Practical advice: rain gear

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Practical advice: rain gear
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Practical advice: rain gear

Practical advice: rain gear
Drop by drop cheerful

No question about it, motorcyclists are extremely sensitive to the weather. But does a little rain shower have to spoil the mood? Have to soak the clothes and drown the luggage? Read what is important when it comes to equipment.

Jorg Lohse

10/17/2006

The ice crystal party rises high up in the troposphere. A few tough guys have gathered there, waiting for more guests. Which, attracted by the good mood, soon flock to the area. Rambazamba is popular, it is swallowed vigorously. Suddenly there is no stopping the party guests, gravity is relentless
to speak. Billions of small snowflakes tumble down in free fall, rub against the air, become liquid and race towards the earth at almost seven meters per second. They then hit the motorcyclist like little bullets below, bursting on visors,
crack on the station wagon, form brooks, trickle down, get caught in the wind
Pressed into cracks and seams, run into boots and gloves.
The dilemma that the ice crystal party causes is as old as the motorcycle itself: What to do when it rains? The nose
Directly in the wind, directly exposed to all the rigors of the weather, it has always been the ambition of the cyclist, nevertheless from A to B as comfortably as possible
to travel. One of the oldest forms is undoubtedly the waxed cotton jacket à la Belstaff or Barbour, which real driving men have relied on for over 50 years. However, the rain suit should become a universal remedy for wet clothes. For a good three decades, motorcyclists have sworn by the plastic sack in which one struggles under motorway bridges and from which powerful clouds of steam escape during the break in the rest area. Because tight means really tight with the rain suits. Thanks to the PU or PVC coating, the nylon fabric doesn’t get a drop in from the outside, but nothing comes out from the inside either.
The range of rain suits on the market is insane. It ranges from one-way products for less than ten euros that fit under any bench and consequently have a huge advantage: you are always with you. The majority are straightforward standard goods that cost an average of 20 euros, but breathable luxury combinations are also offered for around 50 euros. No matter how expensive the station wagon is, it should be one thing above all else: waterproof. Even when you buy it, you can judge with a critical eye whether you will survive the first shower well in the rain: If the collar is pulled high enough and seals properly, the arm and leg ends are long enough?
The seams are sensitive points. The view goes into the interior of the station wagon, where all seams should be carefully sealed. The entrance opening is also critical. On the one hand, this should be as far as possible so that you can slip into the dry comfortably and within seconds in full regalia. On the other hand, large entry openings are often covered with short bibs, which is why water can find its way into the interior. That’s why you should put it to the test in the shop: Is it easy to put on, are the water gates pulled high enough? A transverse front zipper and fully lined suits make it much easier to put on.
Although the nylon hose is still one of the top products for weather protection today, sales are now declining. The association partner, the leather suit, becomes a problem for the rain suit. Because here the buying interests have shifted significantly in the meantime.
When buying new protective clothing, the textile all-weather suit has moved up to number one, insiders speak of a ver-
division of 80 to 20 in favor of the Syn-
synthetic fiber. The textile miracle weapons à la Gore-Tex (self-promotion: »Guaranteed to keep you dry«) and Co. want to convey one thing to the motorcyclist in any case: We won’t leave you out in the rain.
The price structure is enormous: You can find something for around 150 euros, but you can also quickly leaf out ten times the amount. However, the formula “the more expensive, the more dense” does not work. Our tests in this regard have shown time and again: Outliers, i.e. failures in the wetness test, are available in all price categories. If you want to shop on the safe side, you can choose products with a long guarantee-
times are blessed. Well-known manufacturers
grant in some cases up to five years, top dog Gore-Tex even propagates that
lifetime guarantee. And you should ask for this immediately if you have involuntarily enjoyed a full bath on a rain tour. Many leaks are due to simple sloppiness in the
Processing. The requirement profile is similar to that of the rain suit: it usually gets wet where closings or transitions are incorrect or are simply too short.
And something else can become a problem
in the suits with the wafer-thin moisture protection films. Inadequate care or careless handling (wrong washing, lack of impregnation, carelessly closed) you are wet faster in it than in a boring leather suit. Incidentally, they are now also available in a waterproof version with an integrated climate membrane from renowned manufacturers such as BMW and Stadler
or Dainese. Recommended for everyone who is tired of the one-legged fidgeting under motorway bridges.

