Do you consider riding in the rain and wind dangerous?

[bosslady]

A lot of people seem to pack their bikes up for the winter because of the wind, rain and cold, got to admit it's not very fun riding in either of these conditions let alone all three combined. I usually use my car to commute but due to wanting to get a dirt bike and needing to save my pennies I've started commuting on my wee ginny. The weather hasn't been that great this week but I actually think it's not been that bad (at least it's not snowing!). I told my Aunt (who is like a surrogate mother to me) that I was using my bike to commute at the moment and she absolutely SPEWED at me (not literally), it's dangerous, it's unsafe etc. I must admit of course I am a lot more cautious on the wet road(s) but it hadn't crossed my mind that I would be in any more danger than if it were nice and sunny and dry outside. I've only had a few of instances this week where I possibly could have got myself hurt but I wouldn't even call them "close calls" because I was paying attention and that's nothing to do with the weather, just idiots in cars. Do you consider riding in the wet, rain and cold in traffic etc. a little risky?

[Hitcher]

The wind and rain spectrum is a pretty broad one. I would think twice before riding in a hurricane, but have ridden in most other forms of wind-borne moisture. The worst part is getting geared-up to ride out in it. Once astride one's steed it's a great way of heightening the intensity of one's riding experience.

Getting off and entering dry premises may be problematic. I once stopped at Maccas in Levin to shelter from a torrential downpour. While queued up waiting for my Quarter Pounder, an attentive staff member placed a wet floor hazard sign next to me.

[bosslady]

While queued up waiting for my Quarter Pounder, an attentive staff member placed a wet floor hazard sign next to me.
LOL!!!! :lol: hehehe

[Banditbandit]

Rain .. No .. just raises the risk level a little - I just slow down a little ...

Wind .. Yes .. too strong and I won't ride .. I have been blown across the road on a blind left hander - into the other on-coming lane - lucky nothing was coming the other way .. I have also scrapped my footpegs while riding in a straight line on a windy day (on a Meridan Triumph) ...


I once stopped at Maccas in Levin to shelter from a torrential downpour. While queued up waiting for my Quarter Pounder, an attentive staff member placed a wet floor hazard sign next to me.


I stopped at the Tokoroa Shell station for gas one day in the pissing rain ... I got hit by the rain as I turned for Cambridge at Taupiri ... it was so sudden I was drenched before I could put on my wet gear ... so my leathers were soaking .. as I went for a pee I dripped water all over the bathroom floor .. puddles of it ... I wonder what they thought I had done in there ...

[bosslady]

Rain .. No .. just raises the risk level a little - I just slow down a little ...

Wind .. Yes .. too strong and I won't ride .. I have been blown across the road on a blind left hander - into the other on-coming lane - lucky nothing was coming the other way .. I have also scrapped my footpegs while riding in a straight line on a windy day (on a Meridan Triumph) ...

I reckon I only ride from St. Lukes to Glenfield (go over the bridge) it's not that bad. 17 or 18km each way.

[Supermac Jr]

I don't mind riding in the rain and wind.

I find the wind more of an issue; especially if it is gusty and side-on but you get use to riding in it.

However since moving up to the 600 i find the wind much less of an issue. The 250 got blown all over the road.

Proper wet weather gear makes a big difference.

[Murray]

commuting in heavy traffic when very wet can be more dangerous - cars generally dont look for bikes in the dry and with it darker, greyer and window wipers going they see even less

[HenryDorsetCase]

it can be.

motorcycling for me these days all about the pleasure. I don't need to ride in those conditions and don't want to. So I very rarely do.

I did see a brave soul yesterday riding home in the sleety snow.

[oneofsix]

commuting in heavy traffic when very wet can be more dangerous - cars generally dont look for bikes in the dry and with it darker, greyer and window wipers going they see even less

Agreed and don't forget the fogged up windows, they have demisters but don't use them or a directing the heater to keeping their feet warm because of course their immediate personal comfort is more important than some unspecified thing out there that might happen, they can kind of see the big stuff after all.

But in the wind they slow down in the gusts just as you want to blip the throttle to stabilise the bike and being blown sideways on a corner is no fun but you learn to handle it and avoid leaving your lane.

