Rain riding tips

[Hoologan]

Nice and smooth. Having good gear that keeps you warm and dry helps a lot too.

...and don't listen to all that "if you don't ride in the rain you ain't shit" BS. Do what makes you happy. If that means staying out of the rain, then so be it.

[kenny]

heres some basics from the net-
So suppose you're thinking about getting on a wet road for the first time, or perhaps you've done it a few times, or perhaps you do it so much you're not thinking about what the hazards are.

Here's a list of critical rain hazards I like to watch for and look for even after 31 years of riding.

Painted Lines - Crosswalks can be unsafe for motorcyclists, particularly if you're turning right or left and crossing the lines at an angle. Slow down more than usual and make the turn straight up, rather than in a lean.

Ditto for diamonds in the HOV lanes. Very nasty when you lean into one, especially on the freeway. The diamond is shaped so you just slide across it and continue to slide along it.

Any painted line is a hazard. Until the DOT addresses the issue and comes up with a tackier texture you're the one in control of your destiny.

Surface Textures - Many commercial and residential parking areas are paved with very slick concrete surfaces. Your wet entry into the local mall or condo complex can put you on the ground in a second. Again, ride slow and straight up and don't let the concrete bite you.

Rubber - If you thought you might save some money by buying long lasting tires, think again. Such tires are typically not as tacky and have less traction when the rain comes out. Next time you change tires look for the tackiest one that will take care of you better during your northwest riding adventures.

How about that rubber they use around railroad tracks to decrease the sound as cars drive over them? Forget those little circles on the surface, these provide zero traction to you as you cross. Slow and straight up.

Steel - Manhole covers are enemy number one and railroad tracks rank a close second. Making a turn over the surface of them sets you up for trouble. Avoid such, or keep the bike straight up and cross over it slowly.

Railroad tracks have a way of popping up on you just after a turn and you may still be into a lean when you reach them. Look for the crossing signs ahead of time, slow down and stay straight up when crossing.

Grated bridge crossings and metal plates are a nasty encounter in the rain. Look at where you want to ride, take it slow and don't try any fancy dancing, particularly a lane change.

Water - Puddles/Pot Holes - It only takes once to know how this one feels. You cruise through a puddle and after it's too late you realize you just went into a pot hole that wants to suck you into the underworld more painfully than Satan himself beating you down with a stick. Avoid puddles if you can. Use caution and predict the possibility ahead of time. Recovery from this rude awakening is not always easy. Pull over and take a few minutes of rest if you need to gather your wits. In 1997 the Seattle Times reported that the DOT only had enough funds to patch 60% of the potholes created in the state that wet winter.
Riding Motorcycles in the Rain
By George Tranos

Nothing beats riding with the sun shining on your back. A nice warm fall day seems to bring out motorcycles and falling leaves in equal numbers. Unfortunately, there will be times when the skies open up and riding in the rain becomes unavoidable. Let's go over some strategies for riding in wet conditions.

First, Don't Panic!
If you're caught out unaware, consider slowing down or even stopping. Some showers and thunderstorms pass quickly and by stopping you might be able to avoid the rain entirely. Check the weather forecast, be prepared for the rain with the proper clothing and motorcycle gear, and plan your trip accordingly. If you don't stop, you should be aware of the additional risks.

Slick Roads
The first few minutes after the rain starts can be the most dangerous time to ride. The water mixes with the oil, dirt and road debris creating a slick surface. Motorcycle tires put down a very narrow footprint and once the pavement gets slippery, traction is limited. Try to avoid riding during this initial period. The water eventually wash away the road grime and the pavement will just be wet. While traction is still reduced, modern tire technology will still supply up to 80 percent of the grip of dry weather riding. Even so, a rider must exercise restraint and be smooth in the application of all controls. Throttle and clutch control must be smooth -- avoid sudden acceleration or braking especially in a curve where traction is already limited. Turns should also be taken more gradually with reduced lean angles and less aggressive cornering. Certain roadway features like railroad tracks, bridge gratings and even painted lines and markings will be very slippery and should be crossed with the motorcycle as upright as possible. Above all, leave extra time and space so you don't have to take any sudden actions.

Hydroplaning
A vehicle will hydroplane when water builds up to the extent that there is a layer of water between the tires and the road. This is a complete loss of traction and will cause a skid or a fall and must be avoided at all costs. Normally, hydroplaning will occur when you try to drive through a deep puddle, but it could also occur during periods of heavy rain when the roadway does not have time to drain sufficiently. If you notice these circumstances, slow down and consider stopping if you continue to encounter possible hydroplaning conditions.

