I just started riding my Ultra and haven't had to ride in the rain yet. I was wondering if you guys could give me some tips for riding in the rain. I realize that the best thing is to avoid it, but if you have to get home, how do you ride when it rains? What do you do different? BTW, I just bought rain gear, so I got that part out of the way.

 

You'll normally have more traction than you realize, but best to go easy in the rain. Main thing you need to realize is that the roads will be slick right after it starts raining until the road grime and oil can be washed away. Biggest problem I have is seeing in the rain, although I now have a face shield to install on the helmet to keep it off my safety glasses. The w/s will still be more difficult to see through unless you look over the shield. Lots of folks here have much more riding experience than me in the rain. Good luck.

 

Check out this article.

http://www.bikerlawblog.com/index.ph...the_rain_don_t

 

The white painted stripes,arrows, crosswalks are slick when they're dry. When they are wet, they are slicker than snot.

Ride smooth and steady and you'll be fine.

I read once to use the throttle to test traction onthe roadsand it will help give you confidence. Don't hit the brake to see how slippery it is, that could get hairy quick. Give it some gas and you'll be surprised how much grip you really do have. If the rear tire brakes loose, it's easier to control than a skid. It will give you a good idea how slick a particular road is any given time.

 

I find that my glasses tend to fog up. I usually end up dropping them to the end of my nose, then tucking in behind the windshield.

Depending on the time of the year, watch out for wet leaves. Slick as ice. Always give yourself a little more braking room as well.

 

I tend to close my eyes so the rain doesn't get in them.

 

Never run in the center of lane other vehicles (Water cooled) may leak coolant or other oils - Drop back behind the vehilce in front of you... Stay off the painted lines on the road...

 

If you like to downshift and do it when the roads are wet and slick you may bring the back end around. If that happens just bring the clutch in before it gets too far and it will straighten out. Generally that happens if you downshift a little on the high rpm side. Your experience may differ.

 

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find a bar till the rain stops!


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