Scared of the rain!

[Maha]

You beat Mom???

Im always first....

[discotex]

One bad thing about such a great summer... No time to practice in the rain!

If your tyres are half decent there's much more grip in the wet than you think (except the first 30mins after a dry spell where it's slick as).

Nothing beats getting out in a carpark and practicing quick stops in the wet. If you don't you may be too scared to use the brakes in the rain when in reality you could have stopped.

[Goblin]

At least its warm rain!
Rain in July is nasty.

I find riding in the rain keeps you smooth and hones your skills. If you're afraid of it then get out while it's warm and get over the fear.

[Bonez]

The more you ride in it the better you get. If you ride an m/c it's inevitable that you'll get caught in a down pour at some point.

Some of us go for a ride in the rain for the hell of it.

[Subike]

rain awsome rain had 110mm in the last 18hrs

but riding in the riain..cool fun...i enjoy it...But!

when it first starts, I stop for a coffee if I'm out on the road, that gives the shit on the road to be washed away. Takes about half hour, or the rain stops anyway

I don my High Visability gear.. cages are blind in the daillight, how do they see with foggy windows...???????:

High beam headlight...fuckem if they flash you, you know you been seen...


A then just ride smooth and be happy , listen to your machine, plan your corners to stay in wheel tracks, slower of course than your normal speed.
An be prepared to stop in twice the distance than in the dry.

Dont wipe your visor....never....never....never!

It is all so definatly complicated

[PrincessBandit]

I rode home from Matamata this afternoon in the pouring rain (at least for part of the trip) and learnt an important lesson about taking extra care in the wet. Even though I know to be more cautious I still got a valuable experience while overtaking (on a passing lane) about handling my bike. I won't go into details as I don't want to accused of giving anyone the heebie jeebies; suffice to say that I regained control of the bike and all was fine. Sure, it could have been bad but my lesson was that with a level head and quick reactions some nasty situations can be brought back under control. If I can cope with it, then there is definitely hope for anyone else who is concerned about riding in less-than-ideal travelling conditions. I used to be terrified of the prospect of riding in the rain, now it's "oh shit get out the wet weather gear" or if it's really bad, i have the luxury of my little cage.

[georgie]

So, typical Auckland - by the time I went to leave work, the sky was blue and not a drop of rain to be seen! Guess it wasn't my day to learn to ride in the rain huh? Thanks for all your help though, muchly appreciated

[heyjoe]

Focus on being smooth on the brakes and throttle
keep an eye out for oil slicks
try to avoid riding on the painted lines
beware manhole covers

basically it's like riding in the dry - you should always be paying attention regardless of the weather

Yep. What he said. Also have lights on to make your bike more visible in the poorer light conditions. Get out there with some good wet weather gear on and do some practise just for fun. Get acquainted with riding in the rain as there will be times when you have to do it.

[Big Dog]

Have not read the whole thread as sentiments seem universal.
I LIKE riding in the rain. Once you have dealt with the initial fear you move on to actually doing it. With practice it is easier.

Don't get me wrong I dislike getting wet but I regularly go for extended rides in the rain. This is because you get to a zen like sense of focus. Do this often enough and your situational awareness (your spidey sense if you will) gets better.

Also if you can do it smoothly and safely in the wet you can do it any time.

Many racers practice their starts on painted bits of road.
Some racers practice specifically in the wet.

[Big Dog]

PS if you want to learn more about what will be a part of your riding experience sooner or later come to the AWNMR rides.
The more confidence you have in your abilities the better off you will be.
If it rains we still practice.

[Learner Zealot]

Just be thankful you don't have to deal with tram tracks. Seriously scarey in the wet. Only had one near miss but its enough to make me ride half an hour out of my way to avoid them.

[NighthawkNZ:Me]

Um, ok, I'm scared of riding in the rain... It was such a nice morning when I set out for work this morning, and now it looks like I have to ride home in the pissy Auckland weather - and it makes me really nervous. Advice anyone? Should i bring my sleeping bag to work on days like today so that I can stay here and avoid the rain altogether ?

The main thing is no sudden movements, nice smooth and mathodical, trust your tyres, and bike. Before you know it you will be riding in any weather...

When I first got the VTR, took it for a ride, it pissed down, but looked down at the speedo I was still happily cruisin at 120

[EnzoYug]

Um, ok, I'm scared of riding in the rain... It was such a nice morning when I set out for work this morning, and now it looks like I have to ride home in the pissy Auckland weather...

With an rg150 you should be able to ride faster than the rain and hence not get wet. If this doesn't quite work I suggest getting wet and getting used to it.

Listen to everyone else - they have good advice to share. And if you love your motorcycle dry her/him off at night with a quick rag-wipe. They're not cars!
Welcome to motorcycling!

[kevfromcoro]

Can u clear something up for me..on a recent trip to asia i rented a rg 150..
but it was a 4 stroke..is this correct..maye different contries have diffefent models...who noes...

[Big Dog]

If you are frightened of the elements today is the perfect day to be out practicing. Even if it is just going around the block.