Riding a bike in the rain

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Newrider42 · Fri Jul 01, 2005 6:33 am

I have a question. I know it's not a good idea to ride in the rain, but where I live, it has rained 3-5 days a week in the summer for the past 2 years on average. When I eventually get a motorcycle, what should I do about it when I'm in the office and see my 2 wheeled child getting wet? Would one of those bike covers work or is it too "breathable" to work? I am the type that likes to keep my stuff clean and would worry about rust if it got wet. Any advice?

Gadjet · #2 Unread post by **Gadjet** » Fri Jul 01, 2005 7:19 am

don't worry too much about it. If your bike gets wet, it gets wet. It's not going to do any real harm. If your bike is going to be parked outside all the time though, even at home, then you might consider getting a cover for it. If you have a garage though that the bike will be kept in at home then a cover isn't really necessary.

#3 Unread post by **Sev** » Fri Jul 01, 2005 8:39 am

It only becomes an issue when you allow it to stay wet for an extended period of time. A brief soaking isn't that bad, so long as the water is allowed to dry afterwards. Otherwise exposed metal starts to oxidize, and you get rust.

However, between the paint, powdercoating, crome, and other odds n' ends you're pretty unlikely to get rust anyways.

Gilfy650a · #4 Unread post by **Gilfy650a** » Sat Jul 02, 2005 4:21 pm

sevulturus wrote:However, between the paint, powdercoating, crome, and other odds n' ends you're pretty unlikely to get rust anyways.

heh unless you own a 20 year old nighthawk....

(edit) oh yeah.. riding in the rain is not bad if you adjust your riding style.

1) slow down. period
2)brake early and gradually
3)dont lean as much in the corners
4)pay even more attention
5)gradual throttle manipulation "ie: be gentle"

some of my better rides have been cruising around in warm summer rain (after weeks of blazing hot sun in thick leather its nice to cool down)

Buelligan · #5 Unread post by **Buelligan** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 3:16 pm

I ride in the rain all the time, but park the bike inside when I get home. Dries off pretty quick with the hot engine, and so far no sign of rust.

Just be really carefull riding if it's a rainfall after a few hot days, don't go out till it's been raining a few hours, that first little while seems to float up the oil on the road surface and it can be very very slick.

#6 Unread post by **ZooTech** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 3:53 pm

I might add, be careful crossing bridge expansion joints and painted lines and riding on "tar snakes" during a rain. Slicker than snot they are!

#7 Unread post by **Sev** » Sun Jul 03, 2005 10:48 pm

Actually if you can find yourself a nice overpass then pull over to the side under it. Get as far over as you can and wait out the rain. I've played cards with other bikers who have shown up before. I've also played with the guys I've gone out with.
Of course you'll have to gauge whether it's worth stopping or not based on how heavy the rain is, and whether it's going to last a long time or a short while. No sense in pulling over for 1/2 an hour then heading out into the same severity of storm because you got bored.

There's a deck of cards stored under my seat

Newrider42 · Tue Jul 05, 2005 11:24 pm

Thanks for the info. And keeping cards under the seat is a cool idea. I might keep some poker chips too so I can win (or most likely lose) some money while I wait.

Aggroton · #9 Unread post by **Aggroton** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 3:55 am

Sevulturus wrote: I've also played with the guys I've gone out with.

ewwwwwwww....

Wizzard · #10 Unread post by **Wizzard** » Wed Jul 06, 2005 5:07 am

The safety suggestions made about riding in the rain are all extremely valid . Make sure you have weather gear . There was a time when the only transpo I had was a scooter . Don't have to do that any more . Rain is not too bad .
Where as hail , on the other hand , can beat you to death ..........it damn sure can hurt , I'll tell ya that .
Regards, Wizzard