Rain Riding
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Richmond, VA, USA
Rain Riding
Does anyone here have only a bike (no car) and is forced to ride in the rain? I just got a Rebel, and it's all I have. Somehow I've managed to only have work when it's sunny, but I know that rain storm is coming that I'm gonna get stuck in. Just curious to see if anyone else is in the same boat and has any tips... I've already got a cover and have been practicing on wet roads.
Member
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 2,207
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From: Haymarket, VA, USA
Re: Rain Riding (FearAndLoving)
get a rain suit. You can get them for under $100 that will fit over whatever you're wearing. It can get a little hot if it's a summer storm, but it beats soaked.
if you have saddle bags, or a tank bag, make sure to put on the rain cover. Wet cell phones, or portable USB hard drives don't like water, or so I hear.
as far as actually riding in the rain:
- take it easier on acceleration and braking
- don't freak out about corners, your tires (if they have tread) will still get decent traction.
- watch out for painted lines, man hole covers and rail road crossings. Those are slippery as sh*t and can be dangerous.
- be careful at the beginning of rain as it will lift up the oil from the tarmac and can be very very treacherous until it has rained enough to wash it out. I broke a foot like that, falling at under 5mph making a left turn... Only motorcycle injury in 20 years of riding - knocking on wood.
- give some extra distance to cagers. When the visibility drops, they can see you even less. So be very careful about staying in their blind spots, or on their bumpers (don't forget your stopping distances will increase in the rain)
- be SMOOTH. limited traction will reward smoothness and punish ham-fisted riding.
- get something to prevent fog in your face shield. various products are available, as well as the old trick of wiping the inside with dish washing detergent. Also, rain X may be nice for the outside of the face shield. you DO wear a full face helmet, right?
- wear enough clothing that you won't get welts from the rain drops. It's amazing how bad a rain drop can sting if you hit it and it's millions of cousins at 70 mph...
hth
if you have saddle bags, or a tank bag, make sure to put on the rain cover. Wet cell phones, or portable USB hard drives don't like water, or so I hear.
as far as actually riding in the rain:
- take it easier on acceleration and braking
- don't freak out about corners, your tires (if they have tread) will still get decent traction.
- watch out for painted lines, man hole covers and rail road crossings. Those are slippery as sh*t and can be dangerous.
- be careful at the beginning of rain as it will lift up the oil from the tarmac and can be very very treacherous until it has rained enough to wash it out. I broke a foot like that, falling at under 5mph making a left turn... Only motorcycle injury in 20 years of riding - knocking on wood.
- give some extra distance to cagers. When the visibility drops, they can see you even less. So be very careful about staying in their blind spots, or on their bumpers (don't forget your stopping distances will increase in the rain)
- be SMOOTH. limited traction will reward smoothness and punish ham-fisted riding.
- get something to prevent fog in your face shield. various products are available, as well as the old trick of wiping the inside with dish washing detergent. Also, rain X may be nice for the outside of the face shield. you DO wear a full face helmet, right?
- wear enough clothing that you won't get welts from the rain drops. It's amazing how bad a rain drop can sting if you hit it and it's millions of cousins at 70 mph...
hth
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,064
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Re: Rain Riding (SJR)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SJR »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">get a rain suit. You can get them for under $100 that will fit over whatever you're wearing. It can get a little hot if it's a summer storm, but it beats soaked.
if you have saddle bags, or a tank bag, make sure to put on the rain cover. Wet cell phones, or portable USB hard drives don't like water, or so I hear.
as far as actually riding in the rain:
- take it easier on acceleration and braking
- don't freak out about corners, your tires (if they have tread) will still get decent traction.
- watch out for painted lines, man hole covers and rail road crossings. Those are slippery as sh*t and can be dangerous.
- be careful at the beginning of rain as it will lift up the oil from the tarmac and can be very very treacherous until it has rained enough to wash it out. I broke a foot like that, falling at under 5mph making a left turn... Only motorcycle injury in 20 years of riding - knocking on wood.
- give some extra distance to cagers. When the visibility drops, they can see you even less. So be very careful about staying in their blind spots, or on their bumpers (don't forget your stopping distances will increase in the rain)
- be SMOOTH. limited traction will reward smoothness and punish ham-fisted riding.
- get something to prevent fog in your face shield. various products are available, as well as the old trick of wiping the inside with dish washing detergent. Also, rain X may be nice for the outside of the face shield. you DO wear a full face helmet, right?
