Protection is More than just a Motorcycle Rain Suit

Is a Motorcycle Rain Suit enough to be safe?

When it comes to rain gear, this first question you as a rider might have is to go for a one piece or two piece (motorcycle rain jackets and pants) motorcycle rain suit.

But beyond that basic gear, if you really want to stay dry on your motorcycle during rainy days, what you need to do is to cover every part of your body that is exposed to the element – head, body, legs, and feet.

As we all know, motorcycle rain suits are responsible for keeping your body dry while riding in the rain. Then what will protect your hands and feet from the cold rain? In order to be completely protected from the elements, you must pair your motorcycle rain suit together with the following motorcycle rain gear:

  1. Gloves. Your hands are the most exposed part of your body in the rain. Aside from that, they are very sensitive to cold which could be a real problem because you use them to manage all the controls of your bike. Protect your hands with gloves made for bad weather. You can choose gloves that include Gore-Tex, despite the price, because it can provide better protection that any kind of gloves. Get some with Kevlar too, and you’ve got some “bullet proof” hand protection. If you don’t have Gore-Tex gloves, you can wear latex gloves under your riding gloves to provide extra insulation and will help trap the natural heat of your body.
  2. Wristbands. Do not forget to cover your wrist when riding in the rain. Many riders made the mistake of neglecting their wrists which are very exposed to the elements. You can choose riding gloves that covers the wrist or you can buy a pair of winterized wristbands.
  3. Helmet. Riding in the rain can affect your vision that is why it is a must to choose a helmet and/or goggles/eye protection that will not fog up. However, you might consider wearing another layer of protection beneath your helmet such as a ski mask to keep thermal heat in, especially if you ride in really cold and wet weather.
  4. Rain boots. Some riders neglect to protect their feet when riding in the rain. In order to stay dry on your motorcycle, your feet must be well protected by wearing insulated and waterproof boots. There are different kinds of boots to choose from but only a few are effective in keeping you warm and dry during the worst riding conditions.

Wearing a complete set of motorcycle rain gear while riding through the rain will make a huge difference in terms of your level of enjoyment, comfort and convenience. You shouldn’t let the rain affect your motorcycling trip. All you need to do is to have a great motorcycle rain suit and matched gear in order to stay dry on your motorcycle.

 

Motorcycle Rain Suit Options

Choose Your Motorcycle Rain Suit

One of the most common disadvantages of motorcycling is that you are at the whim of the weather. Since you are riding without a roof over your head, you are likely to face rain and even snow (for us northern riders) during spring and winter riding seasons. Riding through the rain is risky and will challenge your riding skills and endurance. Don’t underestimate how serious riding in the rain is.

To protect you against the rain and the cold wind, wear a motorcycle rain suit.

What are the things you need to consider in choosing a motorcycle rain suit?

When looking for a rain suit, you can choose:

Leather

Most riders prefer leather motorcycle gear because they can be snug, form fitting and, honestly, on some people can look cool. Leather motorcycle suits come with different fit, style and will suit different riding seasons. However, in a downpour, leather may not be the best protection. During light rain, leather suits will be fine to help block the cold wind and can keep you dry. If the suit has thermal lining, you’ll get extra protection. Aside from that, leather motorcycle rain suits offer perhaps the best protection from abrasions and cuts during accidents.

Most leather suits are water resistant (be careful here). However, some suits are not as resistant to weather as you may think. Only those suits that are enhanced with Gore-Tex® materials are said to be really effective in the rain.

In fact, one of the hottest trends are these enhanced leather motorcycle rain suits. A leather motorcycle rain suit that is made from Gore-Tex is a combination of the best leather and waterproofing materials allowing you to wear a tear and water resistant suit. If you can’t find a leather suit made from Gore-Tex material, then your next option is to find a motorcycle rain suit that is specially treated to make it waterproof or weather resistant.

Synthetics

Another option is to purchase one of the motorcycle rain suits that are made from high-tech synthetic materials such as nylon, polyester, and Kevlar. Suits made from these materials are thinner, cooler and lighter. However, they may not provide the same protection as your leather motorcycle rain suits in a spill. Suits that are made from synthetic materials are best on warm weather or during the summer. Unlike leather, basic nylon suits made will not protect your body against abrasions and other injuries on a crash or collision and will require that you wear a second layer of crash protection under a nylon rain suit.

You can choose the right motorcycle rain suit to purchase, knowing some of this new info above. Always remember that your primary concern is your safety, convenience and comfort.

