Brands
Categories
Parts Finder
Bikebiz Parramatta
(02) 8830 0500Bikebiz
granville
granville
Tell us your bike, we’ll tell you what fits.
Brands
Categories
Parts Finder
Bikebiz Parramatta
Bikebiz
granville
granville
Brands
Categories
Parts Finder
Brands
Categories
Parts Finder
By Michael Catford
|
17 April 2026
|
5 min read
You see the storm clouds on the horizon. You watch the first drops wick across your visor. It's the one moment when even the most die-hard riders can think to themselves "I really should've taken the car."
Riding through rain can be uncomfortable. But it doesn't have to be. As the Swedes say: there's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.
Basic water-resistant jackets aren't likely to handle the intensity of a Sydney summer downpour. Waterproof riding gear in Australia needs a specific mix of tech that can handle everything from invasive morning mist to torrential rain, because the best waterproof motorcycle jackets should keep you perfectly dry no matter what you're riding through.
At Bikebiz, we've spent the last quarter century testing jackets from the world's biggest brands in local wet weather conditions. We know what works, what doesn't, and which jackets are worth the investment. In this guide we'll review the very best waterproof motorcycle jacket options for your situation and riding style.
Before we dive into the best options, we should first define what we're talking about. There are three main types of waterproof motorcycle jacket designs, and choosing the right one depends on personal preference, riding style and how often you expect to get caught in the wet:
The waterproof membrane bonds directly to the outer fabric of the jacket, so water beads right off, but tech like Alpinestars Drystar XF or Ixon XDRY3L keep the jacket breathable. While pricier, these jackets never get waterlogged, so you'll stay dry and lightweight even in a tropical deluge. They're ideal for all riders, but particularly long-distance tourers who ride long stretches through different weather.
Common in versatile mid-range road jackets, the waterproof layer sits beneath the outer shell, and in some cases is removable: perfect for hot, dry days. But while flexible and affordable, in rain the outer fabric will eventually soak through, making the jacket heavy, cold and slow to dry.
These are simple, unarmoured waterproof jackets that you throw over your existing gear. They're often used as a just-in-case option – something you can keep in your pannier and pop on when a sudden storm catches you out.
Now that we understand our options, let's look at different riding styles and situations, and see which waterproof motorcycle jacket will perform best.
Traditional touring gear can be a bit bulky, and as a city commuter you'll be looking for a jacket that offers performance and professionalism – something that provides all the protection you need in the saddle, and also looks good and feels dry when you arrive at the office.
Combining classic styling with modern tech, Merlin's Coplow jacket features advanced laminated construction that sees rainwater beading off you like you're a freshly waxed car. Flexible, low profile D3O impact armour is soft and flexible, but provides high-level protection in the event of a fall. Whether navigating a downpour or heading into a briefing, the Coplow ensures you arrive looking sharp while feeling dry and protected.
There's no dodging the weather when you're touring – you get what you get. If you're in it for the long haul, spending hours in the saddle regardless of the forecast, you need a waterproof 3/4 motorcycle jacket that will keep you dry on wet days and comfortable on dry days. And you need something that will deal with moisture in all its forms, from torrential tropical downpours to post-rain tyre spray coming up from below.
The Alpinestars ST-1 Waterproof Jacket is engineered for four-season versatility. Its waterproof outer membrane forms an impenetrable barrier against the elements, the removable thermal liner retains body heat in colder conditions, and advanced ventilation systems allow essential airflow when temperatures climb. It's a combination of protection and climate control that keeps you comfortable and lets you focus on the road ahead, not the conditions around you.
High performance bikes demand a high performance jacket, particularly on inclement track days. Water isn't the only element you need to consider: wind needs to be managed too. At high speeds touring and fashion jackets can flap so hard you'll think you're about to take off. Sportsbike and naked bike riders need a snug-fitting, streamlined short jacket that'll cut through the air like a knife while also wicking off condensation.
The Triumph Triple Sports Tritech Jacket has a snug cut designed to minimise drag and wind noise. Its advanced Tritech membrane liner kindly tells water to jog on, no matter what speed you're pulling down the highway or the back straight. The outer jacket is packed with strategically placed vents as well, for relief on hot days. Add in removable D3O armour on the shoulders, elbows and back, and you have a jacket that protects you from wind, rain and wipeouts, while looking good and feeling even better.
Water-resistant jackets are designed to deal with short, light drizzles – as soon as the rain gets serious they begin to soak through. In contrast, waterproof jackets are impermeable, designed to keep you dry in a downpour. The best waterproof motorcycle jackets will also be breathable, so you don't get wet from sweat while you ride through summer rain.
Riding in the rain can expose your jacket to dirt, grime, and oils flung up from the tarmac, so you should regularly clean it according to the manufacturer's instructions. This usually entails using a specialist technical wash rather than standard detergents, which can clog breathable pores. To extend the life and maintain the performance of the jacket it's also worth applying a water repellent spray from time to time.
While waterproof layers trap heat, modern jackets feature breathable membranes that allow fresh air in and internal moisture out. To stay cool, look for jackets with direct-to-body ventilation zips that bypass the waterproof liner and let the air flow directly onto your skin.
If you invest in a quality waterproof jacket but finish a ride with a wet neck or soaked wrists, it's usually because those areas weren't properly sealed off, allowing water to gradually creep in. If it's raining, tuck your sleeves into your gloves to keep water out (on the flipside, if it's dry and warm, tuck your gloves into your sleeves to let air in). Check that the collar is cinched tight to stop water running down your neck into the jacket.
Any riding weather is good riding weather when you invest in a quality waterproof jacket. A premium jacket will keep you dry and comfortable, while offering all the slide protection you could ever need.
At Bikebiz, Sydney's leading motorcycle dealer, we offer the widest range of gear from the world's biggest brands, including women's waterproof riding jackets, short sports jackets, 3/4 touring jackets and everything in between. We've also tested this gear in local conditions, so we can guide you on which will work best for your situation, and how to find the perfect fit.
Ready for rain to feel like water off a duck's back? Browse online or drop into one of our Sydney showrooms in Parramatta or Granville to get fitted by our expert team today.