Riding in the rain....

[johnsf1980]

Just wondering how much grip on the road during corners, etc others here feel they lose while riding around the city (Im in Auckland) while its raining?

[John]

Just wondering how much grip on the road during corners, etc others here feel they lose while riding around the city (Im in Auckland) while its raining?

I think that on average you loose 20% of a lean angle (more if the tires arent up to scratch for the conditions, or a crap tires) in rain..

Me personally I don't feel like I loose much, backend floats alot under the power - nothing that shouldnt be expected...

[Lou Girardin]

None if I ride a tad slower, apart from the odd touch of wheelspin. (Purely accidental Officer!)

[Motu]

For me riding on knobs the difference is huge ,I was slipping and sliding all over the place yesterday,but I know to expect that so it's ok.With modern street tyres you don't lose that much - but the important thing is when things go wrong...you need a hell of a lot more up your sleeve.OK,so you can go around corners fast in the wet,20% someone said? But give it 50% or more for stopping or taking avoiding action...basicly,slow down!

[johnsf1980]

I have slowed down.... to about half the speed of what I usually drive at (holding up all the cages behind me )

Its just that this is my first winter driving on Auckland and NZ roads and trying to figure out what to expect

[Sniper]

Nah, I dont notice much, Im too busy walking the bike

[bugjuice]

bloody hate riding in the rain. Especially around now, cos all the crap is washing to the surface, so grip is even less at the moment. It'll get better as the roads wash off a bit.
Personally, I just ride like a granny. Was thinking the same thing on the way in this morning actually.
I gave it some stick with the throttle to see if I could unstick it, but obvisouly didn't try hard enough. Still didn't give me the confidence to attempt to get my knee down..
Generally I back of 50%+ and be happy with getting there..

[Biff]

Bridgestone claim that the majority of bike tyres loose around 10% of their traction properties in the wet.

The bottom line (state the obvious time) - slow down, brake before you normally would, and progessivly. It's not just the wet road that's out to get you. That diesel spill becomes more of a hazard, as do they painted road markings.

[Ixion]

You lose a bit of grip on corners, more on braking, and you lose 100% of grip on white paint . It's not a problem, just slow down, ride between white paint, and leave more braking space.

Since I always ride like a nana it mays little difference to me

The biggest danger in rain is visibility. You can't see well through a wet visor and cagers can't see you as well through the general murk. Lights on, use your horn, watch out, make no assumptions.

[Morbid]

and i think it needs to be said - although obivious - careful of those bloody green bus lanes we're all allowed to ride in now. Sure its great that we can, but can someone shoot the person who decided to paint the entire lane with green paint - slippery as hell in the wet... i dont even bother using them if its raining.

[Mr Skid]

When riding around town, remember that lots of yuckky stuff builds up in the dry. Oil, coolant, dust, tire rubber etc. You don't generally notice this in the dry.

If there's a light shower after a long dry spell, then the roads will be nicely lubricated by this mix, and offer little grip.

If there is a heavy storm, the rain will serve to clear this mix off the roads providing adequate traction.

Also, riding in the rain is great on a underpowered bike. There's less chance of wheel spin compared to a more powerful bike, so you don't need to feather the throttle in case the rear spins up.

You can get the rear wheel loose on the foot brake much easier in the wet, and at lower speeds too (for some that's a bad thing, for some that's a good thing ).

[placidfemme]

Yeah I saw the rain this morning and thought I'd leave the 2 wheeler at home, then sat dismayed and miserable watching all the bikers ride past while on the bus...

Glad this question was asked Now I know... might ride into work tomorrow then

[XTC]

Had an awesome ride home from work last night in the rain at 7:30.... Back end stepped out on a few of the shiny slippery bits but as I know the road well I know where those bits are. Yes I slow down a bit on the road and the dunlop trail max on the back of the XT doesn't grip like a sports tyre but had no real drama's on the 55km journey home. My clover jacket and IXS pants are still waterproof after 7 years but my boots have sprung a leak (must be time to polish them) Love riding in the rain but riding in the dry is always better.

[Holy Roller]

Just wondering how much grip on the road during corners, etc others here feel they lose while riding around the city (Im in Auckland) while its raining?

On your drag star you should not loose much as the style of bike and riding position I have found (IMHO limited as it may be) to be more suitable in wet conditions than sport bikes. You do not have a huge lean angle avaliable even in the dry before something scrapes. Still in the wet extra care is needed, better if it is really persisting down the road has better grip than after a slight shower. Take the option to ride in the rain and gain experience. I ride every day in all conditions have done for years. No shame in going slower if conditions merit it. Had a cage pass me in some twisties that I knew were slippery so was taking it easy, next saw the cage waltzing across the road before regaining composure and fortunatly continueing on his way a little wiser I hope. I did not like riding at night in Auckland in the rain really relied on my guardian angel then.

[justsomeguy]

Be very careful and make sure you do not ride on the painted road surfaces. Some of it will be unavoidable so be extra careful.

You loose a lot of grip in the wet. Try to stick to the speed limit and take corners at their marked speed. I hang off the bike a lot and try to not lean it at all.