Best Summer Motorcycle Jacket

A motorcycle jacket, all by itself, is a very important piece of riding gear for any serious rider. The struggle is finding a jacket that provides the protection and ventilation you need without cooking you alive inside it.

There are tons of excellent choices for three-season jackets with a plethora of inserts and extras. But finding that summer jacket could be the answer you’ve been looking for to create the perfect year-round riding experience.


Best Summer Riding Jacket for Hot Weather

It’s important to find a summer motorcycle jacket that offers everything you need all in one piece that fits your budget. If you regularly travel long distances, your needs might be different than if you’re only going across town or back and forth from work. A combination of fitment, ventilation, pockets, and other elements can come together to create a jacket that’s likely to quickly become your favorite.


Top 5 Summer Motorcycle Jackets List March 2021

Here is the list of the best summer motorcycle jackets to keep you cool when the hot weather arrives.

  • Dainese Super Speed Textile Jacket – Best Hot Weather Motorcycle Jacket
  • Speed and Strength Midnight Express Jacket – Best Mesh Summer Motorcycle Jacket
  • Alpinestars T-GP Plus R v2 Air Jacket
  • Fly Racing Street Flux Air Jacket
  • REV’IT! Airwave 3 Jacket

All of these are excellent choices for a lightweight summer motorcycle jacket, but I’ll offer my thoughts on each.


Dainese Super Speed Textile Jacket Review

perforated leather motorcycle jacket You can see many of the ergonomic features in this Dainese Super Speed Textile jacket long before you ever put it on. It’s a textile and mesh combo that means summer riding is going to be more comfortable than ever. You also get CE protection in a fit that is sporty and functional. Aluminum shoulder sliders, elbow and shoulder armor, and elastic inserts are going to offer protection in the snug fit you will experience. If things get too hot, you can rest assured this is the jacket to keep you cool while riding.

Pros Include:

  • Boomerang and duratex fabrics
  • Waist, neck, and wrist adjustments for the perfect fit
  • Fastening system that brings both trousers and jacket together

Cons Include:

  • Stitching on the sleeve loops are faulty
  • Waterproof pocket is hard to maneuver with gloved hands
  • The material at the neck is very uncomfortable

Speed and Strength Midnight Express Jacket Review

light motorcycle jacket For maximum breathability in a summer jacket, the Speed and Strength Midnight Express really brings a lot to the table. It’s an update to their Under the Radar jacket that incorporates a lot of the newer materials. Elbows and shoulders are reinforced while the brunt of the body features a looser mesh that gives you excellent ventilation for your core. For protection, the CE rated armor is more flexible, giving you a more comfortable fit. It even includes a belt loop attachment for adding riding pants so you’re not missing a thing when you take off on your next adventure.

Pros Include:

  • AR frame that is very stretchy
  • CE approved elbow, spine, and shoulder protectors that are removable
  • Reflective panels for safer night riding

Cons Include:

  • Could use a few more pockets, especially on the inside
  • More mesh means less durability for the long haul
  • Plastic zipper

Alpinestars T-GP Plus R v2 Air Jacket Review

summer motorcycle gear With sleek, refined features that are reminiscent of the race track, the Alpinestars T-GP Plus R v2 Air Jacket is a good looking way to hit the road. With both textile and mesh integration, this jacket is comfortably lightweight for street riding, but it offers plenty of functionality at the very same time. While mesh is often considered a less durable jacket material, this one provides excellent abrasion resistance as well as shoulder protection via an over-molded TPU guard that’s built into the outer fabric itself.

Pros Include:

  • Extended arm and core mesh panels
  • Pre-curved sleeve with a sport fit for less fatigue and more comfort
  • Plenty of inner pocket space with Velcro fasteners

Cons Include:

  • In more extreme temperatures, the jacket can be hot
  • Not enough airflow in the torso area
  • No waterproof protection or added liners at all

REV’IT! Airwave 3 Jacket Review

motorcycle jackets with armor If you’re looking for versatility in a summer motorcycle jacket, this could be the one for you. It’s durable, strong, and comfortable, all at the same time, and still manages to keep you cool too. Constructed of rugged materials all around, the chest and back feature reflection panels for riding at night. With a regular tour fit, you’ll find straps at the hips, collar, cuffs, and arms for excellent adjustability. Vent panels are located in the sleeves and in the back and chest areas. The short connection zipper and loops for jeans are a nice touch as well. The jacket features excellent airflow and can be used, with layering, into the early fall.

Pros Include:

  • Inner pockets and slit pockets
  • Back protector and added armor for safety and durability
  • True to fit

Cons Include:

  • The collar is rough and uncomfortable
  • No connectors for the Hi-Viz vests
  • External pocket openings are not efficient

Fly Racing Street Flux Air Jacket Review

lightweight protectice motorcycle jacket For the money, you can’t go wrong with the Fly Racing Street Flux Air Jacket. It’s a lightweight motorcycle jacket that keeps you cool in the heat, just like a summer motorcycle jacket should do because it features a large amount of mesh body material. It also has a liner that is removable, as well as wind and water-resistant for great riding no matter what mother nature tries to dish out. It features a fitment specifically designed to the anatomically correct riding position with PE formed armor in the elbows, shoulders, and back. Remember to step down one full size from your regular size to get a good fit.

Pros Includes:

  • Side expanders that are full length for great custom fitment
  • Both hand and chest pockets throughout
  • Wrist cuff is closed with a zip and security snap

Cons Include:

  • Doesn’t offer needed protection
  • The inner liner is scratchy and uncomfortable
  • Zippers are cheaply made and can fall apart

My Pick for Best Summer Motorcycle Jacket

The Dainese Super Speed Textile jacket is a winner here today. For race inspired jackets, it has nice aluminum shoulder sliders, boomerang mesh in the arms, and three season mesh in the front. Having the liner inside for in-between seasons really makes a difference. Plenty of stretch panels make it one of the most comfortable riding jackets as well, in addition to being just as protective as you need it to be.

A 360-degree zipper is great for attaching a pair of racing pants, so you can truly suit up before heading out. It’s great, too, to have the two outside pockets, and one internal pocket, for just enough storage for the important things. And you don’t have to worry about not being seen at night, as you’ll have reflective inserts to light things up a bit.