Modern Vespa

Can anyone recommend somewhere on the web where I can find good riding jackets?

Also, can anyone recommend something that is strong material but still somewhat breathable for the 90+ summer heat?

I never used to wear a riding jacket when I was younger and rode around on Vespas in Italy and scooters in the US, but now that I am a little older I'd like to protect more body parts than just the head.

Thanks.

I love Olympia products
http://www.olympiamotosports.com/home.html

I have the Airglide jacket and used it all summer without a problem. Had the liner in this morning for 42 F (feels like 34) and it was toasty.

If you want something less "motorcycle" looking I'd say look at Corazzo
http://corazzo.net/?q=node/112

Unbiased reviews, I believe, more than you can read:

http://www.webbikeworld.com/Motorcycle-clothing/Motorcycle-clothing.htm

My wife has a Corazzo 5.0 and loves it.

I bought my wife a 5.0 Corazzo, fits great and she loves it. Outstanding costumer service.

Look at newenough.com in their closeouts. They have some really good deals. They have a Teknic Supervent mesh that retails for $150 cut to $50 if you can use a size and color that's still available. I got one when they were $60 and love it. They also have a Teknic Inferno leather that retails for $300 cut to $99. I got one of them just a couple weeks ago and like it, too.

i love my corazzo!

For 90+ summer heat - plus the ability to add a liner for both warmth and water resistance - I have to second the suggestion of the Olympia Airglide (plus the mesh riding pants, if you're so inclined.) I wore my Airglide in 100+ heat around Paso Robles in July, plus with the liner on cold, foggy Hwy 1. For warm weather it is much more comfortable than the Corazzo 5.0 - which I also own - in my opinion.

I also use newenough.com. I bought a Joe Rocket leather jacket with armour on closeout for about $119. I saw the identical jacket today in my local dealer's shop on sale for $279.99!

Best jacket I've ever had is at Target. If you go to their weekly ad
http://weeklyad.target.com/target/default.aspx?action=entryflash&ref=nav%5Fweeklyad

It's on page 22-23. It's $29 and is not armor plated. However, it is windproof. I can attest to that, it was like 35˚F this morning and the wind did not get through. It is not vented and is not comfortable in the summer.

It is the blue one in the ad, but they have black, grey and brown. I got a grey one. I look so cool.

However, it is only $29. I have neanderthal arms and this jacket is long enough to cover them, but short waisted so I don't sit on it. For $29, I ask you...how can you go wrong? Unless you're looking for armor.

Ordered my Corazzo 5.0 yesterday, just received conformation it shipped today!
Probably will still be in the 80's here when it arrives. Can't wait!

Cheers

Rob

I have one of these: Fieldsheer Johnny Cool Mesh Jacket

http://www.compacc.com/prod.cfm/cid/1001001/pid/16555

It's very comfortable. The snaps on the sleeves keep the armor in place. It did a good job of protecting me in a crash.

It also comes in red.

I have the tourmaster Draft mesh, its kept me cool while riding in 107 degree weather, plus its only $100.00 at Burts Mega Motorcycle Mall.

I second New Enough.
For summer, Cortech GX-air ( fabulous sale last season at New Enough. ) I have the bright yellow. The armor is first-rate. It's one of those where I can't wait to put it on in the morning.
I don't bother with the liner. For me, I prefer a special jacket for each season, so the summer jacket is just that. If I were touring Texas to Edmonton in late spring, I'd go mesh with the liner so I'd only have to carry one jacket.
The beauty of New Enough discounts is the chance to try out various manufacturers and styles. Now that I know the GX-Air, I'd pay retail for it.

Mid-season touring or freeway commuting, I go with the Aerostich, the class of the class. Kevlar and CE armor.

For winter, I pull out the 3/4 length Kilimanjaro with a full liner.

If I'm riding to San Francisco for a meeting or just want to look decent, I go with the Hein Gericke Leather. The armor isn't so good, but it has a very wide range of temps. Hard to beat leather.

BTW, in search of decent summer pants I stumbled onto Olympia. This is some seriously well-designed stuff. The pants have a six-inch zipper-free hem that can be taken up for short people like me.

For hot weather (pretty rare where I live in the SF bay area) I have a Dainese mesh jacket, which has elbow and shoulder armor, plus a pocket for a back protector. On cool mornings when it's likely to be hot later on, I wear a wind-block layer underneath.

Now, a mesh jacket will never protect you as well as leather, but if it is a case of wearing mesh vs. nothing because the weather's too hot...

It seems like 50% of scooter riders in my area are wearing Corazzo's 5.0, understandably, because they make a great product. A scooter-centric company. I have the Corazzo Max. I love it. Looks great, super high quality fabrics and reflection, huge pit zips to let air in when it gets warm, an very good water resistance. I wear mine with a North Face or Burton mid-layer to keep me warm down to 30 degrees, and then wear it comfortably (more or less depending on the humidity here in O-hi-o) in the 80's in summer. I've gotten many compliments, even from non riders, on it's styling--which is just icing on the cake.

The Corazzo Speedway has a mesh stripe and zippered underarms for warm weather riding. For the cooler weather (33-34F) I use windproof liner (from a Joe Rocket mesh jacket) and a down vest in mine. I'm kinda torn on buying a 5.0 for cold weather riding, but so far the mesh Speedway has been fine.
If you get a chance, try them on before you buy; you never know if you're going to like it if you don't.

Corazzo Speedway vs 5.0 Fit
BIG LOVE FOR MY NEW CORRAZO SPEEDWAY
Corazzo- Men's Speedway Jacket
Corazzo Speedway Mesh Review (It's All Good)
https://modernvespa.com/forum/topic21754?highlight=speedway#295599


Regards
Harvey

i have been happy with my textile Joe Rocket jacket. [ i read in some posts the other day that people have had problems with the zippers from this brand- i have had NO problems.]
i like being able to unzip vents in the back and arms in the summer. and wear a lightweight hoodie underneath in the winter.

I LOVE my Vanson Mesh jacket (Vent Max 3) at www.motoliberty.com. When you're moving, you feel the wind almost like you weren't wearing a jacket at all. And another great thing is on those mornings when it's just a "leetle" cool and you can just a put on zip-up sweatshirt or some other favorite jacket OVER the Vanson Mesh and still have armor protection. I LOVE THIS JACKET IN WARM WEATHER!!!!!!! Also it's terribly well made of the best leather and other materials. I hate to sound "over the top,' but this jacket is so great at what it does that it's one of my favorite possessions.