Prospective Rider No More

[VFRMike]

Personally I enjoy riding in the rain- as long as it's planned out. Keeping the bike more upright and dressing appropriately are simple enough. It's pretty nice especially on vacant back roads.

VFRMike.

 

[Bikewhore]

Rain riding, as long as it's not 95 degrees outside is fine for me. Hell, I like riding when it's snowy.

stupid pictures!

 

[black mamba]

I thought I was as die hard a rider as there was but I have to change my mind after listening to you folks that confess to liking riding in the rain. I can't for the life of me see why anyone would enjoy that, not even considering the inherent dangers of doing so.

 

[BobbyBlue]

I ride all the time unless there is ice. Then I take the bus or borrow a car from the folks. My bike IS my other car !!! I feel lucky to live in the Southwest since our weather is so conducive to riding year round... it does get hot though !!

Bobby

 

[Bikewhore]

I thought I was as die hard a rider as there was but I have to change my mind after listening to you folks that confess to liking riding in the rain. I can't for the life of me see why anyone would enjoy that, not even considering the inherent dangers of doing so.

to me..... it's kinda like being a kid and jumping in puddles. You put on your rain coat, your snoopy galoshes, and go jump in puddles for a few hours. I used to do that as a kid.

Motorcycles are inherently dangerous unless you give them the attention and respect they require. Rain ups that a little, but as long as you give what's due, it's no more dangerous than anything else.

A good rain suit, water prrof gloves, and rubber boot covers and you're bone dry. The bike is designed for riding in the rain.. why not use it for such!? I had no car for several years. Riding in the rain was not an option, it was madatory. I didn't mind it. I still don't.

 

[Knifemaker]

I always adhered to the theory that there are two diffrent types of people in the world..Those that are , or will become "motorcycle people" and , those that are not,,and never should be.

I would never try to talk anyone into riding, but on a few occassions wished I had talked them out of it. As mentioned, it is about choices..and every person is in control of their own destiny.

My first ride on a bike had me hooked. The first time I rode as a passenger , I came about as close as one can to getting killed...without the pain of actualy crashing. This did not discourage me from getting my own motorcycle however.

But I can see how it could quickly change the mind of someone who lacks that gene or whatever that makes us diffrent.

It is important when making any decision in life to gather all the facts available first. I was at a Blockbuster several months ago and the 19-20 year old clerk saw my helmet in my hand and said, " I've been thinking about getting a bike , but I am not too sure , they seem fairly dangerous.."

I looked him right in the eye and said, " They Are."

Not sure if he ever got a bike , but I at least felt not lying to him was the proper response. Seems to me many who just simply are not "Motorcycle People" end up getting one anyway due to less rational motives like fuel ecconomy or peer pressure....without really thinking out how they really feel and not investigating some of the more sobering facts.

Knifemaker

 

[exocet]

Unless you ride in the rain, how will you get any experience with it? Granted, your odds go up of being involved in some sort of an incident, but hell, wear the gear, watch the cagers---they usually always telegraph---maintain your distance and rise above the road rage (I'm a totally different pilot with 2 wheels vs 4) defensive driving, and situational awareness can go very far on a bike.

FWIW I commute at 4 am in the morning. If there is no rain at departure time I ride the bike, I don't care about the ride home if its raining then, I don't like it but I still get the bonus of a ride, and the gas savings per mile (13 mpg Dodge Ram vs 38-42 mpg FJR)

Jeff S in Mn (36 degrees this morning)

 

[Mighty Joe]

The ABS is a handy item when she rains!!

 

[madmike2]

Don't be mistaken, I don't watch the weather report and say, "Oh, goody gumdrops, its going to rain...let's go ride!" But if I'm on the bike, I'm no longer petrified. Leave more distance, be ever vigilant (knowing the same "stoopid peeple" are out there, but with limited traction), and be smooth with throttle and brake applications.

I've read the 85% figure (I think in David Hough's books). Just stay out of the ceneter of the lanes (oily--yuck) and use your head in corners and on/off ramps.

 

[NoCage]

Some very good replies... I really appreciate it. I can understand those that avoid all possibility of rain, and those that do ride in the rain. Here's my deal... I love riding my FJR... unless it's ice, I'm on it... I do understand a higher risk riding in the rain. I guess I relate to Warchild's post sometime back... maybe on queezy board about being iced in and just saying **** it... I'm riding. That's me, I'm too addicted to stay off too long. My FJR is my shrink.

 

[Caba]

Some very good replies... I really appreciate it.  I can understand those that avoid all possibility of rain, and those that do ride in the rain.  Here's my deal... I love riding my FJR... unless it's ice, I'm on it... I do understand a higher risk riding in the rain.  I guess I relate to Warchild's post sometime back... maybe on queezy board about being iced in and just saying **** it... I'm riding.  That's me, I'm too addicted to stay off too long.  My FJR is my shrink.

+1

 

[zorkler]

its been raining in n.y for 7 straight days now . looks like we will break the record for most rain fall for the mth. of october . **** better check if the battery is dead

 

[yamasarus]

In NC. you should always have rain gear handy. About 400 of the first 600 miles on my FJR were in the rain. Every time I went to the Blue Ridge Parkway, it rained. We were about to name it the Waverunner!

I have to add that if you ride or get caught in the rain one of the most important considerations is to maintain a "space cushion" with other vehicles around you. Speed is secondary. If you have time to react to someone else's stupidity or lack of attention, things always go better. Actually, this isn't a bad rule for riding or driving anytime.

 

[HIGHLANDER]

If ya really want some fun and giggles... try lanesplitting in the rain... gauranteed to get the adrenaline pumping!! You'll be WIDE awake when you get to work.

 

[madmike2]

Oh, fer shure! You'll not need caffeine after riding in the wet on painted lines and Bott's Dots. Whoopee! :dribble: