To the window (to the window)
To the wall (to the wall)
'Til the sweat drop down my spine
and I whine all the way down the twisties
Ladies, am I right? Let’s be honest. When riding, the sweat finds its way to places we don’t even experience in the gym! But that can’t keep us off the bike. There are bonfires to ride to, breweries to explore, and sunset cruises (and not the water kind) that we just can’t miss this summer. But summers can be brutal, especially if you're a frequent commuter. While there are still large voids in female motorcycle apparel offerings, long gone are the days where our options were limited to hot pink or black or hunting the men’s section. I’m here to share a few motorcycle gear options specifically designed to fit female riders that will hopefully keep you comfortable while on the bike in those hot temps — whether you're chasing lightning bugs or sitting in traffic. If your bike has been sitting in storage waiting for the arrival of riding season, check out our article on de-winterizing your motorcycle to get you back on the road quickly and safely.
GLOVES
When selecting the best women's motorcycle glove for summer, it’s important to consider how hard you’re riding. Are you on the track? Are you riding on open roads or at low speeds? Are you exploring a new area on a trip, maybe renting a motorcycle in Las Vegas or renting a motorcycle in Nashville? You don’t have a million sweat glands in your hands but I’d like to think that comfort and versatility can be more of a priority here if you’re cruising casually with your ladies.
REV'IT! Neutron 3 Women's Gloves
Price: $85.00
Style: Street / Tour
Sizing / Fit: Women’s cut
Protection: lightweight CE protection; TPR injected finger knuckles; PWR|shield knit at the palm
Colors: Black/Black, Black/White accent
Designed for the passionate female rider in nearly all aspects, and specifically designed for summer. The styling is very feminine with minimal branding which isn’t always common in sportier riding gloves. REV’IT! blends drum-dyed goatskin, 2-way stretch, corduroy, microfiber, and PU-coated fabric to ensure airflow and comfort. I also really like that these gloves are somewhere in between the wrist length we see in some of the more minimal riding gloves and the aggressive touring or racing gloves. I can’t recall how many times I’ve had that silly 1” wrist sunburn that is seemingly inevitable between the cuffs of my jacket and glove. The TPR injected finger knuckle protectors are more flexible than most riding gloves on the market so you feel less like you’re wearing brass knuckles. To keep things functional, there’s also a “Connect Finger Tip,” a feature that allows riders to operate touchscreens without removing gloves.
Price: Varies
Style: Casual
Sizing / Fit: Unisex; loose
Protection: Bison or deerskin leather; no armor
Colors: Various
I’m a fan of Grifter Company gloves for a few reasons: they are made in the USA, provide a very large variety of styles for all kinds of casual riders, and can be broken in, beaten up, and will age like fine wine. These gloves are not for anything more serious than cruising. Grifter brings it back old school with their comfortable gloves that are particularly suited to the cafe racer scene. They can be stuffed in your back pocket, somehow giving you even more cool points than when you have them on. Many of their classic short-wrist gloves mix Bison leather with a high-end fabric patterned top while providing great tactility and dexterity. The leathers are antiqued and conditioned with an organic recipe. In fact I have five pairs myself because they are versatile, stylish, low-maintenance, and ensure all-day riding comfort. These unique designs are sure to turn a few heads while cruising downtown to brunch. Grifter Company is pretty good about offering frequent promotions so you can snag your pair during the next upcoming holiday.
Honorable Mention: Biltwell Moto Gloves
HELMETS
While many full-face motorcycle helmets may look similar, every helmet model has its own venting characteristics which can make all the difference. Twisted Road will always recommend a true full-face bucket for maximum motorcycle safety while exploring the roads, but I will note that modular helmets undoubtedly offer great airflow because you can flip up the bottom half of the helmet. Keep in mind, extra airflow will usually come with additional noise from wind and turbulence.
