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mozzee
2nd January 2009, 14:10
Just brought my first bike a couple months ago (loving it!) - but haven't ridden in the rain yet, which in know will enevitably happen soon enough - any tips on how to do it safely & confidently??
The Stranger
2nd January 2009, 14:22
Just brought my first bike a couple months ago (loving it!) - but haven't ridden in the rain yet, which in know will enevitably happen soon enough - any tips on how to do it safely & confidently??

Seriously, the search button is your friend.

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=84648

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=87757

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=82535

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=82151

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=82139


Oh, and welcome to KB.
Ocean1
2nd January 2009, 14:33
Giday, and welcome.

Put simply just slow down. In the wet you've still got more grip than you might think, on good surfaces. On white lines (which you can see, and are usually smoother) or oily patches (which you often can't see at all) the grip can be well below normal.

So just keep the cornering speeds reasonable and try to keep a general awarenes of what the surface looks like up ahead. Also, keep throttle and brake applications as smooth as possible, no sudden grabs. If you feel a bit of a twitch or the beginings of a slide don't panic, just roll off the throttle slightly and keep the bars straight.


Luck.
LardEmbargo
2nd January 2009, 16:05
don't forget all the other road users who seem to go to pieces at the first sign of rain as well. Keep an even sharper eye out for the stupid, dangerous, poorly-thought-through, unannounced, unwarranted and just generally unexpected manoeuvres they'll feel compelled to pull as you're just IRAMBO (Innocently Riding Along Minding my own Business, Officer.)

Also with all the spray and car windows fogging up etc you'll tend to be even less visible - try riding so you give them the best chance of noticing you (careful road positioning, not lurking behind other vehicles, avoiding blindspots, stuff like that), but also hang back a bit to give yourself extra time to react for when they don't.
pritch
2nd January 2009, 16:27
And this:

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=51556&highlight=Reflections

That signature line is suddenly rendered either very appropriate or spectacularly inappropriate. :whistle: