Novice in the rain - Page 2 - SV650.org

18-08-06, 12:35 PM

Top tip:

Don't read the Police Rider's Handbook and after reading the bit on ABS, decide to "test" the bit where it says something along the lines of "The main reason ABS helps you stop quicker is not that it is more effective at braking, but more it gives the confidence to brake harder than they would normally, particularly in the wet. The majority of riders do not brake anywhere near the limit of grip." I did, in the wet and added a fraction (and we are talking minute) more front brake than I would normally and the front locked up. Not fun.

Seriously though, I'd ride in the rain. Even a fair weather rider will get caught out in the rain at some point and I'd rather choose to learn to ride in the wet (not that it's as different to riding in the dry as some would suggest, so long as you have decent tyres and aren't absolutely hooning it), than have to do it for the first time when I was already tired from a ride. In the rain, particulary in longer rides, comfort is important. You won't ride as smoothly and your reaction times will be longer if you are soaked through and cold.

My advise would be to get some sort of waterproofs. Be skeptical about "waterproof" textiles; a lot of them aren't. Even some waterproof oversuits let water in. Buy one on recommendation from someone you trust, or that Ride magazine have given a "Best Buy" or "Recommended" award to. I've got a Spada 406 oversuit and it has never let a drop in, even during 4 hour runs in torrential downpours. After getting one set of "waterproof" textiles and realising they mean "waterproof (for up to half an hour)" I decided to get one that I'd actually read a review of, rather than buying on looks alone.

fizzwheel · 18-08-06, 12:48 PM

Just try and stay relaxed, remember to breathe

take it slow and steady, Be gentle with throttle and brakes. Just take your time, as long as you dont try and ride like Leon Haslam at Croft last weekend you'll be OK.

As the others have said stay off, white lines and manhole covers. Pick up that head and look ahead plan your route through the obstacles before you get to them. Try and keep relaxed dont tense up as this will make your riding inputs hamfisted.

Top tip with Diesel is that normally you'll smell it before you see it and when you do see it it creates a rainbow effect similar to the one you get on soap bubbles on the road surface. You can ride over it and not fall off but I always try to avoid it. Be wary of entrances and exits to petrol stations and also roundabouts in towns can be slippy to.

Personally if I was you I'd get out there and get some wet miles under your belt. That way even if you do decide to only ride when its dry ( no shame in that ) you'll know what its like to ride in the rain so that if you do get caught out in it your riding wont go to pot.

Good luck

Biker Biggles · 18-08-06, 01:03 PM

What they all said.Smoooothnes is the key to bad weather riding and indeed is the mark of a good rider in any weather.Gentle rolling on of throttle and brakes,and easy rolling into corners is the way.

18-08-06, 01:10 PM

it's early days, and I reserve the right to change my mind, but right now I refuse to wear any one piece clothing in order to not look like a giant hairy baby!

18-08-06, 01:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grecian9

it's early days, and I reserve the right to change my mind, but right now I refuse to wear any one piece clothing in order to not look like a giant hairy baby!

My GF refers to my oversuit as "your blue and white romper suit"

18-08-06, 01:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ceri JC

Quote:

Originally Posted by grecian9

it's early days, and I reserve the right to change my mind, but right now I refuse to wear any one piece clothing in order to not look like a giant hairy baby!

My GF refers to my oversuit as "your blue and white romper suit"

yeah, I'd rather get soaked anyday that wear THAT thing!!

18-08-06, 01:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ceri JC

Quote:

Originally Posted by grecian9

it's early days, and I reserve the right to change my mind, but right now I refuse to wear any one piece clothing in order to not look like a giant hairy baby!

My GF refers to my oversuit as "your blue and white romper suit"

I get called Oddjob as in Carry on Screaming

18-08-06, 01:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mogs

I get called Oddjob as in Carry on Screaming

...and with the suit on?

Kylie · 18-08-06, 01:56 PM

I assume your bike is from a dealer and they have cleaned it up nicely. Take pictures of it before your first ride it in the rain, unless you are a serious scrubaholic it will never look that clean again!