Reduced Visibility Makes It Hard To See
Riding in the rain has other risks as well. Your ability to see ahead of you is reduced. Rain droplets will hit your shield or goggles and, depending on temperature, they may also fog up, impairing your vision. If you normally ride with a tinted visor, as I do, make sure you bring a clear shield that you can use when the rain starts. You can also treat your shield with an anti-fog product. At the minimum, your shield or goggles should be clean and have a minimum of scratches that impair visibility. Wear gloves that have a rubber wiper on the left hand so you can clear you shield quickly if needed. Do not override your visibility, leave sufficient room and look as far ahead as possible to anticipate hazards.

Reduced Visibility Prevents Others From Seeing You
Just as you have difficulty seeing, other drivers will have a hard time seeing you. Now is the best time to use bright and reflective material as part of your riding gear. Consider purchasing a reflective vest. It can be carried with you in a tank bag or saddlebag and taken out when visibility is poor (or at night). Add reflective tape to your saddlebags, travel trunk, rear fender or other spots to help other drivers see you. If you normally drive in the rain or at night, you might also want to add additional lighting. These simple additions can make you visible from twice the distance in bad conditions.

Rider Comfort and Hypothermia
Nothing is worse than being cold. The body shuts down blood flow to the extremities first to protect the inner core functions. When body temperature is reduced even more, hypothermia can set in. When that happens your body functions slowly deteriorate.

Coordination, judgment and reflexes diminish. A person who has hypothermia can initially appear drunk. Their coordination is lost and their words may be slurred. You don't want to be driving a motorcycle under these conditions.

Being wet in addition to being cold will bring on hypothermia even faster. Proper riding gear is necessary to keep your body warm and dry, especially in early spring when the ambient outside temperature is already cold. Choose and use jackets, gloves and pants that either have waterproof, breathable liners such as Gore-Tex, or bring appropriate rain gear. Remember that riding with non-breathable gear might cause moisture buildup inside the garment which can be uncomfortable, but will still keep you dry and is preferable over being wet and cold. Good riding gear pays for itself in comfort.

While riding in the rain may never be as pleasurable as being out on a bright, warm, sunny day, it can be tolerable if you're prepared with the right gear and attitude. If you're aware of the weather, prepared for the rain and cold and outfit you and your motorcycle properly then riding in the rain doesn't have to be unpleasant. If you practice riding as smoothly as possible, avoid panic and leave yourself enough space and time to avoid any sudden actions then you will be able to ride in wet weather more safely.

George Tranos lives with his wife and fellow instructor Diane Ortiz in New York. They are certified instructors and MSF RiderCoaches. Together they run the Big Apple

Oil - It's everywhere and very illusive. Those little red and blue rainbows on the ground mean danger. Ride slow and straight up. As per the DOL's motorcycle safety manual, if you're caught in the first rain following a few dry days remember the roads are covered with lots of oil and dirt that will be lifted from the surface in the first 30-60 minutes of a new rain. Take a coffee break if you can.

[Busy Little Shop]

Street tires are designed to give a warning wiggle before they let
go... but what's more important is understanding the technical
knowledge of controlling a rear wheel slide...

Remember the bars set the learn angle... and once you get the lean
angle set the rear steers the bike... at this point you may roll on
the throttle and feel for the first signs of a wiggle... a wiggle is
the preamble to a slide... some riders speak about sliding the rear
as fun... it is fun if they can overcome the fear to chop the throttle
and tighten on the bars... which immediately establishes traction and
is the preamble to a high side...

[stizo]

Originally Posted by Hoologan

Nice and smooth.

+1,000,000

[SM Mike]

I'm getting ready to ride to work, you guys have any wind advice.......lol.

[anthony]

Well as for me , rain riding I love it but on my motard dam its fun , now as for my sportbike takes to long to clean it LOL . Riding in the rain will make you a better rider in the long run , just be smart you will be ok

[motodan]

Riding in the rain is dangerous and miserable. Don't do it!

[DJRoryReckless]

Wtf did MOTODAN of all people just say? I think i need to do a double take..

[stizo]

Originally Posted by motodan

Riding in the rain is dangerous and miserable. Don't do it!

*click* werd.

[theoldsarge]

stizo, youre certifiable also. but we already klnew that