When springtime invites us back outside, it’s remarkable how the same temperature can feel so different at different points in the year. My body hasn’t acclimated to the warmer environment yet; the 70s can seem hot these days, although I know they’ll be deliciously cool by the time fall arrives. A spring ride in the upper-80s left me feeling like I had a mild case of heat stroke, with my body and mind still recovering the following day. I’d stayed hydrated and worn my airy-est mesh jacket, but the (relatively) elevated temp still took a toll on me. By mid-summer, I know my tolerance range will have shifted upward, but riding in the 90s always remains a challenge, especially as the humidity rises. Hyperthermia and dehydration are very real dangers for riders, zapping concentration and causing bone-deep physical fatigue. I wondered if I could get ahead of the heating curve this year with cooler gear, since my old mesh jacket just didn’t seem sufficient anymore.
Idaho-based Klim (the “i” is long, as in “climb”) is known for their premium off-road and ADV kit, of which I own multiple examples. Would their street line prove as comfortable, durable, and functional? I tried their Induction jacket to find out. Spoiler alert: the answer is a resounding YES!
The Induction has been around for many years and undergone multiple minor revisions without a name change. Klim gear rarely goes on sale, but I discovered a still “new” (unsold) last-generation version on closeout for just over half the price of the current iteration. After determining the subtle differences between old and new were not worth the additional cost, I jumped on the leftover. More old stock, going for $200-280, can still be found at the time of this writing, but eventually everyone will have to pony up $350 ($380 for 3XL and 4XL) to buy the latest model. The jackets are so similar in structure there should be no significant differences in the experience of wearing them, which I confirmed by trying on a new one at my local dealer.
The Induction’s main attraction is Klim’s Karbonite Mesh, an extraordinarily high-flow and high-strength nylon weave. Think synthetic chain mail, with tiny rings still open and loose enough to allow air free passage while maintaining excellent flexibility and tear- and abrasion-resistance. It feels quite substantial, not flimsy like some mesh, yet it’s also lightweight and “transparent” in use. I’ve owned a half-dozen mesh jackets and this one definitely lets more breeze through than any of the others. I felt 10-degrees cooler at the same temps (mid-70s to mid-90s) compared to wearing the other mesh jacket mentioned earlier—a huge improvement! Consider most mesh jackets already flow more air than even extensively vented non-mesh models and you can appreciate the Induction’s value for summer riding.
Of course, the primary function of a motorcycle jacket is protection. Yes, temperature regulation isn’t only a matter of comfort, but also a defense against the hazards of overheating. However, riders also need safeguards in the case of a fall. On the outside, layers of heavy-duty ballistic nylon Cordura (840D in the older model, 500D from 2021 forward) cover the shoulders and elbows. Inside the jacket is a full complement of D30 CE Level-1 visco-elastic armor, including shoulder, elbow, and back pads. These soft, flexy pads are surprisingly thin and unobtrusive, remaining pliable in a wide range of temperatures. Upon impact, however, they stiffen instantaneously/temporarily to provide robust insulation against shocks to the body. The shoulder and elbow pads carry D30’s LP1 designation, which is an almost “lacy” design with obvious airflow advantages. Although the shoulder and elbow pads reside behind unventilated portions of the jacket’s shell, they don’t create hot, sweaty contact patches like more conventional armor often does. Klim also uses their Klimatek cooling stretch mesh in the liner pockets for the shoulder and (three-position adjustable) elbow pads, which facilitates the cooling effect of the armor’s venting. Enhanced visibility is yet another type of protection and all Induction jackets are outfitted with numerous strips of 3M Scotchlite reflective material at key locations. There’s even a Hi-Viz model featuring accent panels in the familiar fluorescent yellow hue.
The Induction doesn’t only cater to rider comfort in terms of cooling. Its articulated construction makes assuming the riding position an effortless, natural affair. Four-way stretch panels (even more extensive throughout the newest version) allow easy/full range of motion and eliminate binding at the elbow crease. Adjustment straps prevent flapping of excess material at the forearms, and the current model adds Velcro adjustment tabs at the waist to those at the older model’s wrists. The low-profile Mandarin collar is luxuriously lined with microfleece, and the whole jacket benefits from a silky, fine-mesh, moisture-wicking liner. In keeping with Klim’s attention to detail, YKK zippers are used for the front closure, hand pockets, left forearm pocket, interior right chest pocket, and exterior left chest pocket (curiously discontinued in the current design). I found size medium fit mostly as expected, albeit a tad roomier than average and with extra-long sleeves.
Perhaps the most common reason riders forego donning protective gear is the discomfort of being encased in a hot, heavy, clammy jacket during sweltering summer weather. Even expensive gear with breathable Gore-Tex membranes and lots of zippered vents permits only limited cooling airflow. Mesh can pass more air, but not always much more, and it might be a lot less protective. Klim’s Induction jacket offers superlative ventilation while maintaining high safety standards for a light garment. Even if you’re not lucky enough to find a deeply discounted older model, this piece is a good value at full MSRP. It’s available in black, light gray and dark gray, with red, blue or yellow accents, depending on model year.
