Bandit Alley

GENERAL MOTORCYCLE FORUMS => GENERAL MOTORCYCLE => Topic started by: Slider on January 10, 2009, 12:20:39 AM

Title: Rain -have you ever gone down when it is wet
Post by: Slider on January 10, 2009, 12:20:39 AM
I don't like riding in the rain very much. It filthy the bike muchly. Still, if you are on a tour, there's not much choice. Campgrounds and tents suck and motels/restaurants will suck you dry very quickly if you just sit out a monsoon. I, (sorta try to), drive like a grandma in the rain. Still, I've spun the rear wheel on oil at traffic lights where mucho traffic waits... and drips. Same for brakeing on exit lanes of multi lane roads where there are similar backups. Add a bit O' sky water and you guys know. I've never gone down but had to to create a new lane between the guard rail once when braking didn't work. I was in a sweat when I realized I had passed almost three cars in this ghost lane. Thank god Helmets are anonomous.

Red faced.

Anybody got any winter tales for us all? :beers:
 
Title: Re: Rain -have you ever gone down when it is wet
Post by: speedwaymaniac on January 10, 2009, 03:40:28 PM
Year round rider myself, the wet doesnt bother me. (Dry is better simply because your kit doesnt get as heavy)
I've come off in the wet before, back when i was riding about on my GN125.. one was pure stupidity taking the corner far too fast for not great conditions  :duh: the other was a diesel slick. Many close calls usually from over zealous braking but i think you got the best idea, take it more steady than you would in the dry and your already going to stand a better chance.

I fully agree with the "filth" my poor Bandit is plastered with road salt at the moment, I cleaned it the other day took it out on the road the next day and by the time i was home it was no worse than before i washed it  :rant2: add a bit of water to it and its even worse, almost like someone has sprayed the front of the bike with mud  :annoy:
Title: Re: Rain -have you ever gone down when it is wet
Post by: oldandslow on January 11, 2009, 09:38:36 PM
Commute.  Daily.  Rain or shine.  "Filthy muchly" for sure!  Take it easy in the corners and leave lots of room for braking.  Mostly doesn't bother me, except when being tailgated going down the winding mountain rode  :yikes:  (Rt 92, heading East from Half Moon Bay to the Peninsula).

Ride Safe!
Rob
Title: Re: Rain -have you ever gone down when it is wet
Post by: Vidrazor on January 12, 2009, 12:38:11 PM
Got cut off last December in a wet parking lot after a light rain, went down. Fortunately only doing around 10mph, got off light, I guess...
Title: Re: Rain -have you ever gone down when it is wet
Post by: pmackie on January 12, 2009, 07:16:27 PM
I went down in the snow in May of '07...

Darn Salmo-Creston Pass... :rant2: Full Knobby tires and/or chains might have helped, but nothing less.

Some details of the 2007 PNW Bandit ride here:
http://forums.banditalley.net/index.php?topic=8222.msg68507#msg68507

Riding in the rain takes some confidence, and high silica content Sport Touring tires in near new condition also help.
Title: Re: Rain -have you ever gone down when it is wet
Post by: banditone1250s on January 23, 2009, 07:03:02 PM
  I have never been down in the rain or any where else for that matter (just lucky I guess). but I do know that it takes a little additional caution that you might not utilize on a normal riding day when it is sunny and dry.. About the "take off slips' , I always, when coming to an intersection, get to one side of whatever lane that I am in. That way, most of the oil dripping cagers will be in the middle of the road and consequently drop the oil in the middle of the road. That will keep you pretty safe from all that oil. Hope that helps you out a little...Banditone1250s...

  There is a thin line between fear and respect...Feel free to drift across it every now and then...
Title: Re: Rain -have you ever gone down when it is wet
Post by: B6mick on February 01, 2009, 06:21:39 PM
Lost count, :duh:
In 32 years, and a million plus miles, as a road rider, throw in a few years as a courier rider as well, Melbournes tram lines, always good fun :rofl: in the wet.
But touch wood :duh:never got hurt. But you do slide well in the wet  :roll: