Tips for a newbie in the rain......

**Fub@r** · 15th July 2006, 20:04

Well eventually I'm going to have to face riding in the rain, rain itself doesn't phase me but its the unknown factor, how far is too far in a corner without taking a fall. How much traction does a bike effectively lose on the road when its raining in general?

**MSTRS:Me** · 15th July 2006, 20:08

Originally Posted by Fub@r

Well eventually I'm going to have to face riding in the rain, rain itself doesn't phase me but its the unknown factor, how far is too far in a corner without taking a fall. How much traction does a bike effectively lose on the road when its raining in general?

You'll know

Wet road traction is reduced as compared to dry, so just ride a bit more gently. And beware the white paint - it can be like oil on glass.

**bladez** · 15th July 2006, 20:09

only go as fast as you feel comfy with go out slow to start with untill you get use to the rain.

slow down further back than you would normaly in the dry and dont break as hard

**Motu** · 15th July 2006, 20:19

Just ride like the road is wet,always works for me.

**98tls** · 15th July 2006, 20:23

if you have had a long spell of fine weather then it pisses down i believe the road is at its worst,trucks and there diesal/sheepshit etc takes a while to wash away.

**Fub@r** · 15th July 2006, 20:49

At least in Auckland I wont have to worry about the sheep shit then

**98tls** · 15th July 2006, 20:53

Originally Posted by Fub@r

At least in Auckland I wont have to worry about the sheep shit then

Nope guess not.......plenty of bullshit to watch out for though eh

J/K

**Fub@r** · 15th July 2006, 21:01

Originally Posted by 98tls

Nope guess not.......plenty of bullshit to watch out for though eh

J/K

I thought that was in the Beehive in Welly

**98tls** · 15th July 2006, 21:07

Originally Posted by Fub@r

I thought that was in the Beehive in Welly

good call..............just an after thought about riding in the rain,dont know if you ride with a dark visor,i do and they are shit in wet weather..if you go on a trip pack a clear one as well.

**Ixion** · 15th July 2006, 21:15

If you ride sensibly normally you are unlikely to encounter problems due to traction on corners, as such. Unless ou have those horrible nylon tyres.
Where you do have to be careful is places where traffic (especially trucks) starts and stops. Traffic lights, give ways etc. Be careful when turning as you pull away from these. The traffic drops oil while sitting waiting and oil and water make a nasty mix.

Keep a close eye on the road, look for the drops of water sitting on the seal. Avoid thse areas.

A bigger danger in the rian is straight forward visibility, You can't see as well, and cages often can't see at all out of their rear and side windows because of steaming up. Keep an eye open for this, and allow for it.

Brake gently in the wet, and keep everything smooth. As someone said, it's far better after a good rain, all the crap gets washed away. Showers after a long fine spell, that's bad.

But the GN is a good bike for the wet, you'll be OK.

**Fub@r** · 15th July 2006, 21:24

My GN has the factory tyres on it? Is it worth replacing these for a better tyre?

As for my visor I have a clear one with a anti fog insert in it........when its sunny I put my sun glasses on

**Karma** · 15th July 2006, 21:28

Rear tyre is fine, front on a GN is shocking, get it replaced.

**Fub@r** · 15th July 2006, 21:33

Originally Posted by Weasel

Rear tyre is fine, front on a GN is shocking, get it replaced.

Can you recommend a brand or type of tyre to change to?

**beyond** · 15th July 2006, 21:47

Do everything a lot smoother and more gently than you would normally.
Even in Auckland, a shower after a dry spell is pretty dangerous. All the diesel, oil and crap comes to the surface.

Traction on cornering covers way to many issues like, suspension setup, type of tyres (stickies, or harder compunds) tyre condition, if you lean off the bike or not (leaning off the bike means you can corner quicker in the wet than you would without leaning and losing traction quicker).

As has been mentioned, ride slowly till you are used to it and build up from there. Don't get paranoid, it can be fun riding in the rain and in the wet. Your braking distances will increase a lot, so always keep that in mind and be more on the watch for eratic drivers and lane changes etc.

Cornering is something that you will get used to with time. Most tyres will give a little twitch when you are close to the cornering limit but in saying this avoid white lines and pianted areas like the plague when turning or braking.