- wear enough clothing that you won't get welts from the rain drops. It's amazing how bad a rain drop can sting if you hit it and it's millions of cousins at 70 mph...
hth
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Good info man, Thanks
if you have saddle bags, or a tank bag, make sure to put on the rain cover. Wet cell phones, or portable USB hard drives don't like water, or so I hear.
as far as actually riding in the rain:
- take it easier on acceleration and braking
- don't freak out about corners, your tires (if they have tread) will still get decent traction.
- watch out for painted lines, man hole covers and rail road crossings. Those are slippery as sh*t and can be dangerous.
- be careful at the beginning of rain as it will lift up the oil from the tarmac and can be very very treacherous until it has rained enough to wash it out. I broke a foot like that, falling at under 5mph making a left turn... Only motorcycle injury in 20 years of riding - knocking on wood.
- give some extra distance to cagers. When the visibility drops, they can see you even less. So be very careful about staying in their blind spots, or on their bumpers (don't forget your stopping distances will increase in the rain)
- be SMOOTH. limited traction will reward smoothness and punish ham-fisted riding.
- get something to prevent fog in your face shield. various products are available, as well as the old trick of wiping the inside with dish washing detergent. Also, rain X may be nice for the outside of the face shield. you DO wear a full face helmet, right?
- wear enough clothing that you won't get welts from the rain drops. It's amazing how bad a rain drop can sting if you hit it and it's millions of cousins at 70 mph...
hth
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Good info man, Thanks
Re: Rain Riding (SJR)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by SJR »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">get a rain suit. You can get them for under $100 that will fit over whatever you're wearing. It can get a little hot if it's a summer storm, but it beats soaked.
if you have saddle bags, or a tank bag, make sure to put on the rain cover. Wet cell phones, or portable USB hard drives don't like water, or so I hear.
as far as actually riding in the rain:
- take it easier on acceleration and braking
- don't freak out about corners, your tires (if they have tread) will still get decent traction.
- watch out for painted lines, man hole covers and rail road crossings. Those are slippery as sh*t and can be dangerous.
- be careful at the beginning of rain as it will lift up the oil from the tarmac and can be very very treacherous until it has rained enough to wash it out. I broke a foot like that, falling at under 5mph making a left turn... Only motorcycle injury in 20 years of riding - knocking on wood.
- give some extra distance to cagers. When the visibility drops, they can see you even less. So be very careful about staying in their blind spots, or on their bumpers (don't forget your stopping distances will increase in the rain)
- be SMOOTH. limited traction will reward smoothness and punish ham-fisted riding.
- get something to prevent fog in your face shield. various products are available, as well as the old trick of wiping the inside with dish washing detergent. Also, rain X may be nice for the outside of the face shield. you DO wear a full face helmet, right?
- wear enough clothing that you won't get welts from the rain drops. It's amazing how bad a rain drop can sting if you hit it and it's millions of cousins at 70 mph...
hth
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Couldn't have said it any better. I only had my R1 for the winter months of 06/07, and I got rained on and snowed on. People thought I was nuts, but its not that bad at all.
if you have saddle bags, or a tank bag, make sure to put on the rain cover. Wet cell phones, or portable USB hard drives don't like water, or so I hear.
as far as actually riding in the rain:
- take it easier on acceleration and braking
- don't freak out about corners, your tires (if they have tread) will still get decent traction.
- watch out for painted lines, man hole covers and rail road crossings. Those are slippery as sh*t and can be dangerous.
- be careful at the beginning of rain as it will lift up the oil from the tarmac and can be very very treacherous until it has rained enough to wash it out. I broke a foot like that, falling at under 5mph making a left turn... Only motorcycle injury in 20 years of riding - knocking on wood.
- give some extra distance to cagers. When the visibility drops, they can see you even less. So be very careful about staying in their blind spots, or on their bumpers (don't forget your stopping distances will increase in the rain)
- be SMOOTH. limited traction will reward smoothness and punish ham-fisted riding.
- get something to prevent fog in your face shield. various products are available, as well as the old trick of wiping the inside with dish washing detergent. Also, rain X may be nice for the outside of the face shield. you DO wear a full face helmet, right?
- wear enough clothing that you won't get welts from the rain drops. It's amazing how bad a rain drop can sting if you hit it and it's millions of cousins at 70 mph...
hth
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Couldn't have said it any better. I only had my R1 for the winter months of 06/07, and I got rained on and snowed on. People thought I was nuts, but its not that bad at all.
