Riding in the rain

[Bernard]

Riding in the rain is THE most dangerous thing I do on a motorcycle. Dangerous not just for myself.
I guess I have known this for 38 years. Traffic conditions have changed a lot in that time and demands on riders have increased (constantly checking the speedometer for one thing).
It is considered too dangerous to use a cell phone whilst driving yet we are allowed to ride a motorcycle at up to 70mph in the driving rain and freezing cold. It doesn't add up.

[illustratedman]

I dont understand what point you're trying to make, are you implying you think it should be illegal to ride a motorcycle when it's raining? if you think it's too dangerous dont do it.

[Bernard]

The point is that there is some hypocrisy in being virtuous regarding driving safely and at the same time ignoring the truth that riding in the rain and cold is extremely dangerous.
I don't know about you but when I spot double-think like this, I have to question it, which is why I raised it.
You are wrong to suggest that I am implying anything. Do the facts imply to you that perhaps riding in the rain should be illegal? You came up with that conclusion. I simply pointed out that something didn't add up.

My only motive in raising this is to examine the truth.
Meanwhile I continue to ride in the rain and cold and never use my mobile while driving.

[mrg46]

I'm not sure this thread belongs under "Advisories and Urgent Information".

However personally when I'm riding I'd use a bluetooth headset for my phone at all times, not just when its raining.

[illustratedman]

Originally Posted by Bernard

Riding in the rain is THE most dangerous thing I do on a motorcycle. Dangerous not just for myself.
I guess I have known this for 38 years. Traffic conditions have changed a lot in that time and demands on riders have increased (constantly checking the speedometer for one thing).
It is considered too dangerous to use a cell phone whilst driving yet we are allowed to ride a motorcycle at up to 70mph in the driving rain and freezing cold. It doesn't add up.

You made a statement saying you consider riding in the rain is the most dangerous thing you personally do on a motorcycle, and that we are 'allowed' to ride in the rain comparing this to using a mobile phone whilst driving. I thought from this statement you were implying both activities to be contrary to safe driving/riding. The only way we as vehicle users would not be 'allowed' to ride in the rain would therefore be for the activity to be made illegal, i thought that was a perfectly reasonable deduction,maybe i'm wrong. Like i said before if you think it's dangerous dont risk it lifes too short.

[Bernard]

O.K.
I thought I was posting in Safety and Security on the Road. Never mind.
I was busy checking my speedometer when I posted.

[ta-all-the-way]

Well, I hope you dont mind me airing my view, I'm new here, and I'm getting my big bike license next week. Rode a 125 for 4 years all year round. I find riding in the rain, exciting, and very relaxing. Then again, I probably wouldnt if it was coming down in buckets, or if I was doing a long trip and could avoid the thunderstorm. But in general I think rain is like any other day. One should always be vigilant, no matter what the conditions. I like the sensation of having the challenge. I'm on a transalp too, not a sport bike, different attitude. I do know guys where I live with sport bikes who dont go out until summer. I plan on riding all year round. - ta-all-the-way
(sorry, don't do lightning)lol

[Martynbiker]

Originally Posted by Bernard

O.K.
I thought I was posting in Safety and Security on the Road. Never mind.
I was busy checking my speedometer when I posted.

Well bernard, I dont know where your coming from, but looks like `im not the only one confused....:confused1:

Maybe you should lay of Drugs for a while? or maybe you should take some!

( Do whichever applies, OK?)

In the meantime, lets wait for Sheepy and `dodgers input!

[Bernard]

Thanks TA- all-the-way.

" I find riding in the rain, exciting, and very relaxing."

I can remember feeling that way. About 1974. Things change as time passes.
You should try riding the M62 during a downpour. I guarantee a relaxation free experience. It could put you off riding for life.
I've had my Transalp for 6 months now and I really like it.

[Walkabout]

Originally Posted by Bernard

The point is that there is some hypocrisy in being virtuous regarding driving safely and at the same time ignoring the truth that riding in the rain and cold is extremely dangerous.

Well, it is a matter of personal perception and individual risk assessment to use the jargon of this century.

Yep, there sure is a lot of hypocrisy around though - how about the UK Police Inspector in charge of a police advanced driving school who has just been banned for doing about 118 MPH? ("I was testing a new advanced driving route"). He was out of his area and was lifted by another police force.

Try dicing with Mercs and BMWs driven by Germans in "Autobahn mode", and riding in the rain/cold will seem like a "walk in the park".

So come on guys, what is the most dangerous thing you can do on a bike, while riding that is?!

How about the snow-riders?

[DarrenM]

For me Riding in the Rain adds more enjoyment, a much higher skill level is required and with practice my riding has greatly improved almost to the extent that I am no slower when its wet. I usually find my riding style to be a lot smoother.

Wet roads are great its Oil and Fuel spills that screw us but at least when its wet you can see the stuff.

And how good does it feel to get home remove all the wet gear and have a cup of tea to restore the circulation.

Keep it wet and keep it upright !!

[Jake]

(RIDING IN THE RAIN IS THE MOST DANGEROUS THING I DO ON A MOTORCYCLE, DANGEROUS NOT JUST FOR MYSELF) !!!!!!

BERNARD, This must be a wind up going by your comment above, If not ;

Whatever you do dont go to far on your bike It might rain. Hint: DO NOT GO TO NORWAY OR EVEN SCOTLAND it rains a bit - INFACT DONT GO ANYWHERE it might rain. - but you will miss out on the scenery, the roads, the people and experience of travel.

Stay SAFE - VERY SAFE - get four wheels and stick to them or better still watch the TELLY instead.

[juddadredd]

Erm I hated riding in the rain at first until I actually did it, it's like filtering some people do it and love it some people don't, but the beginning of this post did sound like he wanted it made illegal which is total crap.

After the initial 10 minutes when things get really slippery, I've found I have the same amount of grip because the roads have been washed clean of all the oil and other crud that cars tractors buses and lorries likie to leave all over the road. But then again I ride a F650GS Dakar so I don't tent to lean over too far as it's way up high, that and I'm the newbie rider on the hubb.

But all in all I think it's a safe thing to do, and anybody who doesn't can sit at home on thier sofa and post crap on this hubb to their hearts content, while I'm out enjoying my ride.

Oh 'GORE-TEX ROCKS'

[Dodger]

Brits seem obsessed with what they are "allowed" or "not allowed" to do !

Ye Gods !

You are also "allowed" to ride on ice and snow , but with ordinary tyres it might not be a good idea .
It's a personal choice .

On quiet roads, riding in the rain is no big deal , but congested motorways are another matter .

I've done a lot more dangerous things on a bike than riding in the rain .
[ But for the sake of decency and so as not to frighten the children I won't mention any details]
Cell phone even on bluetooth ?--not for me thanks .
I'll carry it in my pocket and look at my messages at the roadside whenever I feel like it but never whilst riding .

[Flyingdoctor]

It's never been safer. Modern bikes on modern rubber. You should have been on Dunlop trailmasters or Yokohama's in the 70's. Not to mention two strokes with powerbands like a switch. Learn them skills!