Riding in the rain

[cheesypeeps]

So the good weather seems to be a distant memory...

I've been out a lot this year in the dry and really feel my confidence is coming on.
But I'm soo nervous about going out in the rain or wet.
Does anyone have any advice... Other than stay at home and watch the BSBs!!

[DJ123]

Its all common sense.
Be a smooth as possible on the brakes, throttle and leaning into corners
Give yourself plenty of room between yourself and the vehicles around you (in front and behind)
Make sure your gear is waterproof & keep as warm as you can
Easiest way to keep your visor clear of water is (at speed) turn your head sideways momentarily. At lower speeds your left hand/glove is always the best option.

[Tomor]

Back off a bit and you will be fine. You have a lot lot grip than you think you have, just don't be a tit!

[missyburd]

Ride the same but with a tad more caution directed at slippy manhole covers, white lines, horse manure, diesel. If there's been particularly heavy rain like there has up here today then especially keep an eye out for debris that's been washed into the road and down hill. Rocks, gravel, twigs and leaves at the entrances to driveways etc. Don't be put off going out just because of the weather, make an effort to go out in it so you don't panic if you ever get caught out unawares. As long as you're aware you can't brake as hard as you can in the dry. Keep it smooth and you'll be fine, you won't know till you face it head on! You'll have to find out sometime, especially in Glasgow! ;)

[Bibio]

rule number 1, keep more of a distance.
rule number 2, don't grab a handfull of brakes.
rule number 3, be smooth.

that's about it really.

you'll be fine.

[Fallout]

Back off a bit and you will be fine. You have a lot lot grip than you think you have, just don't be a tit!

+1. There's loads of traction out there in the wet. If you're an average speed rider who doesn't put on too much lean, then you could probably ride exactly the same way you do in the dry without any drama.

Today me and Jammy were out in the wet, taking it easy on the corners to be sensible, but in a straight line burying the throttle from lowish speeds with no rear wheel slip. It reminds you how much traction is out there. I remember being in Wales when there was mountain run off, and I'd come stonking round a corner which was dry only to cross a patch of running water with good lean, and sail over it without any drama.

The fact you are cautious is good, because that'll hold you back from making any mistakes, but don't let wet weather spoil your ride. So long as your tyres are in good nick and you've got a bit of heat into them and you avoid hazards (manhole covers, white lines, as Maria said), then don't be afraid to enjoy the corners sensibly. The bike will hold true. :)

[kiggles]

when accelerating from lights give it full throttle get the torque of the engine to get the back drifting, and when exiting round abouts do the same. the feeling is amazing.
but seriously don't do this around cars you might look like a tit doing it.


What i meant to say was dont give it full throttle the torque of the engine will get the back wheel to spin easily go easy on it nice a smooth. (not that v-twins are or anything).

[savage86]

Yeah as said above be smooth.
And bit more careful around roundabouts as there will more than likely be a bit of diesel and oil laying around and as it's easy to see in the rain rather easy to get transfixed on it.

[TicklinJock]

Thunderplumps were heavy but plenty gaps between here today. I managed to miss the rain, but I saw one poor chap stopped at the side of the road, wringing out his gloves. The road was wet in places and on one bit the bike felt a bit squirmy, immediately followed by the smell of diesel. I never noticed the rainbow on the tarmac, maybe the sunglasses I had been wearing are polarized. I need to check and see.

[STRAMASHER]

When you pull up at traffic lights, stop in the "car tracks" not inbetween them.

Lots of oil and diesel lurks here waiting to tuck your front end.

[aesmith]

As already posted on another thread, the worst time is when you get the first rain after a long dry spell. The road can be really slimy for a while until the rain and traffic washes them clear.

[Corny Gizmo]

+1 Aesmith, had wheel spin coming off a slimy roundabout yesterday - twas scary haha.

OP dont worry about it, go out and get a feel for it or you will never know, as others have said dont overthink it as there is a hell of a lot more grip than you think.

[Biker Biggles]

As above and ------tyres.Make sure they are not worn out and check the pressures are right.
Smoothness comes from concentration and forward vision.Spot the hazards early and roll off the throttle sooner.Then you use less brake and arrive under better control,in the right gear and with time to do the manoevre smoothly.Its all exactly how you should ride normally,just more so in the wet.

[ChrisCurvyS]

Everything everyone else has said, plus - don't tense up. Keep your grip on the handlebars relaxed and loose as the bike won't corner properly if your arms are rigid.

And if you do feel a bit of a slip from one of the tyres when cornering, don't panic - just go loose for a second, let the bike sort itself out and you'll be fine.

[wideguy]

Everything everyone else has said, plus - don't tense up. Keep your grip on the handlebars relaxed and loose as the bike won't corner properly if your arms are rigid.

And if you do feel a bit of a slip from one of the tyres when cornering, don't panic - just go loose for a second, let the bike sort itself out and you'll be fine.
Yes, this.
Stay within a zone where you are comfortable and CAN stay relaxed and loose. If you're riding with experienced wet road riders, take confidence from the speed they maintain while they are in control and not sliding around. Ask them to slow the pace a little so you can keep up while still being comfortable and relaxed.
Go ride a wet trackday.

[cheesypeeps]

Hey folks!
Thanks for all the advice! It was lovely yesterday and seems to be the same again today. I'm pretty sure the rain will be with us soon though. And I'll bare in mind all the tips given. :)

[mase_tw]

Dont wear a tinted visor! I done that silly mistake this morning! You either ride with it down and cant see bugger all or ride with it up and still cant see bugger all....

[Roberrrrt]

Dont wear a tinted visor! I done that silly mistake this morning! You either ride with it down and cant see bugger all or ride with it up and still cant see bugger all....

+1 on this. Half-tint might just be passable (although probably not legal) but full black tint is hard work in the rain :smt108

[elf800]

riding in the rain--- whew slow down and leave plenty following distance for braking-- if it is heavy i pull over or sometime ride with hazards on

[stuR]

You ride with hazards on?! Dont think thats legal...