Wet weather riding....

[PhatVR6]

I got the worst soaking of my life this morning....I've just started a new job this week, and it's a 30 mile commute each way. I have no car at the moment to trixie is my only transport. Usually this would be a good thing, as it's the exact route that all the bikers use to go to the coast on a weekend for a ride out. I get to ride it twice a day.

Back to this morning. Getting all my gear on, got some cheapo UVEX waterproofs that I got given. I've worn them twice and both times they leaked at the crotch after about 20 mins.....

This time the zip came apart when putting them on. I was absolutely furious. It looked like it was going to rain, but I ripped them off and tried to go in my normal gear alone. Less than half a mile later i turned back, it absolutely threw it down and my legs were soaked within a mintue. Got home, put some more gear on, and the faulty waterproofs, with no zip, just flaps and velcro.

I got about 15 miles before they started leaking, again through the crotch. Another 15 miles later and I was at work but extremely cold, wet, pissed off and even a tad upset.

They wouldn't put the heating on to dry my kit out either, so i sat there all morning with no underwear, but dry trousers (I take my work trousers with me), and a soaking wet shirt. I was not a happy bunny.

Went out at lunchtime and spent £90 on some water "resistant" gloves and some proper thermal lined waterproof trousers so I could ride him in warmth and comfort.

I never ever want to experience this again. Just wanted to know your reccomendations for keeping dry and warm!

Also, staying with the wet weather theme, I got a hell of a back end slide on doing about 10mph round a roundabout. the back end just slid away with the slightest application of the power. Then a few miles later I was sat behind a car, in 1st gear. i went to overtake, and when i changed into 2nd it sound like the clutch was slipping, but it wasn't, it was the back wheel spinning up!!!

Having never experienced riding in heavy rain before all this is new to me. Is it just something that all weather bikers have to face?

[Jak]

Having never experienced riding in heavy rain before all this is new to me. Is it just something that all weather bikers have to face?

Simple answer - yes.

Decent waterproofs are essential though if this is your only form of transport - especially in this country!! Over the years I've had various rainsuits that have all leaked in the end - only thing that seems to have lasted is a pair of over-trousers that are kind of rubbery (oh be quiet you lot!). They fit nicely in the tail of the TRX too!

I always used to keep a change of clothes at work "just in case".

If you haven't already sussed it, watch out for drain covers and white lines in the wet. Round here they have a habit of putting drain covers around the mini roundabouts

[TonyDevil]

ditto the change of clothes at work

also watch out for roundabouts near petrol stations, coz thats where the main diesal spills seem to be
dont panic at main holes, dont try and cut the corner
i aim for the outside edge if i havent seen it intime to avoid
that way theres less area for the wheels to slip sideways
you get used to it, but its still an arse puckering moment

i normally ride in a pair of draggin jeans/chinos and a waterproof jacket
i've got a pair of waterproof over trousers incase it gets bad

but there is no substitute for a decent all in 1 waterproof
for touring i use summer leathers most of the year but with the all in 1
to go over incase it gets damp, also acts as a wind break when its cold

waterproofs are like a tent, treat the seams with nicwax etc and it'll last a bit longer

most waterproof suits seem to go first in the crotch area
i would suggest buying a bigger size next time, my theory is thats the
area subject to the most stressful changes of position between sitting/standing/shaping from the seat&tank etc

my mate swears by softening his suspension up when its really we
apparently it makes his bike less skitish, never bothered trying it out meself

[Kevtrx849]

I
I never ever want to experience this again. Just wanted to know your reccomendations for keeping dry and warm!

Move to Australia, worked for me
In the wet i like to stay to the centre of the roundabouts as much as possible, all the fuel spills tend to run to the outer .Have the bike upright before putting the power down. Pedestrian crossings and manhole covers are best avoided as are 4x4's with yeeehaaaa's at the wheel. Fogcity visors are worth there weight in gold as far as wet weather/foggy conditions are concerned.

