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Well, I was out riding yesterday, the weather wasn't too bad, but it was getting worse. Started to rain, and the wind was picking up. Mind you, this is Central PA, with the Temp about 45 degrees at best. I'm sitting at the light waiting my turn, and 2 idiots on crotch rockets go rocketing past me, no helmets on either of them, just wearing t-shirts.

I'm suprised they didn't kill them-selves running that red light like they did.

A rider here is in intensive care after smashing into a truck. The rider ran through a red light and was on a sportbike. I know the feeling of speed you get on a bike in incredible, but people that do those things are asking for trouble. The sad fact of life is that you never know who will end up recieving it.

hotelesquire wrote:Well, I was out riding yesterday, the weather wasn't too bad, but it was getting worse. Started to rain, and the wind was picking up. Mind you, this is Central PA, with the Temp about 45 degrees at best. I'm sitting at the light waiting my turn, and 2 idiots on crotch rockets go rocketing past me, no helmets on either of them, just wearing t-shirts.

I'm suprised they didn't kill them-selves running that red light like they did.

They probably blew past the light because they had no idea how to come to a complete stop in the rain

While we're on the subject, how difficult is it to stop in the rain? I don't mean braking wise, but putting your foot down? Is it much different than normal? Obviously a bit slicker but is there some special thing you should do?

I think what helps me the most in the rain is allowing myself more distance in which to stop. So I apply the breaks sooner, softer, and judge my braking distance to be much more than it usually is. I know it just sounds basic... but I don't really think I can manage a quick stop to the likeness of which I can do on dry pavement. Is that what you mean? Or is it resting your foot to hold up your bike at a stop? I wear non-slick boots I use for both riding and work so I never really have any problems. I guess always look first before putting your foot down and try to keep the foot closest to the bike (ie-directly below not angled to the side) so it will be less demanding on grip.

P.S. Sliding the rear tire out while on a long sweeping turn is both fun and frightening. Esp. when the giant white chevy suburban driver sitting in the turn lane is just sitting there watching you barreling towards him; all the while ignoring his wife yelling at him to just hurry up and turn left infront of you for what seems like 3 straight minutes. Ah good times, good times.

If you're smooth about the inputs riding in the rain you can stop in a slightly longer distance then on dry pavement. But it all comes down to control (and the hope that the water doesn't suddenly get to be 3 inches deep).

Shiv wrote:While we're on the subject, how difficult is it to stop in the rain? I don't mean braking wise, but putting your foot down? Is it much different than normal? Obviously a bit slicker but is there some special thing you should do?

My experiences...
Proper motorcycle boots tend to have harder soles than normal. So you do have to watch where you stop. By that I simply mean if you can see the irridescent effect of oil brought to the surface, don't try and put your foot on that patch. 90% of the roadsurface is ok though.

In Heavy rain, everywhere is just fine (althought the 6inch puddles are a pain in the "O Ring")

One thing to watch for when putting your foot down in rainy weather is where you put your foot. A lot of intersections have an oily buildup in the center of the lane at intersections. When this gets wet, it can become very slippery.