First ride in the rain

[baum604]

This thread reminds me of my trip back to Charleston from Myrtle beach bike week several years back. Got cought in my first rain storm, and still had about 70 miles to go yet. I was never so scared riding before, but took it easy and made it home safe.

So that was a quick learning experience riding in the rain.

[GregR1]

so, on the topic of riding in the rain and keeping warm and dry, what's the best gear to be wearing? one piece rainsuit or two-piece? special boots or just boot covers? special gloves or just glove covers? what about the exposed neck area?

[blackie1491]

I just carry 2 pc. as I just use the pants mostly.
The cost is higher here so I just picked them up at the Army/Navy Store.

I wear a pair of chaps in this rainy season for basic protection and for ease of cleaning. I have a cold weather neck wrap (reverseable) that connects with
velcro. It takes care of chill, can pull up to cover the chin and when my jacket is zipped up keeps the chill and rain out.

I carry a spare pair of lined gloves with me for a change.

I have never been more than a few hours in a heavy down pour.

Perhaps some of the long haul riders can give you some tips.

[alpinestar]

day one of my MSF course was literally dumping rain - but they hold it rain or shine. even though it was a 250cc toy - trying to learn how to ride in the rain was a challenge for sure. day 2 of the course was sunny - with 35 mph gusts. i whined alot about my luck to my roomates and friends who ride - all of which told me i was better off in the long run because of it.

i learned how to ride in the worst conditions which makes me a better rider in the ideal.

[peter-reebok]

In a drought affected country, I rode for 4 days in the rain - it followed everywher except home.

One town I went through had 310 mm of rain in 2 hrs.

In the end, you are wet. Eventually.
Didn't worry me, just adapted.

But once the gloves are soaked, you cant put them back on, and paying tolls with change becomes a drama.

[Cajundude]

oh yeah...just did 600+ in raingear on our way down to Leesburg, FL last Thursday. Talk about miserable, but at the same time a bunch of fun and great stories afterward. My bike was renamed from Mistress to Pepe' due to the load she was carring. Needless to say, the wet roads really tested my riding skills. Much like everything else it takes practice/practice/practice... thus get out there in the rain and improve your skills!

[baum604]

Originally Posted by Cajundude

oh yeah...just did 600+ in raingear on our way down to Leesburg, FL last Thursday. Talk about miserable, but at the same time a bunch of fun and great stories afterward. My bike was renamed from Mistress to Pepe' due to the load she was carring. Needless to say, the wet roads really tested my riding skills. Much like everything else it takes practice/practice/practice... thus get out there in the rain and improve your skills!

About testing your riding skills, yeah, that is the truth.

[DR-Z125L]

ya the rain sucks when ur riding

[wizman]

Last year when we toured though europe, we were caught out on one day, everytime we stopped my mate says... yeah were about to get through the worst of it... WRONG!

After about 90mins of getting wet and cold (in summer leathers) we finally stopped to put on the waterproofs, They are only the cheapie all in one overalls, and also changed from a tinted visor to clear and also had a change of gloves too. but the 1st thing i noticed was with the waterproofs on how much warmer i got straight away.

I use Michelin Pilot Powers on my sportsbike and even in the rain they inspire great confidence.

But for a regular sunday ride out... il stay indoors if theres any sign of rain

[lindalde]

I had my first ride in the rain last weekend. I was with my husband, two teenage boys and another family. I was not comfortable keeping the pace of our leader so slowed down. The people behind me were thankful that I did so. They felt the same way. The next time I will stop and put on my rain gear because I was soaked and freezing. Too bad they don't have windshield wipers! LOL..joking. It wasn't my favorite thing to do but I'm glad to have had the experience.

[DragonRider]

I have ridden almost every day of the past year(missed about 20 days ,recouperation after hernia surgery and ice days). I don't ride in the rain on purpose,but I won't stay home if it looks like rain. If I did I'd never be able to ride. Ripstop Nylon is good(very long lasting),Vinyl is bad(rips easily).
I have gotten caught in the rain more times than I can count. If it even looks like it will or they say it will rain. Then, I carry a pair of cheap Stearns nylon rainpants w/elastic waist,(from walmart I think) I bought for $20,they have snaps on the bottom of the legs so you can put them on over boots. Pretty rugged for the price. I have never gotten wet with them on,except at the very bottom on my legs about an inch. Always worth carrying at least pants in my opinion. They fold up small.
My jackets are all waterproof now,but I used to carry a waterproof rain jacket, flourescent orange with yellow reflective stripes, to put over my leather. Very visible. But with the windshield you really don't need it unless you are over an hour out from home,or very heavy rain. I sometimes still carry it for after dark for visibility and warmth.
Just lower your speed and be extra careful in the turns and twisties. It's safe enough. Most motorcyles tires are designed with rain in mind,of course some are better than others.
Like someone said,rain gear will significantly keep you warmer(think windbreaker) even if it isn't raining. Like if you forget to bring a warm jacket and the temps drop on you. Hypothermia is a very dangerous to ignore.
I use Waterproof boots, you definately need them,or some kind of overboots in the rain or your boots fill with water. Your feet will be Cold! Trust me.
I like what someone said about people in cars looking at you like you're crazy when it's pouring down rain setting at a stop light,but I am perfectly dry in my gear. I think they are crazy for being trapped in thier cage. But to each thier own.
I have waterproof gloves but eventually they get soaking wet,I'm going to try vinyl gloves under mine next time.
Some may think wearing the gear looks goofy,but goofy is temporary,absence of needed gear can last forever.
The older you get the less you care what others think. Trust me on this one.

[PNW rider]

Living in Seattle I keep my rain gear in my saddle bags and keep a full face on my passenger backrest. I ride in the rain regularly and stay warm and dry. Just need to be a bit more cautious and aware of standing water,, but it is actually quite enjoyable....

[blackie1491]

You guys in Washington must have web feet.



Hey Dave light bar is great. But Dummy here tightened everything but the nut on the switch, lost the boot and nut on the second ride. It was the the only one I did not check after the 1st ride.

We seemed to have gotten some of your weather Rain and more Rain.

Take care.

[wizman]

Originally Posted by DragonRider

The older you get the less you care what others think. Trust me on this one.

Absolutely true!

[Mavi]

Be extra, extra careful at petrol stations....

[Phil459]

New Rider here (Just bought a C50) and first post:
What about oilskins such as a drover's coat or 3/4 Jacket and oilskin pants?
Off the bike when I have spent time in the rain the coat has kept me warm and dry.

[DragonRider]

Originally Posted by Phil459

New Rider here (Just bought a C50) and first post:
What about oilskins such as a drover's coat or 3/4 Jacket and oilskin pants?
Off the bike when I have spent time in the rain the coat has kept me warm and dry.

I guess it worked for the cowboys back in the day,but personally I wouldn't wear anything too long. What with the spinnin' wheels and all.

There are so many things that would keep you dryer and warmer. In my opinion,that is.

Congrats on the new bike!