[Gremlin]

Not too fussed about it, and I've ridden in most conditions. I would draw the line probably at snow and ice (haven't had snow) as you get zero warning for ice and it doesn't really matter what you're doing. Similar to bandit, I hit ice on Desert Rd one night, round a left hander. Slipped, got it back, slipped again, and ran out of lane on my side. Fortunately, nothing coming the other way so used the oncoming to get the bike back under control. Not nice.

Ridden in rain thick enough that the motorway was flooded, the frequent aquaplaning was certainly a test.

As for danger, well, some idiots think it's best to drive faster, and then some drive so slowly it drives me nuts. Just have to be even more defensive, and as someone else said, watch for the cars that can't see out.

[bluninja]

Don't like riding in gusty wind, but rain is not an issue when you have the right gear on. I see the forecast for this weekend is crap, but I'm having a weekend riding at the KB gathering anyway...perhaps on my own :)

Rain in the cold winter is worse than rain in the summer as it's slightly more viscous and takes a little from available grip away. Having said that there is still normally more grip than most people expect Riding smoothly and dropping the speed is the key to having grip enough to change direction or stop, same as when going from grippy to shiny tarmac, or tarmac o gravel.

The real hazard is the reduction in visibility for car drivers; combined with the reduction in grip to be able to deal with the unpredictable things they do.

[unstuck]

Ride to the conditions. I think stupid humans are more dangerous than wind or rain.:niceone:

[The Reibz]

I consider riding in any weather to be dangerous. The possibility to lose life and limb is always there.
The risk just increases when the weather and visability is bad. I happily ride all weather but I take extra care with the throttle in the rain. With this many horses its easy to spin the tire up in the dry let alone to wet. Shouldn't have that problem on a GN though.

[bluninja]

Forgot to mention that hazard identification and planning become a different challenge in the rain.....Thinking about where water might run across the road, or pool and preparing for that. Considering deciduous trees by the road side and thinking about the leaf drop that can make the road an ice rink. Thinking about drivers coming the other way who may end up on your side of the road as you approach a right hand bend and putting yourself in the best position to see them early and stay away from them.

[BuzzardNZ]

It's dangerous to my nuts. I've never been able to find a pair of wet weather pants that don't leak thru the crotch area. It's made worse by the fact that the tank acts a a funnel pouring cold water down the tank onto me nads :(

[Voltaire]

I don't like the wind, rain is ok, I leave more space in front of me when riding......that usually sees a car dive in on the motorway.
Yesterday I took the wifes car as I can't be bothered leaving home in the pouring rain.
Riding over the bridge has a higher wind factor, they used to close it to bikes, do they still do that?

[willytheekid]

Ride to the conditions. I think stupid humans are more dangerous than wind or rain.:niceone:

+1 :niceone:

Summed it up perfectly!


I rode home yesterday during that wee hail/sleet fall...SOOOOO many people driving like complete tools!! (Ohh look, hail buid up...must approach lights at mark2!!...OMG!!!, why am I skidding???....FRIGGIN TOOLS!)

[leathel]

just ride to the conditions... I ride in both, If I wash my bike its guaranteed to rain on the next ride :rolleyes:

My bike has a pretty low center of gravity so I have been out in some pretty bad winds when doing the west coast roads and you sure need to bank still, not sure I would be out in that on a higher top heavy bike in some of the winds I have been in.

Just make sure the tyres are up to the task and gear up.....

Hate it when you forget to put a scarf or neck sock on and get dribbles going down the front .....

[Swoop]

Not "more dangerous" just different challenges.

Yesterday was good. All the nice people who like to sit in their cars and crawl along at 10kmh... if they are lucky.:devil2:

Winter is one of the best times of year to be on the bike. Get to the destination drier than when taking the car, and most certainly faster.

I haven't worked out why people "park up the bike for winter". Odd really.

[sgtp]

for me, the 3 factors to consider is wind, rain, and riding at night(ie, less visibility). One factor tends to be manageable, any two from the list will be a challenge but ussually not a problem, but all 3 and my riding caution goes up to 11. But saying that, I have turned around and went home instead of continuing on into work due to extremely high winds. Binning the bike when slowly crossing roadwords on a windy mountian pass will change you mind really quick....

