Topic: rain suit (Read 20476 times)

scooter 6262 · « **on:** August 10, 2009, 06:31:36 PM »

What is the best rain suit to buy.

Sun Devil · « **Reply #1 on:** August 10, 2009, 06:40:50 PM »

Most long distance Goldwing riders wear Frogg togg. Inexpensive, light weight.
www.froggtoggs.com

Fired00d · « **Reply #2 on:** August 10, 2009, 07:50:00 PM »

Quote from: 2010FLHXSE on August 10, 2009, 06:40:50 PM

Most long distance Goldwing riders wear Frogg togg. Inexpensive, light weight.
www.froggtoggs.com

They may be alright for 'Wingers, but I didn't see where they have heatshields in the legs. If that's the case you don't want them riding a Harley. Even w/my long legs I've touched the pipe of the unprotected (non-heatshield) pants leg on the pipes and had to replace them.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

JCZ · « **Reply #3 on:** August 10, 2009, 09:26:29 PM »

According to Motorcycle Consumer News (MCN), it's the Tour Master Elite II, two piece. MCN is the Consumer Reports of the motorcycle industry....they don't accept any advertising and are beholding to nobody.

They've done motorcycle rain suit testing a couple of times over the past ten years or so and actually test a good number of them. The Tour Master Elite II Two Piece came out on top both times and it's one of the least expensive rain suits tested (they use a fire hose for testing). You can do a search.....the jacket and pants both should only be about $100. They have several color options.

Firechief2 · « **Reply #4 on:** August 11, 2009, 12:51:35 AM »

I have a couple of one piece BMW suits that are great. The color (black/silver with high vis yellow inserts) certainly shows up in the rain. I have been through some major storms with them and haven't come close to getting wet.

kraut · « **Reply #5 on:** August 11, 2009, 03:12:18 AM »

we go with these for two years now, bought them on sombodies sale for 50 $ each (i believe it was Chicago HD). Best we had ever, no wear visible after those 2 years, very comfortable, 100 % waterproof, very small when not in use. And we had some serious downpours since

mrmagloo · « **Reply #6 on:** August 11, 2009, 10:34:55 AM »

I upgraded to the Gortex Paclite from the Overpass II, and am very happy. The Overpass was ridiculously hot and wouldn't breathe, which drove me crazy. The Gortex Paclite on the other hand breathes very well, and is comfortable in any weather. I road for a few hours in a down pour and with my helmet, Paclite, Gloves and Gaiters, I was abolutely bone dry and quite comfortable. I cringed dropping the dough, but after suffering with the Overpass, the Gortex Paclite is well worth the money to me. It folds down very small, and works great.

MD-Dave · « **Reply #7 on:** August 12, 2009, 01:18:45 PM »

Quote from: 2010FLHXSE on August 10, 2009, 06:40:50 PM

Most long distance Goldwing riders wear Frogg togg. Inexpensive, light weight.
www.froggtoggs.com

I had read good things about Frogg Toggs, so I bought some. I got stuck in a downpour on my way into work and it lasted about ten minutes. It was a pretty heavy rain but still it was only ten minutes. The Frogg Toggs did not work! I was soaked. Rain came in through the front of the jacket, at the zipper, and to a lesser degree the sleeves. The pants were even worse. Knees down I was soaked and I was sitting in a puddle. I thought maybe I did not get the jacket down over the pants far enough and it leaked in from the back. Nope. I gave them one more chance and paid particular attention to that. I did get a little less water in the underwear but it was still there. I really wanted these to work out because I love the fact that they breathe. I have had a First Gear rainsuit for years and it works very well, but it does not breathe. Rain does not get you but you get soaked by sweat!

kraut · « **Reply #8 on:** August 12, 2009, 02:21:25 PM »

the H-D-suits I mentioned above were last tried some 5 weeks ago in around 80 F, 300 miles, 5 hours, first Autobahn, then backroads in rain/hailstorm/bright sun/next heavy rain. No sweat even when the sun burned, no water got in, just perfect. We didn't have any hurry to get out of the rain gear.

igofar · « **Reply #9 on:** August 12, 2009, 11:36:43 PM »

We keep two sets of the HD Canal Street's on the bike at all times.
They work very well in the rain, fold up to a very small package are quite reasonably priced.
The only drawback I have is they are not breathable so you will want to take them off asap!
(Good cold weather layer!)

