Motorcycle Rain Gear – Water Sports
Harley-Davidson
Women’s Caledonia Rain Jacket MSRP $125-$140, Product No. 98310-07VW; Women’s Caledonia Rain Pant MSRP $75-$80, Product No. 98311-07VW (Price based per size and/or color)
A great feature about Harley-Davidson’s rain gear is that it offers a fit specifically for women, ranging in sizes from XS to 3W. Pull on the drawstrings (1) for a tailored fit; both jacket and pants are made of a 2-1/2 layer waterproof, breathable, seam-sealed nylon (2); features elastic cuffs (3); hand-warmer pockets (4); and on the back side, other features include a stretch-fit hood (5) that fits comfortably under a helmet and conveniently into the collar of the jacket when not in use; reflective piping (6) and H-D graphics; and stretch elastic band (7) for a more tailored fit to your body.
The matching pants feature rear-end anti-slip traction (8); heat-resistant shields (9) on the inner legs; not seen are the removable suspenders and stirrups (hard to point out, but they’re there). For more information, contact Harley-Davidson at (800) 443-2153, or visit www.harley-davidson.com.
Nelson-Rigg
Volante VTL-700 MSRP $99.95-$114.95 (Price based per size)
Made from a 100-percent wind/waterproof Trimax nylon, this two-piece rain suit features two outer and one inner zippered pocket (1); adjustable Velcro and elasticized cuffs (2); adjustable zipped underarm and full back ventilation system (3); Hi-Brite 3M reflective safety striping and logo (4); comfort stretch elasticized belt adjusters (5); heavy-duty zippers with pull fobs for use with or without gloves (6); and an integrated, under-helmet rain hood (7).
The pants feature heat-resistant leg panels (8); fully adjustable suspenders (not seen); 17-inch zipper gussets with stirrups for easy boot entry as well as (9) nylon lining with mesh venting panels (hard to indicate, but they’re there). Available in black/black, black/orange, and charcoal/black in sizes SM to 4XL. For more information, contact Nelson-Rigg at (714) 850-1811, or visit www.nelsonrigg.com.
Tour Master
Sentinel Men’s Rain Suit Jacket MSRP $64.99; Sentinel Men’s Rain Suit Pants MSRP $44.99
Made from a waterproof, breathable Rip Stop Nylon shell (1) with sealed seams for water resistance, the jacket features an Aqua-Barrier under the hood to alleviate water seepage and the hood stows in a hidden collar pocket (2); integrated stuff sack for convenient storage (not shown); several exterior zippered pockets (3) for maximum carrying capacity; built-in mesh system for ventilation including underarm exhaust vents (not shown); 3M Scotchlite reflective piping (4); waist adjustment for a tailored fit (5); and Velcro main closure and elastic cuffs with Velcro to keep water out (6).
Made of the same material and method as the jacket, the pants feature a polyester mesh lining for comfort; waterproof and breathable material panels above the knees and in the inseam (7) for flexibility; nylon seat panel for anti-slip traction (8); four-panel knee design for comfort and flexibility in the riding position (9); two zippered hand pockets (10); zipper attachment to fasten jacket to pants, as well as an elastic waistband and high-rise seat panel to seal out the elements (not seen); zippered and gusseted leg cuff with Velcro closure for ease of dressing (11). The jacket is available in black, red, blue, and yellow in sizes XXS to 4XL, and the pants are available in black in sizes XS to 4XL, as well as in women’s sizes. For more information, contact Helmet House at (800) 421-7247, or visit www.tourmaster.com, or an authorized dealer.
Firstgear
Rainman Jacket MSRP $74.95; Pant MSRP $54.95 Navigator Gloves MSRP $89.95
With a selection of rain suits for men and women meant to keep you dry in the most torrential downpour, the Rainman is no exception for the company’s rain gear. Made to be 100 percent waterproof, this rain suit features 70 denier nylon (1) with full nylon slip lining; heat-resistant material and panels from knee to ankle (2); several dual-storm closure pockets for maximum carrying capacity (3); integrated stuff sack (not seen); adjustable webbing waist belt (4); 3M Scotchlite reflective logo (5); and an integrated, under-helmet rain hood (6) to prevent water seepage.
The pants feature a drawstring elastic waistband (not seen); lower leg zippers for ease of entry (7); large left pocket (8); and a self-contained bag (not seen) for convenient storage.
The all-leather, waterproof Navigator gloves with full gauntlet feature leather palms with palm gel pad (9); waterproof/breathable Hipora lining (not seen); pre-curved fingers (10); face shield wiper blade on left index finger (11); one-handed elastic cord closure and zipper (not shown); reflective piping (12); and a palm pull pad and adjustable wrist strap (13). Available in black/grey and all black in sizes SM to 2XL. For more information, contact Firstgear at (866) 302-5676, or visit www.firstgear-usa.com, or authorized Tucker Rocky or Biker’s Choice dealers.
Dowco
Guardian Deluxe Rain Suit MSRP $39.99
Made from 100 percent polyester with a PVC coating to repel water, the newly designed Guardian rain suit features a polyester lined, double stitched suit (1) with taped seams for water resistance (2); concealed hood conveniently tucked into the collar (3); reflective safety piping for increased visibility (4); two large front pockets (5) with an additional pocket on the interior; and a drawstring waist (6).
The matching pants feature a large zip opening for easy boot entry (7); three snaps to allow the jacket and pants to be fastened together (not seen); stirrups to help keep legs and feet dry (8); and sized to be worn over riding gear. Available in black in sizes SM to XXL, with a one-year warranty. For more information, contact Dowco Inc at (800) 558-7755, or visit www.dowcopowersports.com.
As motorcyclists, we have all been there at least once: Caught in the saddle in a sudden rainfall without rain gear. Sure, you could pull off the road and seek shelter, or hang out under an overpass, or MacGyver some garbage bags you fetched out of a trashcan into a makeshift rain suit. All good ideas, considering the circumstances, or you could just break down and purchase rain gear so you can stay dry and protected on those “rain, rain, go away” days.
Of course, we-as in Southern Californians-wouldn’t know too much about those rainy days. With little annual rainfall (not like we’re complaining), it’s more like, “rain, rain, come our way” at times. Since our rain dance failed to produce any drops outside, our option was to make rain at the local car wash. A great use of $4 (excluding suds and waxing), this gave us the opportunity to show off this month’s essentials, brought to you by five companies with well-made waterproof rain gear.
