Thats the way your reading it,I come from a era of only owning one bike,multiple ownership is nowere days the norm,having to buy another set of gear because you go faster on another bike is a waste of money,even the admin rides a big banger as well.

Wet weather gear can make or break a motorcycle trip and I've done both(sadly),spending big bucks doesn't mean you'll have dry knackers.

My pet hate is riding in overtrousers hence unless it's really bad I'll just wear the jacket,which is another option you don't get with a one piece.

That's because your waist isn't sufficient to make a good seal......:pjrlaugh_61OD3G:

Everyone has their own experiences. Riding style comes into it, number of stops comes into it, material comes into it... so many variables its best to work it out for yourself.

The best waterproof gear I ever had (still do) is a Hein Gericke Master jacket and GTX pants that zip together. Came down from Skye last year in bl00dy awful weather, mostly on the dreaded motorway with lots of spray - never let in a single drop, Keithblade carried on for another 100 miles and his HG stuff never let in a drop either.....

I believe it comes down to prep, make sure it's all together right and it usually works.

Journeys that have lots of stop/start, gloves on/off are the worst for water ingress.

By eck, there's some really articulated opinions at the moment for this thread.
I have also been riding for the last 40 years and have had good and bad riding gear. I also go offshore racing in a yacht and have sailed to Norway a few times, which is non-stop from the UK.
So my opinion relates to both activities

Buy the best gear you can afford, but it all still leaks or you get condensation on the inside or sweat and feel wet. There's no real solution.
I have Klim gear and the material is totally waterproof, but wind blast wll get water in eventually, but it's the best gear I've ever had, it wasn't cheap.
The alternative is to pull over and put some outlandish psudo oversuit on that never fits, is not convenient and you will still sweat inside.
I've never seen a good fitting or good looking oversuit. I've seen many a biker looking like a Michelin man battling down the motorway.
I suppose the alternative is to stop and wait out the rain but then in this country you'd be waiting a long time.
Similarly bshing through torrential rain at silly speeds is neither clever, safe or enjoyable.

So there, to sum it up we in the UK have to live with rain, like it or not. I'm not prepared to let the elements stop me from enjoying my leisure time.
So I buy accordingly, now I don't get wet or cold or uncomfortable.
:pjrmoony_1JJHDG:

:D

Quote:

Originally Posted by waynovetten (Post 174582) when your a 1000 miles from and home and it's pissing down and your looking down the barrel of a 600 mile day in the rain(at least) boy do you pay attention to detail,Calais/Switzerland,Hook of Holland/Berlin. <…snip…> and I'm not talking about bimbling along at 80mph <…snip…> and always go for a heavy duty one rather than the flimsy Alpinestars,yea we bought ours because of the fashion police as well!!

Anyone who is fashion conscious, does 600 miles a day (at least) in torrential rain at speeds in excess of 80mph on an XT660 deserves the greatest admiration and respect, and whose opinions should be held in high esteem.

my 2 coins on rain gear
 

After I came to Singapore I discovered the need for a different approach to clothing. The showers here are short and intensive most of the year. We seldom have a full day with rain or 4-5 days in a row like some places on the eastcoast of britain, west coast of Denmark and in Norway. On the other hand, the rain here is "hot" !! ...meaning you wont catch a lung infection if even if you get soaked for an hour or two.
I have a 2 piece rain set I bought from our local ARAI pusher. The suit is for some reason fabricated Korea, perhaps an indication that it's not only available with ARAI logos written all over it. This suit is very fast to put on when you start to feel the first drizzle. It's got elastic and velcro adjustments so you can get it 99% water proof. The Arai set is not hotter to wear than any other clothes here. When I'm riding my TDM, I sit in a position where it's possible for the rain to go in at the back of my neck while riding in heavy traffic and traffic lights. I usually bring along a couple of plastic shopping bags and a few cableties, which I use over the shoes. It works here, as I only need to get to the next place or home to get a new set of "shoe covers".
I have tried a variety of jackets. Some with a lot of breath, which will get you soaked in the rain but seem to withstand a light drizzle. Leather is absolutely out of the question while driving in Singapore. A test of a bit oldfashion oilskin found it was ok weather wise, but too stiff to be comfortable.
I colleague of mine has a totally different take on it. He dresses down instead. If a shower comes up, he'll continue his ride wearing boxers and a sleeveless t.