Gore tex melts on pipes, it's a waste of money.

The HD Hi-Vis gear is good kit, it's very similar to the Olympia Gear, probably made by Olympia and you pay an extra $15 for the logo's. If you have time and want to save yourself $15 buy Olympia gear, otherwise the extra $15 won't break you and it's solid rain gear. I ride in some pretty nasty weather occasionally.

Frogg Toggs rain gear is a waste of money, gore-tex coatings will melt to your pipe as well. the HD and olympia gear uses a nomex panel where it would touch the pipes, and I believe nelson riggs does so as well.

As for the just ride through it crowd they obviously haven't ridden a 500 mile day in rain when the temps drop with the weather.

 

No sense adding to the confusion with all the recommendations above. One thing I will add though, Frogg Toggs have a "heat shield" kit. I have no idea if it's effective, just providing some additional info.

 

Thats funny they call the add on kit, "SMOKIN TOAD" heat kit and its glued on.

 

It's a crappy kit and a small patch.

 

Wish we could work something out, but I'm 6'1" @250. Polly not a good fit.

 

Well, obviously nobody makes riding pants out of Goretex alone. It's a thin waterproof membrane that normally is laminated to the inside of a piece of clothing - not the main fabric.

Waterproof pants have the gore tex membrane on the inside. Then whether or not your pants melt depends not on the gore tex, but rather on the material on the outside.

$20 army surplus gore tex lined pants work great on a bike in the rain, are cheap and pack up small.

But whatever, feel free to spend 10x the amount for something that does the job the same.

 

Same as I use, but I always carry a plastic bag for the cell phone. Damn things are expensive.
Jack

 

I have decided to go with The HD Hi-Vi. Went in and talked to the dealership. The lady told me that her and her husband had tried less expensive options but landed on the The HD Hi-Vi and have not looked back. Between her, and the other positive feedback on this outfit, I'm going to spring for it.

Supposed to do a weekend ride this Saturday and Sunday and they have just changed the forecast to rain both days. Looks like I'll be able to bring a full report back on Monday.

Thanks a lot for all of the detailed feedback. Much appreciated.

-Brad

 

This is THE preferred rain gear:

 

OMG! Glad I already had lunch. That could affect one's appetite.