Brad

iski · « **Reply #10 on:** August 13, 2009, 12:05:51 AM »

Quote from: scooter 6262 on August 10, 2009, 06:31:36 PM

What is the best rain suit to buy.

Have had cheap rain suits (years ago) that were crap (a big black trash bag with holes for head & arms was the very cheapest) a long time back. Have had some decent mid priced suits - I am not a fan of Frogg Toggs however. The mid priced suits do not "breathe" and in warm weather, that sucks.

Currently utilizing Gore-tex Pac-lite suits from H-D. They work great, they breathe, and they keep me & my BSR DRY, even in downpours. They are pricey and yes there are less expensive options. I have found for outdoor sports that Gore-tex (or a similar breathable waterproof fabric) works best. When it's raining like heck & the temp is dropping and you are riding DRY, the price point on the rain suit is worth it. If you are riding wet & cold in a lousy suit, it makes for a less fun trip.

Tip: buy the suit a little larger than your regular size to allow for layering up under the rain suit when the temps are cooler.

skippy49 · « **Reply #11 on:** September 16, 2009, 03:50:33 AM »

I bought these last:
http://www.harley-davidson.com/mcm/mcm_product.jsp?PRODUCT%3C%3Eprd_id=845524448770921&FOLDER%3C%3Efolder_id=2534374302511643&ASSORTMENT%3C%3East_id=2534374302511643&bmUID=1253087249637&bmLocale=en_US

I really like them but bought them because of the visibility of them. Usually when you're riding in the rain it's hard to see so I hope maybe they'll help others see me.
Had the Overpass which work well but are dark and bulky. We always wear Cruiserworks boots which are waterproof so that takes care of our feet.

yellowhog · « **Reply #12 on:** September 27, 2009, 08:28:04 AM »

The Harley Hi-Vis rain suit is the best one I've seen yet...

32Lager · « **Reply #13 on:** September 27, 2009, 09:59:59 AM »

I'll give you another vote for Harley's Hi Vis suit. On our trip to Maggie Valley, we got into some very heavy downpours and my friend's Hi Vis suit really impressed me by how visible it was. I was having a heck of a time with my glasses fogging up and if it weren't for his bright colored orange suit to follow, I would have had to pull over. The most important benefit is how visible it is for someone in a car or truck !

After that trip, I looked at a lot of different rainsuits and realized that Harley did their homework. My new HiVis suit may not pack up as tight as Gore-tex but it was less than half the price, it's designed for riding motorcycles and it keeps me dry. My Frogg Toggs were what I would consider a good "temporary" rainsuit. They're cheaper and you get what you pay for. Like Fired00d said, they don't have heatshields on the legs and (like a lot of rainsuits), that's the worst thing about them. The first time I wore my Frogg Toggs, I pulled into a parking lot, put my foot down and immediately burnt a big hole in my right pant leg. The material melted like you put a flame to plastic and I barely touched the pipes.

Diamondback · « **Reply #14 on:** September 27, 2009, 01:27:57 PM »

spydglide · « **Reply #15 on:** October 08, 2009, 07:52:08 PM »

Quote from: kraut on August 12, 2009, 02:21:25 PM

the H-D-suits I mentioned above were last tried some 5 weeks ago in around 80 F, 300 miles, 5 hours, first Autobahn, then backroads in rain/hailstorm/bright sun/next heavy rain. No sweat even when the sun burned, no water got in, just perfect. We didn't have any hurry to get out of the rain gear.

Boy, that's a real testiment to a good rain suit, isn't it?

har! spyder

Jock · « **Reply #16 on:** October 18, 2009, 05:59:32 PM »

Quote from: JCZ on August 10, 2009, 09:26:29 PM

According to Motorcycle Consumer News (MCN), it's the Tour Master Elite II, two piece. MCN is the Consumer Reports of the motorcycle industry....they don't accept any advertising and are beholding to nobody.

And I like them for that very reason...much like Consumer Reports...

dite · « **Reply #17 on:** February 17, 2011, 10:57:55 AM »

Good to hear there are so many options...

JCZ · « **Reply #18 on:** February 17, 2011, 11:06:38 AM »

FXRG (leather or textile) are both waterproof.

Ironhorse · « **Reply #19 on:** February 17, 2011, 11:15:42 AM »

Whatever rain suit you buy, make sure you try it on first.

