Total Motorcycle Community Forums

These are some great tips and a periodic reminder will keep us all alive.

I've put about 4500 miles on my Nighthawk 750 and only in the last few weeks have I been riding in rain...usually in the afternoon thunderstorms.

The first time on the interstate in the rain I noticed my hands starting to go numb as I tightened my grip, and my legs getting fatigued from gripping the gas tank. Just before I got right under the T-storm, I pulled off and waited out the really heavy rain and some lightning...(I had all afternoon to get home.)

I'm really glad I did because it gave me a chance to focus on what exactly I needed to do to get home safe...and I relaxed my hands and legs so I could ride WITH my machine, as opposed to just riding ON it, if you know what I mean.

My rain gear is always with me, and although I don't seek out rain in which to ride, I don't avoid it either. It's becoming rather enjoyable...I'd still rather ride on dry pavement...

...good thread M109R

I am scared to death at the thought of rain!! I know, that BAD, it WILL rain on my parade.

Hubby's been riding about 13 years, only rode in the rain for the first time maybe 3 yrs ago. Since getting his new bike, it's no sweat for him at all. Took his road test (yes, finally) in a downpour.

So by that example, I have another 7 years till I have to do it

Riding across slippery surfaces is inevitable in the rain. Road markings and railroad tracks are among the most common slippery surfaces. One thing you can do to remain upright over slippery spots is to avoid braking or accelerating when your tires are over these spots. Both of these things will increase the chance of your tire's contact patch losing friction.

It'll require you to think ahead as you're going down the road, but it pays in the long run. For example, if you're coming to a stop and there are railroad tracks ahead, brake before the tracks, let off before you go over the tracks, then brake again on the other side. Same goes for accelerating. Pay attention to the road surface and go very easy on the throttle whenever your back tire is over a slippery spot.

Mintbread wrote:You would honestly think that in the 21st century someone could come up with a road paint that did not become slippery as ice the moment it got a little damp.

...or a little cold. I've had my back tire kick out on painted letters just from a little braking when the weather was cold. I generally avoid doing any stopping or turning on road paint now, no matter what weather.

I have been caught in a few downpours...The worst part is that first few minutes when it's just sprinkling...even being very cautious with the brakes, the 'squirming' didn't bother me so much as the increased stopping distance.

Once, while in the cage, I went to make a left turn and even tho I turned the wheel, the vehicle kept straight...I was like "oh siht!"...Glad I wasn't on the bike then

Spent about ten hours in the rain on the homebound (450 miles or so) leg of a long trip. It was all interstate too. Two problems you have in the rain- traction and visibility. Best advice is to avoid it altogether if you can but if you have to ride, slow down and take your time. Good raingear is key too. The best I have found are Frogg Toggs though you have to be careful about torching them on a pipe.

Greg

where did all these posts come from? I posted about riding in thunderstorms and I dont think I got this many responses. And I posted in the same forum to. All well I just bought some rain pants cause blue jeans dont cut the rain nor the wind lol.

Nibblet99 wrote:

Mintbread wrote:You would honestly think that in the 21st century someone could come up with a road paint that did not become slippery as ice the moment it got a little damp.

Oh well, at least our refrigerators have internet connectivity.

Ahh see, now the problem is we're going backwards. You'll notice that Lucky Goldstar have stopped selling their internet fridge, and returned to a traditional one with just an LCD tv in it. (uk.lge.com)

Before long, we'll be back to good old cobbled streets.

St. Augustine Florida still has some cobblestone streets.hard to even walk on them when wet much less try to ride on them.

Sand

Why don't they just put some sand in the road line paint? Like they do on the painted edges of some steps.

Thanks alot for all the advice.