Rode in the rain for the first time

[rasta]

I've ridden in very light drizzle before, but last night was the first time I've ever ridden in a downpour. Even had some thunder/lightning....kinda tripped me out TBH. Next time I might consider tying a towel around one of my wrists for windshield wiping. Also realized how difficult it can be to see manhole covers in the rain, because the road gets disguised by how the headlight reflects off wet pavement. I didn't push the limits at all, haven't ridden that cautiously in a LONG time (not that I don't ride cautiously, but you know what I mean). I found that I was really exaggerating my stopping distances, just to be on the safe side.

I was still not quite confident in how far I could lean, similar to how it feels the first couple times you ride a moto.

Overall, it was a good experience. I made it home safetly from a 40 min round trip

[csmith12]

[Aggrotech]

I simply use the wind around me for windshield wipers. all depends where ur at ofc. Just look left/right and the wind will take the water right off

[cuong-nutz]

Riding in the rain is really relaxing for me. The only thing about riding in the rain is cleaning all the dirt off as well cleaning and lubing the chain.

[agentbad]

First time I lowsided it was pouring rain and my visor kept fogging and then my specs were fogging. I took a turn over a smooth manhole cover and hit the front brakes at the exact wrong moment then next thing I know I'm sliding across the intersection. I've actually thought about getting some OTG snowboard goggles that fit over my glasses since they don't fog up just for the rain. Other times riding in the rain was just fine.

[fr1dayn1ght]

i used to ride my scooter during a storm back in asia and that was fun as hell. I actually enjoy riding in the rain now

[rasta]

Yeah I couldn't imagine riding in the rain w/o my pinlock shield. I fogged up my old shield in normal weather, it woulda been terrible last night

[kdogg2077]

I've never ridden in rain. Not looking forward to it.

[dcj13]

Instead of a towel, you might buy a slip-on squeegee that slips over your left index finger or thumb. You can also buy gloves that that a built-in squeegee on the finger or thumb.

I'm surprised that living in SF you haven't ridden in rain before. All the same, congratulations! C'mon in, the water's fine.

[rasta]

Originally Posted by dcj13

Instead of a towel, you might buy a slip-on squeegee that slips over your left index finger or thumb. You can also buy gloves that that a built-in squeegee on the finger or thumb.

I'm surprised that living in SF you haven't ridden in rain before. All the same, congratulations! C'mon in, the water's fine.

I've spent too much money on gear, and have more gloves than I need lol.

And I started riding back in July. And I can probably count on two hands the amount of times it has rained (literally).

[ninjamunky85]

Originally Posted by dcj13

Instead of a towel, you might buy a slip-on squeegee that slips over your left index finger or thumb. You can also buy gloves that that a built-in squeegee on the finger or thumb.

My cold weather gloves have a squeegee on the thumbs. They are a useful feature if you're riding in the rain at slow speeds. At higher speeds I just turn my head.

Riding in the rain can be fun at times, like on a hot summer day.

[misfitsailor]

Remember to take great care riding over anything painted on the road, especially when braking.

[NevadaWolf]

I have one of those squeegees on my glove's index finger. Still trying to figure the thing out. Works great for bug bodies not so much for their guts.

Well, if the predictions hold true, you'll have another rain ride on Friday or this weekend. Go out and play and get practice. Helps to know how to do it so if you hit a sudden downpour you won't be sheltering under a gas station waiting it out.

Did that once, the little girl is huge rain boots splashing around in the puddles while her parents hid under the canopy was the funniest thing ever and totally made it worth it.

[LNasty]

Same thing here. Have riden in drizzle, fine rain and just recently a downpour. Was not fun... but the turn head sideways at 70 mph does work to clear the visor. got to test out just how waterproof my pants are though and I can say that I am very pleased, not one wet spot on my work pants (except for the wet spot caused from internal moisture due to the scary ass ride )

[dcj13]

Originally Posted by rasta

I've spent too much money on gear, and have more gloves than I need lol.

$4 USD for a finger squeegee is too much? Oh well...

Others say that riding it the rain is fun. It can be peaceful (unless your'e on the 405 or I-5 and its dark or getting dark). I tolerate it, but don't particularly enjoy it. Good to see there are some glass-half-full folks out there! They make the world a better place.

[Sirref]

I thought rain didn't exist over there?
were you surprised by how much more traction you had than you thought you had?

[dcj13]

Originally Posted by Sirref

I thought rain didn't exist over there?

To where "over there" are you referring? SF? They get a fair amount of crappy days.

