Rain Gear Advice
Road Captain
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 616
Likes: 70
I'm with Gator. If all you're concerned about is a 30 mile commute, you can probably get by with non motorcycle raingear. And what your 'dress code' is at your work, also can matter. Especially when it comes to footwear.
However, for any serious riding in the rain: Spend the money and get a good, high quality two piece rain suit with bib pants. I have one I bought almost 15 years ago at a 'dealer's tent sale' outside the York factory. Then rode seven hours in rain wearing it on the way home. That's when I learned that waterproof boots aren't necessarily waterproof after a few hours at 70mph. A pair of Totes slipon's now insure my feet are dry. And warm.
Suits designed for motorcyclist will have reflective material, and heat shields sewn into them. They also will have stirups for your boots/shoes, whcih will keep the legs from creeping up.
My entire rain gear folds into a small 9x9x3 inch package. This includes my gauntlet length rubber gloves, cotton 'work glove' liners, Totes pullover boots, and clear safety glasses. My wife's gear is similar. This gear has been 'road tested' and 'proven' to keep us dry, and I'm talking about hours of riding in rain that varied from misting to downpours. When we travel it's on the top of the 'high side' saddlebag where it's easy to get to.
'cause ya never know when it's gonna rain. Or when you're five hours from your destination.
However, for any serious riding in the rain: Spend the money and get a good, high quality two piece rain suit with bib pants. I have one I bought almost 15 years ago at a 'dealer's tent sale' outside the York factory. Then rode seven hours in rain wearing it on the way home. That's when I learned that waterproof boots aren't necessarily waterproof after a few hours at 70mph. A pair of Totes slipon's now insure my feet are dry. And warm.
Suits designed for motorcyclist will have reflective material, and heat shields sewn into them. They also will have stirups for your boots/shoes, whcih will keep the legs from creeping up.
My entire rain gear folds into a small 9x9x3 inch package. This includes my gauntlet length rubber gloves, cotton 'work glove' liners, Totes pullover boots, and clear safety glasses. My wife's gear is similar. This gear has been 'road tested' and 'proven' to keep us dry, and I'm talking about hours of riding in rain that varied from misting to downpours. When we travel it's on the top of the 'high side' saddlebag where it's easy to get to.
'cause ya never know when it's gonna rain. Or when you're five hours from your destination.
Gator,
I won't argue that good raingear will outperform the cheap stuff everytime. I just have never had to be anywhere that urgent that I will ride in downpours for any length of time. just too dangerous and too uncomfortable (I wear a half helmet with no face shield). when it starts downpouring, I'm riding just long enough to find cover. then I sit back and enjoy mother nature until it eases up enough to make it safe and doable. for that kind of rain-riding philosophy, the cheap stuff does well enough.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 582
Likes: 28
From: North Eastern Pa.
I have tourmaster defender 2 piece & Harley Rain Gaiters with Nomex heat shields on the legs. I don't have any rain gloves yet but I did stop at a Dollar General one rainy 60ş night and buy a pair of dish washing gloves & put then over pair of cotton gloves. They got me home.
Club Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 145,895
Likes: 821
From: 40 miles Northeast of Indy..
[QUOTE=Hackd;5064078]
That's when I learned that waterproof boots aren't necessarily waterproof after a few hours at 70mph. A pair of Totes slipon's now insure my feet are dry. And warm.
The only boots that I have that are waterproof is ones that are Gore-Tex
lined, I have walked in streams all day long hunting with them and stayed dry as long as water didn't get over the tops of the boots they will keep U dry.
I've had several pair that was water resistant but they are NOT waterproof..
That's when I learned that waterproof boots aren't necessarily waterproof after a few hours at 70mph. A pair of Totes slipon's now insure my feet are dry. And warm.
The only boots that I have that are waterproof is ones that are Gore-Tex
lined, I have walked in streams all day long hunting with them and stayed dry as long as water didn't get over the tops of the boots they will keep U dry.
I've had several pair that was water resistant but they are NOT waterproof..
Club Member
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 4,892
Likes: 2
From: DUNDALK,MARYLAND
I like is said: ( YOU DON'T RIDE IN THE RAIN YOU DON'T RIDE)
Get rain gear that you can ride in the rain all day you never know where you will be when it starts raining. Get the rain gear for your boots and glove or have water proof stuff. I have use cheap rain gear and got my stuff wet. Till I bought Harley rain suit I ride to work and at work rain or shine and cold or hot. It's all about the right ride gear for the weather. The right gear make everyday a good day to ride. Or you could see what % of weather ride you can come out to play. You will be watching the weather as all of use are out riding enjoy life as it comes to use. If there is no rain you can't is the rainbow. And a sheild is a plus for rain riding but I have had my face wash in the rain as long as it's not to cold rain.
Get rain gear that you can ride in the rain all day you never know where you will be when it starts raining. Get the rain gear for your boots and glove or have water proof stuff. I have use cheap rain gear and got my stuff wet. Till I bought Harley rain suit I ride to work and at work rain or shine and cold or hot. It's all about the right ride gear for the weather. The right gear make everyday a good day to ride. Or you could see what % of weather ride you can come out to play. You will be watching the weather as all of use are out riding enjoy life as it comes to use. If there is no rain you can't is the rainbow. And a sheild is a plus for rain riding but I have had my face wash in the rain as long as it's not to cold rain.
Tourer
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 387
Likes: 0
From: Colorado
Heat shields on the legs are critical. Don't ask me how I know that!! 
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Road Captain
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 616
Likes: 70
I like is said: ( YOU DON'T RIDE IN THE RAIN YOU DON'T RIDE)
Get rain gear that you can ride in the rain all day you never know where you will be when it starts raining. Get the rain gear for your boots and glove or have water proof stuff. I have use cheap rain gear and got my stuff wet. Till I bought Harley rain suit I ride to work and at work rain or shine and cold or hot. It's all about the right ride gear for the weather. The right gear make everyday a good day to ride. Or you could see what % of weather ride you can come out to play. You will be watching the weather as all of use are out riding enjoy life as it comes to use. If there is no rain you can't is the rainbow. And a sheild is a plus for rain riding but I have had my face wash in the rain as long as it's not to cold rain.
Get rain gear that you can ride in the rain all day you never know where you will be when it starts raining. Get the rain gear for your boots and glove or have water proof stuff. I have use cheap rain gear and got my stuff wet. Till I bought Harley rain suit I ride to work and at work rain or shine and cold or hot. It's all about the right ride gear for the weather. The right gear make everyday a good day to ride. Or you could see what % of weather ride you can come out to play. You will be watching the weather as all of use are out riding enjoy life as it comes to use. If there is no rain you can't is the rainbow. And a sheild is a plus for rain riding but I have had my face wash in the rain as long as it's not to cold rain.
awe man, I'm not a biker. I hate when that happens!