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Honda-Tech Member
Joined: Jul 2001
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From: San Diego, CA
Re: Rain Riding (Phoenix1)
Rain X will destroy your visor. Just slightly turn your head to the left and let the wind blow the water off yer visor, then turn your head the other way. Works like a charm!
Thread Starter
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3
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From: Richmond, VA, USA
Re: Rain Riding (Etylorcen)
Thanks for all the great adivce, I'll look into a rain suit, are you talking about something kind of like a poncho? Like, will it fold up easily and fit in a backpack so I can take it with me all the time? And yes, of course I wear a full face helmet, I use my old football helmet from middle school. 
Honda-Tech Member
Joined: May 2000
Posts: 9,817
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From: San Gabriel, CA
I bought a windbreaker jacket and pants from Target to use in rainy weather. It slips right over my jacket and pants, and it folds away real small. It was only $20 for the set, so not a whole lot of damage to the wallet.
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Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 1,812
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From: Anytown, USA
Re: (marmaladeboy)
MSF class said to never ride in the first 10minutes of a rain storm if your close to home better haul *** if you wont make it home pull over somewhere. They said the first 10 minutes is when all the oils and crap in the road and **** come to the surface and would make you slip. Torrential downpours suck got caught in one on the interstate didn't want to slow way down raining so hard car behind could barely see me didn't want to pull to the side in case someone lost control took the first exit I could and parked my *** under an overpass oh and watchout for hail that **** HURTS
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Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 30,826
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From: RIP Craig Jones
Re: (UA6 BALLER STATUS)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by UA6 BALLER STATUS »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I started riding this febrary, ive never rode in the rain so im kinda scared, good info in this thread. </TD></TR></TABLE>
I guess in socal if it rains the apocalypse is coming
</TD></TR></TABLE>I guess in socal if it rains the apocalypse is coming
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Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,004
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From: Germantown, MD, USA
Re: (Apocalypse)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Apocalypse »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Did someone call me?</TD></TR></TABLE>LMAO
Joined: Dec 2002
Posts: 233
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From: Wilmington, NC, USA
Here are somethings I learned living in the swampland of Southeastern North Carolina...
--Make sure you're always covering the clutch and brakes....reduced reaction time is key.
--If the water comes to your shins while waiting at a stoplight....find the nearest gas station, resturant, etc.. and Pull over it's not worth it. ;-)
Finally, if you're wearing a racing leather jacket....make sure you hose it down ahead of time. The dye will bleed in the rain. There is nothing worse than coming to work SOAKED and dyed various shades of pink and purple..(Red and blue jack with a white shirt)
--Make sure you're always covering the clutch and brakes....reduced reaction time is key.
--If the water comes to your shins while waiting at a stoplight....find the nearest gas station, resturant, etc.. and Pull over it's not worth it. ;-)
Finally, if you're wearing a racing leather jacket....make sure you hose it down ahead of time. The dye will bleed in the rain. There is nothing worse than coming to work SOAKED and dyed various shades of pink and purple..(Red and blue jack with a white shirt)
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 278
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From: Hotlanta, USA
Re: Rain Riding (FearAndLoving)
great advice from everyone who posted! I don't like rain suits though, so my personal preference was to leave a full change of clothes (shoes and all) under my desk at work. I ride 26 miles each way on GA400 where the unofficial speed limit is 85 mph, so rain suits either 1) disintegrate from the flapping or 2) leak, starting with the zipper on the front of your jacket, then it's downhill from there.
I know this doesn't work for all situations because you can't leave a change of clothes everywhere you're likely to go. However, most cycle shops carry rain suits for well under $100. Even my local Harley shop has them for $25. They're pretty much a windbreaker and wind pants, but with a vinyl coating on the insides.
personally I believe there's nothing more creepy-feeling than when that cold trickle of water starts to puddle right in the middle of the seat under your 'nads...
I know this doesn't work for all situations because you can't leave a change of clothes everywhere you're likely to go. However, most cycle shops carry rain suits for well under $100. Even my local Harley shop has them for $25. They're pretty much a windbreaker and wind pants, but with a vinyl coating on the insides.
personally I believe there's nothing more creepy-feeling than when that cold trickle of water starts to puddle right in the middle of the seat under your 'nads...
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Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 500
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From: Viper City, NH, USA
Re: Rain Riding (Brandon Clifton)
I don't see what only having a bike and no car has to do with riding in the rain. I mean I own a car and you don't, and apparently you've never ridden in the rain, and I have. When you ride enough, you eventually get caught in the rain.
All I really have to say about rain riding is, as long as it is warm outside, I love it.