[Sirref]

cali in general, I just keep hearing about how they're becoming a desert

[Whiskey]

ride in the rain, it'll force you to be smoother, which will make you better.

You'll be surprised at how hard you can push it in the wet, as long as you have built up the skills, and they transfer to other ****** surfaces too.

[dcj13]

Originally Posted by Whiskey

ride in the rain, it'll force you to be smoother, which will make you better.

You'll be surprised at how hard you can push it in the wet, as long as you have built up the skills, and they transfer to other ****** surfaces too.

Amen to that! All true.

[greenaero]

I rode in the same rain yesterday and a small bit today. I'm not a fan of riding in the rain but I 've done a fair bit of it anyway. You do have a fair amount traction but it's wise not to push it. Leave yourself lots of room for braking and cool it a bit on the turns and you should be fine. Other hazards are worse in the rain: painted street lines, metal covers, puddles and potholes and the drivers so watch out.
Reduced visibility doesn't help so it good to keep your faceshield treated with an anti-fogging agent. The glove squeegee is a great idea or keeping a soft cloth to clear the raindrops off your faceshield. Good raingear is priceless when needed.

[dcj13]

Originally Posted by greenaero

...so it's good to keep your faceshield treated with an anti-fogging agent.

Have you had good luck with anti-fog compounds? If so, what are you using?

[rasta]

Originally Posted by dcj13

$4 USD for a finger squeegee is too much? Oh well...

Others say that riding it the rain is fun. It can be peaceful (unless your'e on the 405 or I-5 and its dark or getting dark). I tolerate it, but don't particularly enjoy it. Good to see there are some glass-half-full folks out there! They make the world a better place.

Lol hadn't realized you said 'slip on' squeegees

What's a good one to check out? @NevadaWolf

[dcj13]

Originally Posted by rasta

Lol hadn't realized you said 'slip on' squeegees

What's a good one to check out? @NevadaWolf

Fair enough! And good for you for the avatar boycott!

Power to the people!

[NevadaWolf]

Oops, the squeegee is on the thumb, told you I am still trying to figure it out!

I have Olympia All Season Gloves for women, but I am sure they make them in larger sizes for guys as well. Love them as they are tight around my fingers so i still have dexterity yet warm enough to ride in mild weather.

[rojoracing53]

You'd be surprised how far you can lean in the rain.

you'd be equally surprised at how impossible it is to see paint line, potholes, manhole covers, any form of steel plate, oil or fuel spills and sealer lines or the fact then any one of them can put you on the ground before you can even react.

Even I am rather cautious around cities in the rain, I'm a bit more confident on more rural roads.

[greenaero]

Originally Posted by dcj13

Have you had good luck with anti-fog compounds? If so, what are you using?

@dcj13, actually I use liquid dish soap. Take drop or two and cover the inside of your faceshield, let it dry completely , then buff it out with a soft cloth. I find this works as good or better than commercial anti-fogging agents.

[nickjpass]

You need a ss so that you can have wheel spin at 80 miles per hour... and doing wheelies in the wet is fun too... so dangerous though lol

[rasta]

Nah I'm not nearly badass enough for that

[nickjpass]

Not bad ass, just stupid

[Sirref]

Is there really a large difference when it comes to bikes? Doing stupid **** is almost synonymous with badass to the general public it seems. Could just be that I chill with the wrong crowds though.

[nickjpass]

Hayabusa's and ZX14R's are better because they get you there quicker duuuuuuuuhhhh

[Sirref]

unless you come across corners, then you want a literbike.

[nickjpass]

No way man, more power equals more girls. The bigger the cc, the shinier the bike, the more my ego will get boosted.

[Sirref]

Meh, I'd rather be faster, something that requires knowing what you're doing which most people on those bikes don't.

[nickjpass]

/s

[CycleCam303]

A while back when we had those flash rains I was going to do a barf ride out in Castro valley. It started pouring and I wanted to get home fast. Exaggerate your body position and you can still haul the mail. I was passing hordes of Harleys out in the Oakland hills that day.

You have to be really confident and comfy with the bike moving. The tar snakes cause the bike to walk towards to the outside and that scares a lot of people.

PS I hate street riding in the rain.

[LNasty]

http://www.aerostich.com/adjustable-visor-wipe.html

[rasta]

Yep, saw those. Probably will pick one up

[pwalo]

I ride in the rain a lot over here. I've got a Shoei Qwest with a pinlock insert. This works really well. Basically close my visor when I start riding and don't need to open it again until I get to work, or home.

I don't have any problems with fogging down to 4 degrees Celsius or so.