including a Dainese Safety Jacket under my Dainese perfed leathers I maybe already sweating heavy before I leave the house.

I wear Under Armor Heat Gear undershirts to try and wick away sweat as much as possible. If I were to break down out in the open I might likely die so riding for me is always a big risk in the warmmer months. I love to ride in the Spring and Fall here in Ohio when the temperature is in the low to mid 60s.

For me there is no such thing as cool hot weather gear.  One of the problems w/ leather, even perfed is it is almost always black. Black soaks up all the sunlight therefore it is going to be the hottest color you can wear. I recently bought a white perfed Dainese Santa Monica leather Jacket and that helps but if you want a light colored  pair of leather pants and you're a guy you will probably have to custom order them from someone like Dainese .Textile is cooler but not as safe.

I read where Honda maybe coming out w/ a Goldwing w/ A/C in 2010.


what about that back brace thing bohn makes?
http://bohnarmor.com/catalog/proddetail.php?prod=KC28W

that MIGHT help you some, I know when it gets really hot I will drop ice cubes in the skin tight UA shirts I wear.
Title: Re: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: DucHead on June 23, 2008, 06:41:46 PM
Perf'ed leather.  It's routinely over 100°F here in NC too.
Title: Re: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: hydra on June 24, 2008, 12:25:33 AM
Quote from: jesse370 on June 22, 2008, 10:06:35 PM
what about that back brace thing bohn makes?
http://bohnarmor.com/catalog/proddetail.php?prod=KC28W

that MIGHT help you some, I know when it gets really hot I will drop ice cubes in the skin tight UA shirts I wear.
thanks for the link jesse! their stuff looks interesting. have you used any of their gear or know of anyone who likes it?
Title: Re: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: Grio on June 25, 2008, 09:46:14 AM
I usually just sweat it out, but when I can't stand it any longer:
Rev-it "air flow" gear.

I have the air force jacket.  Styling and fit is good, air flow is phenomenal, and the material is MUCH more abrasion resistant than other textiles.  Keep in mind, the textiles do not offer impact protection like leather does.  If I had an opportunity to buy hot weather gear again I would purchase a T-pro forcefield full upper (and lower) body armor and Rev-it outer garments, toss the Rev-it armor and wear the T-pro underneath.  I'd feel pretty well protected in that.

Also, look into some eveporative vests...or aerostich "evapadana".
It's hot and smoky here in the valley!
Title: Re: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: hydra on June 25, 2008, 05:09:53 PM
hey GG, thanks for the info. the Tpro stuff looks like some good quality gear. and the rev-it seems good too. that combo might just be the ticket. you might have to email me some pics though so i can really see, first hand, how good they fit... ;)

my bike's my main form of transport so i'd want some gear i can change in and out of easily or comfy enough that i can hangout  with them on. back east, i had the same problems in the summer time but we'd only have spurts of extreme heat...
Title: Re: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: Hank on June 26, 2008, 01:05:46 AM
Quote from: vwboomer on June 22, 2008, 03:14:15 PM
the problem with that is having to wash your passenger seat after every ride
Perhaps with my tongue.

Seriously though, your looking at something mesh if you really want something comfy in hot weather.  Its going to be about compromise.
Title: Re: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: Grio on June 26, 2008, 01:25:58 PM
Quote from: hydra on June 25, 2008, 05:09:53 PM

my bike's my main form of transport so i'd want some gear i can change in and out of easily or comfy enough that i can hangout  with them on. back east, i had the same problems in the summer time but we'd only have spurts of extreme heat...

If you go with an aerostitch roadcrafter suit you could be fairly well protected one minute and presto! all civi'd out the next.  They perform well for all season comfort.
Never wash the "body bag" unitl you have a crusty ol'road dog thing going on: that's street cred.
You could have one made with a custom pocket for your radar detector.  ;)


P.S.  Most folks 'round here know me as plain 'ol Grio
Title: Re: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: moto on June 26, 2008, 02:59:59 PM
I prefer the protection of fully perforated leathers over the mesh jackets.

I just bought a white Dainese Del Mar jacket that has a temperature control "bubble liner". On the road it has as much air flow as my Mesh jacket. I'm using a T pro back protector insert in it now--but I'm going to try a ventilated Dainese back protector next weekend to see if it makes a difference.