[Rhubarb]

I have ridden in all types of weather including snow, frosts, strong winds, horizontal rain etc - when an SL100 was my only form of transport.

Now I ride purely for pleasure.

I get no pleasure from being wet and cold - so I choose not to ride in inclement conditions.




Ride to the conditions and your ability/confidence in those conditions.
Assume those with 4 wheels or more haven't seen you or don't care.

[f2dz]

I love riding in the rain and wind for some weird reason.

The thing that bothers me is how rain affects visibility inside a car. But in terms of general riding, you just have to slow down is all.

I should clarify that I don't mind commuting in any kind of weather (have even ridden during a flash flood!) but if it's raining on the weekend I usually don't bother heading out for the usual blat.

[Banditbandit]

I find the wind more of an issue; especially if it is gusty and side-on but you get use to riding in it.

However since moving up to the 600 i find the wind much less of an issue. The 250 got blown all over the road.


True .. when I got blown across the road it was on a 400 .. the bigger bikes certainly make a difference with extra weight they are more stable

But then my BMW Beast was a big sail in a cross wind .. pain in the arsde ...

So Fat Lesbian ... get a bigger bike and you won't notice the wind as much ..

[Flip]

It all depends on how I am feeling about the risks.

My 1200 Triumph Trophy was a handfull to ride in cross winds. The Harley is very easy to ride in relatively gusty conditions.

We went over the Hast Pass in a snow storm one Queens Birthday weekend and didnt have a problem. I rode over the Auckland Harbor Bridge in a zephyr and hated the experience.

I drove to Dunedin yesterday in the snow storm and found the motorway closed. I went over Mt Cargill Rd and went in to Dunedin the back way. Right on the top of the mount there was a couple of dirt bike riders having fun in the snow storm.

283405

[sels1]

I love riding in the rain and wind for some weird reason.
Yeah, it makes the ritual of putting on all the extra gear worthwhile...

[Tigadee]

Do you consider riding in the wet, rain and cold in traffic etc. a little risky?

No... I just hate getting wet AND cold! :laugh:

Other than that, I ride in the wet/rain/cold fine and usually enjoy it, especially when the road's jam packed bumper-to-bumper with cars... :wings:

I have low expectations on the waterproof-ness of my gear, so a waterproof PVC jumpsuit worn under my usual gear keeps me dry and happy any rainy day now.

[nerrrd]

Is it dangerous? I guess there are extra factors to take into account, all mentioned above, if you do that you should be sweet...not sure telling that to an anxious relative would convince them though.

I'm another one who enjoys braving the elements, don't have a choice either with no car.

Having said that car drivers barrelling along at 65 in a torrential downpour two feet apart from each other talking on their phones are a pet peeve of mine :argh:

Dare I mention hivis at this point? At least it shows other people you're making an effort...wash my mouth out.:corn:

[willytheekid]

...I haven't worked out why people "park up the bike for winter". Odd really.

I too struggle to understand this strange "storage" act?...do bikes dissolve in water? :confused:

....I get so friggin lonely in winter :(....the rest of year I have a sore arm from waving at all the fellow chch bikers:wavey:, then winter hits...:no:nadda!(So I have to make up for it by waving at the popo!...even more than usual!!* lol)



*And yes!, most DO wave back!...coz they is good sorts down here


ps...congrats on the pic of week, one hell of a bike that is, its certainly not scared of winter either! :shifty: (but I did fit some hotgrips...just to be flash!...it feels kinda wrong to be honest :killingme)

[Maha]

Not dangerous if you treat the conditions with respect..it's your life after all.

Personally, I wouldn't get on my bike and ride if the weather is (in my opinion) of arse. That's why we also own a nice car.
Have been caught in some of the most atrocious riding conditions in prior years, but as per sentence #1 :msn-wink:
I don't mind the wind or the rain, but the two combined I can well do without.

[blackdog]

If I can prevent it, I won't ride in rain that is less than zero degrees. Like Gremlin, snow on the Desert Rd is an experience I'm in no hurry to repeat.

Yes, take care but you should be doing that anyway. It has been mentioned, but GEAR is the most important thing here. Your brain and body doesn't work to capacity when sodden and hypothermic.

Hell, what am I saying? Half the brains 'round here don't function in optimum conditions. If you get on yer bike with your shirt on the right way in, and your laces done up all by yourself you are doing better than me.

