Leather Motorcycle Jackets and Rain

Riders wish to avoid it, but rain happens. In some places of the world, it falls for months at a time, and in others, it can be completely unpredictable. The reality is a motorcyclist who rides regularly will get wet, and there is no way to avoid it. After all, riding a motorcycle exposes us to the elements and thus subjects us to the whims of the environment in which we live.

Therefore, what matters is where all that water falling from the sky ends up. Unless you wear completely waterproof riding apparel, water soaks into leather or textile gear, drenches jeans or riding pants, and often finds its way into your undergarments. Wet riding clothes are incredibly uncomfortable and distracting making your time on the road less safe. So, how do you keep the rain from ruining your motorcycle ride?

Simple: Wear motorcycle rain gear.

Motorcycle Rain Gear Comparison

Motorcycle rain gear comes in many types, designs and styles, though there are some commonalities. Most rain gear is designed to be worn over your normal riding apparel, except for gloves made specifically for the rain. All motorcycle rain gear is waterproof and should be easy to put on and take off when needed. Gloves made for severely wet weather often provide heating capabilities which is very important as the evaporative effect of water is a chilling experience.

Deciding on the best motorcycle rain gear comes down to your style of riding (commuting, touring, racing), features, the fit, appearance, and of course, how much you want to spend. Choosing good motorcycle rain gear is mostly a personal decision which depends a lot upon your needs.

In this guide we cover the following motorcycle rain gear essentials:

But first, there are some essential aspects of rain gear to keep in mind otherwise you'll just waste your money.

Waterproofing

All rain gear produced for motorcycle riding is waterproof and some of it possesses serious waterproofing. Usually, gear will be double-stitched and have sealed or "taped" seams to prevent water ingress through the many fabric junctions.

Look for gear using an impermeable material to stop water from penetrating the garment or gear with a specialized coating over a water-resistant fabric to seal out the wet. There are several proprietary solutions to waterproofing as well. All of this is done to tackle one basic and essential job: keep the rider dry.

On and Off

Most wet weather riding apparel is designed to be very easy to put on and take off. Sizing is typically slightly larger so the gear fits over riding apparel and generous zippered openings make it easy to zip in and out of. The idea is to pull off the road and change into or out of rain gear quickly.

Fit

The fit should be loose so it fits easily over your regular riding gear. (An exception is wet weather gear made for wearing over race leathers. This type has to be as tight as possible so that the high speeds do not cause it to tear apart or add drag.)

Sleeves on rain jackets and the legs of rain pants cover the wrists and ankles, respectively, and should do so when in the riding position. This keeps rain from entering into apparel at the junction between gloves and jacket cuffs and the area between boots and pant hems. The back of a wet weather jacket is also elongated to protect the waist area. Most importantly, none of it should be binding in a way that will interfere with controlling the motorcycle.

Visibility

An important need for rain gear is that it be very visible. In the rain, it can be difficult to see ahead when riding because of darkened skies, the rain, mist or fog, and the moisture thrown up by tires. Motorcycles can be difficult for auto drivers to see even in bright sunlight, so visibility in inclement weather is a high priority. Almost all wet weather gear is either equipped with retro-reflective striping or patches, or is made in florescent colors. Choose something to make you stand out even in the worst downpour.

The Butt

Most wet weather riding pants have either a fabric panel or a coating designed to keep the rider from sliding off of the motorcycle seat. Water acts as a lubricant and you do not want to slip off of your bike at any speed.

Consider all of these properties when making your purchase of rain gear. That way, the next time the skies open up, you remain dry and perfectly comfortable while riding. A set of motorcycle rain gear gives you one less thing to worry about when planning a road trip or dealing with the weather on your commute.

Motorcycle Rain Jackets