riding in the rain

[TurnCoat]

Originally Posted by icy

...some ride to live, some live to ride, and some like riding when they feel like it. it's all good in my book.

but I do reserve to grin a bit when I hear the words "dude, it's raining || it's cold || there is no sun || it's windy || there's a thunderstorm || a blizzard || nor'easter || it's dark || traffic lights are not working... how can you ride in this?"

Maybe a bit dramatic icy. You sound like a young guy itching to ride every day.
Good on you.
Let talk again in 30 years.
I have done rides where the sleet/rain does nothing but freeze you (me). And thats with a hundred miles to the next gas fill up. With three hundred miles to the days destination. Makes for a very long and frozen day not to mention poor vision, spray etc.
Fun? Ya we laugh through the day. My group is usually not on dressers, so less protection. Man it gets cold lol.
Not at all like a city jaunt across town.
My lifestyle revolves around motorcycles too. I have a Triumph, BSA and a beemer. One I don't give a shit about the weather it sees.
I am now waiting to receive my new Sportster (out of close to 30 I've had over the years). Maybe I shouldn't be here yet...
But a bike is a bike.
I guess there is no point other than I am able to choose when I want to ride my beloved ride.
I understand when its transpo! I craved it then too.
No offense icy, just different takes.

This is holding me over to my Sportster comes in. Its seen rain mud and lots of Captain Morgan.
Lifestyle comes in many forms.

[icy]

Originally Posted by TurnCoat

Maybe a bit dramatic icy. You sound like a young guy itching to ride every day.
Good on you.
Let talk again in 30 years.
I have done rides where the sleet/rain does nothing but freeze you (me). And thats with a hundred miles to the next gas fill up. With three hundred miles to the days destination. Makes for a very long and frozen day not to mention poor vision, spray etc.

Ugh. In 30 years I'll be 70. plus there won't be any Internet left then. I don't think there is any need for offense, or defense here. We're all talking You like this, I like that, whatever, who cares.

Dramatic? Yes. But I'd rather live the drama, than to watch it on television series and talk about it during coffee breaks

[TurnCoat]

All good icy. I'll be 82 in 30 and won't be riding anyway.
...I'll buy you a beer someday.

I did enjoy your snow pic in the Sportster forum. Looks like you have good gear for the weather.



Can I use that for my sig line?

Originally Posted by icy

...I'd rather live the drama, than to watch it on television series and talk about it during coffee breaks

[icy]

Originally Posted by TurnCoat

All good icy. I'll be 82 in 30 and won't be riding anyway.
...I'll buy you a beer someday.

I did enjoy your snow pic in the Sportster forum. Looks like you have good gear for the weather.

Can I use that for my sig line?

I promise to visit you before 30 years and get that beer! I have nothing but respect for you my dear sir.

Sig-line? Sure I have so many corny one liners that I was offered a job as a ghost writer for James Bond movies :P Here's one that I really like:

It's easy to learn how to speak,
It takes a lot more to learn how to actually say something.
-Icy

[Baldrick]

Rain - now that's something us Limeys do know about. Nothing to be scared of. You need good gear to keep you dry & warm - if you're cold & wet you lose concentration and do silly things. You'll also find your knees creak 30 years down the road if you don't keep 'em warm & dry! You need to double the size of your "bubble" - that's the area all around you that nothing or nobody is allowed to penetrate - and double the distance ahead that you focus on. Most especially, double the distance you normally need to stop in. The bike will be fine but you might consider a generous coat of anti-corrosion spray in all the hidden nooks & crannies where the water collects & doesn't dry quickly. Then enjoy the experience of taking on the elements and winning.

[375RGRRGT]

i NEVER feel confident riding in the rain. Can someone tell me why? What do I need to do to feel more confident? I've done ABATE courses (several times and huge supporter), plenty of rides but just can't seem to make the grade (I ride like 50mph in the rain on the highway).

I ride a 2010 SG with a stageII 103 and dunlop american elite rear. I need to work on this but have no clue where to start.

[Chief Illiniwek]

Originally Posted by 375RGRRGT

i NEVER feel confident riding in the rain. Can someone tell me why? What do I need to do to feel more confident? I've done ABATE courses (several times and huge supporter), plenty of rides but just can't seem to make the grade (I ride like 50mph in the rain on the highway).

I ride a 2010 SG with a stageII 103 and dunlop american elite rear. I need to work on this but have no clue where to start.

Give a good rain 15 mins to wash loose road and oil out of your way and then have at it. Slow down. Don't override your comfort and confidence threshold.

Lane ruts have less oil than the center, but may puddle. If they're puddled, seek high ground in the middle.

Then, experience is all you need. Practice, practice.

[GotGold]

Originally Posted by 375RGRRGT

i NEVER feel confident riding in the rain. Can someone tell me why? What do I need to do to feel more confident? I've done ABATE courses (several times and huge supporter), plenty of rides but just can't seem to make the grade (I ride like 50mph in the rain on the highway).

I ride a 2010 SG with a stageII 103 and dunlop american elite rear. I need to work on this but have no clue where to start.

+1 on what Chief said, you've gotta ride your own ride while gaining experience. Riding in rain is just a different set of circumstances to adjust to. Use your head, practice, practice, practice. Watch the oil slicks at intersections, and gas stations, metal is slick.. but if you've taken the courses I know I'm not telling you anything new. Takes time, don't rush it.

[Ray-zer]

I'm pretty cautious in the rain too. It makes me nervous not knowing how much traction I really have.

[GotGold]

Originally Posted by Ray-zer

I'm pretty cautious in the rain too. It makes me nervous not knowing how much traction I really have.

Not saying this to be a smart @ss for once.. but set yourself up, no one around, slow speed, stay straight, start with slowest speed first then hit your back brake. Speed it up a bit, do it again..stay off the front period, until you get the feel of how well the bike is stopping for you. Cautious is a good thing.. nervous, not so much. Huge parking lot is a good place.