I went for a ride last night, despite the fact that it was pissing with rain. Ms Biff thought I was mad, warning me about how dangerous it is to ride in the rain (not that she's ever ridden a bike on the road, or in the rain). Why? Because I wanted to, and it's been ages since I've ridden in 'proper' rain.
What I've learnt and been taught over the years (courses, books, experience):
When entering a corner, especially tight corners, try and lean, with your upper body, into the corner. Set yourself up before the corner, you don't want to be jumping around on the bike just before, or mid-corner. Lean from the waist, leaning your shoulders into the corner, dipping your shoulders slightly. Doing this helps keep the bike more upright. Keeping the bike more upright means that you have more tyre in contact with the road surface. More rubber on the floor - the better the grip - the less chance of aqua planning (where there's a significant film of water between the tyre and the road).
Brake slowly and smoothly. The last thing you need is to lock up your wheels.
Diesel - A potential killer. Keep an eye out for it. It one of a bikers worst enemies in the dry, in the wet it's sole purpose is to help you claim back some of your ACC levies. Avoid.
White lines, painted lines. For some reason these things are made out of cheap and slippery paint here in NZ. So in the wet they should also be avoided. Don't panic if you can't help but ride over it though. Just try and do so with the bike as upright as possible, and avoid braking heavily.
Mid corner man hole covers - why oh why are these things put on the apex of some corners? As slippery as a Algerian second hand car dealer, avoid. Keep your eyes peeled for these buggers. You really don't want to ride over one of these things in the wet, on a corner, with the bike leant over.
Road kill/cow shit etc - slippery, especially when wet.
Other road users - Cage drivers will always feel more confident driving in the rain than a biker. The old 4 wheels v 2 equation. As always, watch out for those idiots that drive too fast in poor driving conditions, or who change lanes with little or no warning etc. These idiots should possibly be your number 1 concern. If ones right up your arse because you're taking your time, pull over, let them pass. It's not worth the risk speeding up just because someone you've never met wants you to, and in doing so further increasing the risk of you having an 'incident'.
Your visor – will get wet (funny that eh?). At ‘higher’ speeds it’s not as much of an issue- the wind will help clear the visor of rain droplets. Turning your head sideways slightly (watch the road ahead) will help blow away the more resilient droplets. At lower speeds it can be more of a problem, and you may have to resort to wiping your visor, maybe even with one of these: http://www.getgeared.co.uk/acatalog/...in_Wipers.html. I’ve used half a potato in the past, cutting a potato in two, then rubbing the moist bit on my visor. The starch helps repel rain.
Bottom line - take your time. Riding in the rain certainly is more challenging, and the associated risks are increased somewhat. Be alert, be focused, and providing you’re warm and dry you’ll enjoy it, and you’ll learn a lot more about the way your bike handles. Well, I do anyway.
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Originally Posted by enigma51
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