BMW GS Rallye GTX Women’s Suit
At 5-feet-7 inches tall and 128 pounds I’m arguably an athletic and boyish build. Yet wearing gear designed for men means the pants are too long and the legs are too baggy. There often is no accommodation for “the girls," and I commonly have to wear the smallest size men’s boot available. While this gear usually offers great features (i.e. abundant pockets), the sizing and fit is a frustration. Well, frustration no more! The BMW GS Rallye GTX suit is now offered in a design made specifically for women, and I love it.
Getting the Right Fit
The women’s GS Rallye GTX ventilated jacket’s waterproof GORE-TEX outsert protects against wind, bad weather, and dirt. The highly abrasion-resistant polyamide-cotton material, together with NP3 joint protectors, also ensure a high level of safety.
GS Rallye GTX Features
For 2024, the GS Rallye GTX comes in two color options for the U.S. market: all black, and dark blue with white and red. Personally I like the styling, the clean lines, and the placement of the reflective BMW roundel logo and Motorrad branding.
The GS Rallye GTX jacket has four large exterior front pockets, one back pocket, and a clear sleeve pocket. I like to put my baseball cap, extra snacks, or a visor towel in the jacket’s large rear pocket. Additionally, there are two waterproof interior jacket pockets.
BMW GS Rallye GTX—Breathable AND Warm?
BMW claims the GS Rallye GTX suit is a 3-season jacket “suitable for hot to medium temperatures, with GORE-TEX Outsert (rain layer) also for cooler temperatures.” It definitely can handle all that, but I think they’re selling themselves short. The ventilation is excellent, and with the rain layer I found it a good performer from 90-degrees down to sub 50-degrees. With a heated vest and the rain layer, this suit can certainly handle a cold wet riding day.
The jacket and pants both have a perforated mesh lining for breathability. There is raised fabric in the back of the jacket allowing for ventilation of the back protector.
What About The Rain Layer?
Unlike some ADV suits with layers that zip in under the base jacket, the GS Rallye’s rain suit is a waterproof GORE-TEX outer layer worn over the jacket and pants. I prefer this design because the jacket stays dry, and it’s easier to take on and off when weather conditions change. The outer layer can also be used as a wind layer to add warmth even when it’s not raining.
I love the GORE-TEX rain pants’ extended side zipper which makes putting them on quick and easy at the threat of inclement weather. It’s also smart that the GORE-TEX outer jacket has a thin hood designed to go under a helmet in wet conditions, preventing water from seeping into the back of the jacket. The hood is tucked away in the jacket’s collar pocket when not in use.
Protection and Safety
But of course a motorcycle garment cannot be judged on looks alone. Protection is the most important aspect of any good riding apparel. The BMW GS Rallye GTX is made of abrasion-resistant cotton and includes removable CE Level-1 armor at the shoulders, elbows, hips, knees, and back. The GS Rallye’s CE Level-1 armor is easily removable for laundering once home from a dirty adventure.
Just Plain Smart Design
In addition to fit and protection, sometimes it’s the little touches that make a piece of gear extra functional for the ride. The BMW GS Rallye GTX does not disappoint when it comes to numerous thoughtful bells and whistles for the adventure rider.
BMW GS Rallye GTX Info
The BMW Women’s GS Rallye GTX Women’s jacket costs $999 and comes in sizes 34 to 48 (US size 4 to 18). It is available in black and dark blue/white/red.
The BMW GS Rallye GTX Women’s Pant costs $799 and comes in sizes 34 to 48 (US size 4 to 18). It also comes in black and dark blue/white/red.
There are also fully ventilated (non-waterproof) versions of the Rallye suit, called the “GS Rallye Air.” Shop for BMW gear here or visit your local BMW Motorrad dealership.