By that I mean over ALL the gear you may ever wear. A lot of riders don't do that only to find out it won't fit comfortably over heated clothing or leathers. Then, if possible, go and sit on your bike or a similar one on the dealership floor. Make sure the sleeves don't pull up or the shoulders don't bind. Check to see if it fits tight and snug when seated. This is important to avoid letting wind in at the waist which causes the balloon effect and lets rain in. I've seen riders with bungee cords around their waist trying to get it to seal. Try it on with your helmet, gauntlets and boots to make sure they fit too. Sit on the bike in a riding position with your feet up and crank the bars back and forth to check for comfort and binding, same with your head. Make sure the helmet chin strip doesn't bind on the collar. Then ask yourself if you can ride like that in the cold driving rain for 300 miles. If the answer is no, try on another suit.

I use the HD Overpass suit. I like it. My previous suit was a motorport.

Mark

barettaman · « **Reply #20 on:** February 18, 2011, 02:51:42 PM »

I wear the Grey over black HD rain suit w/ the reflective HD emblem on the back top piece. I have yet to get wet, It's a larger then needed size now because of bariatric surgery but I wear all my leathers underneath and i have lots of room now and stay bone dry.

UFO_HOG · « **Reply #21 on:** February 18, 2011, 04:13:11 PM »

I have the HD Canal Street Suits, have used it a couple of times and was very happy with the protection you get, and even happier with the little amount of space they take up.

Buy early · « **Reply #22 on:** February 18, 2011, 04:43:36 PM »

Quote from: JCZ on February 17, 2011, 11:06:38 AM

FXRG (leather or textile) are both waterproof.

X2 - have the nylon/textile jacket and pants and stay bone dry.

roadking71865 · « **Reply #23 on:** February 18, 2011, 04:51:29 PM »

I heard Aerostich are GREAT. I have a Darien that I use regularly but have never been in the rain with it. I'm told they work very well and you don't have to stop and start with taking off rain gear.

darth davidson · « **Reply #24 on:** June 10, 2012, 10:52:56 AM »

Ok, rainy season is here . Central FL is drowning. Let me hear what gear you use/recommend for this time of the year. Remember is also very hot!!!!

GregKhougaz · « **Reply #25 on:** June 10, 2012, 11:31:31 AM »

I have the Tour Master, "Sentinel" rain jacket and pants. Gortex lined and water proof but no added warmth in the summer. Worth a look.

Midnight Rider · « **Reply #26 on:** June 10, 2012, 11:40:34 AM »

Quote from: darth davidson on June 10, 2012, 10:52:56 AM

Ok, rainy season is here . Central FL is drowning. Let me hear what gear you use/recommend for this time of the year. Remember is also very hot!!!!

Spend the money and get gear made of Gore-Tex or similar material rather than just coated material. It will last for years and breathes while keeping you dry at the same time. However, nothing is going to keep you from sweating inside if it's 95 degrees and raining.

I have been using Gore-Tex gear since generation I came out back in the '70's...the first jacket lasted 20+ years, but I "outgrew" it, so got another Arc'Teryx jacket shell for general wear and am still using it, but not on the bike. I found the HD Gore-Tex jacket on sale so got it for the upper...very happy with it. I am using a pair of Arc'Teryx ski shell bibs for pants as I already had them and they work well on the bike. Arc'Teryx gear is very pricey though.

Just get good stuff made of breathable materials, paying particular attention to how the inside bottom of each leg is made as you do not want them melting to your pipes on the right side.

darth davidson · « **Reply #27 on:** June 10, 2012, 12:08:12 PM »

Great advice , Thanks!!!

Chains · « **Reply #28 on:** June 10, 2012, 01:22:21 PM »

I prefer neutral and leave the bike in the garage.

Seriously Gortex is great

Fired00d · « **Reply #29 on:** June 10, 2012, 02:34:29 PM »

Quote from: Chains on June 10, 2012, 01:22:21 PM

I prefer neutral and leave the bike in the garage.

Seriously Gortex is great

X2... Unless I'm on a trip, or leaving on a trip it is really hard for me to gear up and drive past my cage when it's raining.

Ride Safe,
Fired00d

Midnight Rider · « **Reply #30 on:** June 10, 2012, 03:16:00 PM »

It's not riding in the rain that bothers me, it's the bike getting so filthy that it takes two hours to clean it back up right.

