Riding in the rain...

[Tyson]

I've had my bike now for a little over a month and I plan on riding through the winter, but yesterday was my first day of really riding in the rain. Man did that suck, especially on the highway.

Do many people here ride through the winter and in the rain? And if so any tips for a newby on how too make it suck less!

[JetSwing]

as long as you're cover head to toe with good rain gear. otherwise, it sucks.

[Roadstergal]

Search...

http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=17929

http://www.gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=18166

[Cal Price]

I've said this before and will again. If I did not ride in the rain I may not ride at all. There is no secret just good gear.

If you buy a garment that says 100% waterproof this usualy means 100% waterproof for about 15 minutes on a motorcycle.

You need propper biker gear and to my surprise it generally is waterproof, I still spray my two jackets about this time of year with a waterproofing chemical paying extra attention to the front and arms. I have a large screen which diverts most of the water from my gloves. Remember untreated leather glove are not waterproof so spray them or get waterproof BIKER gloves. Remeber that waterproof trousers or jeans will divert a lot of water onto your footwear. I use Frank Thomas "Aquaboots" which are calf length coupled with overtrousers outside the boots. It works for me.

I was taught a trick to clear the visor of raindrops, angle your head 45 degrees to one side to push the droplets over then flick your head, with practice this is a lot more effective then wiping with your gloves and probably safer.

Worth remembering as well is that rain after a long dry period can make the road as slippery as ice, careful breaking and cornering, breaking distance generally doubles.   I hope you see less rain than I expect this winter.

Oh yeah, and avoid metal covers and painted road markings whenever possible.

[scratch]

I prefer riding in the rain!

Go slower.
Allow for more stopping distance for yourself as well as the idiot behind you.
Riding in the rain with traffic will really make you look for escape routes.
Be smooth on the throttle, gentle on the steering inputs and easy on the brakes.

Motorcycle specific raingear makes for a happy, dry and warm rider.

FogCity ProShield so you can see (and keep the visor closed).
Gloves so you can feel.
Raintotes rubber pull-over booties so you can feel your toes.

[juggernaught]

Being a year round rider i think i've handled nasty weather pretty well through trial and error. Only time i don't ride is if there is snow on the road.  In the rain i use a neat 2 piece Marmot rain suit i got at a sporting goods store.  it fits over my jacket pants and everything.  I wear the hood under the helmet.  A pair of waterproof boots and occasionally i wear rubber gloves beneath my bike gloves.  A good rain suit will zip up almost to your jaw.  If not wear a gator outside your collar.  Use them high beams and watch your speed.  Go easy on the brakes so as not to hydroplane.  Avoid turning on wet metal surfaces instead go straight overthem at no angles if possible.  If the road is covered in water that you can't see it...avoid it.  It doesn't have to be deep to hide a nasty pothole.  In the winter i layer up.  Someone mentioned wearing a rain suit in really cold weather.  Excellent idea.  I'm not keen on electric products so i layer well and use Tourmaster Winter Elite gloves i ordered online.  I used them all last winter in NYC and last winter was a nasty one.  Generally only my hands get cold but i hate bulk..these gloves fit the bill.  Let's see...what else...

I guess that's it.  Keep the rubber side down..

[juggernaught]

Ps...check this guy out.  How is this possible..??

[natedawg120]

snorkle and don't stall  :lol:  :lol:  :lol:

[natedawg120]

oh and i plan to ride through the winter, except when rainy, snowy, or otherwise percipitating.  I don't mind riding in the rain, i have a decent rain suit though.  Need to get better gloves, but once the temps get below freezing I don't want to take the chance of ice unless i get cought in a rian storm somewhere.

Edit : Just cought it but the rain suit in cold weather for wind protection is what i do.  Having a lack of wind proof clothing, the rain suit is awesome.

[TarzanBoy]

I will avoid riding in the rain at all costs.  The slow speed at which you have to ride to be safe doesn't make it worth dealing with being cold and wet.  

A cage keeps you warmer and lets you safely drive faster without having to worry about whether you'll lowside going around a corner

[calamari]

...A cage keeps you warmer and lets you safely drive faster without having to worry about whether you'll lowside going around a corner

where's the fun and challenge on that?  

[Roadstergal]

Keep moving.  The front tire opens a channel in the water in front of you.  As long as you keep going fast enough until you exit the water, you don't get enough water in the engine to cause big trouble.

[Roadstergal]

The slow speed at which you have to ride to be safe doesn't make it worth dealing with being cold and wet.

It's the limit either way...

You're only cold and wet if you don't have the right gear.  M'self, I'd rather blow by the folk sitting in the rain-induced traffic, warm and dry in my warm and dry gear, and paying less for gas, insurance, and parking.

[scratch]

Ah, yes, there's nothing like parking right next to the door when it's raining outside. :mrgreen:

[John Bates]

Got caught in a steady rain Thurs.  About 4 miles till home.  Didn't stop to put my $15 plastic rain suit on.  Surprised to find I stayed totally dry.  My normal riding gear plus Plexistar II windshield did the job.

I find riding is a blast, rain or shine.  Rain is just different.

[chefod]

I've found that going about 160km/h leaves you relatively dry and if you lean forward with your helmet just above the windshield the force of the wind coming up over the windshield will blow you visor clean, but be careful as your ass end is usually sliding all over the road at this point so just dig your feet in and hold on!!!!! if she starts sideways just pull in the clutch and hang on, as it will grab hard!! then keep on trucking!!! I live in PEI Canada and it rains here all fall, doesn't stop me though, although i've been called a maniac a few times for my high speeds on water covered roads, so the motto is the faster the drier!!!

[gsmetal]

I don't mind riding in the rain but I will no longer ride in extended heavy downpours (This in conjunction with the Pact with God from the 2001 Michigan Deluge Incident.)

The key to riding in rain is like any other riding - don't get in over your head.

The only thing worse than wet is ...cold and wet - so you want to be bundled up tight BEFORE you get soaked. The only way you'll get warm is the hot shower when you reach your destination.

[Jeppy]

I tried riding in the rain a few times and just did not like it at all. I was scared I would slide or dump my GS at times....I just did not like the feeling it gave me. Sure....call me a wimp but I still have my bike in one piece and have not dumped it yet.

[RVertigo]

call me a wimp

You're a wimp!   :nana:

No...  I can't blame you.  I don't like riding in the rain either...  But, I do it anyway.  I have to focus really damn hard to keep relaxed.  When I first start out in the rain, I have a death-grip and tight shoulders...  Then I say to myself, "CHILL THE F%$K OUT DUMB ASS!!"  And it usually goes well after that.

It's all about planning way ahead...  Ride slower, brake sooner, turn slower, watch for metal and paint on the road...