Wet Weather Riding ??

[SlowHand]

So how is it going Mr. Kawagreen? I think I saw you on the southern m/way - you were riding pretty slow and careful, also the bike looked a bit wonky? Is it broken?

[2_SL0]

Hmmm, were u behind me the other day when I had that "moment". Couldnt of been you the bike behind me didnt have space savers on

[R1madness]

Wet weather riding is a fact of life for us southern bikers. Just get on the bike and do the k's ride normally but give yourself a bit of an extra safty margin when braking turning and accleletating. Just be smooth and try to keep it flowing. There is nothing like doing a full day ride in a storm. Its amaising the confidence you have when you get to your destination. And the looks of concern from fellow road users as you pull in for gas, chug a coffee and say ......... na mate its a great day for riding and then get on the bike and go ....... its funny as hell.

[heavenly.talker]

If it's wet or if you are feeling a little warning system that you shouldn't be pushing it then first and foremost dial back the throttle some.
Second, increase your following distance (if something does go pear shaped you will have more time and room to make decisions).
Stick in either the left hand or right hand tyre grooves of other cars as much as you can (some rain brings up the oil and shite on the road up to the surface). This will also tend to be the dryest line so tyres have a little more grip.
Try and avoid the white paint on the road. Adjust your riding up and stopping positions. Never (well try not to anyway) put your foot down on the white stuff in the wet as it is then that bikers often go for a wee slide.
If you're tired or uneasy...stop. There is no shame in pulling up and enjoying a coffee to wait out the worst of it.
Remember Cagers are even worse in the rain!

Riding is not about getting to the destination...it's also about enjoying the journey.

[clint640]

Good comments above, one thing I might add is that you might want to use a bit more back brake than usual, as in any low traction situation.

Has anyone heard those amazingly dumbass 'lose your confidence, save your life' radio ads that try to impress on people that they are 'powerless against a wet road' WTF!! I would like to think that things like decent tyres, skill, experience & an appropriate speed for the conditions actually make quite a difference. I know my (albeit limited) dirt riding skills have saved my ass on a slippery road more than once.

It's right up there with the 'THINK SLOW' billboard I saw in Napier a while back.

Cheers
Clint

[Highlander]

Good comments above, one thing I might add is that you might want to use a bit more back brake than usual, as in any low traction situation.

I read somewhere (may have been elsewhere on KB even) that lightly starting the rear brake first is the ticket in the wet.
I have tried it (cautiously) a couple of times and it seems to work.