The wet truth about heated grips

…Heated grips: warm and dry fingers? That can sometimes go in your pants or your hands. Because the raindrops that evaporate on the heated grips can pass through the climate membrane as water vapor
penetrate the inside of the glove. On
Cold rainy days are spoiled for choice: warm or dry fingers?

Axo Nitro

Axo Nitro: simply equipped, form-fitting rain suit. Proves in the test
as absolutely waterproof, can score with proper workmanship.
The wearing comfort is also acceptable.
Currently on offer as a bargain for 39.90 euros.
Test in MOTORRAD 17/2003,
Verdict: recommendable

The Wet Truth About Dry Feet

…dry feet: Those who sell waterproof boots usually use plastic sheeting. It can also be done more naturally. Example Kaiman (www.kaiman.de). This is where leather is used, which is provided with water-repellent properties during tanning. And a wearer who regularly cleans and greases his shoes.

Tips for correct packing – Well packed in the rain: advises

Arrive at your holiday destination after tens of kilometers of continuous rain. Now out of the damp clothes, quickly put on something dry. But then the horror. The broth is centimeters high in the suitcase, and in the tank bag, the mobile phone and wallet are playing a game of sinking ships. Our recommendations for dry transport on two wheels.
Luggage roll: without a doubt the first choice and one of the safest solutions in the rain. And a particularly cheap one on top of that. 70 watertight liters are available in stores for around 15 euros. The roller lock is foolproof to handle.
Hard-shell suitcase: usually tight, but … Are the seals not inserted properly or
have shifted, there is a risk of water ingress. Another problem: water often collects in the locking recesses, which then seeps into the case when it is opened. Therefore, always pack the contents of the case waterproof.
Tank bag: can cause most problems in the rain. Attack surfaces are the many zippers through which water can quickly seep through. The rain cover that is usually supplied is unfortunately not an optimal solution: it inflates in the wind, makes it difficult to see the instruments and can only partially seal the bottom against moisture. So stow sensitive items such as cameras, telephones and purses in waterproof packing bags (outdoor specialist retailers, from ten euros).

Comment Thorsten Dentges – rain suit on and on

The right wardrobe for every occasion, please! Among other things, editor Thorsten Dentges takes care of the driver’s equipment at MOTORRAD

It’s okay, we know: waterproof textile clothing is practical, comfortable and blah, blah, blah. I don’t care if I
sit on a classy sports machine or a sexy naked bike. Convenience and Motorcycling? Fits
not quite together anyway. Comfortable people drive a car, bus or train ?? or sit fat on the sofa.
I want out, away from the sofa. Out there on the bike, I want to look good and feel the same way because riding a motorcycle is about style. And driving in style means wearing leather. Was so, is so? Hopefully it stays that way. As minister of education, I would make it law. Well, what if it rains? Then I go right
ran, put me somewhere and wait for the shower. No rush, why stress? Maybe you will meet there
also other fellow sufferers, who as a rule suffer less than most textile knights, who are cramped and sail through the downpour. Otherwise, when the going gets tough: rain suit on and on. Oh yes, by the way, my suit should not only look good, but should also protect well? and not just from rain. In this regard, can
No textile can hold a candle to the combination of leather and rain suit.

Comment by Stefan Kaschel – Textiles are smarter

Stefan Kaschel
is a test editor and frequent driver who commutes between Stuttgart and East Westphalia. In any weather

It wasn’t love at first sight. Certainly not. It is much more
a marriage of convenience. Hopelessly unromantic, but sensible through and through. My wild days are over. The ones in which I am in skin-tight animal skin
wanted to impress completely unknown people. And when he was mad, he didn’t wear a rain suit until everything was too late anyway.
Today I am prepared for any eventuality. Just like that, without a forced break and one-legged acrobatics. I have to smile when I watch helmets dripping under highway bridges while helplessly trying to pull unwilling rubber over wet leather. Or when they shiver from the cold at the popular biker meeting point on pass XY.
Because it’s not just about the odd rain shower, wet or dry. If you want to enjoy a wonderful early autumn Sunday on the Swabian Alb, you have bad cards in leather. Freezes in the morning when the fog is still wafting over the valleys. And in the evening when the sun is up earlier
passed as expected. And in between you stew in the leather. From the
Not to mention vacation. A thousand kilometers to get there, alpine high road at
five degrees, the Adriatic beach at 30. Only a good compromise will help. Just textile.

