Riding in the Rain Question of the Day

[rickb6959]

I just took a Ride safe class this past weekend with the Police dept. These guys way trained by the Highway Patrol. The senior officer said a bike will not hydroplane. It will cut through the water on the road. The only time that you would have a problem riding in the rain is when the water puddles on the side of the road.The officer said it would take several inches of standing water to cause a problem. I would ride center lane due to water runs from center of a road to the sides. Me and a friend hit rain after the class on our way home for about 70 miles. We ran 65 -70 mph
with no problem.

[Netnorske]

Here's a tip for you novice-type Nomad owners.....riding in the rain is a real drag....and should be avoided unless absolutely necessary.

[joe3407nomad]

I call for Charles my chafuer , he meets me with the Lincoln and my main squeeze BABS, At which time I allow her to swiftly wisk me away.
PS Chales rides the bike home in the rain but if it gets wet I will surely have to cut his minimum wage salary, dont you just hate water spots
Ive had a Union job all my life so I'm use to living large!!!
Oh wait I think I'm on the wrong blog, I thought this was the How the little people live.
PS We don't use towels to dry off, I have BABBS use the blow drier!
Ah to be free and livin in America.
Any comments please direct them to my Secretary Raul
Ta Ta for now!
Joe Smith III, or as known Joey bag' a 'donuts to my associates

Riding in the rain leaves a lot to be desired. The older I get the more I dislike it.

[psychocycle]

Just got back (two weeks ago) from a 10 day ride with 5 other guys. It rained every day of the trip some days all day and some days hail. No staggered riding positions and ride the crown for me. I've had issues in the past in the tire trails but have no problem riding in the pouring rain at speed on the crown. Don't get me wrong I don't enjoy it but a day ridding in the rain is better than a day in the office. ;)

[rboate]

I took part in an organized ride here in Southern Ontario back in June. The ride was the Highway of Heros Ride, there were at least 1500 bikes involved and we rode in a downpour for at least an hour at about 60mph. As far as I know no one went so if you are careful riding in the rain isnt to be feared.

[Loafer]

This is what the MSF manual says:

Slippery Surfaces

Motorcycles handle better whenridden on surfaces that permit good
traction. Surfaces that provide poortraction include:

• Wet pavement,

particularly just after

it starts to rain and before surface oil
washes to the side of the road.

• Gravel roads,
or where sand andgravel collect.
• Mud, leaves, snow, and ice.
• Lane markings (painted lines),steel plates and manhole covers,
especially when wet.To ride safely on slippery surfaces:

• Reduce Speed
— Slow down
before you get to a slippery
surface to lessen your chances of
skidding. Your motorcycle needs
more distance to stop. And it is
particularly important to reduce
speed before entering wet curves.


• Avoid Sudden Moves
— Any
sudden change in speed or direction

can cause a skid. Be as smooth as

possible when you speed up, shift
gears, turn or brake.


• Use Both Brakes
— The front
brake is still effective, even on a
slippery surface. Squeeze the brake
lever gradually to avoid locking the
front wheel. Remember, gentle
pressure on the rear brake.

• The center of a lane
can be
hazardous when wet. When it starts
to rain, ride in the tire tracks left by
cars. Often, the left tire track will
be the best position, depending on
traffic and other road conditions.


• Watch for oil spots
when you put
your foot down to stop or park. You
may slip and fall.

I hope this snippit is helpful to everyone. Gerry

[blowndodge]

Riding in the rain should be avoided, period!!! Just ask Scott and him and I rode home from Custer in a downpour and it was a nightmare.

[waterman]

Originally Posted by blowndodge

Riding in the rain should be avoided, period!!! Just ask Scott and him and I rode home from Custer in a downpour and it was a nightmare.

Only a wimp like you would say that BD.

[cactusjack]

Originally Posted by waterman

Only a wimp like you would say that BD.

The rain started east of Salt Lake and followed us to nearly Cedar City. Well over 250 miles. It was especially heavy from northern Utah County through Nephi.

[ponch]

I could care less about rain, lightning is another story. ;)