Since it's the first big rain of the year I decided to make some notes on how well my gear held up. First though, I'll explain why I chose to ride today. Call it pride, machismo, stupidity or some combination thereof, I've actually been looking forward to this. I put 1000 miles a month on my V-Strom 650 doing nothing but commuting. That's just the only time I ever get to ride. So, riding in the rain is the closest thing I have to actually doing some adventure touring. It's where I can test my mettle as a rider and do something other than cut a straight line between Fremont and Berkeley. That said, I'll get to the gear.
First, my bike. My DL650A is pretty much stock. I added the Suzuki heated grips and handguards for just these occasions. The grips live up to their reputation of sucking pretty well. With the unit on high the right grip is way too hot and the left grip is just right. At about mid-way the right grip is just right and left doesn't even register. I've seen some guys talk about workarounds on the Stromtrooper forum but the installation was such a PITA that it's not worth the time or trouble. On the other hand, the handguards do a pretty good job of keeping the wind from numbing my already-wet hands. I remember the immediate difference it made when I installed them in the middle of the rainy season last year and I'm still really happy with that inexpensive upgrade.
After two flat rear tires in the last four months I opted for the less expensive Shinko Trail Master E-705 just a few weeks ago. The tire has about 300 - 400 miles on it already so I wasn't too worried about extra slippiness (is that a word?) The tire performed well and I haven't noticed any difference between the Shinko and the stock Bridgestone Trail Wing. All in all, I love the bike and I was reminded several times again today what a good choice it was to spend more on the ABS.
For the most part, all of my riding gear is what I used last season so I knew pretty much what to expect. The only thing new is a pair of Helimot Buffalo 365 gloves. These were the first to become completely saturated. Last season I was using a pair of poorly constructed Fieldsheer gloves that cost way too much and offered little protection. However, I don't remember them becoming so completely soaked in such a short time. The Helimot are a very different story. Every time I extended my left hand to operate the clutch, a small river would flow down my palm and into every finger of the glove. I think I'm going to have to spring for something specifically for wet rides. (I saw recommendations in a post earlier today.)
The second thing(s) to get soaked was in the crotchular region. I ride with a pair of Fieldsheer mesh pants that claim to have something called "Rainguard", although how that's supposed to work is lost on me. I knew from past experience that this was going to be an issue so I grabbed a face towel from the linen closet and tucked it in that special region to add some extra "Rainguard". That lasted for about 5 minutes. I rode the entire way with the family jewels resting uncomfortably on a cold, wet lump of Martha Stewart face towel. In all fairness to the Fieldsheer pants, the stock saddle on the Wee seems to do a great job of pooling water. Someday I'd like to swap that out for a Sargent.
During the Summer I ride with a Tourmaster Coaster II leather jacket (which is awesome) but for cold weather I go back to my Fieldsheer Highland mesh. This was my first jacket and I really have nothing but praise for it. I stayed warm and reasonably dry all the way to Berkeley and back. My arms were a bit damp and some water found its way in around my midriff but my chest, neck and shoulders were fine. For me, that's the difference between uncomfortable and miserable.
Finally, and most importantly (to me), are the boots. This is the second pair of Tourmaster Solution WaterProof road boots that I've owned and it's the best protection from rain that I have. I've got nothing to compare them to since they're the only type of boots I've ever used but I don't see any reason to use anything else. They're affordable, the style is simple and clean, they're good for using all day when I have to and, above all, they keep my feet dry and warm.
Well, sorry for the long post but hopefully some of you may find this helpful. I think it's most important to note that aside from the boots, I came home pretty wet. This is absolutely not a "how to keep dry" post but rather just some notes on some specific gear. I think that my next set of purchases will be some Frog Togs and waterproof gloves. Until then I'm just gonna have to get a little wet.
safe,
Mike
First, my bike. My DL650A is pretty much stock. I added the Suzuki heated grips and handguards for just these occasions. The grips live up to their reputation of sucking pretty well. With the unit on high the right grip is way too hot and the left grip is just right. At about mid-way the right grip is just right and left doesn't even register. I've seen some guys talk about workarounds on the Stromtrooper forum but the installation was such a PITA that it's not worth the time or trouble. On the other hand, the handguards do a pretty good job of keeping the wind from numbing my already-wet hands. I remember the immediate difference it made when I installed them in the middle of the rainy season last year and I'm still really happy with that inexpensive upgrade.
After two flat rear tires in the last four months I opted for the less expensive Shinko Trail Master E-705 just a few weeks ago. The tire has about 300 - 400 miles on it already so I wasn't too worried about extra slippiness (is that a word?) The tire performed well and I haven't noticed any difference between the Shinko and the stock Bridgestone Trail Wing. All in all, I love the bike and I was reminded several times again today what a good choice it was to spend more on the ABS.
For the most part, all of my riding gear is what I used last season so I knew pretty much what to expect. The only thing new is a pair of Helimot Buffalo 365 gloves. These were the first to become completely saturated. Last season I was using a pair of poorly constructed Fieldsheer gloves that cost way too much and offered little protection. However, I don't remember them becoming so completely soaked in such a short time. The Helimot are a very different story. Every time I extended my left hand to operate the clutch, a small river would flow down my palm and into every finger of the glove. I think I'm going to have to spring for something specifically for wet rides. (I saw recommendations in a post earlier today.)
The second thing(s) to get soaked was in the crotchular region. I ride with a pair of Fieldsheer mesh pants that claim to have something called "Rainguard", although how that's supposed to work is lost on me. I knew from past experience that this was going to be an issue so I grabbed a face towel from the linen closet and tucked it in that special region to add some extra "Rainguard". That lasted for about 5 minutes. I rode the entire way with the family jewels resting uncomfortably on a cold, wet lump of Martha Stewart face towel. In all fairness to the Fieldsheer pants, the stock saddle on the Wee seems to do a great job of pooling water. Someday I'd like to swap that out for a Sargent.
During the Summer I ride with a Tourmaster Coaster II leather jacket (which is awesome) but for cold weather I go back to my Fieldsheer Highland mesh. This was my first jacket and I really have nothing but praise for it. I stayed warm and reasonably dry all the way to Berkeley and back. My arms were a bit damp and some water found its way in around my midriff but my chest, neck and shoulders were fine. For me, that's the difference between uncomfortable and miserable.
Finally, and most importantly (to me), are the boots. This is the second pair of Tourmaster Solution WaterProof road boots that I've owned and it's the best protection from rain that I have. I've got nothing to compare them to since they're the only type of boots I've ever used but I don't see any reason to use anything else. They're affordable, the style is simple and clean, they're good for using all day when I have to and, above all, they keep my feet dry and warm.
Well, sorry for the long post but hopefully some of you may find this helpful. I think it's most important to note that aside from the boots, I came home pretty wet. This is absolutely not a "how to keep dry" post but rather just some notes on some specific gear. I think that my next set of purchases will be some Frog Togs and waterproof gloves. Until then I'm just gonna have to get a little wet.
safe,Mike