[Big Dave]

Riding requires due diligence in any conditions.
The worse the conditions, the higher the danger.

[Madness]

I've lived in D'auckland for 5 years or so now, having come from Wellington. An extremely windy day in D'auckland is like a slightly breezy day on the Rimutaka Hill so I'm yet to experience anything wind-wise that has put me off riding in it. As has been stated, the right gear makes all the difference to a wet days ride and riding when freezing is no fun at all. The only thing that I don't think has been mentioned so far is putting the power down in the wet, something you're probably unlikely to have issues with on a GN250. Having the rear end step out on you in the wet can be scary the first couple of times it happens but you get used to it and it's all part of the experience.

[iranana]

I ride in the wet very often and I do find that it's trickier simply because the roads are so damn slippery. It's not that much more dangerous than riding in the dry assuming you ride to the conditions. Cagers scare me more than a wet road. Just have to slow down, ignore the tailgater's and be mindful of how much traction you've really got... Nearly low sided for the first time the other day when I hit an oil slick on a roundabout. Lucky for me I kicked myself back upright :bleh:


I have to make up for it by waving at the popo!...even more than usual!!* lol)
*And yes!, most DO wave back!...coz they is good sorts down here

Last time I looked at a biker cop and gave him a nod of acknowledgement he decided to do a u-turn and pull me over for no good reason other than it being a 'routine check'. Fair enough, I thought, there's some dodgy drivers, but he was a bit rude about it. This is Auckland, mind you.

[Banditbandit]

I too struggle to understand this strange "storage" act?...do bikes dissolve in water? :confused:



Only Harley Diddlesons ..

[bosslady]

I've lived in D'auckland for 5 years or so now, having come from Wellington. An extremely windy day in D'auckland is like a slightly breezy day on the Rimutaka Hill so I'm yet to experience anything wind-wise that has put me off riding in it. As has been stated, the right gear makes all the difference to a wet days ride and riding when freezing is no fun at all. The only thing that I don't think has been mentioned so far is putting the power down in the wet, something you're probably unlikely to have issues with on a GN250. Having the rear end step out on you in the wet can be scary the first couple of times it happens but you get used to it and it's all part of the experience. Ahh it's happened to me ONCE! I was trying to be a cool guy (girl!) and gap it when the lights went green at some intersection, got a bit of a tail end wobble. Shouldn't be doing that anyway, what if a car coming from somewhere else ran a red eh...


Last time I looked at a biker cop and gave him a nod of acknowledgement he decided to do a u-turn and pull me over for no good reason other than it being a 'routine check'. Fair enough, I thought, there's some dodgy drivers, but he was a bit rude about it. This is Auckland, mind you. I waved at a biker cop who was pulled over on the motorway just looking at the traffic, he didn't wave back, i was most disappointed :( (joking...)

[Jantar]

I ride right through winter. But the bike stays at home if there is likely to be black ice or compacted snow. Fresh snow is OK, as is a dry frost. I'm also a wimp when it comes to extreme cold and I wont usually ride at temperatures below -6C.

[Big Dave]

>>I wont usually ride at temperatures below -6C.<<

That's a lot lower than when I'm asking for a lift.

I'm amused by the types that think riding a motorcycle 'proves' something.

It's operating a vehicle. If you ain't smart enough to choose a suitable one for the conditions...

[Subike]

I have ridden in all conditions, day time and night time, they are all equally as dangerous as each other if you approach it the wrong way.

What ie the right way? Ride to the conditions...simple....Rain, high winds, snow, ice , floods, all of these, ride at a speed that gives you control of what you are doing and at a speed that allows you to stop safely within the distance you can see ahead of you.

If this means that in snow or ice, you are idling along in first gear with both feet firmly planted on the ground, so be it.
For snow you ride in the fresh snow, NOT in the tracks of compacted snow, . Ice you either stop , or walk beside the bike if you must go anywhere.
High wind? be very aware of side gusts from buildings, fences, passing vehicles, etc, and you will have no problems if you are riding at a speed that is suitable for good bike control. What is that speed? What you consider to be the safest for your level of skill.
Take your time, enjoy the experience, have fun
Thats what its all about.
And Yes you can buy weather proof gear that is weather proof, It just does not look as nice as the leaky stuff they sell in bike shops claiming to be water proof. Think forestry, deep sea fishing, agriculture and the gear they use.....

