Speedtrip

Did it for about three hours today. Thought I was going to out guess the weather today and catch a window between T-storms. Of course I guessed wrong, but got a chance to get my first wet ride of the year in.

One thing I did notice was that my "waterproof" gear is far from it. Anyone have a good suggestion on wet gloves? On the plus side my new lid worked great especially the Pinlock anti fog shield, with all the vents closed in the very wet I never got a bit of fogging. Two thumbs up there.


Besides it all did have a good time, and saw quite a few bikes out. Saw a really big herd of cruisers headed the opposite direction a few of them were wearing hoodies, wonder how that worked in the hail they were heading to. I'll give them props for being out there though it wasn't a day for the faint of heart.

__________________
-Shaun-

The Prophet

I like the Tourmaster Elite.

http://www.tourmaster.com/

It's reasonably priced ($80), easy to get on, and bright yellow on top for best visability.

Cheap ones last one or two wearings, expensive ones aren't necessarily better, just more popular brand named.

The only negative I've found is that it is a little hard to "get small" when packing it away. My suit is about six years old, and still good.

Gloves? In my experience, two choices - a.) Wear none. Take off your good leather gloves, and brave the elements with bare hands. Good grip, but cold at times. or b.) Heavy duty rubber gloves. Not "dishwashing" gloves, but the thicker, heavier kind you would use to handle chemicals and such. Farm & Fleet, or places like that, have them.

My boots I always keep well oiled up with Baseball Mitt Conditioner - works great to keep the boot leather soft, and waterproof for a time. Now that is a secret secret that I just let out, so keep it in the forum or mitt conditioner prices will rise!

Nice to know your helmet visor doesn't fog up. This has always been a challenge for me. I always end up flipping the visor up an inch or so, and tilting my head back to see out the opening!

I think I might have posted it here last summer, but anyway my son and I were caught in an unbelievable hail storm last summer, about 70 miles from home. It was an extremely hot August day, so I had just a tee shirt on, and my "retro" puddin' bowl helmet and goggles. We were out on the open prairie, so nowhere to run, nowhere to hide.

When we finally got home, we both had little welts all over our arms and face from the hail. I constantly had to stand up on the pegs, to let the hailstones that accumulated in my crotch out! Great memory.

If it makes you d feel any better Speed, yesterday (Saturday) it was mid 70's here, and bright and sunny. Unfortunately I only rode for about an hour, as the Mrs had a long list of "stuff" for me to do. No problem, there will be plenty of good riding days soon.

Ride Safe!... and dry!

__________________

• A good traveler has no fixed plans, and is not intent on arriving. ~Lao Tzu
• Motorcyles are not my whole life, but they make my life whole. ` me

motowebmaster

I still have a one-piece Triumph rain suit in my closet with storage bag, from 98/99, that has never been used. It is designed to be worn over riding gear and is mostly black with Triumph logos and a reflective silver checkerboard graphs on the upper-chest area. You're welcome to check it out, I'd make you a good deal.

If the manufacturer's construction is good, Gore-Tex is very effective in the rain. The Triumph Explorer Jacket/Pants I still use is made from it. Olympia is also an alternative.

Speedtrip

I'd like to see that rainsuit, thats probably what I need. I have the Tourmaster Caliber pants and Jet Jacket which are "waterproof" but that is a relative term depending on how hard and for how long your in the rain. I'm happy with the jacket because it is very versatile it has a zip out liner lots of venting although the vents don't go all the way through because of the waterproof barrier. It also has good armor. The jacket is good for all but hot summer weather. The pants I'm not so happy with they have all the same features except venting and are very bulky and hot. Would like to get a lighter weight less bulky waterproof pant. The Joe Rocket gloves have been very disappointing although I like the feel and fit they suck! Even though they are all textile any extended time in the rain and they soak through, completely worthless. Going to try some different ones this year.

motowebmaster

Olympia, RoadGear, MotoPort, and surprisingly Triumph are all good alternatives for cold/wet weather.

I got a pair of CorTech gloves recently, my GPRs are wearing out. They are partially perforated but if they work out I may be trying others from the same company.

The Prophet

I'm big on Tourmaster / Cortech. Super quality, excellent materials, excellent design. Decent price.

I had the Cortech Sport bags, then passed them on to my son for his SV650. Fantastic saddlebags.

I have the Tourmaster Rincon Jacket, which is the warmest and best I've ever had. The wife just bought a Tourmaster "XXX" Jacket, which looks to be a winner.

I have the Cortech Mini Tank bag, super great, wouldn't leave home without it.

As mentioned, I have the Tourmaster rain suit as well.

Now, Tourmaster, where's my commission on this sell job?

Just kiddin', good stuff, highly recommended IMHO.

Ride Safe. Check your chain tension today!