No matter where you live, if you ride a motorcycle regularly you are eventually going to be caught in the rain. Decent rain gear is worth the investment.
I do not have decent rain gear. Today marks one of maybe ten times I've had the gear on in the rain. I stayed mostly dry, except for the parts of me that didn't, which were in very odd places. My rain gear is restrictive, stuffy, and really goofy looking. The zippers don't work. And, somehow, it usually stops any rain from falling, thus negating the need to struggle into it.
Ah, the struggle into my gear. I bought gear two sizes too big, so it ought to fit easily over my clothes and riding jacket. And it does, kind of. However, the rubberized interior catches leather, cotton, and pretty much any other material I try to slide it over. By the time I've got my rain gear on, I'm soaked from perspiration.
Luckily for me, I don't need my gear that often. What do you guys use and recommend?
12 comments:
I'm going to guess my requirements for rain gear are a little different than for you desert dwellers.
After struggling with cheap gear, I ended up ditching it entirely and going straight for The Best Stuff: a full Rukka Gore-Tex setup (jacket and pants). Daytona Gore-Tex boots. The Rukka gear is good for cold and rain, but can't be worn over 65 degrees F.
When you move up here, you'll need gear for three seasons: summer, rain, and spring.
Hopefully some folks can suggest some good rain gear, because I'd like to get some for emergency use in the summer.
I commute in a Aerostich Roadcrafter (Gore-Tex) and BMW Gore-Tex boots, so the worst I have to do is pull some zippers closed and put on over-gloves. It's not perfect for the summer months, but I have an early commute so I beat the worst heat, the ride home is another matter altogether, think steam bath.
Even with (because of) the water proof gear I seem to only get caught in the rain occasionally.
GAW
I'm surprised that a person who rejoices when it rains in Phoenix even wears rain gear.
Like Gordon, I use the 'Stich Roadcrafter for everyday riding. It does well in the rain as long as you remember to wash in new water repellants once in a while.
Stacy - The Rukka gear sounds sweet, but it might not work so well during our monsoon season.
Gordon - I might have to look into this "Aerostich" company a little more...
irondad - If I didn't have to appear somewhat presentable at work, I wouldn't wear the gear...
There's a link to Aerostich on my blog. Tell Andy Goldfine I referred you. Don't know if you will get a discount or not. At least I might get a discount next time!
Never wear the stuff. Not to say that I don't sometimes regret that decision. I have been eyeing Frog Togs, due to how lightweight, and thin they are, seeing as I have virtually no where to store shit on my bike.
Frogg Togg Road Toad Rain Suit. Cheap, breatheable, roomy, reflective bits all over it, yet rain can't get in.
Well, for me leather works well. Unless it's really heavy rain, I stay dry and leather pants and jacket are also fashionable. Dressing also got a name: I dress in a cow :)
Leather in the rain? LOL, that wouldn't last a second up here.
Lucky I'm a Froggs Toggs kind of guy here in the desert and they are GREAT!! Find them on line, order a set, and when the need arises they are easy to put on and you will keep dry. Been using them for years and even on the ride to Alaska I stayed dry.
Stacy, Tourmaster makes a rain jacket - Sentinel - that folds down into it's own pocket about the size of an airline pillow. I presume the matching pants do the same.
I shall look into Frogg Toggs, as I like the name quite a bit.
Noam - an airline pillow? Really? Man, that would leave space in my bag for a sandwich. Might have to check that out too.
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