-M
Title: Re: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: Grio on June 26, 2008, 03:22:53 PM
Quote from: moto on June 26, 2008, 02:59:59 PM
I just bought a white Dainese Del Mar jacket that has a temperature control "bubble liner".

You're just mean, Moto...I'm sure that aren't making that cool stuff in my size.
Title: Re: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: hydra on June 26, 2008, 07:37:02 PM
QuoteP.S.  Most folks 'round here know me as plain 'ol Grio

ok Grio.
Title: Re: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: DoubleEagle on June 26, 2008, 10:13:46 PM
Quote from: NAKID on June 21, 2008, 11:00:14 PM
I'm sure they've thought of this, but have you had a cat scan of your hypothalmus?
[/quote                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                               

It's hard to say for sure . I've had so many CT scans. One theory that a couple of Doctors seem to lend creedence to is a reaction due to Meds I have to take. Trycyclics, Hypertensives, Migraine Prophylaxis, Arthritis Meds, & SSRIs.

I'll look into the Hypothalmus issue.
Title: Re: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: DoubleEagle on June 26, 2008, 10:17:21 PM
Quote from: He Man on June 22, 2008, 07:56:01 AM
You could try the old put wet towel around your neck, see if that makes you more comfortable. i sweat at any temp above 70degrees too even if im just standing in the shade, but the heat stroke symptoms sounds like it kills the fun. :'(
To a great extent it can and does . Sometimes I think that's one reason why I like to ride so fast. It keeps me much cooler .
Title: Re: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: DoubleEagle on June 26, 2008, 10:27:24 PM
Quote from: jesse370 on June 22, 2008, 10:06:35 PM
what about that back brace thing bohn makes?
http://bohnarmor.com/catalog/proddetail.php?prod=KC28W

that MIGHT help you some, I know when it gets really hot I will drop ice cubes in the skin tight UA shirts I wear.
One day I put those blue plastic blocks that you put in the freezer and then in a cooler , well I put a couple of them in a heating pad cover and put them in between my back and my BMW Back Protector. Kinda , sorta worked but only for my back . I need something for my head I think and then I would be ok.
Title: Re: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: DoubleEagle on June 26, 2008, 10:33:34 PM
Quote from: pompetta on June 23, 2008, 06:41:46 PM
Perf'ed leather.  It's routinely over 100°F here in NC too.
I wear Dainese Perfed leather Jackets and pants and Perfed Apine* SMX Plus Racing boots but my feet don't usually bother me much. Either a Shoei X-11 or Arai Corsair or Quamtum 2 Helmets generally and they vent very well.
Title: Re: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: hydra on June 26, 2008, 10:34:05 PM
hey doubleeagle, how's your ribs? aren't they still healing or are they better now?
Title: Re: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: DoubleEagle on June 26, 2008, 10:57:29 PM
Quote from: hydra on June 26, 2008, 10:34:05 PM
hey doubleeagle, how's your ribs? aren't they still healing or are they better now?

I'd say I'm about 85% of where I was before my crash and Thoracotamy. I still have pain when I do certain movements but less and less each day . I imagine that I will always have some discomfort . I only have about 1/2 the lung capacity that I used to . I don't know if that will change.

I got the ok from the Surgeon a week ago this past Wednesday to beable to ride. Thanks for asking Hydra. (I've ridden 3 times and I'm trying to ride slower and safer !)
Title: Re: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: DucPete on June 27, 2008, 05:15:15 AM
I was out on a ride a couple weeks ago into South Carolina and it was up to about 103.  Usually when it's going to be that hot I just wont ride.  But when i do I'll usually ditch my usual Vanson Perfed and go with a tex jacket with one of those moisture vests.  I was actually pretty surprised at how much it cooled me down when moving.  When stopped I started pouring sweat.  I'd wear it with the vanson, but I worry about the moisture and leather. 

Europeans generally wouldn't have quite the issue we have in the south east and south west US, with some exceptions of course.  What about the Aussies?  Especially those in Brisbane and north.  What do you guys wear in the summer?  er...  winter.  And how does Santa land on your roof when there's no snow and it's hot out?
Title: Re: help, it's too freakin hot! best gear for really hot weather
Post by: psycledelic on July 02, 2008, 06:36:25 AM
I have been really pleased with my Scorpion Cool Rod Jacket.  It's not leather, but is well padded and is pretty solid in the shoulder, elbow area.  All of the mesh is in the panels.  Fits really well and lets a lot of air through.