Have you ever been out riding when suddenly typical English weather hits? You know the type. Rain, sleet, fog. And it appears without warning, in seconds. It’s the kind of weather we’re famous for in Ol’ Blighty and it’s exactly why you need motorcycle gear for wet weather if you live and ride in the UK.

Riding in rain, hail, or fog is cold. You lose feeling in your fingers. You lose it in your toes. And the fog can be all around you, so visibility goes. Being prepared with wet weather motorcycling gear, or a winter pack bundled under your seat is clever. You’ll need it year round in Britain.

If you’re a motorcycle commuter or love touring no matter what the weather is up to, dedicated wet weather motorcycle gear is essential. These days, you can get lovely, breathable yet waterproof Gore-Tex motorcycle gear and a wide range of waterproof oversuits, motorcycle jackets and trousers too. We’re going to check out the pros and cons of each. That’ll make it simple for you to decide what’s right for you to stay warm, dry and safe on two wheels. Because there’s a reason we’re world-famous for terrible weather!

Understanding the importance of wet weather gear

Inclement weather is dangerous for motorcyclists. Two wheels are naturally less stable than four wheels, a gust of wind on wet roads makes staying upright in your lane a mean feat. But it’s not only the obvious reasons of slippery roads, poor visibility and lower riding speeds that make poor weather so bad. 

It’s also the way that rain and wind chill impact you as a rider. When you’re cold, you tire faster. A little like a rechargeable battery loses power faster in low temperatures. When you’re tired, your reaction times slow. You also lose the feeling in your extremities so it’s harder for you to control your motorcycle. And when you’re really cold, you shiver. Your body’s natural defence against cold is super unhelpful when you’re trying to control a motorcycle.
Staying dry and warm while you’re riding is as much about safe riding as it is about creature comforts. So never, ever, skimp on your motorcycle gear for wet weather.

Essential gear for wet weather riding

If you’re a fair-weather rider, you’ll need to be prepared for rain because, well, England. If you use your motorcycle for most of the year, having dedicated wet weather motorcycle gear is a good idea. You may even opt for both.

Waterproof over suits, jackets and trousers tend to be a little more watertight than a winter Gore-Tex jacket. It’s also handy to have a back up if your winter motorcycle gear is still damp from the day before. Just layer-up underneath your lighter summer kit and use your waterproofs over the top to stay dry and warm on the road.

Waterproof over clothing

The essentials for wet weather riding are jackets and trousers. One-piece suits are also good. Our friendly senior customer service guy, Steve, recommends this Flo-Yellow one-piece waterproof suit. Your visibility will be second to none on dismal wet roads. And, like Steve says,

“Gore-Tex is good but in really torrential rain, even that leaks. These body covers work even if you want to ride through a swimming pool (but please don’t try riding through a swimming pool).“

That said, a one-piece isn’t for everyone. It’s difficult to use the loo when you’re wearing them. And maybe yellow isn’t your colour. If that’s the case for you, a jacket and trousers combo with reflective elements is the solution. Here’s what you should look for when choosing your waterproof motorcycle jacket and trouser combo.

Waterproof motorcycle jackets

Obviously, the best motorcycle jacket for rain is one that keeps you dry in the heaviest of downpours. Waterproof materials like polyester, waxed leather, vinyl and Gore-Tex are a good place to start. But it doesn’t end there. Pockets, high collars and light, foldable designs are worth considering. You should also look out for these features to get the best motorcycle jacket for rain and inclement weather…

• Breathable membranes and removable linings improve water resistance and make cleaning easier. Look out for mesh linings and removable quilted polyester inners with ventilation. These lighter materials avoid you getting too hot when riding.
• Bonded seams make your motorcycle jacket truly waterproof, stopping it from becoming damp on the inside.They stop water creeping into your motorcycle jacket around the shoulders and other seams.
• Adjustable cuffs and waist cinches stop water from creeping up your arms or body while riding.
• Reflective strips improve visibility when it’s dark, rainy and foggy. Brightly coloured waterproofs are a good idea, if you can find them. If not, darker coloured waterproofs with reflective strips and patches are a great alternative.
• Ventilation is important too. Some wet weather gear can make you free like a hot mess and that’s no good for riding safely. Look for chest, underarm and collar vents to keep you cool and dry.

Waterproof motorcycle trousers

Once again, bonded seams, water resistant materials, mesh linings and reflective strips are a must. Waterproof over trousers should be light and foldable too so you can stash them under your seat for when you need them. Also consider…

• Reinforced knees and seat for additional comfort and durability.
• Compatibility with your jacket so your trousers and jacket overlap, leaving no gaps when rain can get in.
• High waists may hark back to the 20s trouser styles, but you’ll be glad of the extra protection they give you from rain on long, wet rides.
• Ankle ties make pulling waterproof over trousers on faster and easier. Cinch the ankle strap to keep water from creeping up your legs or into your boots.
• Storage pockets for your bits and bobs are a good idea for conveniently stowing essential items away from the rain.

Dedicated motorcycle gear for wet weather

If you commute year-round on a motorcycle or go touring through the cooler months of the year, dedicated wet weather motorcycle gear is perfect. Over clothing is great, but dedicated motorcycle gear for wet weather is sturdier, often fits better, and is warmer.

“Having the right wet weather gear is essential in England if you want to get home warm, dry and most importantly safely. My gore-tex motorcycle kit has seen some of the worst weather England has to offer. The wrist ties stop water creeping up my arms, the high collar stops rain dripping from my helmet down my back and importantly it keeps me warm and dry so I am able to concentrate on riding safely. It’s perfect for the times I’m caught in the rain and all I want to do is get home to warm my toes by the fire.” – Steve Sorrell, experienced motorcyclist currently riding a Suzuki GSXR 1000

Best waterproof motorcycle jackets

Gore-Tex is the hands-down winner when you’re looking for motorcycle gear protection from rain, cold and mishap. However, it’s not 100% waterproof. The torrential downpours we get in autumn, winter and spring will penetrate the close weave of Gore-Tex.

So, look for a Gore-Tex outer with a waterproof inner. Your motorcycle jacket should have bonded seams, ventilation and quilting to keep you warm through cooler months. Removable liners are a good idea as it makes keeping your motorcycle gear for wet weather easier to clean.

Waterproof motorcycle trousers

Just as you’d look for additional padding and armour in regular motorcycle trousers, you should do the same when buying waterproof motorcycle trousers. But look for trousers made from waterproofed materials. Waxed leather, polyester and Gore-Tex with polyester linings will keep you dry and comfortable on wet rides.

One-piece waterproof suits or zip-together waterproof trouser and jacket combos are great too. Make sure they have wrist, ankle and wait cinches to stop water from creeping in. When water gets under your clothes, you’ll quickly lose body heat and find it harder to focus on your ride.

Waterproof boots

Solid boots for riding are a must. Foot and leg injuries are most common for motorcyclists. Yet a sturdy pair of boots with ankle support, good grip, and toughened or armoured shafts can keep this part of your body protected. For wet weather riding, look for boots in waterproof materials – waxed leather is perfect for this.
Cleaning leather boots regularly with something like Granger’s waterproofing wax or Tru Tension motorcycle leather care keeps the leather supple and water resistant.

Waterproof gloves

A pair of warm waterproof gloves will improve your grip on wet rides. Hands bear the brunt of poor weather when you’re riding. And being at the end of your body, they’re the first to feel the cold and become numb. Choose motorcycle gloves for wet weather that have…

• Waterproof and breathable membranes
• Armoured or reinforced knuckles
• Padding for extra warmth
• Touchscreen compatibility to keep fingers toasty when checking directions

Waterproof accessories

It’s not just you, you should take care to keep dry when you’re riding. Waterproof accessories like water resistant backpacks, dry bags, and waterproof covers for backpacks keep your bits and pieces protected too. Take care to kit yourself out from head to toe in wet weather motorcycle gear if you ride in the UK. Then consider keeping your valuable items sorted with the right winter accessories too.

Stay dry, stay warm, stay safe with the right wet weather motorcycle gear

Riding in cold, wet or foggy weather isn’t the best fun you’ll ever have. But it doesn’t have to be miserable or dangerous. There’s plenty of motorcycle gear for women and men to choose from that will keep you dry, warm and safe on wet rides.

We know investing in quality gear isn’t cheap. But it IS worth it. So, we’ve teamed up with Motogirl, Roadskin and Carl Rosner to bring you Phoenix Rewards. It’s a perk Phoenix Motorcycle Training students get on UK motorcycle gear for wet weather (and dry too!). Give our team a call for details and discount codes.