Get the Proper Motorcycle Rain Gear to Ride Comfortably
It’s almost the weekend and you’re getting pumped for that fall ride you have had planned for months now. There’s only one problem, the forecast for this weekend is looking wet. This is prime time for a fall ride here in Minnesota, but the scenery won’t last long. You have to take advantage of it fast, or all that you will be seeing are snowflakes and bare trees. With the colder temperatures coming along with the rain, staying dry is ultimately going to keep you warmer as well. Have no fear brave riders, there are some excellent products to keep you dry when you hit the roads this weekend.
Motorcycle Rain Suit
This may be the obvious place to start, but choosing the right rain suit can be crucial to staying dry and warm on a long ride. One of the first things to look for when choosing a rain suit is how the rain is being kept out of the openings. On a jacket, if the zipper is not well protected by a storm flap, the rain can pass through as it pelts the exposed zipper. You will also want your motorcycle rain jacket to have some sort of tightening device around your waste, whether it is elastic or draw strings. As you know, the wind likes to lift up the back of your jacket when you’re riding. A moisture-wicking liner is also important to have for a couple of reasons. First, it will keep the cold outer layer of the jacket off of you and prevent it from sticking to your skin. Second, it will help remove any of the moisture from your body that does make it through.
The motorcycle rain pants should also draw tight around the openings. If you are worried about the back of your jacket rising up in the wind, a pair of rain bibs could be the answer for you. The Icon PDX rain bibs provide you with the back coverage that you need, even if your jacket does ride up. The bibs will also stay up with the suspenders, because rain gear does not always fit perfectly over your riding gear.
If you want some added warmth from your motorcycle rain gear, you can choose a suit that is insulated. While the insulated rain gear may be heavier, it will give you that added warmth for these colder fall months. The Firstgear Thermo Suit is an excellent choice. It is 100% waterproof with 120-gram insulation. It is also a one-piece suit, so you will have less openings to worry about water entering.
Rain Proof Footwear
Wet and cold feet can end a day of riding quickly. Luckily, there are some really decent waterproof boots available. Many riders get tired of fighting with over boots and rain gaiters because they can fit loosely and seem clunky. An advantage of the waterproof boot, is that they will ultimately fit tighter and could actually keep your feet more dry and also make for easier shifting. You can choose the Icon Reign Boots if you are looking for a boot with more performance capabilities. The Bates Tahoe boots are a good choice if you want a waterproof motorcycle boot with more of a classic look.
Gloves
Keeping your hands warm and dry is not only important for comfort, but safety as well. Cold and numb hands can lead to dangerous riding. For rainy conditions, a good style of glove would be gauntlet gloves. The longer length and draw stings will help make a seal and keep the rain and wind from entering your jacket. This will also provide you with some added warmth. The Alpinestars Drystar gloves are going to give you best of everything. Not only will your hands be dry and warm, but you will still have enough mobility in your hands for safe riding.
Base Layers
Taking a page out of the snowmobile rider’s book, the use of base layers can greatly improve your warmth and comfort while riding. A lot of riders hate riding in the rain because they can’t stand the damp feeling. Good moisture-wicking base layers will keep the moisture off your skin and keep that damp feeling away. Klim is known for their layering system and are definitely worth taking a look at. With these base layers, you can feel comfortable even after a long day of riding in the rain.
Check out more tips on cold-weather motorcycle riding and go to Dennis Kirk to check out all of our rain gear.
He continues to enjoy learning and sharing about powersports with others in his role as a Web Content Analyst and writer for Dennis Kirk, a role he's been in since 2015. You'll find articles written by Ryan that range from product overviews, how-tos, tech tips, lifestyle articles, and more.
When he's not writing about powersports, Ryan is often enjoying them himself. It doesn't matter if the machine has four wheels, two wheels, or a track, he finds enjoyment in it all.
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1 comment
With rare exception if it’s not Gore-Tex, it’s not waterproof. My “rain gear” is fine for a downpour from home to work or back, but after that, it very quickly becomes not waterproof. I was soaked from head to toe two weekends ago during a two hour ride home in the pouring rain. That was with a Tourmaster Transition 2 jacket and Caliber pants, Sidi Adventure Rain Boots and some gloves I don’t recall the brand of. Sidi only has a one-year warranty so I’m out of luck on my FOURTEEN MONTH OLD boots. The Tourmaster stuff is a few years old so I can’t fault it TOO much. I have two pair of FirstGear gloves that really are waterproof despite not being Gore-Tex — some lightweight ones and some heavier-weight electric ones. Very nice.
I’ve had bad luck with Alpinestars stuff too… three sets of their boots failed at being waterproof.
So as I replace all my gear, everything’s gonna be Gore-Tex from now on. In the meantime, I picked up some rain jackets and pants on close-out to wear over my existing stuff.