Is this a good setup for Summer riding?

[Dynamite]

I'm just now getting into motorcycles (Getting an 08 Ninja 250), but I plan on only riding it around the summer. Only places I'll generally be riding around is on college campus, so the speed limits are generally 25-35 mph. Since I'm planning on riding around during the hot summer in Oklahoma, I figured I'd go with Textile or even Mesh jackets. I planned on wearing just a t-shirt/shorts most of the time with some protective gear. What do you guys think of this set up?

I'm 99% sure I'll be getting these...

Shoei RF-1000 Helmet
Shoei RF-1000 Full Face Helmet - Artifact TC-2 - KneeDraggers.com

Icon TiMax 2 Textile Jacket
Icon Timax 2 Nylon Textile Jacket - Read Reviews and Buy at KneeDraggers.com
OR
Icon TiMax 2 Mesh Jacket
Icon Timax 2 Mesh Jacket - Read Reviews and Buy at KneeDraggers.com

Icon Ti-Max TRX Gloves Long
Icon Ti-Max TRX Gloves Long - Read Reviews and Buy at KneeDraggers.com

Icon Field Armor Boots
Icon Field Armor Boots - Read Reviews and Buy at KneeDraggers.com



Since I planned on wearing shorts over the summer, I felt it was necessary to get me some additional protection for when I do ride to class, home, etc. Some of the protection stuff is just extra, because I'm not too sure the textile/mesh would give me much impact protection.

Icon Field Armor Leg
Icon Field Armor Leg - Read Reviews and Buy at KneeDraggers.com

Icon Field Armor Vest
Icon Field Armor Vest - Read Reviews and Buy at KneeDraggers.com

Icon Field Armor Elbow
Icon Field Armor Elbow - Read Reviews and Buy at KneeDraggers.com

Icon Field Armor Shorts
Icon Field Armor Short - Read Reviews and Buy at KneeDraggers.com

Would all this give me good protection? I suppose I could always just suck it up and get some riding pants, but 100+ degree heat is killer.

[cmptrmn.1]

I NEVER wear shorts, tank tops or flip flops when riding. I ALWAYS wear my leather jacket, at least jeans, ankle high boots and helmet. You need to check out this http://www.kawasakimotorcycle.org/fo...op-update.html

[lilredridingliz]

+1 on the above. You are just asking for a fall and road rash—or worse—if you don't wear denim or canvas pants, at the least.

[Dynamite]

So... apparently those Icon Field Armor shorts don't work that well?

[Uthor]

Overpants should be cool enough for you. I have perforated leather pants that are fine in the heat, but you can't wear them over anything, so I wouldn't wear them to school or work. Overpants, either textile (which I would recomend) or mesh will work better because you can wear them over your shorts and just zip them off.

Unfortunately, I don't think Icon makes any overpants like that. You will have to go with a different brand and switch out the zipper to mate up with the Icon jacket, or just get another brand of jacket to match the pants.

[padrel]

Check out the Joe Rocket Alter Ego pants. They are great either alone or as overpants, but not sure yet how they'll do in hot weather.

I also like the Bohn Under armor pants. Fit under jeans and offer much better protection.

[ZeroPunch]

Hey Dynamite, Go to New Enough Motorcycle Apparel sells motorcycle jackets, pants and suits, boots, gloves, helmets, etc :: New Enough Motorcycle Apparel Check out their clearance section for mesh jackets and pants. Right now they have a good price on JR mesh jackets but they have others as well. Dress for the wreck not the beach.

[rogertech1]

It was recomended to me when I bought my bike, to get something layered for cool and warm weather riding. I bought field sheer with phoslite.Has an underlay for cold weather and is removeable for warm weather, and built in armor. Most of the time I remove the down trouser underlay. Still to be seen how it is in summer weather. On another note I used to work in nursing field, took care of too many bikers that wore shorts, or no protection.Bad stuff.

[stevend135]

I'd never wear shorts while riding wear atleast jeans if its hot, last summer I saw a guy on a cruiser with no shirt, no helmet and just some shorts and sandals on, he must be asking for road rash.

[ZrexRich]

As ZeroPunch metioned already, New Enough Motorcycle Apparel sells motorcycle jackets, pants and suits, boots, gloves, helmets, etc :: New Enough Motorcycle Apparel is a good place to shop online for gear. Another is Motorcycle Closeouts - Gearing up in 2008 . I would strongly advise against riding in shorts, even with the armour your considering. Mesh gear would is ok, but I would suggest a perferated leather (jacket) instead and at the vary least some jeans with Kevlar sewn in (such as draggin jeans). I was using FirstGear mesh tech pants, but when the pant leg melted after touching the muffler I considered what would happen when sliding on the pavement and started wearing draggin jeans when not wearing leathers.

[V2K_CCTX]

Originally Posted by Dynamite

So... apparently those Icon Field Armor shorts don't work that well?

Shorts ??? what part of exposed skin do you want painfully ground off into hamburger.............

[ervins]

Full gear all the time...When I get coffee I will wear jeans but will still wear a textile jacket...Really depends on the riding you are doing that day. For my commute in spring/ summer...Textile jacket and pants...Winter / fall I wear full leathers or leather jacket and textile pants. Aggressive rides...Full leathers only. I would never wear shorts on a ride or not wear gloves.