[madjak30]

I finally got caught out in the rain…it was bound to happen, with all the thunder showers happening lately. We had a flash rain storm at dinner time tonight, and then it stopped. Probably 30-40 mins of rain. I had to run back into the office for a couple of hours, so I took the bike and parked it in the shop while I was in my office. I thought it would clear up and be a nice ride home…wrong…round two…the down pour started after I was in my office for a couple of hours (I don’t have an exterior wall in my office). I went to look and saw the “trailing edge” of the clouds heading in my direction, so I thought it might clear within the hour. I finished my work, logged off the computer and shut out the lights. I headed down to the shop, that’s when I heard it. The sound of a steady rain, no wind or thunder, just rain. CRAP!! Sure the thunder clouds had passed, but the steady rain followed it this time. So for my 25 min ride home (10 city, 15 hiway) steady rain. I was surprised that I wasn’t soaked (I still don’t have rain gear, oops), only my legs and arms were wet…not really soaked, but definately wet. The ride was actually nice, I just took the corners a little slower and cruised home. One thing I learned, I need to get some RAIN-X or something like it for my visor…quite blurry when it has a few bug guts and rain…hehehe

I just thought I would post my experience and how shocked I was to learn that I wasn’t drenched…my GS500E only has a small after market wind screen…no farings…

Later.

[briderdt]

Best $2.50 I ever spent. And I hope who ever invented it is a millionaire.

[megaspaz]

go around 30 mph and start moving your head from one side to the other to move the rain off your visor…

[TrialsRider]

The trailing edge of the clouds is where most of the rain is.

They are too expensive for just rain, but the ‘tear off’ visor protectors as used in dirt and road racing are great for bugs and mud.

[madjak30]

I was trying that at 130kph (80mph)…it didn’t help that it was dark and rainy…first night ride too…I think I would like it if it wasn’t raining…

I might have to try the finger squeege…but Rain-X is pretty cheap too.

[JtownJJA]

I haven’t got caught in the rain yet, but as you said, it is bound to happen eventually. Thank you for sharing your experience. I’ve been thinking a lot about it this week, because last week I got caught at work with mid-day rain, but it was sunny again by the time I headed home.

[redcromwell]

My first experience in the ran and I chickened out.

I took the bike to work and didn’t check the weather report. Thunderstorms late in the day had my bike sitting out in the parking lot getting drenched.

I was hoping it would pass quickly but, it would let up and then start pouring buckets again.

I’ve never riden in the rain and didn’t want my first time to be during a thunderstorm. So, I just went with my gut and didn’t do it. I just had a mental image of me wiping out on a turn as my bike slides out from under me.

Luckily a friend of mine offered me a ride home in his car. I threw my gear into his trunk and sadly waved goodbye to my bike for the night.

[Rab]

As a year-round motorcycle commuter, I’ve found that turning your head at speed (keeping your eyes looking forward) and Rain-X help, but they won’t help when there is a very light rain/mist or dirty road spray gets thrown at you from the car in front, instantly blinding you. For that you need a finger-wiper a.k.a. Squeegee.

For most gloves, one of these (below) slipped over the finger will do nicely; they come in a pack of three:

http://www.jcwhitney.com/finger-visor-wipers/p2011168.jcwx

Alternatively, for thick-fingered Winter gloves, one of these (below) might be better as the ones above can cut off the blood supply to your finger if they’re too tight.

http://www.greenlightstuff.com/swipe.html

N.B. Neither my adult son nor I could get the Green Light Swipe to fit properly using the hook-and-loop cinch strap threading instructions supplied, so you may have to figure-out how to fit it on by experimentation like I did. I will say though, that the hook-and-loop cinch strap supplied feels kinda flimsy.

Both types of finger-wipers are worn on the left fore-finger or thumb and are simply swiped across your visor as necessary.

[Rab]

Riding in the rain isn’t such a big deal if you are properly dressed for the occasion and have a solution for visor and glasses (if worn) fogging (i.e. Anti-fog sprays, Pinlock visor/insert or Fog City insert). Also a Rain-X treated visor and finger-wiper (see above).

Touring jackets/pants with a waterproof membrane built-in are much easier to wear than struggling to put rain gear on over non-waterproof armored jackets/pants. Waterproof gloves and boots are also essential.

Wearing bright colors and reflectives for increased visibility is a good idea too.

Yes, it can be a pain in the neck putting all that gear on (especially rain jackets/pants over armored gear), but you will be so much more comfortable and safe if you do.

Slow down, leave longer stopping distances between you and the car in front (at least 4 seconds). Reduce lean angle going around bends by taking them slower and/or by shifting your weight to the outside a little. Be smooth with the controls, no sudden moves (including speeding-up or slowing down). Brake earlier and be gentle on the brakes. Untextured metal plates, grates and railway lines are *very* slippery when wet, so don’t be braking, accelerating or leaning-over when you go over one. To a lesser extent, painted white lines can be slippery too. Avoid puddles (you don’t know how deep they are).

Phew! After thinking about all that lot, maybe riding in the rain *is* a big deal after all

[madjak30]

I avoid the pot holes regardless of whether they are full of water or not…either way, my suspension will bottom out and I don’t want a flat (puncture)…or a bent rim…I really did enjoy the ride in the rain…like I said, I just took it slow in the corners and enjoyed the ride…I think I may put my insurance papers in a ziploc though…lol

All of Rab’s suggestions are true, but they are common sense….although that isn’t too “common” these days…lol

Enjoy the ride…no matter what the conditions are…the fresh air will do you good…

Later.

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