Riding in the rain :(

[The Snowman]

I'll have my cheap-ass rain suit to cover the leathers, but I'm a bit uneasy about the wet riding.

Still getting used to the larger front wheel, can't wait to see how I'd ride in the wet[/sarcastic]

[RandyO]

Don't rely too much on front brakes like you would on dry pavement. Use the rear more than usual.

rain, snow, ice, gravel does not change tyour weight distribution or braking power, the majority of your braking power is still on the front wheel. you should still be using your brakes in the same proportion on ALL surfaces, any problems you might have is only due to your own hamfistedness

Id disagree with the WORDING of the left third though, especially on divided roads. Stay the fuck away from the edges of road, thats where puddles develop.

with the exception of the left third of the far left lane on a divided highway, the left 1/3 of your lane is about as close to the crown and the furthest you can get from the edges of the road



the biggest thing that I haven't seen mentioned is tires

be aware of how much tread depth you have to channel water away, ride accordingly, one reason I always change fronts when I replace the rear is cause I don't like riding on a half -3/4 worn front with a new rear in the rain

[rocker]

So, with that said, aside from a smart ass "don't do it" can anyone give me tips for riding in the rain? Are side streets or the highway better? Should I put rain-x on the visor of my helmet so I can see?

I won't ride in the rain anymore... that is when I crashed on my way home to put the bike away so I wouldn't crash...

[butcher bergs]

I won't ride in the rain anymore...

There will come a time again where you will have no choice.
Just curious what the proverbial "throwing your hands in the air" is going to do for you when the situation inevitably does arise.

[apollomx681]

fucking train tracks....

[Mustang]

Never tried rain x on the visor, I either use my gloves or turn my head back and forth at speed and the rain kind of runs off.

Turning the head back and forth does a great job (providing it's not misting).

...relax. Seriously. Smoooooth inputs throttle and brake. You would be surprised how much traction is available.

The first 20 or so min of the rain will be the slickest, as the rain washes the oil off the road, so that is the time I will usually pull off and get coffee. Also, stay off the paint.

I have done many trips, and ridden in the rain more times than I can remember. Sometimes it is actually kind of nice.

Yup... smooth and RELAXED!!!! Tires can and will move around a bit on you when you're near the edge of traction. If you're smooth and RELAXED the tires & suspension will do their jobs and you'll keep on truckin'.

The trick is to do those two things AND ride in a way that never puts you close to the edge of traction to begin with. (Keep your eyes far ahead, brake while you're straight up & down, leave plenty of room between yourself & other vehicles, stay in the right or left 1/3rd of your lane to avoid the "slippery center", etc.)

Proper rain gear also goes a long way in staying comfortable. If you're not comfortable then even the shortest ride will be miserable.

These are the best comments. Smooth smooth smooth smooth! Remember that it takes longer to brake, since you'll be applying the brakes in a less-eager fashion. Knowing that, you should be fine.

[kawazzr]

All of the comments here are right on. I've ridden in the rain many a time, and am now immune to it. I notice however, that when I'm out in the rain, I tend to ride exactly as I was taught years ago in the MSF. Funny how that works. The "look there go there" mantra plays in my head. Stay calm collected, and no funny business.

One of the items I carry with me at all times is the VeeWipe Squeegee from Aerostich. (one of the only things I can afford from them). I keep one under my seat or in my tank bag just in case.

Aerostich VeeWipe Squeegee :: Glove Accessories :: Gloves :: Off And Riding :: Aerostich/RiderWearHouse Motorcycle Jackets, Suits, Clothing, & Gear

These little suckers are great for wiping the visor off...and work even better if the visor has Rain-X already on it.

[stoinkythepig]

All of the comments here are right on. I've ridden in the rain many a time, and am now immune to it. I notice however, that when I'm out in the rain, I tend to ride exactly as I was taught years ago in the MSF. Funny how that works. The "look there go there" mantra plays in my head. Stay calm collected, and no funny business.

One of the items I carry with me at all times is the VeeWipe Squeegee from Aerostich. (one of the only things I can afford from them). I keep one under my seat or in my tank bag just in case.

Aerostich VeeWipe Squeegee :: Glove Accessories :: Gloves :: Off And Riding :: Aerostich/RiderWearHouse Motorcycle Jackets, Suits, Clothing, & Gear

These little suckers are great for wiping the visor off...and work even better if the visor has Rain-X already on it.

I read through almost this whole thread thinking: I can't believe no one's mentioned the VeeWipe yet, then the last post... VeeWipes are excellent, good advice.

My Held Hawk gloves have a squeegee built in to the left index finger; awesome gloves. I don't think they make Hawks anymore, but they may have model with a squeegee.

I tend to short-shift a lot in the wet, like I do in snow when driving my car. Keeps me out of the torque which helps rear wheel traction. When the rear does break free, it is vastly more controlable if you are gear or two higher than you would normally be in the dry.

Unless you are a twat, you will get shockingly good gas mileage riding in the rain.

[TTD]

Lots of good advice in this thread...

and lots of scary stuff!


Without getting into riding tips... I will say that having a good rain suit (or simply ride in waterproof gear) is critical. The problem with a lot of sportbikes is no carrying capacity (another reason I don't ride a sportbike on the street)

As mentioned, if you're not warm, then get off the road. Riding while you're cold for anything more than 10 or 15 minutes is very dangerous.

Assuming you have proper gear for the conditions, and you've taken into consideration that the first 20 minutes or so of the storm can be tricky, then riding in the rain is something that can be very enjoyable... if you also have the bike skills.

And YEP... this is where I tell you that the track is a great place to get those skills. A smooth rider in the dry will do good in the wet too. And if you luck out and get some rainy track time every once in a while... all the better!

PS... Oh yeah, if you do decide to pull off the road under a bridge... Get your bike as far off the road as possible (preferably just after a guardrail)... and get your body WAY off the road. I'm always amazed to see a bunch of harley riders (usually) sitting on their bikes, or right next to them... 3 feet off the highway... with cars having limited visibility flying by at 65mph.

[Pittenger5]

I won't ride in the rain anymore

Ask Mongoose, Apollo, and myself how that worked out last weekend.