Is it worth spending the money on Harley rain pants? Or would I be better off with cheaper cycle gear pants? My fear is burning them onto the pipes. I'm fairly new to riding and have all other rain gear minus the pants. I don't plan to ride in the rain....but I'm sure I'll get stuck in a storm sooner than later and want to be prepared.

 

Never priced Harley's rain gear. I went with Frogg Toggs, and it does what it's supposed to do.

 

Once you get caught in the rain you will be soaked and rain gear won't make any difference. I stopped carrying rain gear years ago.

 

My Anti Harley Dad swears by HDs rain gear. Do that's saying something. Also been told Frog-Togs is great

 

I bought some goretex pants and a jacket aimed at bicycle tourers. Unlike most motorbike gear, it's very lightweight, small and packable so I can keep the pants (at least) in the bottom of my bag all the time. Then I just haul them out when needed and wear them over my regular motorbike gear. Another advantage I found was that the bike stuff is less baggy than motorbike stuff, legs and arms are well-articulated (knees in particular, as you'd imagine a cyclist would need).

Obvoiusly not as sturdy as motorbike gear, but better to have it to hand when needed, in my experience. I got it from wiggle.co.uk (an English online bicycle gear shop. Prices were good and fast overseas delivery).

 

I had a set of Goretex HD raingear that I wore for 10 years or so until it seemed to have shrunk. :-) The person I sold it to is still able to use it. I bought a new set and it had held up as well though I still have another 7 years to see if they last as long.

 

I tried disposable rain gear. It works for about an hour of rain. Well worth the $3 bucks it cost for what it does. After a while it does melt as wind will make it touch the pipes.

Bought a fairly well priced rain gear in Amazon, had reflective stripes, double liner interior to keep you cool, but it was crap. It was some sort of porous material that has been treated to repel water. After two rainstorms, it just made sure to keep you soaked. Worst purchase ever.

Currently have a Harley Mesh Jacket that came with a water proof removable liner. Works wonders. No drips, no water. Keeps me dry no mater how hard it pours. Had my doubts on using it, and had to use it on the trip were I threw away my cheap Amazon rain suit. Just awesome.

 

I went cheap on rain gear for about 25 years. I finally got tired of being pissed off and ponied up for the Harley rain gear. very well spent money and don't worry about burning it on your pipes, the inner legs are designed for the extra heat. Just get it on before you get caught in the rain. The jacket also makes a great wind-proof jacket if you get caught in a cold front when away from home. Also make sure the jacket will fit over your leather riding jacket.

 

I've got a really nice HD rain gear jacket and pants. The pants have a fabric section incase it touches the pipes and it's never been an issue for me. I have also ridden in some pretty nasty rain storms and have been really happy to have it. With any rain gear it seems pretty impossible to stay totally dry but I haven't had any large amounts of water make it through.

Make sure to try it on with your gear (I'm at ATGATT guy so this may not apply) to ensure a proper fit.

 

Thanks for the replies...I may try on some HD pants. I like the idea of the inner pant leg being made to take the heat. I prefer to buy a quality item once rather than multiple cheap items.