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Rain Gear
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Murphey's Law at work. After nine months of planning a 4 day ride to
Moab and around southern Utah, where it is not supposed to rain or be
cold this time of year, the weather forcast just gets worse.
Aside from colder than planned temperatures it looks like the 250 mile
ride to Moab is guaranteed to include rain and god forbid snow at the
7500 foot summit of Soldier Pass on highway 6.
So I am forced to buy raingear to go over my leathers (for both rain
proctection and warmth as 40 degree mornings are expected).
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I bought something similar at a WalMart when Justin and I were on our
trip to Indianapolis for the F1 race. It was predicted to rain the
entire four days we were gone. After I bought the suits (one for each
of us) it cleared up and didn't rain at all. Still have the suits,
still haven't used them.
Hopefully the weather will be just as spiteful towards you!
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Its Don I am having sympathy for. The freakin' weather has aborted his trip
through Yellowstone and in turn has prevent me riding with him on 2 of the
premier local roads. (Maybe on the return trip?)
He is stuck with a wet cold interstate all the way down.
And we still face a 7500 foot pass that could well be 35 degrees and a warm
wet snow. The alternate route adds time (hours) and boring Interstate.
Its all good, I have had friends come ski and there was no snow. We drove
to Colorado.
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Bringing raingear along is often the best preventer of rain there is.
I had a friend that ALWAYS brought rain tires to the racetrack for just
that reason.
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Ditto. I forgot my rains at ONE weekend this year and it poured all
weekend.
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A friend at work recommends "Mog Togs" (sp?) from the local sporting
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Frogg Toggs? They've seen some good reviews here.
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goods store. Or should I break down and buy proper motorcycle gear
from a local shop (no time to order on-line) and pay the premium.
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I've not used them myself but have heard good things about them.
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At the Finger Lakes BMW Rally over Labor Day weekend, Hurricane Ernesto
came through Watkins Glen on Saturday and drenched everything with over
four inches of rain. The Frogg Toggs vendor sold every outfit he had.
Considering their prices, they are supposed to be very good.
I've got a 25-year-old Rukka two-piece suit that has never leaked and is
still in excellent condition, but Rukka prices are considerably higher
than FroggToggs.
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I sure wouldn't. Just make sure to get something with a long enough
inseam that the pantcuffs won't pull up to your knees when you straddle
the bike. Also, nothing with a hood, unless it can be securely rolled
down or stuffed into a zip collar. And you need something with a decent
wrist closure (velcro).
I have a "Viking" brand jacket and pants that stuff into their own
pockets and zip shut. It's great because they don't take up much room
that way.
Also give some consideration to how you'll keep your gear dry (unless
you have luggage you know is waterproof).
Put a fresh coat of rain-x on the windshield. Consider a breath shield,
fog city stick-on, or some other way to maintain visibility in cool
wet weather.
Take a little can of WD40 or other chain lube.
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I haven't seen a really good corelation between price paid and ability
to keep you waterproof. Throw a roll of duct tape in your bags though.
It does a decent job at sealing any rips you put in it getting it on and
off near sharp objects.
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I'm new here and just have to chime in, since this is something I've
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Yes you are, and "dizzy" is taken! 8)
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had quite of bit experience with this summer.
Frogg Togs are ok, but if you are looking for something warmer, I don't
recommend them. If you aren't wanting to spend an arm and a leg on rain
gear, I suggest going to your local sporting goods store (here in
Dallas, TX, it's Academy). They have lots to choose from.
One thing I HIGHLY recommend though, is get something that will keep
your feet dry. There's not much worse than having your boots full of
water. It's miserable, let me tell you. :)
Have a safe ride!
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And gloves, I'll need to get waterproof gloves.
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And boots or overshoes, probably "Totes" rubber boots over
your normal riding boots.
My gloves are usually the last thing to soak through. Probably
some really oversize rubber gloves on top of your normal gloves.
I like Snowseal for waterpproofing leather.
Either a motorcycle suit or a decent set of overalls and jacket
from the local hardware with maybe some velcro or elastic straps
to hold the sleeves and legs closed.
Lots of plastic bags of various sizes for gear and in a pinch, as an
extra
layer of waterproofing to wear.
PolarFleece Balaklava, Anti-fog for your visor, warm change of clothing
in a totally waterproof bag inside two more waterproof bags.
When riding long distances in the rain, I find that swearing loudly
at the weather helps the time pass quickly.
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I've heard that you can put a latex glove on inside your existing
gloves. Never tried it though. I tend to just ride with wet hands.
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Neoprene skin divers or fishing gloves.
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Sorry to my friends that I promised glorious sunny skies, I lied.
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Frogg toggs is a good set for bike use, but tends to blow up a little
much for my tastes. I have a Teknic two piece rain suit that is 100%
water proof, but heavy and bulky to pack. The FT suit is a good
inbetween, I guess.
I have a set of gortex gloves, but they tend to be a little warm during
the summer. I use Mechanix gloves from Lowes as a good glove that stays
cool and dries fast.
All day in the rain riding isn't that big of a deal if you have the
right gear. It doesn't have ot be motorcycle specific either...
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It may seem like brand name loyalty (or lunacy) but I have an H-D rain
suit that is the best I have ever had.
Totally waterproof, good wind protection and the inner legs are burn
proof. The seat is also welted rubber so there is absolutely no
seepage.
The downside is that they are a bit spendy.
I also have a pair of Sidi boots (Thanks Mark) in which I could stand
in water and not get wet feet.
I rode all day in the rain in this combination last year and never
felt a drop.
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