[Berries]

I'm amused by the types that think riding a motorcycle 'proves' something.

It's operating a vehicle. If you ain't smart enough to choose a suitable one for the conditions...
Who decides what is suitable? Here we have an OP asking if riding a motorbike in the rain and wind is risky. Fuck. Riding on two wheels is risky anyway, pointless question if you ask me.

Personally I am amused by people who just use motorbikes as leisure devices and put them away for winter. I am amused by those who only ride at the weekends. If it is sunny. And has not rained for a few days. I am easily amused which is why I come here I guess.




Softcocks.

[Big Dave]

Who decides what is suitable?

I do.

And thanks for proving my point. :clap:

[Oakie]

Don't mind rain, don't really mind wind. A combination of big wind and big rain will make me leave the bike at home and take the car to work though. Probably happens about 5 times a year.

Yesterday I was riding home in the sleet ... today riding to work through slushy snow in patches. Not ideal but it certainly concentrates the mind.

[Subike]

Yesterday I was riding home in the sleet ... today riding to work through slushy snow in patches. Not ideal but it certainly concentrates the mind.

that was fun filtering in the sleet up Blenheim road rush hour traffic @ 60kph....yesterday at 4.30pm

This morning down ferry road sending sprays of slushy snow everywhere...@ 60kph this morning at 6.am

Great two days riding this week so far woot woot, bring on more........

[Road kill]

I bought my first bike an learnt to ride commuting from Tokoroa to Arapuni in August of 1973.
Frosts like I've never seen since an only had an open face a great coat an gumboots.
Used socks in plastic bags for gloves until I got my first pay,,,,$30,,chur.

I think I've ridden in most conditions but didn't encounter snow until I went to Aussie for a few years.

Dead Horse Pass in the Snowy Mountains we had to slow to 10kph or less for miles an I seriously thought we were all going to die.

Anyway,,,All conditions are dangerous but wet an windy are not my favourites so because I'm old an like my comfort I don't ride in that shit no more. :niceone:

[willytheekid]

....Last time I looked at a biker cop and gave him a nod of acknowledgement he decided to do a u-turn and pull me over for no good reason other than it being a 'routine check'. Fair enough, I thought, there's some dodgy drivers, but he was a bit rude about it. This is Auckland, mind you.

There's ya problem!

...the Auckland Popo deal with so much shit on a daily basis, that waving!, and generally being "nice" to them...is VERY suspicious behavior indeed!:killingme


>>I wont usually ride at temperatures below -6C.<<

That's a lot lower than when I'm asking for a lift.

I'm amused by the types that think riding a motorcycle 'proves' something.

It's operating a vehicle. If you ain't smart enough to choose a suitable one for the conditions...

:scratch:....proves that some people don't own a car so they ride daily and all year round (And quite possibly love every minute!:niceone:)

But nice to see you label your fellow riders as "not smart enough to choose a suitable vehicle for the conditions"<_<
Yup!...amusing BD :rolleyes: (Its also unlike you BD?....you must need a drink or two!:yes:)

But hay!, if you don't like the cold and wet, or don't want your beloved ride to get covered in road salt! or paint scratching sludge, hail or ice etc...then yeah...fair enough!, wrap her up for winter and use the car if you have one:niceone:...who the hell could blame you?


Me?...Meh!, I just love riding everyday, I don't really care if its pissing down, snowing, or sunny!...its always an awesome challenge just to survive on NZ's roads :niceone:


...but I do get lonely in winter :(
...I miss you guys n girls! :weep:

besides...your missing out on some real "winter fun"
http://cl.jroo.me/z3/0/B/f/e/a.baa-Frozen-Bike-Rider.jpg
See!:eek:...looks like fun aye!


Ride Safe this winter Kbers :love: (...or tuck the bike in, and Drive safe:niceone:)

[Oakie]

that was fun filtering in the sleet up Blenheim road rush hour traffic @ 60kph....yesterday at 4.30pm

This morning down ferry road sending sprays of slushy snow everywhere...@ 60kph this morning at 6.am

Great two days riding this week so far woot woot, bring on more........

