Riding in the rain

[dsimon9]

Hello:

Although I have over 20 years of motorcycle riding experience, I have seldom been caught in the rain. I have been fortunate/unfortunate to have lived in states where rain can be a rare event (TX, CA, & CO). Recently, returning from a 10 day trip, I was caught in some pretty heavy rains. They started in Vail, and ended in Idaho Springs. I want to discuss what I did during the rain, how I prepared for it, and what could of been done to improve my rain riding.

I own a 2004 r1150r. I had a fairly new set of tires (Z6's). I had coated the helmet shield with rain-x and was wearing rain gear. The rain started as a lite drizzle near Vail, which progressively got worse and peaked in Idaho Springs. As the situation worsened, I moved over to the right lane and slowed down considerably. From about 80mph to around 60mph. I probably should have slowed down a bit more, but I was concerned about having somebody getting too close behind me.

I found myself behind an 18 wheeler. I kept my distance, but also found the truck useful or so I think. I kept my bike on the wake created by the truck. As I approached Idaho Springs, I hit two pretty big puddles. Although the bike held true, I figured I was pushing my luck. I pulled out of the freeway (I-70) and parked myself under an overpass. There I stayed until the rains passed, about 30minutes.

I would like to hear/get advice on how members of this board approach rain. What I did right, what I did wrong, and what I could have done, which I did not do. Thanks in advance.

Dex

[johno]

Where I live in Australia, it rains for 9months, then drips off the trees for the other 3 months. If I want to ride, I have no option to ride some times in the rain.
I will not go out if it is allready heavy, but I have been caught quite a few times when it has turned nasty, and as you have done, I slow down, and try to avoid large patches of water on the road, and keep your distance from other vehicles.
I actually enjoy riding in light drizzle-as long as you have good wet weather riding gear.
My previous BMW-1150RT was superb in the wet. Could let you into a false sense of security though.
The R is not the ideal" wet " bike, but, you change your riding habits to suit.
Dex, dont let the rain stop you from enjoying the freedom of motorcycling.
Practice makes perfect.

[MikeCam]

You did well. Instinct and experience are both good for these types of things.

The general rules are these:

1. Slower in everything...70-80% speed, longer braking, gentler cornering.

2. Watch out for spray, oily surfaces, low vis, and hydroplaning.

3. When your brain screams enough, stop and wait.

You automatically knew each of these things.

Thanks for the endorsement and for sharing the experience.

[wncbmw]

Remember, the first 30 minutes or so of a rain are when the road is the slickest. All the oil that has dripped out comes up and eventually is flushed off. Everything in moderation - speed, turns, stops.

Bikes will actually hydroplane less than cars due to the narrower tires.

As long as I can see, I don't have problems riding in the rain. Just have to increase the awareness a little and decrease the speed.

[MikeCam]

[What Follows is a Cheap Hit at my Good Friend Vann, Please Do Not Overreact]

Vann,

You are spending too many working hours on this forum. Isn't there a drain needs unclogging somewhere?

Mike

[darcym]

I'd not have ridden behind a big rig. Probably because my experience has been that they displace a lot of water off of those tires that sometimes ends up coming back at you. Worse in the lane next to. Also, you can't see what he sees ahead of you.

A good thing is to pull off the road when you start to feel uncomfortable. Trust those instincts. You have them for good reason.

In a first rain after a long dry spell, all the accumulated oils do start to rise off of the roadway and makes it particularly slick. Caution always in turns and reduced speed and reduced braking distance.

I usually like to ride in the tread of the tires on any lane -- never in the middle, because that's where the fluids (oils, etc) are dripping off of the cars. Also in a light rain like we had here on Sunday, the heat from the tires dries up that part of the road. It is the last place that water will accumulate.

[wncbmw]

You are spending too many working hours on this forum

Highly likely!

Edited to add: This is the only internet forum I actively participate in, so it is my home, so to speak!

[dwayne]

You are spending too many working hours on this forum

Highly likely!

Edited to add: This is the only internet forum I actively participate in, so it is my home, so to speak!

You need to get out

[wncbmw]

I ain't posting during riding time!

[yjleesvrr]

Hey dwayne - I noticed you've blown through the 300 mark in 3 months! At that rate, you'll post more than me and get close to Vann's number by the time next summer rolls around!

I wouldn't mind seeing a bit of rain. It has been atrociously hot lately. I haven't had the desire to ride, not even in shorts!

[dwayne]

Hey dwayne - I noticed you've blown through the 300 mark in 3 months! At that rate, you'll post more than me and get close to Vann's number by the time next summer rolls around!

I wouldn't mind seeing a bit of rain. It has been atrociously hot lately. I haven't had the desire to ride, not even in shorts!

Yup, I too need to get out

[wncbmw]

If they ever take away my internet connection at work, my post count will slow down.

[dwayne]

If they ever take away my internet connection at work, my post count will slow down.

Yup, I hear ya.

[johno]

Me too!!