I HATE leaving the garage on a trip when it's raining, 'cause I've usually got the scoot all sparkly before I pack it up...

spydglide · « **Reply #31 on:** June 10, 2012, 05:47:30 PM »

Quote from: Midnight Rider on June 10, 2012, 03:16:00 PM

It's not riding in the rain that bothers me, it's the bike getting so filthy that it takes two hours to clean it back up right.

I HATE leaving the garage on a trip when it's raining, 'cause I've usually got the scoot all sparkly before I pack it up...

:huepfenlol2:I'll usually leave 'early' or
'late' to miss that if at all possible. spyder

DDavidson · « **Reply #32 on:** June 11, 2012, 01:23:12 AM »

Whatever you get try it on with whatever you're going to wear under it.

I wear a jacket liner under mine.

Bought a HD suit over 10 years ago. Wore in Sept/Oct 2011 through multiple days and stayed very dry and comfortable and again in the rain/snow in May 2012. Rain pants have double zipper and velcro on outside of pants. The double zipper allows you to unzip bottom of pants up to upper thigh which allows you to slide your boots through the zippered opening and quickly zipper back down. Very important feature! Make sure they are loose fitting to keep comfortable. I don't use the elastic strap that fits under the boot. (I can put my rain suit on in just a couple of minutes.)

The neck of the jacket should wrap up over your neck under the chin to prevent water coming off the helmet from going down your neck.

Yellow lensed shooting goggles make it easier to see in the rain.

I have ECCO boots that are waterproof and wear the ugly thick wool socks when it is below freezing to keep my feet warm. (Real wool will keep you warm even when it is wet, not that I got wet.)

Rinse off road spray in the shower with the suit on and towel dry.

danner55 · « **Reply #33 on:** June 11, 2012, 07:05:03 AM »

Gore Tex is the way to go! Especially in Florida! You won't regret spending the extra money for Gore Tex!

Diamondback · « **Reply #34 on:** June 11, 2012, 09:26:35 PM »

Any Gore Tex with heat shield protectors.

Bass Pro shops has a Pro GoreTex that are great. No Heat shield on the right leg so I have to be careful. My buddy uses half of an old HD leg on the right works well.

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shopsreg;-Pro-Qualifierreg;-GORE-TEXreg;-Rain-Jackets-for-Men/product/10210288/145221?cmCat=CROSSSELL_THUMBNAIL

http://www.basspro.com/Bass-Pro-Shopsreg;-Pro-Qualifierreg;-GORE-TEXreg;-Rain-Bibs-for-Men/product/10210289/69762?cmCat=CROSSSELL_PRODUCT

These are placed on sell often for 40% off. The best rain protection I have ever owned. Breath and keep you absolutely dry.

Just be careful with the right leg.

bigdave110 · « **Reply #35 on:** June 14, 2012, 07:08:27 PM »

I used Frogg Toggs until I melted them on the way to Sturgis.
Legs where soaked when I got there, made for a crappy ride.

I use a FXRG jacket when I ride most of the time so if it rains I only have to put on pants.
Purchased a pair of the Harley pants and they have served me well so far.
Hate giving them more money, but being as tiny as I am.

I must try stuff on first, and it was easy at the shop.

Dave

Indenial · « **Reply #36 on:** June 15, 2012, 10:27:10 PM »

Dave, what size FXRG did you get? I look to be about your size. Did you get the tall? Thanks,

bigdave110 · « **Reply #37 on:** June 16, 2012, 12:28:14 AM »

Quote from: Indenial on June 15, 2012, 10:27:10 PM

Dave, what size FXRG did you get? I look to be about your size. Did you get the tall? Thanks,

The biggest one they make.
I think it's a 5xl.
Just fits in the waist, good in shoulders and arms.
Just love it.
Would tell you not to buy one with out trying it on first.
My shop ordered it in for me to try.
They have a much different fit then the leather jackets IMHO.
Hope this helps.

Dave

CowboyBagger · « **Reply #38 on:** June 16, 2012, 12:57:22 AM »

By far the "Best Gortex" rainsuit on the market is made by "Mountain Hardware". They are tuff, they breathe and they keep you dry. However, they have no reflective markings or HD logo. AND they last FOR EV ER!

dayne66 · « **Reply #39 on:** June 16, 2012, 03:20:34 AM »

Are they motorcycle specific...or for 'outdoors'? That -part on the leg that won't melt is always nice to have.