Yeah, for me it was going up Anzac Drive on the way home last night at about 5pm and coming over Port Hills Road this morning. Going down the hill in the slush this morn being aware of not braking because of the camber but also not wanting to go too fast made it a real balancing act.

[haydes55]

Just a little thought I had today that seems relevant.

You can't blame road condition or weather for any crash. If the weather or road condition 'caused' you to crash, then every single rider going through that road in that weather will crash as well. Ride to the conditions, when they change increase your speed (unless they change to get worse).

I ride all weather. Sold my car in the summer because I never used it. Now it's winter I don't want to buy another car, I bought myself a dririder suit instead :2thumbsup

[rocketman1]

Dark, rainy , windy , wet shiny roads, you are increasing the risk.
Not eliminating the risk , as Murphy quotes.
I almost took out a biker the other day in my car, in exactly these conditions, 6.30am in the conditions above, at an intersection, I looked twice and no vehicles there?
Pulled out only to see the poor bugger just miss my front guard.
I could not believe I did not see the bike, it appeared out of no where, gave me a hell of a fright, worse that I am a biker. I felt real bad.
I can only think the bike was behind the rather large windscreen posts that modern cars have as I approached the corner, blocking the bike the whole time I approached the give way sign.

Since then I am looking like an idiot at each intersection, like left & right about 4 time before i move off. Has worried me a bit, more as a biker myself than a car driver.

Yes definitely more dangerous in these conditions.

[leathel]

What I used to hate was heading out to Mangatawhiri valley to work at 6:30 am in white out fog.... with the visor open and a frost at the destination, Hated that! The only bonus was the first job was to burn the offcuts of wood on the building site ... defrost the hands :P

[cheshirecat]

At least you know you've actually ridden in the winter, like been on a real motorcycle ride. Learnt many years ago not to ride on my brakes - my front pads last 70,000k plus and oddly enough the VFR is rock steady in the wind. The only time had issues was caught in a southerly and my tank bag lifted from the tank - it contained 5kg of potatoes and a bottle of wine! Oh and Windwhistle bridge with a dog and camping gear on the rear.

[SMOKEU]

Don't ride on painted surfaces, and don't put your foot down on them either when you stop. If your foot slips, the rest of the bike could easily follow.

[Madness]

You can't blame road condition or weather for any crash. If the weather or road condition 'caused' you to crash, then every single rider going through that road in that weather will crash as well. Ride to the conditions, when they change increase your speed (unless they change to get worse).

You can give it a pretty good nudge though... http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php/145046-Riders-down-all-OK-Video-(Dec-2011)?highlight=helicopter

:facepalm:

[haydes55]

Don't ride on painted surfaces, and don't put your foot down on them either when you stop. If your foot slips, the rest of the bike could easily follow.

Same goes for rainbow coloured patches of road, it may look pretty, but it is slippery :bleh:

If it's too shiny then it's too slippery. If it's too dull it's probably gravel on the surface and also slippery.

A real man would lean forward and crack the throttle open when the back steps out. A sensible rider will hold throttle steady, stand the bike up, then roll the throttle off. Though other riders will have there own way of regaining grip.

[Tarded]

Do you find non riders happily telling you 'you are going to get wet' when it rains?

Well no, I have good gear to keep me dry and I had noticed the rain too by the by.

What is it with that?

Gusty wind is a pain, rain is rain and if constant then you can adapt.

Im not that interested in playing the ice game. I have a cage for that. It has a coffee holder. And all sorts of acronyms to keep my ass out of hospital.

Blah blah soft blah not a real rider blah. yeah well these days I can have a car and a bike. So I do.

[bosslady]

Used socks in plastic bags for gloves until I got my first pay,,,,$30,,chur.



what a hard bloke!

[Brett]

No...so long as your ride to the conditions and your ability.

[Oakie]

Do you find non riders happily telling you 'you are going to get wet' when it rains?

...

What is it with that?

It's called 'schadenfreude'. Pleasure at other people's misfortune.

[Berries]

I do.

