Riding in the rain?

[Grahameeboy]

I enjoy the rain, but I have nice sticky touring tyres (PR2.) Yes theres a big cleanup job afterwards, but thats a nice job for two people if we sit down together and find something to yak about. Have to be warm too, heated grips and jacket take care of that.

Steve

Heated grips!!! Yah poof.............

[klingon]

Love rain...I go out in rain to practice in the winter...

Me too. One really rainy night I escorted my partner to a meeting in town - him on his scooter, me on my bike. I left him at the venue then on my way home decided I hadn't had enough of the lovely rain so I diverted to the Unitec carpark and practised riding in ever decreasing slow figures of 8 without putting my feet down. Was fun!

Then I got home and found my partner's meeting had been cancelled and he had gone straight home - he had been there for almost an hour getting more and more worried about where I was. Oops!

He also enjoyed pointing out that the Unitec carparks are bristling with security cameras. There were probably some security guys sitting in their dry, cosy office watching some mad biker riding round and round for an hour.

[klingon]

I just remembered another time when I was enjoying riding in the rain and had an unexpected lesson. I was almost at work and as usual was all properly kitted up and my work clothes were bone dry under my wet weather gear.

The rain had been really bucketing down, and there was some surface flooding in the street where I work. Instead of crossing into the other lane to avoid the massive puddle, I rode through it. Just for fun.

The lesson:
Rain generally comes down from above. That's what wet weather gear is designed to handle.

However, when you ride through a shallow lake, the water comes up from below at rather high pressure. It gets forced up your trouser legs to at least the knee, then cascades back down and into your boots.

So having been dry until the last couple of hundred metres, I was saturated by the time I arrived at work. I had to sit all day in my wet work clothes, then at the end of the day put on my wet socks and boots to ride home.

But at least I learned a lesson.

[BiK3RChiK]

We got caught in a heavy shower on the way home this morning from town - a 15 minute ride.

Previously, I haven't enjoyed riding in the rain, but am getting used to it. Although, I must get some more water-proof gear as I was a bit wet upon getting home this morning.

One thing I didn't enjoy was the car that wanted to sit 2 metres or less from my rear tyre! What is it with some people? It had only just started raining, so I wasn't wanting to push it, especially on the roundabouts and tight u-turn corners we have around here!

[Maha]

You talking bikes......?

No, jelly/the ocean/shower/beer etc.

[hospitalfood]

i like the way 2 hours of heavy rain gets all the dead bugs off my jacket and hat, aside from that not a big fan as I like my bikes clean.

[MarkH]

I had a look at these: http://www.rain-off.com/prdt_dsptn.htm at Mt Eden Motorcycles, bought a pair and use them when it rains. Their claims are true and my gloves & hands stay dry. Dry hands makes riding in the rain much less annoying!!

[SPman]

It's just weather - another variable to take into account whilst riding.

I neither enjoy nor suffer, riding int' rain ..........

[Grahameeboy]

No, jelly/the ocean/shower/beer etc.

You talking about your middle age spread....

[peasea]

Heated grips!!! Yah poof.............

My missus has heated grips and she's no poof. I much prefer warm hands, whether they're mine or hers.

[peasea]

I had a look at these: http://www.rain-off.com/prdt_dsptn.htm at Mt Eden Motorcycles, bought a pair and use them when it rains. Their claims are true and my gloves & hands stay dry. Dry hands makes riding in the rain much less annoying!!

I'm lucky enough to know the guy who makes them; great idea.

He's given me a couple of different types to try and while my only criticism is that they can (not always) bunch up a bit, I'd rather have them than not have them. They take up bugger all space when not in use and save your hands (when water might seep in) from wetness and subsequent chill.

Rain-offs are a go IMHO. Good link dude.

[KiwiKat]

I don't mind light to medium rain. Riding in heavy rain is just bloody stupid. Life is too valuable. What bugs me is the visor fogging or just hard to see through. I'd like to know the best solution. (Had to ride in fog today with the visor up.)

[PrincessBandit]

Klingon and MDU are both spot on IMHO. Increasing your normal riding parameters (except speed - duh) should enable you to ride without too much bother in the rain; and as MDU said pouring rain and wind are a different kettle of fish.

Personally I love the surreal effect of seeing rain on my visor and feeling it splat on my gear yet knowing I'm dry and warm. The pouring pissing downpour we rode home from Wellywood to Auckland in at Christmas (yes, complete with drenched crotch, and no, it wasn't that way due to any saucy excitement on 2 wheels) wasn't so pleasant.

But yeah, rain or shine I'm a happy camper.

[oldrider]

A topic I want to know peoples opinions on... I have no issues with it... and with a good rider, I think its actually fun... does that make me partially mad... you don't have to agree (for those that do)...

I enjoy riding in the rain actually I enjoy riding in any conditions but my least favourite has to be wind.

My Tiger is one of the best bikes I have ridden in wind and it does not phase me but it is not as nice as the other conditions. John.

[MarkH]

I don't mind light to medium rain. Riding in heavy rain is just bloody stupid. Life is too valuable. What bugs me is the visor fogging or just hard to see through. I'd like to know the best solution. (Had to ride in fog today with the visor up.)

Visor fogging solutions:
Cat crap
pinlock
visor open a thumb width
dish wash liquid


What is wrong with riding in heavy rain? I don't find it much different to riding in light or medium rain TBH.