[youngy]

For wet weather or touring type riding I use a pair of Triumph waterproof denim jeans and a Triumph sympatex jacket. Never leaked even in 2 weeks of torrential rain touring round Ireland. Their kit is really good, armoured, warm and dry.

And carry a spare set of underwear and a shirt in your waterproof bag or, as said, leave them at work.

[billy budge]

all year riding in my opinion is the nuts!! i wouldnt be without it mate but you do need the gear, i havent used a car for the last 10 years or so. The winter just gone was a nasty one, i rode in severe gales/freezing fog(my personal favourite)/torrential rain/snow and most other weather possibilities, but what fun would all that be stuck in a 4 wheeled box. If its going to be the norm for you then the best items ive invested in are heated grips, goretex gloves and boots, a weisz all in one all weather suit and the best fiver ive ever spent was on a little rubber wiper blade that goes over your index finger...superb for clear vision.
As for set up ive never bothered, they must be big girls. I reckon it improves your throttle control. If its wet as last night was, where i join the motorway if i hit it at the right speed and angle you can get a 2 wheel slide on!! It might sound daft but boy does it make me laugh everytime.

[TonyDevil]

but i bet thats not on your rex

my XTZ is great fun in the wet, i find myself purposely sliding it round corners, but i wouldnt dream of trying that on a sports bike

[Jak]

the best fiver ive ever spent was on a little rubber wiper blade that goes over your index finger...superb for clear vision.

I agree with that one - they're brilliant.

Also - try cleaning the visor off with a baby wipe - sounds daft but they leave a slight residue (doesn't affect your vision) but it acts as a rain repellant! Plus they remove even the worst bug crap!

[billy budge]

either my transalp or the rex mate, tend to find the rex slides better.
Yeehah!!!

[slow codger]

Got an all in 1 waterproof at the last bike show, keeps me very dry. Especially in the hailstorm coming home from Donnington Motogp. I also have Belstaff overmitts, also keep you dry.
Barry Sheene used marigolds. lol

Dave E

[billy budge]

God bless him!!!!!

[HolerTogni]

...
Also, staying with the wet weather theme, I got a hell of a back end slide on doing about 10mph round a roundabout. the back end just slid away with the slightest application of the power. Then a few miles later I was sat behind a car, in 1st gear. i went to overtake, and when i changed into 2nd it sound like the clutch was slipping, but it wasn't, it was the back wheel spinning up!!!
...

Hi Phat!

besides the recommended rain gear, I'd advise you to get yourself either a younger rear tire or, if it isn't too old, a Michelin Pilot Power.

Also a more sensible twist of the wrist helps avoiding a rear wheel spin.

But: what helluva power your TRiXie must have - I did not yet manage to have such a wheel spin in the wet you described
And until now everytime I drove in the Swiss mounains it rained quite heavily ...

Grippy greetings from Munich!

[randy]

Watch out for white lines too they are slipperier than the ashphalt. I fishtailed my bike when i went to overtake a dodder, on a straight road, going from 60ks to 70 ks.
Twas a butt puckering moment.

[ekoja]

Ah rain, I heard of that,


I bought a Line 7 rain suit from the Salvos once. It was a 2 piece bit of gear and was more for yachtmen than bikies, but it sure looked the part. Guess what,? the bloody thing leaked at the crotch and when I got to work the first time I wore it in the rain I had this embarressing wet spot on my shorts

[Doyle171]

PhatVR6 i have to say i really enjoy riding in the rain and there are loads of hints and tips you will pick up. I have to say that riding in the rain improves you riding ability ten fold.

My preference is for a two piece Hein Gericke water proofs that live under my seat and can he put on over my leathers, i always keep two platics supermarket bags and a pair of latex gloves under there too. Because if you get to work with wet goves and boots you can cover your feet and hands for the ride home and still wear the wet gear.