And thanks for proving my point. :clap:
And you mine.:drool:

[insomnia01]

I use a Hi vis fleeced jacket over leathers in winter adds another layer of warmth & makes you stand out to cagers, Spidi H2O winter gloves are good, 1 piece rain suit also carryed along for the ride:rolleyes: other than that watch out for shiney surfaces, keep a eye on following distances & everyone around you. Wind is the only bugger I worry about rain is nothing

[Swoop]

ps...congrats on the pic of week, one hell of a bike that is, its certainly not scared of winter either! :shifty: (but I did fit some hotgrips...just to be flash!...it feels kinda wrong to be honest :killingme)
Ta! Seems all sullied and dirty now though...:blip:


Only Harley Diddlesons ..
Surely all the crome protects the metal. It has to serve some purpose.:scratch:

Do you find non riders happily telling you 'you are going to get wet' when it rains?
Yes. I also mention that I arrive drier than they do when they use their car. Getting in and out, coupled with having to walk to wherever they are going into, normally provides a good soaking to those who "stay dry by using the car":rolleyes:.

[swbarnett]

I've been riding since 1982 and I've only once aborted a ride because of the weather. The wind was so strong that I couldn't lean in to exposed corners. I could stay upright while parked just using the wind.

Like anything, riding in "bad" weather is as dangerous as you want to make it. Treat it with the appropriate respect and there's no real problem.



Ridden in rain thick enough that the motorway was flooded,
I used to live in Michael's Avenue, Ellerslie. The first bit of the road off the Ellerslie-Panmure highway is a big dip. It has a drain at the bottom so no problem most of the time. Came home one night to a lake that would've been over my knees. It certainly would've flooded the pipe if I hadn't kept the power on. Moses would've been proud - had a wall of water so thick I couldn't see through it in any direction except back where I'd come from. The funny thing was that my wife did the exact same thing about half an hour later.

[swbarnett]

It's dangerous to my nuts. I've never been able to find a pair of wet weather pants that don't leak thru the crotch area.

Kaiwaka PVC

http://www.kaiwakaclothing.co.nz/Commercial_PVC_Waterproofs-WT661

I've worn mine through the atrocious weather Auckland and surrounds had a couple of weeks ago. Got to work bone dry. I also have one of their parkas with the hood cut off. Bloody good stuff.

http://www.kaiwakaclothing.co.nz/Commercial_PVC_Waterproofs-WT660

[Berries]

http://www.kaiwakaclothing.co.nz/Commercial_PVC_Waterproofs-WT661

I've worn mine through the atrocious weather Auckland and surrounds had a couple of weeks ago. Got to work bone dry. I also have one of their parkas with the hood cut off. Bloody good stuff.
Cheers for posting the link. I have been using a pair of Marmot overtrousers (http://marmot.com/products/precip_pant?p=216,222,131) from R&R Sport for several years now - highly recommended, but they have finally started leaking after quite a bit of rough use off the bike. Might try them although I like leg zips so you can get them on over your boots and they don't flap around.

[superjackal]

A lot of people seem to pack their bikes up for the winter because of the wind, rain and cold, got to admit it's not very fun riding in either of these conditions let alone all three combined. I usually use my car to commute but due to wanting to get a dirt bike and needing to save my pennies I've started commuting on my wee ginny. The weather hasn't been that great this week but I actually think it's not been that bad (at least it's not snowing!). I told my Aunt (who is like a surrogate mother to me) that I was using my bike to commute at the moment and she absolutely SPEWED at me (not literally), it's dangerous, it's unsafe etc. I must admit of course I am a lot more cautious on the wet road(s) but it hadn't crossed my mind that I would be in any more danger than if it were nice and sunny and dry outside. I've only had a few of instances this week where I possibly could have got myself hurt but I wouldn't even call them "close calls" because I was paying attention and that's nothing to do with the weather, just idiots in cars. Do you consider riding in the wet, rain and cold in traffic etc. a little risky?

I found when I went from a gn to my Er-5 the new bike is a lot more stable all round. Not to mention better-braked. The gn used to get blown around a lot. I ride all weathers, no probs. Just take everything easier...

[bosslady]

I found when I went from a gn to my Er-5 the new bike is a lot more stable all round. Not to mention better-braked. The gn used to get blown around a lot. I ride all weathers, no probs. Just take everything easier...
Really? I don't know why but somehow I figured my shitty little bike must surely be easier to handle then a bigger machine in pooey weather. Guess not?

