Klim’s Induction mesh jacket press release came with images showing the jacket suspending a KTM 1190 in the air! While tough is good and showbiz is entertaining, there’s always more to the story. Does the new Induction live up to the hype?

Tough can also mean stiff or hard to break in, but that was not a problem with the new rugged Klim Karbonite Mesh, the material providing the bike suspending power. After thousands of miles of saddle time by various testers, there have been no complaints about the jacket feeling stiff or itchy. It does stretch a little from new and becomes “looser” after riding in rain and varying temperatures, but depending on your build, that’s not such a bad thing. It actually allows room for a fleece vest underneath to extend the jacket’s temperature range.

Although the Induction’s cut looks more street touring-oriented with its slightly shorter length and tapering waist, it’s long enough to be considered for adventure or dual-sport use where slower off-road speeds and high exertion riding can make for sweaty days in the saddle. In hotter, more arid regions, this would be a go-to jacket since it’s suitable for 90% of the riding any dual-sport fiend would do. It works equally well in downtown traffic, cruising the highways or hammering down gravel roads.

In the moderate east coast climate, the extra ventilation is great for those sultry summer days. When it rains or cools off at night, the Induction can handle that too, within reason. The included rain and wind liner works well, plus it rolls up nicely to fit in your tank bag. It’s actually small enough that an integrated back or internal pocket to the jacket would have been a nice touch for the price, but really most any tank bag will do. Moreover, the addition of an integrated hydration bladder pocket would be great!

Although the Induction isn’t designed for true four-season use, it’s great all-round daily wear armor which will take most mere mortals where they dare wander. With a genuine robust build and additional Klim Kool factor, it’s earned a front and center spot on the garage hangar rack and will last for years down the road. MSRP: $399.99-$439.99 KLIM.com

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