Can Leather Motorcycle Rain Suits Really Protect?

Leather motorcycle rain suits

Every motorcycle rider understands the importance of wearing motorcycle safety apparel for protection. One of the most common and perhaps the most important motorcycle pieces of rider gear are the motorcycle rain suits. The chance of getting caught riding in the rain is very high for the regular rider and the best way to protect your body against the wind and other elements is by wearing a motorcycle rain suit.

Aside from giving you shield against the bad weather, motorcycle rain suits can also offer protection in case of an unexpected fall. The most common rain suits are made from leather, a material that can provide substantial protection to your knees, elbows, shins, shoulders, hips and back when you hit the road on a fall.

Motorcycle rain suits made from leather materials might be cool looking, but the purpose of the suit is not for fashion but foremost protection, safety, convenience and comfort.

For best protection, riders can either choose a one piece or two piece motorcycle rain suit.

If you are going to purchase a leather motorcycle rain suit, what are the things you need to consider?

 The following are the best qualities of leather motorcycle rain suits:

  1. Leather suits (cowhide or kangaroo skin) are the best material to offer you protection. It is the best type of fabric to use for motorcycle safety apparel.
  2. Look for a “thickness” that is difficult to tear in case of a crash or fall.
  3. Leather suits are stretchable, and have inner liners for comfort and cooling purposes and can maintain heat during cold weather.

During a crash, leather motorcycle rain gear will protect your body against the impact and abrasions. Without a leather suit, you can easily scrape your skin or acquire cuts and abrasions.

There are two kinds of leather suits – high-end and low-end leather suits. Both offer different features, quality, elasticity and comfort. The high end leather suits are much thinner, soft, lighter and more comfortable to use than a low end leather suit that is heavy and bulky.

However, a thin leather suit has a disadvantage also. Thin leather motorcycle rain suits may offer less protection during a crash. Therefore, it is expected that thin leather suits may not last longer than thick leather garments. But despite this, leather, whether thick or thin, it is still the number one fabric used by many manufacturers of motorcycle rain suits and safety apparel.

Now that you understand the different qualities and features that a leather motorcycle rain suit can offer, buying your own suit should be a little easier. Just stick to the purpose or reason why you are going to buy a rain suit. Remember fashion is the least of the factors to consider when buying a motorcycle rain suit.

How to Find the Right Motorcycle Rain Gear

Make sure you choose the best motorcycle rain gear for you

Riders want to be comfortable on their bikes especially on long trips. Rainy days can make that tough. Trying to endure being soaked and chilled to bone when you still have miles to cover if rough. During wet and cold conditions, it is best for riders to have the right gear to keep them warm and dry. Motorcycle rain gear can help keep the cold and the discomfort at bay.

Do you have the right kind of gear at the ready in your saddlebags or on your body for when the rain comes? If you don’t, how can you find the right motorcycle rain gear?

There are different kinds and makes of motorcycle rain gear, of course. Some are made for generally damp weather while others are specially made for heavy downpours. If you are looking for reliable rain gear, these tips might help:

  1. Buy motorcycle rain gear that fits your budget. Make sure that no matter your available cash, you have some rain gear. Motorcycle rain gear comes in different sizes, colors, brands, materials and prices. Look for rain gear that is within your budget but still offer the best protection you can get. Just make sure to have some.
  2. Be sure of what you want. Do some research (this site is a great place for that); get an idea of the specific gear your want. Are you after a one piece suit or two piece motorcycle rain suit? Consider the pros and cons of both.
  3. Get the right size. Finding the right size of your motorcycle rain gear is critical. Too big will allow the suit flap and shake in the wind; too small will make your ride very uncomfortable. Make sure that your suit fits perfectly to your body but does not limit your movement. The legs of your pants should be big enough to allow you to wear it even with your boots on. Your jackets must not allow rain or moisture sip through your clothes and high collars so that it can reach the inside of your helmet.
  4. Choose motorcycle rain gear that includes reflective materials. You must stay visible even during gloomy or rainy conditions. Bright colored suits or enhancements can help keep you safe when riding in the rain.
  5. Choose rain gear that provides the best protection from the rain and the cold. Some rain suits claim to be waterproof when in fact they are not. Check if the motorcycle rain gear you‘re about to purchase was made with Gore-Tex material or not. A true waterproof gear generally must be made from Gore-Tex fabric or material.

These tips in finding the right motorcycle rain gear revolve around safety, comfort and last to the list – style. This is because you must think of your safety and comfort more than fashion.