Riding in the rain

[7xray]

Dear Diary,

Rained 0.5" today. Again.

Looks like I might have to learn to ride in this stuff. So, experienced wet weather riders, any rules of thumb for speed reduction and other hints? I understand about the first 1/2 hour after rain starting and how slippery that can be but I'm wondering just how much to reduce speeds when cornering. What little riding in the wet I've done I've been going really slowly trying to get a feel for it.

Cheers,

7X

 

[user 213]

You still have something like 80% of the maximum traction in the wet. If your normal riding isn't 8/10ths or above, you can essentially ride like you normally do. I ride in the rain a lot. Rode Iggy's S&M saddlesore two weeks ago and was riding over I-90 from MT into ID and later WA in the rain. Heavy constant rain. At night. If you know that road, you know the curves. 65-70 was just fine. Out on level ground in MT, 85 was ok, but watch out for standing water and the potential for hydroplaning.

I live in Oregon. If you don't ride in the rain, you don't ride much. It's just not that big a deal. Yes, you need to pay attention. Tire spray kills visibility and can be down right dangerous from the semis. And yes, the first period after a long dry spell will bring up the oils and can cause some slickness. The lighter the rain, the longer the period you need to be cautious.

For corner speeds, think temperature as well as rain level. The colder it is, the harder it will be for your tires to warm up. Once warm, you have the traction, just not quite as much as dry. If you normally take a 35 at 65, you still can. But pay attention to your inner voice and slow down if you don't feel comfortable.

Just apply some common sense. You have more traction than you think, just relax and ride.

 

[vandy]

8/10ths sounds about right so start with 50%on the corners especially if it hasn't rained in a while.. its not the water it's the oil on the road

 

[Bobcattoo]

In 36 yrs. I have never gone down on wet roads but I have had some surprises mainly due to different tire compounds and possible oil or grit on the road. Braking or the lack of used to be a problem due to ineffective Pads. But modern brake pads are much improved. The more you ride the more confident you'll feel, but obviously don't push it in the rain. I would agree 80 % is about the limit of normal operating speeds. 60........even better!

 

[ponyfool]

Pavement markings, especially ped crossings, SUCK in the rain. Other than that, gunny what everyone else is saying.

I too live in Oregon, and I ride year round, so I have a lot of wet weather experience. I never really ride more than 50% of my ability, so I don't alter much at all in the rain.

The other thing that happens more often is fog. With the wrong helmet, fogging can become a big issue.

 

[FJRBluesman]

Pavement markings, especially ped crossings, SUCK in the rain. Other than that, gunny what everyone else is saying.
The other thing that happens more often is fog. With the wrong helmet, fogging can become a big issue.

Gunny!

Painted stripes on the road are like ice when they are wet. Try stoppping on them and you'll glide skid on thru.

Keeping your shield form fogging by ventilating helps. The shiled fogs up quickly.

All great advice.

Ride safe.

 

[user 213]

Pavement markings, especially ped crossings, SUCK in the rain. Other than that, gunny what everyone else is saying.
The other thing that happens more often is fog. With the wrong helmet, fogging can become a big issue.

Gunny +2

If you're going to be riding in rain a lot, spend the coin on a PinLock visor. Never fogs. It's the best thing I've ever tried for the PacNorWet riding. I finally don't have to leave my visor cracked to keep the fogging at bay.

 

[jekirby]

I am glad you asked this and would like to ofer my thanks for all the repliers. I have never really minded riding in the rain, but always approached it 'granny' style. Thanks folks.

 

[ngarider]

My Schuberth was AWESOME in the rain, no fogging at all.

My personal though process in the rain is very simple. I ride the FJR in the rain like its a Harley.

Without the assless chaps and oil leaks.

 

[JRO]

What little riding in the wet I've done I've been going really slowly trying to get a feel for it.

Continue that kind of thinking. Experience will build the confidence you need for all-weather riding.

A functional helmet in the rain is a plus. I seem to prefer semi-functional ones, however. I wish you luck on finding one that works for you.

If you slide and crash, you'll know you were pushing too hard.

 

[Randy]

I ride like a puss in the rain. Way too many sealer patches on the road around here which are like ice when wet. Problem is, can't see them till you're on top of them.

 

[BRDRPEY]

WOW you guys and gals are my hero. i dont usually ride in the rain. one year i did and i dumped my suzuki. so im kinda water shy.

you guys say, from what i see. it was a fluke. riding year round. that would be paradise

 

[twowheelnut]

You still have something like 80% of the maximum traction in the wet. If your normal riding isn't 8/10ths or above, you can essentially ride like you normally do.

Er, doesn't that mean that you're riding at 10/10ths in the rain with that equation?

 

[user 6393]

If we didn't ride in the rain here, we'd never ride.

Whatever you do? Do it smoothly and you'll be fine. Smooth braking, smooth controls

Try to avoid conditions where you have to brake hard and suddenly.

Your worst enemy in the rain is visibility. Other drivers on the road being able to see YOU. Work hard at being seen.

 

[dabayliner]

Try to break before entering a turn. In the rain I'll use my back brake(if an option) before I use the front. Don't gas out of the turn but gas after the turn. Smoothness is the key.

 

[mattster31]

I agree with the other members on the smoothness, but I never use my rear brake (even in dry conditions). Well, OK.....I do use it when I am at a light with a grade and I need to use my right hand. I call it the reserve brake (in case the front goes). I am not related to one of the Hayden brothers, so I have no need to go into a corner sideways. Smooth on the front brake when slowing gives time for the weight transfer, which provides a more secure contact patch on the ground. In the rain, you are more likely to slide the rear than the front. Also, smoothly throttling through a corner helps balance the weight to prevent a slide.

 

[JR'SFJR]

Watch out for the oil between wheel tracks in heavily traveled areas, especially when it just starting to rain. Good old "Florida Ice"!!

 

[user 213]

You still have something like 80% of the maximum traction in the wet. If your normal riding isn't 8/10ths or above, you can essentially ride like you normally do.

Er, doesn't that mean that you're riding at 10/10ths in the rain with that equation?

No, it means if you're riding at 8/10ths, you still have enough traction to ride normally in the wet. If you're riding below that, like most of us are, you can ride normally. If you're riding at 10/10ths in the rain, you're either a god, or a future organ donor.

Ride the PACE and use some common sense. TWN, ask Iggy what that is, I think he'll just tell you to search for it, but you never know.

 

[spalkin]

Slow down a little. High G maneuvers on the street can be pricey unless you really know the road.

Case in point, last week I was approaching an intersection on a two lane road at a normal speed intent on making a right hand turn and as I began to hit my brakes the back was loose. While adjusting for it my front was loose! I cancelled the signal and went straight. The time was 8:30PM. The problem? For about 60 or 70 yards up to the light, the entire surface was covered in wet grease from all the cars that had sat in rush hour traffic dripping A/C condensation and motor oil. I was riding in the left tire track as I always do approaching any intersection but even that was covered. Dicey indeed.