The wet truth about clear vision

…Clear view: Forget about little remedies like drops of washing-up liquid or miracle sprays. Even specially coated visors give up at some point. Recommendation for a crystal clear view: the double lens visor.
Works through simple physics
always and is permanently retrofitted
(Pinlock visors, in specialist shops).

The Wet Truth About Refrigerator Effects

…Refrigerator Effects: That
Textile vestments are awesome. Casual, comfortable, weatherproof. But be careful, those who care poorly will soon be caught
wet, heavy sack on the body. Water penetrates the tissue and evaporates again. The motorcyclist doesn’t get wet, but he cools down. What helps?
Wash and impregnate regularly.

BMW all-round

BMW Allround: absolutely waterproof touring boot from BMW with a very comfortable fit and high mobility when driving. Thanks to the high heel, it provides a secure hold on the notch. Easy to put on and take off thanks to the long zipper. Cost: 165 euros.
Test in MOTORRAD 8/2006, verdict: very good

Hero Raindrop

Hero Raindrop: first class
Rain glove from a competent source.
Super comfort thanks to light, high-quality fabrics, thanks to the firmly laminated Gore-Tex membrane, an excellent feeling when gripping. The pair costs a proud 90 euros, but are completely waterproof.
Best purchase in MOTORRAD 15/2006

Buse Toledo / Highland

Buse Toledo /
Highland: absolutely in the test
waterproof textile suit in the middle price category. Highly practical due to comfortable wearing, leather reinforcements and removable thermal lining. Jacket (174.95 euros) and pants (169.95 euros) are also available in special sizes.
Test in MOTORRAD 9/2005, verdict: good

Hein Gericke Cruise

Hein Gericke Cruise: great-
Approved textile combination of the upper class with many well thought-out details and high-quality materials. Passes the wetness test with flying colors, bids with
Detachable bib and storm collar too
Reserves for cold days. The waterproof complete package costs 679.90 euros.
Test in MOTORRAD 12/2005, verdict: very good

10 tightening values ​​for rain drivers

Dress code: Sounds banal, but people always like to get it wrong?
Glove cuffs belong under the sleeves,
Trouser legs over the boot.
Classified matter: Close all Velcro fasteners while standing. This is the only way to avoid wrinkles and effectively lock out water.
Drawn in: When wet textile clothes dry, moisture moves through them
Climate membrane inside too. Therefore remove the inner lining when drying.
Afraid of water: wear functional underwear. Driving in the rain can be sweaty. It is important to use substances that transport moisture away from the body as quickly as possible in order to prevent hypothermia.
Rain gutter: adjust the visor. It’s easy to do on the suspension. The washer must be flush with the sealing lip.
Fat thing: Even a leather suit can hold off short showers. Regular greasing holds true miracles.
Throwaway society: It doesn’t matter how tight a tank bag or suitcase is advertised when it is sold? The cheapest protection against moisture is bland garbage bags, in which even
most sensitive belongings are perfectly protected from moisture.
Not real: Too rubberized
Overcovers for boots and gloves should only be used in extreme emergencies. Because the feeling of contact with the pedestal disappears dramatically. And that is indispensable when driving in the rain.
Seam: Pay attention to the transitions when buying rain suits. Good rain suits are sewn and the seams are taken care of on the inside-
wrinkled glued.
Not for fabric softeners: textile suits must be washed regularly. Dirt particles can damage the climate membrane
to destroy. Do not use fabric softener. the
can impregnation and function
put the membrane out of action. As a result, there is a risk of water ingress.

providers

Axo: Telephone 07145/93620; www.axosport.de
Buse: Telephone 02471/12690; www.buese.com
BMW: Telephone 0180/5001972;
www.bmw-motorrad.de
Hein Gericke: Telephone 0180/5229522; www.hein-gericke.de
Held: Telephone 08321/66460;
www.held-biker-fashion.de

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