All I really have to say about rain riding is, as long as it is warm outside, I love it.
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 208
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From: WA
Re: Rain Riding (GermanHondaSlayer)
Go to a parking lot and practice emergency situations while its raining like useing the brakes. I went out on a sunday in the rain at a fred meyer parkling lot and got a feel for how much break i could grab in the rain before my tires locked up.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,687
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From: I am a drag squid, PCB FL
Re: Rain Riding (Tenacious T)
I have just a bike and don't own a car and have been riding in the rain, when it rains, i ride my bike everyday....for 2 years....and i just wrecked my bike this saturday night coming back from the dragstrip in a torrential downpour. So no matter how good and how many things you take into consideration...
If God decides to put a pond in front of you and not let you be able to see it....going 45mph your fucked either way...and i have ridden in some serious storms...but nothing....nothing like what was coming down saturday night.
If God decides to put a pond in front of you and not let you be able to see it....going 45mph your fucked either way...and i have ridden in some serious storms...but nothing....nothing like what was coming down saturday night.
Member
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,164
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From: MoCo, MD, USA
Re: Rain Riding (4-ageTOg63)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 4-ageTOg63 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I have just a bike and don't own a car and have been riding in the rain, when it rains, i ride my bike everyday....for 2 years....and i just wrecked my bike this saturday night coming back from the dragstrip in a torrential downpour. So no matter how good and how many things you take into consideration...
If God decides to put a pond in front of you and not let you be able to see it....going 45mph your fucked either way...and i have ridden in some serious storms...but nothing....nothing like what was coming down saturday night.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Sorry to hear you binned it
Hope you're all right. I remember some of those freak *** summer storms in Tally, they sucked.
If God decides to put a pond in front of you and not let you be able to see it....going 45mph your fucked either way...and i have ridden in some serious storms...but nothing....nothing like what was coming down saturday night.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Sorry to hear you binned it
Hope you're all right. I remember some of those freak *** summer storms in Tally, they sucked.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,687
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From: I am a drag squid, PCB FL
Re: Rain Riding (Pauldo)
Yeah...i had on my full suit...just a sore shoulder is what i wound up with and a little scratch on my knee from where the pavement wore a whole in the leather...i'll be postin a thread w/ pics later on sometime.
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,064
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From: Phoenix, Arizona, United States
Re: Rain Riding (4-ageTOg63)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 4-ageTOg63 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I have just a bike and don't own a car and have been riding in the rain, when it rains, i ride my bike everyday....for 2 years....and i just wrecked my bike this saturday night coming back from the dragstrip in a torrential downpour. So no matter how good and how many things you take into consideration...
If God decides to put a pond in front of you and not let you be able to see it....going 45mph your fucked either way...and i have ridden in some serious storms...but nothing....nothing like what was coming down saturday night.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Hopefully you’re all right man
If God decides to put a pond in front of you and not let you be able to see it....going 45mph your fucked either way...and i have ridden in some serious storms...but nothing....nothing like what was coming down saturday night.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Hopefully you’re all right man
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Joined: May 2000
Posts: 9,817
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From: San Gabriel, CA
Re: Rain Riding (4-ageTOg63)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 4-ageTOg63 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I have just a bike and don't own a car and have been riding in the rain, when it rains, i ride my bike everyday....for 2 years....and i just wrecked my bike this saturday night coming back from the dragstrip in a torrential downpour. So no matter how good and how many things you take into consideration...
If God decides to put a pond in front of you and not let you be able to see it....going 45mph your fucked either way...and i have ridden in some serious storms...but nothing....nothing like what was coming down saturday night.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Sorry to hear....
new turbo'd stretched hayabusa in the future???
If God decides to put a pond in front of you and not let you be able to see it....going 45mph your fucked either way...and i have ridden in some serious storms...but nothing....nothing like what was coming down saturday night.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Sorry to hear....
new turbo'd stretched hayabusa in the future???
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Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 1,687
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From: I am a drag squid, PCB FL
Re: Rain Riding (marmaladeboy)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by marmaladeboy »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Sorry to hear....
new turbo'd stretched hayabusa in the future???</TD></TR></TABLE>
Helll no.
The bike is easily fixable with about 600 bucks.
Its just going to push me getting the 1000 motor paid off and in my posession from the motor builder that much longer.
Sorry to hear....
new turbo'd stretched hayabusa in the future???
</TD></TR></TABLE>Helll no.
The bike is easily fixable with about 600 bucks.
Its just going to push me getting the 1000 motor paid off and in my posession from the motor builder that much longer.