Riding in the rain

Message

Dichotomous · Mon Jan 30, 2006 7:11 am

many people who have advised me on biking say that you cant ride in the rain and thats a big drawback for me, as burlington, VT. is the 3rd rainiest city in the nation if I remember correctly. how bad is riding in the rain really?

VermilionX · Mon Jan 30, 2006 7:19 am

im reading "proficient motorcycling" by david hough.

it has a good chunk of info regarding riding in the rain and other "special" situations.

you should check it out.

Sym · #3 Unread post by **Sym** » Mon Jan 30, 2006 7:23 am

I rode in the rain for the first time last week. It wasn't nearly as bad as I was expecting. Then again I had a friend tell me it was like riding on glass and you'd never catch him in the rain.

I'm a new rider and new bike with just under 2k miles so far, I spent about 15 mins in a local parking lot practicing braking before heading out into traffic. I had a 40 mile commute home, about 2/3's interstate and the rest normal 55 mph 2 lane roads. No issues other than being wet. Raindrops on the helmet are pretty soothing also.

As long as you have decent tires, are smooth on the controls and have decent rain gear it's not too much of an issue. I think I read somewhere you have 70-80% as much traction in the rain as when dry, if the tires are inflated properly.

Dichotomous · Mon Jan 30, 2006 7:26 am

I shall have to look into good rain gear, or at least get some waterproof pants cause arnt most jackets pretty well waterproof?

#5 Unread post by **ZooTech** » Mon Jan 30, 2006 7:46 am

Riding in the rain is not a big deal, but I never do it on purpose.

SuperRookie · Mon Jan 30, 2006 7:48 am

Definitely read Proficient Motorcycling by David Hough as VermilionX suggested...It really is a "must read". I know I'm not the first person to say this, but the only think that sux about the book is the binding. After reading it cover to cover once, EVERY SINGLE PAGE has come away from the spine

Of course the worst conditions for riding (as well as driving) occur during the first minutes of rainfall as all the oily slick stuff rises to the surface. After that stuff is washed away, according to Hough your tires retain about 80% of their traction in the wet. And it's a no-brainer that you have to allow for longer braking distances, smoother throttle and no sudden steering inputs. Additionally, according to the Hurt Report a very low percentage of accidents were precipitated by bad weather.

That said, I've heard alot of people enjoy riding in the rain. Someone even said the enjoyed riding in the FOG...I don't know WHY...It would seem harder to see that milk truck...

Cheerz[/b]

#7 Unread post by **Skier** » Mon Jan 30, 2006 7:49 am

ZooTech wrote:Riding in the rain is not a big deal, but I never do it on purpose.

Ditto. I don't go out there and ride just because it's raining. I go and ride because I want to!

Rain riding really isn't that bad with the right gear. As long as you stay dry, it's not too much different than riding in the dry. Things to remember: until 15 or 20 minutes after the rain has started, the roads are going to be slick due to oil/antifreeze and other slippery chemicals floating to the surface of the road. After that, on clear pavement, you have about 80% as much traction as on the dry. However, this doesn't apply to a lot of road hazards: manhole covers, stop lines, railroad tracks, etc... become similar to ice. Just be careful, know what your bike is doing with its contact patches and you'll do fine.

(edit) GAH, I've been beaten. I guess there are a lot of Hough fans around here.

JustJames · #8 Unread post by **JustJames** » Mon Jan 30, 2006 8:15 am

Riding in the rain, hummm

I said it before and I will say it again and again. "Riding in the rain is cold and painful" I believe I've only been in the rain twice or three times the most from last season, but I live in So Cal which is not many rain these days. The question is Would I ride in the rain again? I would say why not.

CNF2002 · #9 Unread post by **CNF2002** » Mon Jan 30, 2006 8:32 am

I said it before and I will say it again and again. "Riding in the rain is cold and painful"

Feels good to me. The only time I'm uncomfortable is when I get off the bike and have to deal with my soaked self.

Mon Jan 30, 2006 9:46 am

Read everything you can find on riding in the rain. They'll advise you on all the good things like avoid the first 15 minutes, be careful on metal and paint (slick), and be extra careful around semi's because the turbulence they make is more effective.

That said I've logged about 1000 miles in the rain. It's not as bad as you'd think. At the same time I only ride one of my bikes in the rain and I made sure to change out any of the bolts that rust, and cover anything I'm concerned about in a wax to keep it from rusting.