KaiserSoze
Oil Expert
Reged: 05/09/06
Posts: 2199
Loc: Chicago, IL
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I got stuck in some rain on the way home from work yesterday (thanks awesome weather forecasters  ) and it made me think of posting this. When it comes to riding in rain, I really feel uneasy when any kind of turning is involved. I get this paranoid feeling that the wheels are just going to slip out from under me at any given moment, and I get a tendency to tense up a bit, like I don't want to lean the bike very much. I also am a hawk for painted lines and manhole covers when turning, which I guess is good but it's all I see, I end up looking down at the road instead of where I'm going. I really have no reason to be so paranoid other than a lack of experience in the wet. usually if it's going to rain I leave the bike home. I mean sometimes you gotta do whatcha gotta do, but I avoid it when possible. So, short story long, I was wondering if anyone had any wet weather riding tips for not only me, but maybe some others who are wondering as well.
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2013 GREAT RIVER ROAD RALLY
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arstaren
Loquacious
Reged: 07/23/07
Posts: 3518
Loc: Southeast ,Iowa, USA
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Sure, I've got a tip. Be doubly vigilant watching the cage drivers. Rain either brings out the nut cases, or amplifies their poor judgement. I've noticed through the years, the worst behavior happens in the first ten minutes of a rain, only compounding the slickest time of a rain.
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Fidelis et Fortis
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brindle
Loquacious
Reged: 08/02/09
Posts: 2505
Loc: Burton-on-Trent, England
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Always remember that the first rain after a dry spell brings the oils out of the road which makes things extra slippy
But, the more wet weather riding you do, the more confident you'll become.
Not necessarily like it more though 
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Wherever I go, there is an unwanted presence
Too old to die young, too ugly to leave a good looking corpse
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Keith
Stickman Yogi
Reged: 03/21/09
Posts: 11667
Loc: BC, Canada
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Bryn makes a good point. If possible it's an idea to let 'er rain for a half hour or so before heading out. That way the oils lifting from the road have a chance to wash away. As you yourself pointed out Scott, avoid manhole covers, and painted surfaces... come to a stop BEFORE the painted line across the road at an intersection for example. Use caution on railway tracks, bridge grates, wood (as in old bridges) and here's a good one... WET LEAVES!!
It's surprising how much traction there actually is on a wet road. The easiest way to test traction is to feel for it with your rear brake. Assuming you know how much deceleration you get on dry pavement before the rear tire breaks loose, you have a gauge of what's available if you repeat the test when the road is wet. If you do this at moderate speeds on a flat, straight road it won't become a thrill ride.
Other thoughts... still use the front brake but use it gingerly. The obvious... run with good tire with decent tread. Dress properly for the occasion... being cold and wet slows reactions and causes the rider to stiffen up. Maximize the ability to see but turning your head from one side to the other to help blow the rain away from visors or goggles.
I also try NOT to ride in depressions made on high traffic roads by the weight of vehicles rolling along. Yeah... getting in there can cause hydroplaning which is no fun at all!!
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Live to love, love to live.
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oxford
Adjunct
Reged: 06/25/05
Posts: 144
Loc: Maine
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Reminds me of the time I ran into a rainstorm, wisely pulled over and gave it
15-20 minutes to wash the oils etc. off and had a really pleasant ride... until I
over took the leading edge of the rainstorm and found some really fresh oil patches. Nice lesson learned. I do like riding in the rain, just with a bunch of extra caution. And you are so right, a big difference riding in a warm rain than a very cold one.
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Zmilin
Saddle Sore
Reged: 03/02/07
Posts: 5131
Loc: Sammamish, Washington - USA
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I feel the same way. I try not to go out if its raining if it can be avoided. I also stiffen up (pucker up as well) and I used to have a tendency to focus on the hazards.
Step one...know that you have the issues....you got that covered.
Step two...relax a bit. Your there and theres no getting out of it so relax just a bit. My personal biggest fear was the tires slipping out as well BUT those tires have more grip than most of us use even in the dry. Keep your eyes open for the hazards...manhole covers, painted lines, cobblestones, deep water, etc....just like you have been doing.
Step three...remember...you WILL go where your looking, even in the rain so know your hazards and look through your turns. This is the one that used to get me.
Step four...slow down. Not so slow that you become a hazard but slow down. Im sure you got this one covered already as well.
I rode in the rain yesterday cause I had no option. No issues, kept my cool, kept my speed acceptable, kept my eyes open, kept my head turned when making turns and all was well. I actually had a good time.
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07 Black BA, 39mm FCRs, TPUSA stage 1 head, TPUSA 813 cams, TPUSA 10.8:1 pistons, TTP #3 igniter, Specialty Spares Long Cannons, Tsukayu Hard Bags. 82HP/55tq
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BrianT
Loquacious
Reged: 06/18/06
Posts: 2599
Loc: Fort Lauderdale, FL USA.
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Here's two tips for you.
1. Ride one gear lower than normal. It increases the compression braking,
so you don't have to squeeze quite so
hard on the regular brakes.
2. Reach down on the left side of your carbs and adjust the
idle speed slower. This lets the throttle slides close a little
bit more and adds even more compression braking. In a Florida Monsoon,
I'll set the idle at about 900rpm. You have to keep one hand
on the throttle at stoplights, though, or it'll stall.
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Steelheart- '03 Speedmaster Black/Yellow
The Hayabusa Killa
16" Shorties/140 mains/Airbox drilled
Procom CDI
"There is no cure for Celibacy. But we can treat the symptoms."
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Soren
Should be Riding
Reged: 01/12/05
Posts: 12034
Loc: Beaverton, OR
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Interesting ideas. Never thought of those, but they make sense.
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•Triumph Connection
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Hermit
Learned Hand
Reged: 01/28/07
Posts: 1529
Loc: NE FL
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Quote:
I was wondering if anyone had any wet weather riding tips for not only me, but maybe some others who are wondering as well.
Though I usually avoid rain, practice does make perfect. Occasionally, I'll suit up and ride when I've got no particular place to be. After the first dozen or so miles, it's relaxing.
No traffic though.
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Youth, talent & enthusiasm are no match for old age and treachery.
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moe
Bearing Changer
Reged: 01/11/05
Posts: 9879
Loc: Merritt Island, Fl
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Ride only as fast as the conditions allow. This is not to say to ride below the speed limit nor above it, but usually riding under the limit is the safest bet. Ride at the limit or over, only when conditions allow. Animals sometimes like to play in the rain. Lookout for 'em scurrying about on the road. Seal any electronics in freezer grade ziplock baggies. Wallet too. Try not to be next to cages or behind them. If so open up a three second space. Don't break traction. Constant throttle though turns with no throttle chop or roll on. Being in the correct gear is essential. When vertical again, moderate throttle to speed so you don't break the back tire free. Puddles suck. Painted lines suck. You will break the rear tire on paint if you get hot on the roll over. Tuck in at speed so the rain won't sandblast you. Reach down every so often and pull the rainsuit legs back down over the top of your boots. again. Ignore the trickle of water running off the back of your helmet, down the inside of the back of your jacket. Take longer at rest stops as fatigue has a quicker onset. Pray that the complete change of clothes you have already placed in ziplock bags doesn't spring a leak! Stay at a hotel that has a hair dryer so you can dry out your stanky digs. Promise yourself you will not tear up your rainsuit as you step out of it half soaked! 
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Blowing gravel off rural roads
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