7 bikes on Ride - 4 Go down
#12
Glad to hear everyone okay. My brother and I have been riding over 50 years each and we always fear the first little rain since that's the stuff that just mixes with the road grime and oil, but it's not enough water to actually wash it off the pavement. We enjoy riding in good rain storms, but not the light drizzle stuff. ABS will keep you straight if you actually had time to apply the brakes...won't ride without ABS. I also use only Michelins on my Ultra because they have great road grip imho; I use Metz radials on other bikes (BMWs). I don't make an issue of how quickly they wear out as long they grip the road.
#13
New tires have mold release compound on them that needs to be scrubbed off. I do this by gradually taking corners harder and harder during my first ride on the new tires. This could also be done with a good soap and water scrubbing. On non-ABS bikes, I always "lead" with the rear brake before applying the front brake when riding on wet surfaces. This helps keep the rear end from coming around when the front brake is applied.
I'm glad that everyone was able to walk/ride away from the OP's wet road event. Lots of rain this year in Michigan.
I'm glad that everyone was able to walk/ride away from the OP's wet road event. Lots of rain this year in Michigan.
#16
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: On a hill among the hills, PA
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Glad you are all Ok!! Here in PA they like to tar and chip the aspalt road surface to increase the life of the road. Sometimes in the heat of summer that tar base comes to the surface and when you hit it in the rain you are in for a ride, just lie hitting ice! It is a nightmare for bikes and I wish the rocket scientist that came up with it would try something better!
#18
Man, I'm so glad you guys are OK. I got off an exit from I 40, slowed down as normal approaching red light at end of exit ramp....felt my rear tire start to lose traction...saved it, until stop, when I put my foot down....the road was like wax...my foot went sliding, and bike went down....no damage, thanks to crash bar.
Oil slicks are a b___h.
Oil slicks are a b___h.
#19
#20
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: On a hill among the hills, PA
Posts: 112,202
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When I was 17, I had a bad expierence with a garbage truck leaking hydraulic fluid on dry pavement!!! I wouldn't want to run into that mixed with water!!!