Waterproofing Treatments

Sorry if this post is discussed elsewhere (I did search).

I was wondering if someone knows the best waterproofing treatment for
motorcycle jacket, trousers (and boots if available). The trousers
(or pants in the USA) are the problem, I got them second hand off ebay
they are Frank Thomas Aquapore but in certain areas they they a little
water in when we experience our usual UK downpour. I didn't really
want to replace them as I'm saving my money for my bike bike test (and
a big bike) to use for commuting.

I did some research on the net and found Nikwax waterproofing
http://www.mountainfever.co.uk/acatalog/nikwax.html but wasn't sure if
this is any good and which one I should by.

Thanks for your help.

Trev -
27 years old just passed CBT (should have done it years ago) and
really want to take my full test and get a REAL bike, but this Honda
XR125L is saving me a fortune in petrol and is fun for the minute,
would love a Suzuki SV-650 or even better a Suzuki GSXR600 sooner
rather than later through!

 

My experience; waterproofing really doesn't work. Kit is either
supplied waterproof or isn't. Goretex (or similar membranes) are the
only things that work.

 

*ding*

I have had limited success re-waterproofing stuff that's started to
leak a little, using NikWax Tecwash, but it was limited and temporary.

 

I used a Hein Gerike all in one waterproof on Saturday night. That
worked quite well but I've found very little that's been really
waterproof.

 

didn't people point and laugh at the old people camping?

 

I don't do camping. Anyway we only live 15 mins up the road so it was
easier to hop on the bike after the last band.

I wore the all in one during the Foo Fighters as it had started to
rain. Heather said I looked like someone in a hazmat suit going to
deal with a chemical spill.

 

Oh right, my mistake.

 

"Cane" wrote...

<Pikey mode on>

We've got some textile jackets and trousers-with-braces[1] from (cough)
AldiLidl[2], had them a couple of years and ridden in day-long rain (oh to
be in England now that summer's there) without getting wet, apart from a
trickle down the back of my neck once or twice (shouldn't give her rides on
my shoulders, I guess). I can recommend 'em, but they only stock them once
or twice a year as one of their one-week specials, come in at about £100 for
the set.
They're proper colours, too, Black with Black bits, although they have
reflective strips set in a couple of the seams.

<Toggle Pikey mode>
--
Dave H.
(The engineer formerly known as Homeless)

"Rules are for the obedience of fools, and the guidance of wise men" -
Douglas Bader

[1] With poppers holding the braces that pop open when touching toes, the
only prob I've had with 'em apart from them being a bit warm in hot weather
and [3] below...
[2] medium to heavy-weight Corduroid, breathable Goretoid membrane, CE
armour at knees, elbows and shoulders and lots of big zip-and-velcro
pockets[3] in the main jacket and a couple in the trousers, zip-in thermal
linings for both, jacket-to-trousers zip at the back and plenty of
snug-em-down-tight velcro straps so they don't flap in the breeze
[3] waterproof enough to have forgotten to close one of said pockets in a
monsoon, hung the jacket up to dry and thrown it over my shoulder a few days
later, to receive about a pint of water and dissolved Rizlas down my
front...

 

wrote in 4ax.com:

Quite true, except that sometimes it's not the fabric that leaks, but the
seams (and this can happen with Goretex kit too). Forget about trying to
waterproof a non-waterproof fabric, but if you suspect it may be the seams
then seam-sealant would be worth a try. I have some made by (I think) Toko,
but I'm fairly sure Nikwax make it too.

 

The fabric should be waterproof http://www.frank-thomas.co.uk/index.php?pge_id=11&product_id=171
its only one small part that leaks that's why I was thinking about a
treatment, wondering if something on them was wearing out. The jacket
that comes in the set doesn't let anything through.

Someone mentioned a seem treatment if the material is waterproof
(which it is), then I suppose the seam could be at fault, what would
be the best treatment in this case? I really only want to replace
them as a last resort if possible.

Thanks everyone for all the advice.

 

Is your name Trevrob White or Trevor B White?

 

Isn't 'Trevor B White' the title of a less popular song from Chuck Berry?

 

*snort*

 

My name is Trev (or Trevor) White, my middle name is Robert.

 

Nikwax wash is pretty good. Get a tub of some kind
and give the garmet(s) a while to soak it up. Works
better than the spray on kind.

In the past, when all else fails, I've used some waterproofing
wax intended for waxed cotton garmets like Belstaff and Barbour
mixed with silicon waterproofing and tent seam sealer along
the stich lines. Usually does the trick but instantly attracts road
grime, so it's best used on black garmets. Also compromises
breathability so use sparingly, only on areas that really
soak through. I always leave the back of the garmet unotuched.

If the pants have rips in a waterproof liner, they're probably
unsalvageable. Plan B would be to buy a $20 rainsuit at your
local hardware store and suffer the pain of looking unfashionable
when it rains.

 

I don't know much about waterproofing, but I'd give me eye teeth for
something that bug proofs my bike -

Greg

 

Not necessarily depending on the design. There are Gore-Tex patch
kits available. Most decent camping stores (EMS, REI, etc) will have
them.

 

Spray the whole thing with Crisco. They'll slide right off.

 

Buy a Harley.

The pickup cab keeps most of the bugs off, and for the rest of the
time, it is unlikely that a bug will stick very well when the bike is
sitting sparkling on the driveway.

 

Feckoff.

<wanders over to ebay to look for pickups[1]>

[1] Actually Ann suggested that it would be the right kind of vehicle
for me if I ever made it to the US. I pointed out the her that it would
be about as bad as TOG getting a bike trailer, in the "it's a complete
pile of shit, about 300 miles away - no problem I'll just sling it on
the trailer" sense.