Rain Gear Recommendation
Rain gear is one of the things that Harley sells that's really good. Lots of people have tried and liked the stuff sold at HD dealers.
I've tried the cheap Frog Toggs, got really wet and spent a good deal of time getting the burned bits off the exhaust shields. There are several brands on amazon that range from no-name brands -some with decent ratings - to Nelson Riggs, a well known brand with several levels of quality depending on price. I have found the basic Nelson Riggs sets to be acceptable for keeping rain out, but without any of the vents, linings, heat shields and other details that make the more expensive options more suited to long distance riding.
As with most things, buy the best your budget allows.
I've tried the cheap Frog Toggs, got really wet and spent a good deal of time getting the burned bits off the exhaust shields. There are several brands on amazon that range from no-name brands -some with decent ratings - to Nelson Riggs, a well known brand with several levels of quality depending on price. I have found the basic Nelson Riggs sets to be acceptable for keeping rain out, but without any of the vents, linings, heat shields and other details that make the more expensive options more suited to long distance riding.
As with most things, buy the best your budget allows.
Grand HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,171
Likes: 4,244
From: U.S.A. Upstate N. Y.
Rain Gear
Buy a set of Cordura riding gear. Waterproof zip out lining if you get cold, zippered vents for air flow, protective padding in case of a fall. Wear them like jeans and a jacket, if it rains, let it, your dry, keep riding.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 5,281
Likes: 3,418
From: Idaho Panhandle
If you ride in real rain, constant rain, daylong downpours, the I’ve found it hard to beat:
Harley high vis rain gear. It is our go to for our month long trips. Other cheaper rain gear options are okay for sprinkles, 10 minute thunder shower, but rain, get something that works. Probably the best bang for the buck for quality and stowage.
Commercial fishing foul weather gear. This is what I used for decades. I got mine in 1968 and I still wear it around home on the tractor. Heavy, bulky, but keeps me dry. Mine is yellow, but I have a dark green (olive) set made by Grundens that I use on the sporty. They are hooded, and the hoods are too big to go under your helmet, but can actually go over your helmet. You need a metal tape patch kit as it will melt on a hot exhaust, but only once.
Cordura textile winter jackets and pants. These “winter” style heavy and thick winter wear with or without the insulating liner zipped in are dry suits as well. They are bulky, but oh so nice in the cooler rains of fall and early spring.
That’s my experience. Cheap gear is okay for brief showers, but not even a long drizzle. If you enjoy riding in rain as I do, get good gear. My wife uses Harley woman’s rain gear and textile winter gear as well, only in pink!
Harley high vis rain gear. It is our go to for our month long trips. Other cheaper rain gear options are okay for sprinkles, 10 minute thunder shower, but rain, get something that works. Probably the best bang for the buck for quality and stowage.
Commercial fishing foul weather gear. This is what I used for decades. I got mine in 1968 and I still wear it around home on the tractor. Heavy, bulky, but keeps me dry. Mine is yellow, but I have a dark green (olive) set made by Grundens that I use on the sporty. They are hooded, and the hoods are too big to go under your helmet, but can actually go over your helmet. You need a metal tape patch kit as it will melt on a hot exhaust, but only once.
Cordura textile winter jackets and pants. These “winter” style heavy and thick winter wear with or without the insulating liner zipped in are dry suits as well. They are bulky, but oh so nice in the cooler rains of fall and early spring.
That’s my experience. Cheap gear is okay for brief showers, but not even a long drizzle. If you enjoy riding in rain as I do, get good gear. My wife uses Harley woman’s rain gear and textile winter gear as well, only in pink!
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2013
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Likes: 19,431
From: New York
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 5,202
Likes: 792
From: Kansas City, Missouri
Get rain pants that have heat proof shields on the inside of the leg. Get a rain coat that has a thin hood that fits under your helmet, it keeps water from running down your back. I like rain covers that go over your boots and gloves also. Good rain gear is more important on long rides away from home. Around town not so much. I agree on Harley's rain gear good but expensive.
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