Check out the June edition of "Motorcycle Cruiser" magazine (you can get it RIGHT NOW). They have dedicated a few pages to a little review of multiple leather jackets. They loved the Tour Master Coaster 2 Jacket (highest rating of the test and a "Best Buy" at $240). It seems like a great jacket at a more than reasonable price. It will probably be my next leather jacket (if I ever choose to get another).

Currently, I have a Fox Creek Leather Vented Bomber jacket. It was expensive (about $450), but is very high quality with thick leather. It doesn't come with armor, but has the pockets. I will be ordering Knox armor for it soon (which will add another $80 to my investment). ATGATT ain't cheap, but its cheaper than skin grafts (and the inherent pain).

I have worn it in temperatures up to about 80 degrees Fahrenheit and it was warm in the sun, but not while moving (thanks to some nice venting features). And it has a nice classic look: it's a bomber jacket, after all!

I'm sure you're aware that a mesh jacket is naturally gonna feel cooler than a heavy leather jacket, even if the leather is perforated. I've never worn a mesh jacket (being a total newbie), but it just stands to reason.

The benefit of leather is ~the look~ and the fact that *NOTHING* is better for abrasion protection. The bad thing about leather is that very few leather jackets have reflective patches to make you stand out at night. For this reason, my next jacket will be a textile jacket. Currently, I'm considering a Tour Master Transition 2 or a Belstaff Zodiac (both are reasonably priced and waterproof, leather isn't).

Once I get a textile jacket, I'll probably relegate the leather jacket(s) to the sunny day jaunts. The textiles will get use at night and in potentially rainy conditions.

Good luck with your choice!

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2007 Goodwood Green Triumph Bonneville - bone stock (sewing machine!)