[Subike]

Really? I don't know why but somehow I figured my shitty little bike must surely be easier to handle then a bigger machine in pooey weather. Guess not?

My little Keeway 2fiddy wanders around in the wind, but my XS1100 ignores the wind , both are naked style , I think sport bikes are different

[swbarnett]

Really? I don't know why but somehow I figured my shitty little bike must surely be easier to handle then a bigger machine in pooey weather. Guess not?
Bigger bikes have more inertia becuase of the extra mass. Also, the fairing on some bikes, like mine for instance, help the wind go around instead of trying to go through.

[Gremlin]

Also, the fairing on some bikes, like mine for instance, help the wind go around instead of trying to go through.
On the other hand, the fairing can act like a sail, most noticeable in side winds.

[swbarnett]

On the other hand, the fairing can act like a sail, most noticeable in side winds.
Indeed. Depends on the fairing. My CBX550 was exactly that. I go blown across two lanes of the motoway. Thankfully the car beside had already noticed I was having trouble and backed off.

On the other hand my current bike pretty much stays bolt upright in all but the strongest gusts.

[superjackal]

Really? I don't know why but somehow I figured my shitty little bike must surely be easier to handle then a bigger machine in pooey weather. Guess not?

GNs aren't shitty. I had a blast on mine and miss it heaps. It's the extra weight, bigger tyres, better handling that help stability. GNs are zippy little critters. Enjoy yours while you have it.

[ktm84mxc]

Being a Dirt biker I love getting out there in the rain/wind/mud it's the most fun you can have on a bike and a great learning curve , line selection/ throttle control/ braking all becomes critical.

[bosslady]

Being a Dirt biker I love getting out there in the rain/wind/mud it's the most fun you can have on a bike and a great learning curve , line selection/ throttle control/ braking all becomes critical.

can't wait till I can get out on my dirt bike!

[bluninja]

Being a Dirt biker I love getting out there in the rain/wind/mud it's the most fun you can have on a bike and a great learning curve , line selection/ throttle control/ braking all becomes critical.
Being a pussy road rider I hate gravel. Yesterday on the gravel(less) road past Whangamomona in the wet the clay mud was sucking at my wheels and making it feel like I was riding on lubricated jelly. I went hunting for every spot of gravel I could find because it felt so much more stable. Go figure.

[DMNTD]

On the other hand, the fairing can act like a sail, most noticeable in side winds.

Indeed, we got rid of our RSVR due to the 'sail effect'.
Oddly enough the ZX14 was 10 times better

[skinman]

I went from a C50 to my current BMW 1150RT & the beemer is way less affected by wind even though it has a huge side profile. Think it has more to do with the aerodynamics of the fairing keeping the bike stable.
Would rather ride in full on rain than a light drizzle as the road is less slippery with constant rain washing the crud off than just being damp.
Apart from ice I think the worst conditions are damp & foggy as low grip combined with poor visibility = plenty of smidsy opportunities.

[BMWST?]

i dont like riding in light ish rain at night...makes visibility very much a work in progress.Car drivers should know that the best use of air con is in winter...keeps the windows fog free,as long as you have it on fresh and not recirculate.You can use recirculate but you have to open it up to fresh air now and then.
Only the strongest /gusty ish winds bother me.

[yoyo 2wheels]

white lines in the wet, fogged up cagers windows, grit, chch pot holes, gusty winds between hedges on the open road... but still do it every day all year round, as long as im dry!
glad a knee injury stop me from the brass this year, must be some strong as winds to be blown off the road!!
http://www.stuff.co.nz/national/8747252/High-winds-blow-motorcyclist-off-road

[MarkH]

Do you consider riding in the wet, rain and cold in traffic etc. a little risky?

In Auckland driving a car in the wet is VERY annoying, I hate moving at 5kph.
I'd rather put on good gear and ride while being more cautious than normal.
Some bikes aren't as good in strong wind as others but a little rain wouldn't stop me from riding.

One thing that helps is to use a product like Sno-seal on leathers so that the water beads off them and they don't get all wet & heavy.
I have also had a really good run from my Rain-off over gloves, 4 years later they are still in excellent condition and they really are 100% waterproof while being quite grippy on the handlebars.