HDSLK · « **Reply #40 on:** June 16, 2012, 06:21:20 AM »

http://www.tourmaster.com/xcart/product.php?productid=86&cat=8

This is what I have and I've never gotten wet even in some pretty heavy downpours...

Ironhorse · « **Reply #41 on:** June 16, 2012, 07:35:10 PM »

Quote from: dayne66 on June 16, 2012, 03:20:34 AM

Are they motorcycle specific...or for 'outdoors'? That -part on the leg that won't melt is always nice to have.

Motorcycle specific goes further than non melting strips on the legs. Quality ones should be cut differently from regular foul weather gear. The sleeves should be longer to accomodate the forward reach for the bars. The shoulders should be generously cut to allow lots of movement even with leathers under it. The waist should be able to cinch, belt, or tighten to prevent ballooning from up rushng air. The front should be double sealed with a zipper under a snap over to prevent water from being forced in by wind.

Of course some folks have no need for these features and do just fine with regular non-motorcycle specific rain gear.

Tannehill Kid · « **Reply #42 on:** October 01, 2012, 11:22:38 PM »

Frogg Togg is the worst rain suit I have ever worn while riding a motorcycle. Right leg metled on me while riding in Sturgis. I now wear the gray and black HD rain suit and it has served me well. Will go with gortex on the next one.

mrmagloo · « **Reply #43 on:** October 02, 2012, 12:14:15 PM »

As an FYI, I don't think Harley makes the Gortex Rain Gear anymore. Too bad I've been through a number of serious downpours, and this suit is fantastic.

Buy early · « **Reply #44 on:** October 02, 2012, 12:37:11 PM »

Quote from: mrmagloo on October 02, 2012, 12:14:15 PM

As an FYI, I don't think Harley makes the Gortex Rain Gear anymore. Too bad I've been through a number of serious downpours, and this suit is fantastic.

mrmagloo is correct, the current top line FXRG HD rain suit is made of Cocona. Haven't heard of that fabric. I got the last version of the FXRG rain suit that was made of Gortex and love it. Retailed for an outlandish price but got it at 1/2 off so it was just expensive but worth it.

hep0950 · « **Reply #45 on:** October 02, 2012, 08:08:29 PM »

We have the Hi-Vis HD rain suit also. Definitely keeps you dry and not sweaty. My last HD suit was more of a rubber lined and I'd be wetter inside the suit than outside. It may have been nice in colder weather, but not when it got hot. The Hi-Vis is light and protects well.

JoeSDE · « **Reply #46 on:** October 02, 2012, 10:23:18 PM »

There are still a few of the Gortex suits. See individual pieces in dealerships at nicely reduced prices. However, sizes are limited and the Gortex pieces are becoming harder to find but there is still some out there. JoeS

2k · « **Reply #47 on:** October 03, 2012, 09:20:43 AM »

Been riding over 50 yrs. Have tried about all, most have their weak points. Best all around for my money.....HD Hi-Vis

mrmagloo · « **Reply #48 on:** October 05, 2012, 12:04:18 PM »

Quote from: JoeS on October 02, 2012, 10:23:18 PM

There are still a few of the Gortex suits. See individual pieces in dealerships at nicely reduced prices. However, sizes are limited and the Gortex pieces are becoming harder to find but there is still some out there. JoeS

If you can find the old Gortex, definitely get it!

LovemyCVOgirl · « **Reply #49 on:** October 05, 2012, 04:50:20 PM »

Quote from: 2ksoftail on October 03, 2012, 09:20:43 AM

Been riding over 50 yrs. Have tried about all, most have their weak points. Best all around for my money.....HD Hi-Vis

X2

FLSTFI Dave · « **Reply #50 on:** October 18, 2012, 09:02:20 AM »

Just got two of the new Hi-Vis rain suites I had been wanting, but not willing to spend 279 for.

Pig Trail HD in Eureka Springs had them marked 1/2 off during Bikes Blues and BBQ. So I got one for me and one for the wife.

We got to test them more than once during the rally. I like them, they work well, better than the 10 year old HD one that started leaking this year. Sweated to death in the old one too.

Author Topic: rain suit (Read 20476 times)