Rain gear

[KingOfFleece]

I make waterproof products for the M/C rider. Not rain suits-seat covers and saddlebad covers. But, I test my stuff ALL the time and I have as much rain experience as anyone would ever need.

There are plenty of good choices buy stay away from coated nylon if you are at all serious about rain riding. You'll sweat so much that it'll be wet on the inside of the rain suit.

If it's a throw-it-away use then anything goes. Don't even ask about rain gloves. Ever try to get a damp hand inside a glove after a fuel stop?

 

[barbagris]

My good mate Jim (JIM/MAINE on here) swears by FroggToggs. http://www.froggtoggs.com/

He seems to have an unusual penchant for actually enjoying being out in extreme wet weather - so I'm inclined to believe it works. They have special bike gear. Breathable.

The last true wet weather specific gear I bought was in the UK and by RUKKA and endorsed by Barry Sheene. It's really old - early 80's. I can just squeeze in wearing just a T-shirt if I don't inhale. I have some German winter gear from Hein Gericke which is 100% waterproof and excellent but also lined and way too hot even in spring or autumn.

My wet weather gear now is called a 20 year old Land Rover Discovery .
Mainly because when it's wet here, it's often cold and something called ice happens.

But honestly - the cheapest decent waterproofs are Military surplus Gore-Tex. Some are designed as over suits - some are under suits. Simple, waterproof. no pockets hardly any seams. Limited colour choice - it's true. Cheap enough generally to replace every year.

For severe weather I always preferred a bib'n'braces and a short jacket to pants and a long jacket - but I also prefer leathers this way too. I find 1-pce suits difficult to get sized right. Either the ****** is down by your knees or you're a castrato.

 

[ponters]

That's the best way to make sure you local, convenient MC accessory shop either stops stocking a full range or goes out of business. Where will you try stuff on then? Save a few bucks in the short term and pay the price later. Your call.

*** the local dealers, thieving ****** ******, especially ...... ooops sorry Richard, I forgot LOL

 

[zenbiker]

If you want the best rain gear, check out Aerostich. They are pricey, but well worth it. They even have liners for cold weather riding. I left Michigan for Maggie Valley with it about 36 degrees outside. Only thing that got cold were my fingertips and feet.

I just purchased some Gerbing heated gear to remedy that.

I have always found that if you buy the best, you only buy once.

Met a guy at The Dragon that had had his Aerostich for over 10 years and he rides a lot.

The only problem with Aerostitch raingear is that they offer no hoods on their rainwear. I don't care how great their stuff is but if you get hit with REALLY heavy rain for any prolonged period, water will make its way down your back without a hood...PERIOD! 50 years of riding here and have used absolutely waterproof gear but a hood on the jacket under the helmet is a MUST!
Tourmaster is the best I've owned.

 

[Jim/Maine]

Ya, Chris, I do enjoy riding in heavy weather. Guess it is the sailor in me. Lots of rain and salt in the face time. The Frogg Toggs are really two thumbs up for me. Amazing material. Light. Strong. And they really do breath well. I have never had one drop of water get through. Good price as well and the people who make them seem really interested. My wife likes hers as well but prefers to get some coffee and wait the heavy stuff out. Weather forecast is for thunderstorms the next three days so I feel some good riding coming in my Froggs. My dog seems to stay dry in her bike bag so no rain gear needed.

 

[vanguard138]

The only problem with Aerostitch raingear is that they offer no hoods on their rainwear. I don't care how great their stuff is but if you get hit with REALLY heavy rain for any prolonged period, water will make its way down your back without a hood...PERIOD! 50 years of riding here and have used absolutely waterproof gear but a hood on the jacket under the helmet is a MUST!
Tourmaster is the best I've owned.

Interesting, I have been in a downpour with my full face helmet on with no issues.

 

[zenbiker]

Interesting, I have been in a downpour with my full face helmet on with no issues.

Try two days in the rain. Frankly, do whatever you think. You win.
Just relating my experience but I've come to realize that no matter what you say on forums, someone says "No" I made it up because I have stock in rainwear companies that offer hoods. Geez..why offer hoods at all since they serve no purpose!
Ok..get wet!

 

[stephantmi]

Vanguard

Vanguard seems to ride more miles than anybody I know... Just because his experience differs from yours is not a slam on you. If you read user reviews, there are typically a broad spectrum of experiences and all are valid.

When I read reviews, I look for the good and bad reviews and try to find users who use the product the way I would and then try to make an informed decision.

It's not personal, it's just an opinion.

 

[TheKid]

Revzilla

I might be a little late but, you should go to Revzilla's site. They offer videos on all that they sell ( pretty much all ). They also tell you what size to order. If I ever save up for more than tires, I plan on buying an Olympian set.
Olympia AST 2 Jacket - RevZilla

 

[Rick McC.]

That's the best way to make sure you local, convenient MC accessory shop either stops stocking a full range or goes out of business. Where will you try stuff on then? Save a few bucks in the short term and pay the price later. Your call.

My sentiments exactly, and why I always buy local.

Guns, cars, cycles, boats, guitars, whatever; I want them to still be around when I need them!

Rick