18-08-06, 03:04 PM

Nah, it was old and dirty when I got it. 2000 curvy with 27k. Paid a monkey for it off a mate but looks like i've spent the same again on repairs!

18-08-06, 12:48 PM	#12
fizzwheel Super Moderator Mega Poster Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Somerset Posts: 3,614	Just try and stay relaxed, remember to breathe take it slow and steady, Be gentle with throttle and brakes. Just take your time, as long as you dont try and ride like Leon Haslam at Croft last weekend you'll be OK. As the others have said stay off, white lines and manhole covers. Pick up that head and look ahead plan your route through the obstacles before you get to them. Try and keep relaxed dont tense up as this will make your riding inputs hamfisted. Top tip with Diesel is that normally you'll smell it before you see it and when you do see it it creates a rainbow effect similar to the one you get on soap bubbles on the road surface. You can ride over it and not fall off but I always try to avoid it. Be wary of entrances and exits to petrol stations and also roundabouts in towns can be slippy to. Personally if I was you I'd get out there and get some wet miles under your belt. That way even if you do decide to only ride when its dry ( no shame in that ) you'll know what its like to ride in the rain so that if you do get caught out in it your riding wont go to pot. Good luck __________________ Look Dave, I can see you're really upset about this. I honestly think you ought to sit down calmly, take a stress pill, and think things over. K5 GSXR 750 Anniversary Edition

18-08-06, 01:03 PM	#13
Biker Biggles Member Mega Poster Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Barnet Herts Posts: 5,071	What they all said.Smoooothnes is the key to bad weather riding and indeed is the mark of a good rider in any weather.Gentle rolling on of throttle and brakes,and easy rolling into corners is the way. __________________ On a clear day we stand there and look further than the ordinary eye can see.

18-08-06, 01:56 PM	#19
Kylie Member Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Harrow Posts: 305	I assume your bike is from a dealer and they have cleaned it up nicely. Take pictures of it before your first ride it in the rain, unless you are a serious scrubaholic it will never look that clean again! __________________ I'm Mike. Kylie is an SK3 with OE lowers, R&G bungs, OE double bubble, Scottoiler, Starcomm, Hamicad tail tidy, bruised and in need of a wash.

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18-08-06, 12:35 PM	#11
Ceri JC Guest Posts: n/a	Top tip: Don't read the Police Rider's Handbook and after reading the bit on ABS, decide to "test" the bit where it says something along the lines of "The main reason ABS helps you stop quicker is not that it is more effective at braking, but more it gives the confidence to brake harder than they would normally, particularly in the wet. The majority of riders do not brake anywhere near the limit of grip." I did, in the wet and added a fraction (and we are talking minute) more front brake than I would normally and the front locked up. Not fun. Seriously though, I'd ride in the rain. Even a fair weather rider will get caught out in the rain at some point and I'd rather choose to learn to ride in the wet (not that it's as different to riding in the dry as some would suggest, so long as you have decent tyres and aren't absolutely hooning it), than have to do it for the first time when I was already tired from a ride. In the rain, particulary in longer rides, comfort is important. You won't ride as smoothly and your reaction times will be longer if you are soaked through and cold. My advise would be to get some sort of waterproofs. Be skeptical about "waterproof" textiles; a lot of them aren't. Even some waterproof oversuits let water in. Buy one on recommendation from someone you trust, or that Ride magazine have given a "Best Buy" or "Recommended" award to. I've got a Spada 406 oversuit and it has never let a drop in, even during 4 hour runs in torrential downpours. After getting one set of "waterproof" textiles and realising they mean "waterproof (for up to half an hour)" I decided to get one that I'd actually read a review of, rather than buying on looks alone.

18-08-06, 01:10 PM	#14
grecian9 Guest Posts: n/a	it's early days, and I reserve the right to change my mind, but right now I refuse to wear any one piece clothing in order to not look like a giant hairy baby!

18-08-06, 03:04 PM	#20
grecian9 Guest Posts: n/a	Nah, it was old and dirty when I got it. 2000 curvy with 27k. Paid a monkey for it off a mate but looks like i've spent the same again on repairs!