Price: $175+
Style: Street
Sizing / Fit: Round Oval; various padding available for a customized fit
Protection: ECE 2205/DOT; 2 shell sizes; 4-density EPS developed in 4 sizes; collarbone-safe profile; High Resistance Thermoplastic
Colors: Various graphics and solid colors
A rule of thumb is that any racing-oriented helmet will tend to have excellent airflow. While AGV makes some of the most premier European racing helmets, the AGV K3’s is the more versatile younger brother of the bunch and this particular model can be downplayed a bit. What I love about this helmet is the weight (3.63 lbs), impressive aerodynamic performance, an endless array of designs — oh, and the price point. I wore this helmet for a week and 1500 miles into Mexico and experienced very little neck strain and great airflow. The K3’s come equipped with 2 rear extractors, 5 front vents, dry-comfort fabric, and adjustable air vents to keep you cool, as well as a 190° horizontal field of view. I’m very particular about my sun protection, especially when it comes to the money maker! This badboy has a GT2 scratch-resistant, anti-fog polycarbonate visor with 100% protection from UV rays—this is crucial when you are riding in locations with a lot of sun like Austin, TX. If that’s not enough, the S-V model comes with a built-in sun visor (removable without using tools) and the ability to swap out the various shields.
Price: $800+
Style: Street
Sizing / Fit: Intermediate Oval (most common); various padding available for customized fit
Protection: DOT; Snell-rated protection with Arai's R75 shell disperses impact energy
Colors: Various graphics and solid colors
Arai is a huge player in the MotoGP world and even the standard Arai sizes are good enough for world championship contenders to perform at their peak, improving every detail imaginable to ensure maximum protection and comfort. Every single Arai helmet is meticulously handmade by craftsmen and women, so it comes to no surprise that The Corsair X has an ingenious VAS shield mechanism, unmatchable airflow and adjustable ventilation, and an antimicrobial (washable) Eco-Pure liner keeping you as fresh as possible. Even the neckroll is removable and has additional exhaust channels to remove interior heat. The Arai brand is not easy on the wallet, but this is a priceless luxury it took me far too long to experience. This helmet will change the game for your precious noggin in all seasons.
Honorable Mention: For those more interested in women's motorcycle half helmets, or an open face option, check out the Biltwell Bonanza Open Face Helmet
JACKETS
You’ll tire of that trusty black leather jacket pretty quickly when you’re dripping with sweat. In the heat of the summer, a mesh riding jacket is a must. I truly believe that a jacket is the most effective piece of gear when considering ways to stay cool on the blacktop.
REV'IT! Eclipse Women's Jacket
Price: $180.00
Style: Touring / Regular
Sizing / Fit: European sizing, ergonomic ladies cut
Protection: Knox Flexiform CE protection at shoulders and elbows; back protector (sold separately)
Colors: Red, Brown, Silver, Black
REV'IT! is known for affordable mesh summer riding gear with pretty consistent styling across most of their jackets. This women's mesh motorcycle jacket is versatile enough for cruising to dinner or pounding the pavement at the track (with added armor of course). We don’t typically see a jacket with Knox Flexiform CE-level 1 armor under the $200 mark with dual stitching or 600D polyester in the impact areas. Other added features include the luxe zipper pull and micro-velcro which is slightly less unpredictable and scratchy to your skin than a lower-tier velcro typically used on jackets in this price range. There is some adjustability in the hips and biceps with nice clean lines that don’t make it too sporty. Big mesh panels across the back keep you ventilated, reflectors are self-contained to add some more safety perks, and you also have loops to secure your jeans and avoid the jacket riding up. They also have an Eclipse jacket for men if you want to match your partner!
Price: $219.00
Style: Casual / Sport / Touring
Sizing / Fit: Tailored Euro styling but typically runs true to size
Protection: Elbow and shoulder armor included; back armor available from SPIDI (sold separately)
Colors: This jacket is currently offered in two colors on the SPIDI website, both highlighter yellow and all black. However, I’ve found several other colors offered during previous years in this same style floating around the interwebs as well.
SPIDI is an Italian brand and offers that Euro look and fit throughout the body that make its Summernet Lady another strong contender for best women's summer motorcycle jacket. This abrasion-resistant mesh jacket offers phenomenal ventilation with big panels of perforated fabric throughout the entire body, which is immediately felt after 10mph. The true Euro styling is emphasized all the way from wrist snaps and adjustable waist fastening to zip gussets at the waist for a truly customized fit. It also offers both night and daytime visibility with reflector zones as well as the option to add a SPIDI thermo lining. Although there is no internal storage with this jacket, the two front zip pockets are just big enough to fit an iPhone and can realistically serve your basic storage needs if you’re zipping through town. This jacket could be suitable for long motorcycle touring trips as well as adrenaline-fueled straightaways, but could also flatter a casual city rider while maintaining protection without compromising style. It’s truly an adaptable jacket for any lady rider and won’t cramp your style if you need to wear it to work in business casual attire.
