Total Motorcycle Community Forums

Hi,

I just joined up here because I'm looking for more information on learning to ride a motorcycle. One of my friends took me for my first ride on a Vespa 250 and riding seems too fun not to try! I'm looking at purchasing a Ninja 250 in a few months when I get some scratch, but one of my concerns about buying a bike is where I live. Here in the Pacific Northwest, I don't see hardly any bikes on the road during the rainy season (i.e. October through June). So I'm wondering, what's it like to ride in the rain? I get the feeling that people around here don't do it because its a little more uncomfortable, but is it unsafe as well? If I got a bike, I would use it mostly to buzz around town, but I would need to be able to do a 25 mile highway commute in the rain. Is hydroplaning the issue, or slipping in turns?

Thanks!


~LJ

Heh, I've ridden through really heavy downpours.

Increase your follow distance, be really smooth on the clutch and braking and you'll be fine.

Get some good waterproof gear and you're all set.

Also it helps to have a front fender. I removed mine for repair and then it rained the following friday. I had a huge "rooster tail" coming from the front tire

That day was also the first time I rode in rain and I can say the roads are more slippery so reduce your lean angles and speed. Also be careful when coming to a stop and planting your feet. The oils in the road get brought up to the surface and you can easily loose your footing.

It's especially slippery the first hour of rainfall. The combination of fresh rain on hot and fresh oily roads make it a bit more tricky.

Also, if you're going to go faster than 45mph, the rain feel like rock chips hitting your face - so think about some face protection or a full face helmet. Staying dry underneath is important too if it should get cold outside. Get a cheap rain suit and tuck it away in a pack. Take your time in the corners and brake earlier and you'll be fine.

First of all.....


Second, Have you checked out the Beginner's Guide? There are also stickies and the Learn To Ride A Motorcycle page which is now downloadable in PDF format (Created and maintained by Dragonhawk).

Third, I also recommend an MSF course and reviewing your state’s (province’s/territory’s) DMV or DOT website for licensing information, guidelines and FAQ.

Fourth, Go to a variety of dealers and sit on all kinds of different motorcycles. Even if you don’t think you’d like the ride when you look at it. I was dead set on one riding style when I started and ended up buying a different type. You may surprise yourself as well.

Fifth, What they said already about the rain. Slow down, increase following distance, reduce lean angles, watch out for the painted road lines (they're very slippery when wet!) and wear some good waterproof gear. I haven't been riding very long at all but, my first 5 days were in the rain.

Sixth, Good Luck and Have Fun! I hope you enjoy this site! Be sure to...

get something you can put a windshield on.

Be prepared!!!! In my saddlebags I carry a 2 piece rainsuit, 2 plastic bread bags to tie over my boots, Rain X to coat the face sheild on my helmet and a pair of laytex gloves like ur Doctor or Nurse uses, those gloves can fit under ur regular riding gloves, steal a pair next time ur at ur Doctors office. If ur hands get wet they will get cold. BTW you can buy Rain X as a sealed packet as cloth wipe-on.

BTW you can put a larger windscreen on a ninja 250 to keep some of the rain off of you. Just get used to standing up on your pegs every now and then to get the windblast to clear your visor

I built a larger screen for my 250 with a $10 sheet of lexan from the hardware store. It took a few hours 'cause I'm ana retentive, but it works fine and looks better (to me) than most of the "cottage industry" ex250 screens.... and $10 beats $90 or even $50 any day in my book.

Turning my head to the left or right will blow rain off the helmet shield even behind the bigger screen.

I'm planning some mid-length trips later in the summer on my 250... I don't see a problem.

I started riding in Seattle, WA. There are plenty of bikes out there in the rain! The great part is winter is just 40 degrees and raining, versus single digits and snowing.

Riding in the rain isn't all that tough. It's only uncomfortable if YOU get wet, under your gear. It's not significantly less safe to ride in opposed to dry conditions.

Hydroplaning is something I never came across in any of my rain travels, it's slipping on materials that become magically slick when wet (such as lane dividers, stop lines, crosswalks, etc..).