Warm weather and motorcycling go together perfectly – provided you wear the right gear. Yet, we still frequently see it: riders getting on their motorcycles at 28 degrees in a heavy leather jacket. Understandable, because safety comes first. But there's a better solution. The ventilated motorcycle jacket has undergone a quiet revolution in recent years and is now mature enough to be taken seriously. And for those who truly want to stay cool, there's an even further step: the cooling vest.
From temporary fix to full-fledged protection
For a long time, the mesh motorcycle jacket was considered the inferior cousin of the leather jacket: airy, yes, but also less safe. That reputation is now outdated. Thanks to the introduction of the European standard EN 17092 and the rise of advanced protective materials such as D3O®, modern ventilated jackets offer a level of protection fully comparable to traditional motorcycle clothing.
The EN 17092 standard has five classes – from AAA (highest protection) to B (basic level). For a summer ventilated jacket, class A or AA is the common standard: a responsible choice for most riding situations on public roads.
How does a ventilated jacket work?
The principle is simple but effective. Large mesh panels – made of high-tenacity polyester or nylon – allow air to flow freely through the jacket as you ride. In critical areas such as shoulders, elbows, and back, the mesh panels are interspersed with reinforced zones that hold the protectors in place.
The best models combine maximum ventilation with clever placement of protectors. The airflow acts as natural air conditioning: the faster you ride, the cooler you stay. In city traffic and at low speeds, the effect is less pronounced but still significantly better than a closed jacket.
D3O®: the technology behind modern protection
Anyone seriously looking at a ventilated jacket will sooner or later come across the name D3O®. This British material has changed the motorcycle world. At rest, D3O® is soft and flexible – you barely notice the protector. Upon sudden impact, the molecules in the material lock together, absorbing kinetic energy. Immediately afterwards, the material returns to its soft state.
The result: a protector that is comfortable, doesn't get in the way while riding, but provides maximum protection in the event of a fall. D3O® protectors are now found in the shoulder and elbow protectors of top models, and increasingly also as back protectors.
What to look for when buying?
Fit is everything
A motorcycle jacket that is too loose is a dangerous jacket. In a fall, protectors can shift away from where they need to be. The jacket should be snug enough to keep protectors in position, yet comfortable enough for multi-hour rides. Look for adjustable cuffs, waist, and neckline. Always consult the manufacturer's size chart – motorcycle jackets often fit differently than ready-to-wear clothing.
Ventilation: quality over quantity
More mesh doesn't automatically mean better ventilation. The placement of the ventilation openings is at least as important. An opening at the front and an exhaust at the back create airflow. Jackets with only side panels perform significantly worse. Also, check if the jacket has a connecting zipper for motorcycle trousers – this prevents the jacket from flapping up at higher speeds.
Extras that make a difference
Small details distinguish a good jacket from an excellent one. Reflective elements significantly increase your visibility in traffic. A water-repellent coating catches an unexpected rain shower. And a removable thermal lining makes the jacket usable on cooler evenings – making your investment worthwhile all season.
Models under scrutiny
| Model | Material | CE-class | Protectors | Ventilation | Riding profile |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Claw Outsider Ventilated Jacket | Mesh polyester | CE class A | Shoulder, elbow, back | Excellent | City & touring |
| Furygan Atom Vented Evo | High-tenacity polyester mesh | CE class AA | D3O® shoulder, elbow + back pocket | Maximum | Sport & summer touring |
Claw Outsider Ventilated Jacket – solid choice for the everyday rider
The Claw Outsider is a no-nonsense ventilated jacket that does its job excellently. Generous mesh panels provide good airflow, the CE-certified protectors are in the right place, and the fit is comfortable for longer rides. For riders who use their jacket daily and don't want to overthink their gear, this is a sensible and affordable choice.
Furygan Atom Vented Evo – when compromise is not an option
The Furygan Atom Vented Evo is the jacket for riders who want the most from their summer gear. D3O® protectors on shoulders and elbows, a back pocket for a full-fledged back protector, and a ventilation design that performs at any speed. Furygan has been building motorcycle clothing for over fifty years, and that craftsmanship is evident in this jacket – from the finish of the seams to the quality of the zippers.
A step further: the cooling vest
A ventilated jacket cools through airflow – and that works excellently at riding speeds. But anyone stuck in traffic, creeping through the city, or taking a break in the full sun will notice that the cooling disappears as soon as the engine stops. For those situations, there is a great addition: the cooling vest. Worn under the motorcycle jacket, it provides active cooling regardless of riding speed.
BodyCool cooling vests work based on INUTEQ-DRY® evaporative cooling technology and are surprisingly easy to use: fill the vest with a maximum of 500 ml of ordinary tap water, distribute the water evenly, squeeze out excess water, and put it on. Cooling starts immediately. No gels, no cooling elements, no chemicals – just water. The vest remains completely dry on both the inside and outside, making it comfortable to wear under a motorcycle jacket. Depending on humidity, temperature, and airflow, cooling lasts up to three days and the vest offers a cooling effect of up to 15°C below ambient temperature.
BodyCool Smart-CoolOver – cooling that lasts for hours
The BodyCool Smart-CoolOver is designed for long-term use in the heat. Light, antibacterial, and machine washable – it fits comfortably under any motorcycle jacket and is ready to use in three steps. Ideal for touring riders, commuters, and anyone taking long rides in high temperatures.
BodyCool Smart-X – cooling and heating in one
The BodyCool Smart-X goes a step further. This model combines INUTEQ-DRY® cooling technology with a heating function, making the vest usable all year round. In summer, it actively cools; on cooler days or in unexpectedly changing weather, it switches to heating. For riders who don't want to invest in separate seasonal gear, the Smart-X is a particularly versatile choice.
Cooling vest comparison
| Model | Technology | Water Content | Cooling | Heating | Duration | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BodyCool Smart-CoolOver | INUTEQ-DRY® evaporation | Max. 500 ml water | Up to 15°C below ambient temperature | No | Up to 3 days | Summer, long rides |
| BodyCool Smart-X | INUTEQ-DRY® evaporation + heating | Max. 500 ml water | Up to 15°C below ambient temperature | Yes | Up to 3 days | All year round |
Practical tips for summer riding
| Tip | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Always wear a motorcycle jacket, even in warm weather | Asphalt is always the same temperature in a fall, regardless of the weather |
| Combine ventilated jacket with a cooling vest | The jacket cools at speed, the vest also cools in traffic jams and at a standstill |
| Ride early or late in the day | Avoid the hottest hours between 12:00 and 16:00 |
| Drink plenty of water | Dehydration noticeably reduces concentration and reaction time |
| Combine with summer motorcycle gloves | Hands are the first point of contact with the road surface in a fall |
| Choose light colours or reflective materials | Better visibility and less heat absorption |
| Check protectors every season | Protectors can wear out or deform after intensive use |
Conclusion
The ventilated motorcycle jacket is no longer a compromise. Anyone in 2026 who still thinks they have to choose between safety and comfort in summer has missed the developments in motorcycle clothing. With a CE-certified ventilated jacket with D3O® protectors, you ride cool, comfortable, and demonstrably safe. Add a BodyCool cooling vest – filled with 500 ml of water and ready in three steps – and you have summer gear that also works when stationary and in traffic jams.
Unsure which model best suits your riding style? Visit Motor Service Stijner in Enschede. We will help you make the right choice based on your riding profile, fit, and budget.