MINIMALIST LAYERS
Just as we layer up in the colder months, there are a few decent options for us to layer down a bit while riding on those hot days. Of course, if you’re riding anything advanced (track or twisties), we will always recommend full leathers and gear. Regardless of layers, I never leave home without a thick layer of sunscreen on my neck, ankles, wrists, and face.
Price: $130.00
Style: Street
Sizing / Fit: Suited to a women’s curves; snug yet adjustable
Protection: CE rated protection in the form of a D3O back insert and articulated injection molded armor
Colors: Stealth Black & Black/Pink
This aggressively styled vest delivers lightweight CE back protection that doesn’t cramp your style or mobility. There is the option to use this vest with forcefield EXK shoulder pads and Leatt soft elbow pads which can make for a really comfortable setup to ride in warm weather. The low-profile design can indeed fit under or over most jackets if you choose to add protection to the rest of your exposed body. Other notable features: articulating injection-molded hardback armor with airflow channels, vented BioFoam and Airmesh chassis, hydradry moisture-wicking liner, highly adjustable waist, and shoulder straps.
ATWYLD Barricade Armored Shirt 2.0
Price: $205.00
Style: Armoured shirt
Sizing / Fit: Designed to be worn skin tight
Protection: Removable D3O® CE level 1 breathable shoulder, elbow, back and chest armor
Colors: Black
ATWYLD brings a unique minimalistic option without sacrificing armor. This armored shirt is designed to layer under your favorite riding jacket or off-road jersey. It is a nice layering piece if you really want to stay cool and lightweight while cruising around the city or country roads. This piece is machine-washable and is made of moisture-wicking nylon/Spandex jersey with 280 gsm jersey and air permeable mesh for breathability. Throw on your favorite dirt track jersey over this and you will feel unrestricted and breezy all day.
Honorable Mention: Sedici Cooling Vest
PANTS
It may go without saying, but the more mesh running up and around the legs, the cooler you’re going to feel.
Dainese New Drake Air Women's Textile Pants
Price: $260.00
Style: Street / Touring
Sizing / Fit: petite; European sizing; narrow, straight leg
Protection: Mugello fabric 750; Removable composite protectors certified to EN 1621.1 Standard
Colors: Black
Generous vents keep the air flowing and Mugello fabric provides good resistance to wear and tear on Dainese's New Drake Air women's motorcycle pants. It is made of Micro Nylon and Elastomer material. The styling is the right amount of feminine and utilitarian that we may call upon when tackling twisties and open roads all the way up until we’re ready to stop for a quick bite to eat without our clothing screaming biker babe. The ergonomic fit comes complete with thigh zippers, “flip-up” Velcro® vents down the leg, and a sanitized and perforated liner. These pants are about 31-1/2" inseam, which may not be quite long enough for some women, particularly to cover riding boots while sitting on the bike. Note: not waterproof and are deemed suitable for 2-3 seasons.
Price: $350.00
Style: Touring
Sizing / Fit: European sizing; relaxed fit
Protection: Abrasion-resistant Schoeller-dynatec; Removable NP2 protectors at the hips and knees (knee armor is height-adjustable)
Colors: Black or Grey
These pants from BMW are purpose-built for motorcycling during hot weather. Although these are not as form-fitting as other European options, the large area of dynatec stretch on the upper back offers a very comfortable, maximum range of motion — both on and off the bike. As you’d expect for a top-tier summer riding pant, the lining is complete mesh, elastic, and extremely permeable to air. Other highlights include: Dirt- and water-repellent coating, soft material at waistband, hook-and-loop strap for adjusting the width of the waist and leg cuffs.
Honorable Mention: ATWYLD Raven Moto Jeans
Sweaty hands, a sweaty back, and really a sweaty anything on a motorcycle ride sucks. Some of us have already ridden on the first hot day of the season while some of us haven’t gotten out in the sun just yet. We want you to feel prepared whether you’re packing up your motorcycle gear to travel and renting a motorcycle in an unfamiliar and warm area with Twisted Road, or you’re leading your lady tribe out into the country at high-noon in your hometown. As a daily commuter and all-weather rider (well, in Texas!), I’d be interested to hear fellow female rider reviews or questions on these recommendations. As always, ride your own ride and stay cool out there!
