So noob question, I've ridden in the rain a few times, but today I rode to work, and the bike was parked in the rain for around 4 hours...anyway, anything special I should dry off to avoid problems with rust or any of that bullshit? I doubt it even matters, I'm more bored than anything. 

I usually don't worry about it, though I suspect that the GS will be more rustprone than my typical aluminum beauty street bike.

I was thinking just to lube the chain and check the bearings. Can't think of much else though. Petcock didn't get wet, and as long as no water gets in the tank or the airbox, I'm sure it will be fine. I'm just gonna buy a 2nd cover and keep it at work for those rainy days.

What do you do if you leave your car outside and its been raining?

Quote from: ivany on July 07, 2010, 10:46:13 PM
What do you do if you leave your car outside and its been raining?

Tear my clothes and beat my chest, of course!

I used to intentionally leave my bike out in the rain after I had just ridden in it. I figured it would be a good rinsing after riding in it, since the dirtiest water is what's on the road. Rain water is pretty clean and won't cause many problems just by itself. Just make sure you wash your bike on occasion when you get home.

I think it is fine in the rain.  I nave noticed a thin layer of rust forming where the bar end weights go in and a couple of screw heads and not really anything else.  I usually like to lube the chain again when I am done riding in the rain and it dries out.  I use chain wax so it seems like the chain might repel more lube if it is wet at the time of application.  who knows.

Quote from: Iroquois on July 08, 2010, 12:26:56 AM

Quote from: ivany on July 07, 2010, 10:46:13 PM
What do you do before you make love to a beautiful woman?

Tear my clothes and beat my chest, of course!

Me, too!

my bike sat on an uncovered insurance lot for 4 years in Saint Louis, MO. The only thing that rusted is the inside of the allen holes on the allen bolts in the handle bar clamps, and a tiny bit of surface rust on one weld seam on the frame. I'd say your fine with the occasional rain shower