Membrane trust: Best motorcycle waterproofs

If you’re heading for the coast for fish and chips; to a racetrack for the latest round of the BSB, for a trackday or to a bike show and want to just wear a pair of jeans and a casual jacket or your leathers – you should probably pack a sset of motorcycle waterproofs too.

However, just like when we looked at waterproof sporty boots recently, the British summer has a habit of spoiling our best-laid plans. So you might want to carry a set of waterproofs with you, just in case…

In truth, if the weather forecast is appalling, then you’re either going to wear full-on textile clothing or not go out at all. Equally, if it’s stunning, then you may not bother. But if there’s a chance of rain, a waterproof oversuit in your rucksack, tailpack or topbox (or even under the seat on some bikes) will stop you from getting wet and cold and ruining that ride – especially if you’re out in leathers.

Waterproofs generally come in two flavours – an all-in-one oversuit suit or separate jacket and trousers. Which you choose is entirely down to personal preference. I personally favour separates, as I might decide to wear just the jacket if it’s not too wet or the trousers if a particular jacket has some water-resistance to it.

Like any waterproofs, there are inexpensive ones and expensive ones. The cheaper end of the scale will certainly keep water out (they all should – it’s the whole point) but will also keep any moisture from sweat in. More expensive ones may have a waterproof and breathable membrane involved that will allow your body to breathe so you not only stay warm inside but dry from your own sweat too.

When you’re looking, consider large, diagonal zips on one-piece suits and trousers with zips on the leg somewhere, as this makes it much easier to get your feet through when wearing riding boots. Also, keep a pair of plastic carrier bags to put your feet in first, then into the trousers – trust me, it makes things a lot easier and keeps the inside of your waterproofs dry too.

Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections – read why you should trust us

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

---

- Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this page, we never allow this to influence product selections.