Riding a motorcycle is fun – but it’s a lot less fun in the rain, we admit that. Thanks to modern motorcycle kit, though, it is possible to ride in the rain and still arrive drier than your mates who waited at the bus stop. Here are our top tips for keeping warm and dry – even in a British summer.
- Use modern materials. Breathable waterproof membranes mean textile jackets and trousers can keep the rain out without keeping perspiration in. For example, there’s a new Ventoux jacket & trousers suit from Kawasaki that zips together and also includes knee, elbow and back protectors and the coveted CE mark of approval.
- Mind the gaps. However waterproof your kit, if you leave a gap between gloves and sleeves, or between helmet and collar, a cold trickle will find a way in. Wear a neckwarmer or scarf and make sure you’ve got plenty of overlap between layers. Check out Oxford Products’ BoneDry range for some clever tricks like bib-and-brace trouser design and extended cuffs on the gloves.
- Consider an oversuit. If you’re happy with your leathers, textiles, or reinforced motorbike jeans, you can always add a waterproof layer on top. Weise, for example, offer both a two-piece rain suit (easier to put on if unexpected rain has you changing at the side of the road) and a hi-visibility one-piece (so you’re dry AND easier to see through rain-streaked windscreens).
- Keep warm. However mild the weather, and however well your kit keeps the wet on the outside, it will cool you down. Layer up with lightweight base layers, and pack something like an EDZ Innershell windproof top in case you’ve been too optimistic about the temperature. Remember to leave yourself free to move though – especially for that important over-the-shoulder glance.
- Don’t compromise on protection. Wellies may keep your feet dry, but they won’t protect your ankle bones. Go for a proper motorcycle boot like BMW’s new SportDry range, that combines a waterproof layer with hardwearing leather and extra protection at key points. The same goes for gloves, jackets & trousers: you can be safe AND dry.
So don’t let a spot of rain put you off riding your scooter or motorbike. With a spot of preparation you can get arrive as dry as if you’d taken the train – and without the delays!