Kawasaki Sportsbike Riders Club - Australia - Online Forum

Hey guys, how do you guys go riding in the wet on our roads?
I'm a bit nervous riding in the wet, admittedly and I don't have a death wish as such.
Although I never ride on shitty wet days, but have been caught on a good day.
I then take it easy and keep it straight as possible.
I know to avoid divets in the corners, painted lines etc and sometimes you get other factors that can come into play, like diesel spillage and poor asphalt.
Share some of your experiences.

I don't mind getting wet at all - going for a ride tomorrow with a couple of mates even though the forecast is 80% chance of showers. But I do have to say my limited level of cornering confidence dissolves and I take it pretty easy through the corners.

(-8

Once upon a time, all i owned was a bike as my daily and I did the gruelling commute rain or shine. I didn't mind it then but these days I don't need to I guess.
Don't mind getting wet. Been there like I said and have been soaked all over. Part of the romance of bike ownership in a funny said way.
Have a safe ride anyway mate,
Cheers

I use a secret technique


I get wet

Like BretZZr I take it pretty easy. Ride like a Nanna might be the best description. Went over Reefton in the snow two weeks ago so it works.

Don't get to up tight just ride a bit slower than normal it's a great way to hone your skills.

I find really wet better than just drizzling. With a lot of rain most of the crap on the road will get washed away. just keep out of puddles as some can swallow you and the bike.

I try to maintain about half the lean angle of dry riding so 2" chicken strips rather than 1" hehehe

As with everything practice practice practice.

BTW you want good tyres too....

Thing I find the best, tell yourself to relax through the arms and shoulders, once you tense up you cant control the bike like you want. The other thing is to get off the seat a little more to keep your bike more upright.

I hate riding in the city in the ride with all the tin tops and oily shit. but riding in the rain away from that shit can be hoot, just a little slower is all

Don't do it aye...............
We have choices aye..............
Ride in the rain..... or sit in the pub drinking beer till the rain stops..................
Cheers........ and happy to help.............

The only problem I have about riding in the rain is cleaning the bike afterwards.

I use three general techniques;

Think soft hands. Smooth gentle input makes for smooth seamless riding

Corner 1 gear higher than normal - reduces torque and minimizes the possibility of wheel spin

I sing Paul Simon's "Slip sliding away" just to keep focused on the conditions

photomike666 wrote:The only problem I have about riding in the rain is cleaning the bike afterwards ...

That's funny! My bike gets CLEANER when I ride in the rain!

Heh!!

.. I like riding in the rain (as long as I am dry that is )
as I think it suits my riding style
...of smooth smooth easy does it

keep the bike upright, no hard braking or acceleration
go easy on the levers if you like and use both front and back brakes

and watch the road surface.. ! do not ride in the middle of lanes
(too much oil and crap) do not ride in car tyres tracks as puddles form there
so I ride between the 2.. which also means I generally miss steel manhole covers
which along with painted lines are the slipperiest things when out riding in the wet

Quote: do not ride in the middle of lanes
(too much oil and crap) do not ride in car tyres tracks as puddles form there
so I ride between the 2.. which also means I generally miss steel manhole covers
which along with painted lines are the slipperiest things when out riding in the wet[/quote]


So true !

Just do it. The more you do the confident. Hang on tighter with your legs to release your arms, always plan an exit and dont sit directly behind cars/vehicles in traffic. Keep your wits and avoid potential wanakas. Good tyres and watch your pressures

Braking is the biggie that will catch you out in the wet so leave plenty of room. Stay relaxed in wet or dry and you'll find your riding limits without exceeding them, and build on them. Treat every corner as a learning experience.