i was wondering what techniques you guys have for riding in the rain, most importantly braking... as close as i was to eating $hit i think i know now, not to use both brakes. So... should i continue to use the front brake alone since that is where 70% of the braking comes from or switch between the front and rear? thanks for your help in advance.

 

that depends...how hard are you braking? If your breaking hard enough on the front that the rear wheel loses grip when braking, then ease up a little on the front and only push the rear as far as you can without losing the grip. I was always told that the rear is more of a backup, I dont really follow this, so i usually use both brakes. But when braking hard, you have to learn to ease up on the rear or it will break loose from the street. This applies to dry weather too, only difference is you can brake a lot harder when its dry. After a while you should get a feel for both brakes and how hard you can push 'em. If you watch moto gp races, you'll see their rear wheels break loose when braking hard for a turn. Just take it easy

 

Use both brakes. You'll slow down / stop faster. In the rain you need to be ultra-smooth. Keep large distances, don't stop on painted surfaces. At intersections/stop-lights, don't put your tires or feet down in the grease in the middle of the lane. Try not to ride w/i the first 15 minutes of a rain storm because that's when all the oil comes to the road surface, after 15 minutes or so, it seemingly washes away and traction will be improved, albeit marginally.

 

And it also depends on the tires you are running on your bike. When I had the Dunlop 207ZR tire they would scare me when riding in the rain. Now I have the Pilot Powers and It seems like I can cut through the water with very good traction for braking.

Norm

 

thanks everyone for your help.. next time it rains ill be ready

 

The best way is to not ride in the rain. It isn't fun, and it's very dangerous, but it's bound to happen. Has happened to me on several occassions.

I stop as I do normally, but just remember to not follow so closesly to vehicles, your brakes and rotors are soaked, and they will slip. So basically stop about 30 ft sooner than you normally would. Your tires are really wet too and bikes don't have abs. So if you brake too hard you'll skid. Just give yourself PLENTY of room and brake as you normally would. Lotta room man... Would suck to go down in an intersection or into the back of another car or something.

 

yea that actually happened to me 2 days ago and let me tell you, that will never happen ever again. Rain drops felt like bullets, rear tire felt like it was skating on ice, it started raining on me while i was riding so all the oil was just starting to come up. Bike was horribly dirty the next day and had to spend like 2 hours cleaning it. all not worth it. Watch the news for the day and then go from there.

 

Some bikes do have ABS like the honda interceptor just FYI...Lata

 

Having done trackdays in the rain, I suggest:
- only using the front brake
- no trail braking (i.e. brake only in a straight line)

IMHO, its a VERY bad idea to use the rear brake, especially in the rain. Here's why. When you brake, the weight transfers from rear to front. This makes for a VERY light rear. Add just a little rear brake........boom, loss of traction.