In a previous article, I take aim at the word "best" where hot weather motorcycle riding gear is concerned. I review and recommend options in six categories, from helmet to boot — until a handful of unique products remain. Each target a different kind of rider, but all treat safety with a certain paranoia (the kind that only motorcycle riders can relate to). So "best" can be subjective, given all the different types of riding and the specialized styles of gear for each.

This time around, "best" isn't so hard to quantify, because I'm focused on just one piece of gear: warm weather motorcycle jackets. With summer moto jackets, every rider has the same basic need: excellent protection coupled with enough ventilation to stay cool and comfortable. So I set out to find not just a "great" motorcycle jacket but the BEST summer motorcycle jacket money (*ahem* the limited funds in my bank account) can buy. 

Klim Induction: The Best Summer Motorcycle Jacket

Let's start with safety. Off the rack, we're looking at D3O EVO level 1 armor at the shoulders, back, and elbows. Its mesh coverage has expanded beyond prior generations. Said material puts a sky-high standard on abrasion and tear resistance, as does Klim's stitching.

Known abrasion zones (elbows and shoulders) receive triple reinforcement. 3M Scotchlite reflective bits are integrated at the upper and lower arms and back. There's even an emergency ID pocket at the forearm.

Now onto luxuries. Hidden all over this strangely comfortable chainmail are a number of comforts and conveniences. The elbows are gentle at the crux. All of its mesh is UV-resistant, meaning less color fade or "purpling" of black dyes. A fleece-lined collar is gentle even with friction.

Every pocket (one external chest, one internal chest, two zippered hands and a forearm ID + "stash") incorporates mesh for air flow and boasts strong elastic. Klim improved the overall fit as well, which is newly articulated with some adjustability. The YKK zippers are simple to access via Hypalon pullers.

Oh, and the airflow is absolutely insane.

Now, most ADV jackets evoke the image of some wealthy and overblown amateur game hunter who hires local guides to corner an already-wounded endangered species. Klim beats that rep by bringing ADV utilitarianism to round-town sportiness. Visually, they've kept things minimal and clean from neck to waistline.

One could conceivably wear this jacket casually without swinging a leg over anything. As of this article's publishing date, there are ten colors to choose from. Despite my many requests, however, none of them include that ever-hilarious "tuxedo on a t-shirt."

Safety Features: A Well-Known Priority

While level 1 armor is certainly better than level "none," I usually suggest riders upgrade to level 2. However, the armor locations on Klim's Induction jacket are reinforced with extra material, giving it a "level 1.5" quality of sorts. Because that material is so exceptionally strong, it can be respected as level 2, a safe bet for both urban riding in a city like Chicago, or a rural riding environment like Utah.

In fact, it's the material where our choice for best summer motorcycle jacket really shines.

All of its mesh is sturdy. And the stitching? Even more so. Those aforementioned reinforcement points (elbows and shoulders) are stacked with 840D hi-tenacity 6.6 nylon.

The "D" in 840D refers to “denier’ — a unit of measurement for yarn weight, not to be confused with strength. The material muscle comes from Klim's Karbonite mesh technology, yielding a flexibility that's 750% stronger than polyester typically used by other brands. The stitching doubles, if not triples, what's required to keep this incredible fabric in place.

As for visibility, again the upper/lower arms and back have prismatic reflectors galore. They're positioned for dusk-to-dawn "bio-motion" that'll give surrounding traffic a virtual sunburn. Because you and those around you are in constant motion, any light shift on your jacket better informs motorists and bystanders of your presence.

Ventilation: How Klim Beats The Heat

Let's be honest. There are plenty of well-armored summer riding jackets on the market. What you want to know is why this jacket is the better purchase for keeping cool!

Klim's Induction jacket is ventilated — everywhere. Not just at zipper-adjusted vents, hidden air intakes, or "carefully engineered" locations. E-v-e-r-y-w-h-e-r-e. That's what's so special about their trademark Karbonite mesh. Not only is it incredibly durable, it allows for constant airflow from every direction. 

This jacket allows air transfer from all angles in both its 840D webbing and D30 armor. The armor is perforated with tiny, diamond-shaped air intakes. It's like riding with your shirt off as the Incredible Hulk. That's the Infinity Wars Endgame version, of course.

Note: You might find that some of the perforated air outlets on the armor come with a bit of remnant plastic webbing in the mix. This is a minor manufacturing hiccup that's easy to remedy with a small screwdriver or pin. Problem solved.

As for tweaking fitment, all of its armor is swappable should level 2 be your preferred option. There are quick adjustment straps at each forearm to combat wind flap. Because its internals are somewhat elastic, the rest is self adjusting to a pleasantly comfortable fault.

With only one item on its post-purchase accessory list, let's just say that this jacket is very not-waterproof. While it does stand tall as the best summer motorcycle jacket, you might want to consider their rainproof outer liner for when things get wet. Yes, it's possible to become hypothermic even while riding in warm weather.

Conclusion: It's the Best Summer Motorcycle Jacket

The price might seem scary (twofold if you go for the rain liner) but I know riders who still have their first generation Klim Induction jacket from many moons ago. It's the first option they reach for whenever hot weather riding opportunities present themselves. Quality assured, that's one less decision we have to make about what to bring.

So, go ahead and bruise your wallet. Better do that than allow a lesser product allow more permanent bodily harm by now protecting you if you crash. Bottom line, this men's mesh motorcycle jacket has a big lead in rider safety, comfort, and satisfaction.

While a lot of mid- and high-tier summer riding apparel is known to do a fine job, Klim's Induction wins our nod for best summer motorcycle jacket. Over-the-top strength in fabric and stitching, reinforced D30 armor, and 100% breathability proves true the adage that you get what you pay for; this is a one-time buy that won't likely ever need replacing.

Not convinced? Need recommendations for other summer gear? Check out our comprehensive review of summer motorcycle gear for men and summer motorcycle gear for women.