Modern Vespa

For those that ride in rain or have any experience with rain gear. What do you recommend one piece rain suit or two piece? I'll probably be riding in the rain back and forth to work in next couple of months

I have a two piece Frogg Togg rain suit. Only had to use it once in a pop up rain storm, but by the time I got it out and put it on, I was already soaking wet.

LOL! Yeah ... that.

I have the same. Problem is, I never CHOOSE to ride in the rain. And, like you said, when it starts you have to stop, dig it out of your trunk, put it on and well, crap. I'm wet already.

I have a two piece Frogg Togg as well. If it starts pouring in the middle of a ride, pop your seat and throw the top on. 80% of the time the top is all I need.

Two piece is more practical...and holds water if the pieces overlap properly.

I concur with others that a 2 piece system is more practical. You can shed the jacket quickly if the weather clears.

You can get a really nice 2 piece rain suit for not a lot of money, especially compared to the cost of other riding gear. Don't skimp on this piece of kit; you need it to perform well when used.

I pack mine in a small compression bag to minimize the space it takes up.

I have this Tour Master 2 piece suit and it's only $60. The jacket is vented to prevent overcooking, but keeps me dry in even the heaviest of downpours. There are other options available. I bought mine a couple sizes too large (2XL) to make it easy to put on over my normal riding gear in a hurry.

Don't forget gloves! You can slip rubber or nitrile gloves over you riding gloves and should do the job without spending a bunch on "waterproof" gloves.

https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle/tour-master-shield-two-piece-rain-suit?gclid=Cj0KCQjw0bunBhD9ARIsAAZl0E0JD8Zz_lTZ89GCfnMh871LfhMknUujwo6pErQvX_qHQzmQZG-Pk3MaAqF9EALw_wcB

Good point about the gloves.

And then again, you don't need anything for the feet. The Vespa does a great job keeping them dry, as long as you keep on riding .

I wear a one piece and it's totally waterproof. Two piece has the advantage of being easier to put on and take off and easier to run cables through for heated clothing. I always wear a neck buff to catch any water before it runs down my back.

^^^ this

Two piece rain gear allows for more flexibility.

For example my cold weather jacket is waterproof. If I ride in cooler conditions, I won't have to put on the rain jacket and still stay dry.

One piece or two, doesn't really matter. Both fail just as miserably with not being easy to tuck under your helmet. If it has a tight collar, snap it up to keep your helmet from dripping rain down your back.

I rode rain or shine for years. Rain suits for distance riding with the option to remove the waterproof jacket for changing conditions don't apply well for a commuter. I would recommend spending the money for a one piece Aerostitch suit, two piece if you want to use the jacket alone, a ventilated leather jacket would be better for fair weather.

Stuff happens fast on wet pavement. My two piece wonder, one of Andy's early suits (had to sew in the Velcro for the newly introduced back pad a couple of years after purchase) saved my bacon in the hardest off in my riding history short of a Ranger turning left 15 feet in front of me. It had been raining all afternoon. I was at about 35 mph, crested the crown of the intersection and BAM, on my back sliding with with cars all around and sparks flying as my GS slid passed me. I've been drifting bikes on pavement and relishing in the greasy world of slip angles for over 40 years, not bragging just supplying some background. This was the first and only incident where there was NO time to apply my skill set to improve the outcome. Riding in adverse conditions has an added risk factor, dress for occasion. For all of us, even more so if you're not a naturally gifted or experienced rider, the blessings of proper protective gear in adverse conditions are imperative.

Along with the above, full face helmet with a pinlock insert and gloves with a built-in squeegee. Sidi Adventure boots squeak when you walk, will protect your lower extremities in the event of an off and keep your feet warm and dry.

I vote for 2 piece suit too. Just more versatile, and easier to remove when you go inside. You can also use just the jacket if you underdress in the fall/winter to keep you warm.

I am with Paluss. I have the two piece Frog Togs and do wear the top for warmth sometimes. The Frog Togs keep me dry. Sometimes some drops down the front or back, but mostly dry. The two piece kept me dry with cross wind rain 30mph.

I always keep the rain suit folded up under the seat. Weather here in the Midwest changes rapidly. You can have an all day forecast of sunny, leave for the ride, and get rained on at 2pm.

Bob Copeland