riding in the rain

[bradahj]

Supposed to rain tomorrow. Would really like to finish up the season riding as much as possible as it is supposed to be warm all week. But am wondering about any pitfalls when it comes to riding in the rain regarding mechanical issues. I've read a few things around the net from "Ride Dammit! That's what it's for" to "Water collects in places that never really dry and rust can develop."

Quite a spectrum of opinion........ Is there any consensus on this board?

[icy]

As an active all season rider, and a fellow Sportster enthusiast, I have no problems anywhere. I rode through ankle deep flash floods, "in 10 seconds you get your underwear wet" thunderstorms, mud, sleek, slush, nor'easter in durations that stretch from half an hour to a couple of hours in local roads and highway speeds. My bike is new though (2012) maybe I am yet to figure out that "ooh, so if I submerge it then it does not work" type of situation. But, yeah, fear nothing. Make sure your plugs are covered, your battery is dry and off you go.

Until, someone much more experienced than I am speaks up and says "don't listen to the little rascal... " and gives sound, solid advice.

Be safe

[JayD]

When I was younger rain hail or shine...shine preferably I rode it did not matter, today if i'm caught out in it, so be it, but if I have choice bugger riding in the rain...been there done that more time than I care to count. My bike survived and did not rust, just wash and polish it once the rain stops.

[Zelrick]

Ride it,

When you get home do a quick wipe down of the bike to prevent water spotting on the tins and chrome. If your bike has a cat, be damn careful it get's extremely hot even in a downpour.

Other than that just suit up for the rain and ride safe.

[Hunt/fish 365]

I personally don't purposely ride in the rain. I have a truck with a roof, windows and a heater. Like another posted...If I get caught in it that's one thing. This time of year it tends to be COLD when it rains. I work in an office, and showing up for work soaking wet would be frowned on.

To me the ride is supposed to be a pleasurable experience, and riding in the rain is not pleasurable. On my bike I have zero protection. No fairing or windshield. I get all mother nature wants to throw at me.

To answer the original question though there is nothing to worry about. I took notice yesterday that the underside of my rear fender is the same Big Blue Pearl as the top side polished and all. My truck is only painted where you can see from the road, and it isn't rusted yet (10 years old).

The only thing I can think of that may cause a problem would be fasteners. They tend to rust if not treated by just waving a picture of rain over them. Not sure about the fasteners that Harley uses, but they don't look "weather proof" to me. Mine hasn't seen water yet so I can judge those.

[buckanear007]

ride ride ride bike will do better than rider

[bradahj]

Icy, I like your attitude....... I'll probably go that route.

I did read a post somewhere in the forum, however, that gave remedies for short circuits on particular Sportster models. Apparently, water ran down the wiring harness and short ciruited something. The short circuit shut the bike down. Probably a small percentage, but this is the kind of thing I'm talking about.

[XL1200R]

Originally Posted by buckanear007

ride ride ride bike will do better than rider

That's the truth.

In the rain its not the bike you need to worry about it is yourself

Don't worry about the bike instead worry about things like good rain gear and good wet road riding techniques

And so what you get a smudge of rust here or there? Its made to be ridden not stored in a showroom. Enjoy it, take care of it, and have fun on it.

[TB Softail]

xl 1220 r has it right. yourself, your ability, your bike. don't ride if you are not comfortable!

[secoleman57]

I've had no issues "mechanically" riding in the rain. It's more a safety issue when it comes to road conditions and comfort (which if you are cold and wet can effect your response).

As long as you realize oil and water don't mix (which I think everyone here does), and the roads are going to afford less traction I haven't let it stop me.

Now I won't go out if all I have to look forward to is a ride in the rain, but if where I'm going is nice or where I start is nice and I run into it then rain isn't going to stop me.

Really the only major issue I have riding in the rain is the crap splattered all over the bike. Such is life, I just clean her up the next day.