DriRider WTF

[Oakie]

I'm always stunned at the amount of crap that gets washed out of the jacket, and how that diesel exhaust smell stops following me around - for a while.

True. I wash my woollen scarf a couple of times each winter and the water just comes out black.

[scumdog]

Long rides - all weathers.

It is amazing how filthy the gear gets. It doesn't look dirty though.
Not like those nasty leather wearing bikie types.

Hey, some of us 'nast leather wearing bikie types' are a little sensitive ya know!

And my tassles wick the water away so I don't get wet. (Well it worked for the cowboys)

[fishb8nz]

What's the best way of washing "Gortex, type" material.

Similar question - What's the best way of washing and keeping waterproof Cordura material.

I have a comfy pair of boots that are like blotting paper. So what's a really waterproof brand?

[carver]

What is the name of your Dririder gear (Nordic, EVO etc) as I was told that this was one of the best brands you can get??

I want something that is waterproof!
And has all the safety features that you would expect a riding jacket to have.

I was looking at the Dririder Rallycross jacket and pants.

Cheers

hey dude, being a rider of many types of bikes, i chose rallycross pants.
boyd honda did me a great deal on them, and they are great, not too hot, or too cold, comfortable too. i rode my hyobag from paraparaumu to hamilton with them on, they were great!
the velcro on the bottom where they meet your boots tends to come loose, but thats all.
i have taken them on a few dirt missions too, they keep me dry when trying to skim the honda over water 3/4 of a metre deep at 50 km/h .
i also have rallycross gloves, which are light, and flexible, but dont offer much warmth!
hope this helps
carver

[Lou Girardin]

What's the best way of washing "Gortex, type" material.

Similar question - What's the best way of washing and keeping waterproof Cordura material.

I have a comfy pair of boots that are like blotting paper. So what's a really waterproof brand?

Remove the armour. Hand wash in warm water using a detergent like Nikwax TXdirect. This is designed to rinse out completely and not block the membrane.
Then rinse thoroughly and air dry.

[Zukin]

I use Swazi Goretex gear for other interests I pursue, and they are fantastic

I wish they made Motorcycle Jackets and Pants

Anyway to wash the Swazi Goretex Garments, you turn them inside out, throw them in the Washing machine, and then put them in the dryer to re waterproof them (apprantly the Dryer makes the Goretex Waterproof again)
I have done this 3 or 4 times and each time I do it they retain their 100% waterproofness!!

Good stuff

I use Swazi as undergarments on the bike and they work a treat....
Then again I havent dont a lot of riding

[Ruralman]

I have a Dri Rider Summit Jacket - it is great gear and definitely waterproof. If your's is new and its letting the rain in - take it back like everyone says.

[rok-the-boat]

Yeah - I'll take it back this Saturday and complain. Problem is, if they take it for 'testing', I'll be naked until I get it back. Today I wore my old plastic trou on top of my WetRider - not a leak downstairs. Might go for the warehouse alternative posted on another thread and get me a plastic jacket to match. I'm kinda out off by the whole thing, like, how do I know the next set-up I get will be waterproof? And the other day I saw a guy squelching as he walked wearing what looked like some boots I fancied ... no more.

[Ozzie]

Dude, same deal!

You prob saw my thread on MOBIG Water Proof, whatever.

I have the same prob, have to send my boots back, my pants back, and my Jacket...WTF....

So should I just cruise the Southern from Papakura to Penrose wearing my speedo's and thongs (Jandals for the Kiwi's).

This is really F**ked, what are you sposed to do?

I bought my bike and gear from someone on the shore, leason learnt. Funny how cheap shit still cost a grand, and they can apply such a disincentive for making them comply with the consumer guarantees act.

Yes, Sir, we will fix/replace your gear, but only if you don't ride for a week!

Remind me why I bought your shit in the first place? To be safe and dry while I'm riding my bike,,,,wearing your crap product perhaps????

Go figure!!!!!

[rok-the-boat]

Well, I finally got around to taking my DriRider jacket and trousers back. They checked it, then exchanged it for a new one. Can't complain. Unless this one leaks too ... will have to wait for the rain.

I did meet another guy with the same suit and he said his was fine.

[Forest]

It is important to know that there is no such thing as truly waterproof motorcycling gear. Except for completely impermeable materials like nylon or PVC (which aren't that comfortable to ride in).

I don't know about the NZ Standards system, but generally speaking a fabric is classified as waterproof if a hydrostatic head rating is greater than 1,500 mm. Hydrostatic head is basically a fabric's resistance to water pressure (where the pressure is equivalent to the column height of water in mm). A hydrostatic head of 1,500 mm will keep out heavy rain, but it is not enough to keep a rider dry (since riding through in the rain generates much higher hydrostatic pressures).

The next thing to consider is the water repellency. This is basically the fabric's ability to make water "bead" and roll-off. A high DWR eating is desirable because water soaking into the outer fibres will inhibit the breathability of the fabric. Unfortunately the DWR coatings can and do wear or wash-off - this is why you need to periodically respray the fabric with a waterproofing spray. However you need to be careful as some waterproofing sprays will damage certain types of fabrics. Fortunately the waterproof inner coatings or membranes will basically last the lifetime of the garment so they don't need to be treated.

Finally, for an item to be called fully waterproof all the seams must be factory sealed or taped (to stop water coming through the stitch holes). This is why the outside pockets on most riding jackets aren't actually waterproof.

----------------------------

Hopefully this explains why good quality waterproof clothing is so expensive!

FWIW you really need to use your brain when you're buying riding gear. If the item you're looking at is cheap (and isn't made of nylon or PVC) then it isn't going to keep keep you dry when it starts raining heavily.

[Street Gerbil]

Must be bad luck. Mine kept me dry the whole winter.
Have it repaired/replaced under warranty.

[Reno]

Stockist of Nikwax tech wash in Auckland?

[Big Dave]

Stockist of Nikwax tech wash in Auckland?

Seeing Lou ventured the info - I would buy it off AMPS.

[rok-the-boat]

Forest - thanks for the techno input. My simple mind, however, says that gear labeled waterproof should be so - even if it is the cheapest, as mine is (still, $300!). Anyway, went out yesterday and today in the torrential rain - no leaks. This kinda disproves your theory that every jacket is bound to leak.

I am now happy with my DriRider.