Riding in the Rain.

[MinnGS]

I just rode to work in the rain for the first time. It was rather nerve-racking and I took the corners probably a little too cautiously but I wanted to make sure I made it to work in one piece and didn't lay down my new(used)  bike.

It was hard to tell but it felt as if the bike's back-end wanted to slide loose once in a while. Does anyone know the limitations on the stock Bridgestone tires on a 2002 GS500e?  

What tires work best in the rain?

Any other rain riding tips would be appreciated.

Thanks
MinnGS

[Cal Price]

I think the most important rule is double your breaking distance and the don't brake on bends rule is doubly important. Ride within you limitations, around here you just get used to it. If you are going to be doing it regularly make sure you have good waterproof boots and over-trousers, I spray my jacket with a re-proofer at leat once a year especially the front and forearms. A towel around the neck under your jacket makes life more bearable.

[scratch]

Be really smooth with your steering and throttle inputs. Allow time and distance for this.

Best tires I've used (on a different bike) were the Metzeler ME33 Lazer front and ME99A Perfect rear, but so far I have been enjoying the Bridgestone BT45's in the rain (and a little more so, I might add :mrgreen: ). Also, Bridgestone tires are doing really well in this year's Grand Prix racing. Or, is that MotoGP? So that's gotta say something about B'stone's tire technology.

[MinnGS]

I was extra careful for sure. This is all good advice, thanks. All I have for riding pants right now is a pair of jeans, being a newbie and all.  I plan on stopping at the local shop on the way home to check out some rain pants and over pants.

I'll give it a few more rides in the rain to see if the sketchiness is me being nervous the first time or actually the tires.  My jacket was great!!! Firstgear waterproof jacket kept the top dry and the boots worked great too.

[Rema1000]

I changed the front tire last week, and Yow! can I break harder than before without the front tire starting to chatter.  I want to go try some quick stops right after a rain, so that I have a better idea about wet traction.  When I'm riding in the rain (in traffic), I never really want to push it .

For 2002, was the stock tire the Excedra?  If so, many people here report  that the BT045 is much superior in the wet.  Also, tires get hard and chunky after a few years, so I would think that you'd want to change-out the stock tires next year in any case.

[davipu]

the excedra's came stock on my 2002.  I've done 75+ with water standing on the road, i just always tell my self "driving on marbles" and try to be as smooth as possible.  unless emergency braking do not touch the brakes at all. I can say with the utmost certainy that unless you have numbers instead of a headight your not going to be pushing the limits of your bike.  so when in doubt do like the instructors in the msf course said to do, roll on the throttle and lean farther.

[MinnGS]

Bridgestone BT045's seem to be the popular choice.
Metzeler's have a vote.

Anyone else have an opinion on wet weather tires? What works best?

[MinnGS]

Actually, I just found some answers to my own question and let this be a lesson to the rest of us out there: If you look long enough, you will find the answer on your own.  Oh, and someone has probably asked the same question before so... a little searching and I found this:
http://www.foreven.com/motorcycles/Tyres/SuGS500E.htm

[Eklipse]

I never really had a problem riding in the rain. I've ridden in thunderstorms before (lightning is scary on a bike!).

But i did have my wreck in the rain. A car pulled out RIGHT in front of me and I would have hit it if I would not have gone down.

Since then if I have to ride in the rain I'm sure I'll be a hundred times more cautious.

[Woz]

Over here we have to ride in the rain for about 10 months every year.

:lol:

[noodle]

Yes, but thats half the fun eh Woz?

10 months? You mean 12 in Manchester

Riding in the rain is OK, but persistent rain means you get soggy, and the bike can leak (horn, HT lead etc)

Nothing more fun than riding down a motorway with your horn on full blast cos the rain has shorted it!