Wet weather riding?

[Stromble]

I know we get caught out in the rain.. And some use the bike as sole form of transport..

But does the rain keep the majority of bikers off the road? Or do the die hards still get out there?

[quickbuck]

I used to still get out there if I had to, as it was my only form of transport.

Never enjoyed riding in the rain though. Had a bin on a slippery patch when I was younger.

After the last HRC training day at Taupo I had to ride back through torrential rain.
Never felt so confident on my bike before.
It was a real pleasure... apart from finding I need to replace my jacket.

[PrincessBandit]

Love riding in the rain. Have never binned so a spill (particularly if it was in the rain) might change my mind! But I have no problem with wet weather, in fact I find being on the bike in the rain quite an uplifting experience. Not so great when accompanied by gusty driving frigid wind though. Brrrrrrr.

[nallac]

as its my only form of transport i ride rain hail or shine.
Not as much fun in the wet vs dry, but more fun vs a car.

Just adjust my speed to avaiable visability,traction etc.

[madbikeboy]

I'm okay about riding in the rain. kinda, sorta. I don't mind riding in the rain if I don't need to get off scoot and front up at a client site. For work, it's a little antisocial to walk dripping into someone's flash reception area, and then peel layers of gear off.

After hours - I don't mind riding in the rain, but it's hard on tires, and when Joe Average gets water on their windscreen, they suddenly lose whatever was left of their natural ability to detect the presence of motorcycles...

Plus, washing the bike down is a pain in the ass. And then drying it. Then polishing it. Then giving it a small hug before putting the cover on it, chaining it to the ground, tossing the Rottie a small chunk of the last burglar, and then closing the garage, setting the anti-personnel landmines, driving the truck across the garage...

Did I mention that I wear glasses, and the fogging products on the market do precisely that. When is someone going to invent an effective anti-fogging product. And gloves that don't leak.

[Maha]

Love riding in the rain. Have never binned so a spill (particularly if it was in the rain) might change my mind! But I have no problem with wet weather, in fact I find being on the bike in the rain quite an uplifting experience. Not so great when accompanied by gusty driving frigid wind though. Brrrrrrr.

I wouldn't say that I ''love it' but I dont mind at all, unless like you say, gusty winds are also part of the equation. I would not however, think, shit its raining, im off for a ride. If im out and it starts then no problem, ride to the conditions bla bla.

[Bonez]

We have a car but the motorcycle is my prefered means of transport. Have been known to go for a ride rain for the hell of it.

[woodboats]

Good question for this tie of year.
What sort of wet weather gear do folks use?

[madbikeboy]

Wet weather gear - Dainese or Teknic cordura stuff. Haven't found gloves yet that allow you to actually ride that don't leak. Boots - sigh - my Forma's seem reasonably showerproof...

Just walked the pooch (not fair to keep her in the handbag any longer), and walking up the road, noticed the incredible amount of oil on the road. Looks like the ExxonValdez ran aground here. No wonder the rear of the scoot lights up faster than a junkie with a new crack pipe...

On another note, I'm sure pooch counts the number of plastic bags I take - she always takes one more pit stop than I have bags with. I counted them out this morning, grabbing three bags - one, two, three, four. But, when she took her fourth dump, she looked at me with that "so, you think you coulda fooled me?" look.

PS. Any bitch carrying a pooch in handbag seems to be a waste of oxygen.

[Rob Taylor]

I dont mind riding during rain.But wont go for a leisure ride if its wet.In winter I ride to Manfield from Auckland once a month for the Vic series so bound to get wet , but not often.

[henry]

When I decided to buy a bike again (after 10 years break) I intended to be a fair weather weekend biker. Getting too old for the wet weather crap.

Well, it turns out I can't stand not to be on my bike so I ride in all weathers.

The commute on the motorway is pretty lonely on wet days though, so there are some soft cocks out there.

[banditrider]

Depends on how I'm feeling but sometimes I actually enjoy it - I definitely prefer rain to wind. It's usually better in a constant rain ie not just starting or drying roads (more slippery). Last years GC was a little over the top though...

Gear: I've got a decent Spidi suit but when it's properly wet I put on a Dri-rider oversuit - especailly on tour when you need to look after your gear for the long haul. Still have been wet through all layers - 3 hours of West Coast rain. Currently got a set of Alpine-star boots which seem very good (my previous pair of Sidi boots were completely waterproof). Have given up on thick winter gloves - they just stay wet longer. I wear thinner summer gloves and turn the toasters on.

Can't let a little weather put you off...

[Cr1MiNaL]

I love the rain. My bike is my only means of transport anywhere. I have 3 sets of gear which I adon depending on the conditions. If its raining (very heavily) I'll wear a pair of shorts and an old t shirt with no helmet and pootle up and down our street. I love the feeling !!

[DUCATI*HARD]

as long as you have a good set off tyres,the rains a laugh,,,cant say i love it tho

[sels1]

I dont mind riding in the rain, still better than driving a cage. Putting all the gear on for a short trip can get a bit annoying tho - often I just wear my jacket and let the jeans get damp and dry again