I used to ride, even if it was p**sing down, had no choice then, it was part of being a commuter & the fact that I had no other transport. When you have ride in all types of weather, you get used to nuances of the type of riding you do in the wet, as to when its dry. Like when you 1st start to ride a bike, being aware of every aspect of it, to the point as an experienced rider, where you aren't even aware of your actions. The biggest problem I ever had was trying to keep dry & warm. Everyone has mentioned some really good points, so won't go over them again, but my input would be. 1/ Relax, don't tense up. 2/ Everyone tries to hurry to get out of the rain, you do the same thing on a bike, so keep your speed normal. 3/ If it hasn't rained for a while (say a week) just be aware that roads can get a little slippery from the build up of crap (especially in the city & burbs) 3/ Use both of your brakes, as you would in the dry, you need both brakes to stop, don't care wot anyone else says, thats why they have two sets on the bike. 4/ Get your **** out there when it rains, get used to riding in it, if you have good wet weather gear & good tyres, it can even be fun.

 

Buddy I've ridden in all types of weather and continue to do so.

Your dad just has done things his way and it's worked for him - but I would hardly give anyone the advice to use more rear than front, I'd give the opposite (I did!).

I've ridden in ice storms, sleet, hail, pouring rain and even snow. Last year (and even this year with the 929) I rode through snow like the F4 was a dirtbike, lol. Spinning the rear around so I could face where I wanted to (like in parking lots/driveways).

Pace's description is about dead on. I use my rear everytime I stop, but it's more of an, "in tangent with the front" than anything.

I don't care who you are, you ignore the front brake and the bike will buck you off one day. That rear brake is dangerous by itself. WAAAAYYYYYY more dangerous than the front alone. I would even venture to say the rear brake could be removed, and so long as you closely watched your speed you'd be fine.

Again, not saying your dad is wrong, but to me it's bad advice he gave ya. I'm sure he'sa great guy. Lemme guess... he rides an 800lb. cruiser? Yeah, braking takes on new properties on those things... the rear is still dangerous on those, too. Like I said, it's worked for him sooo....

 

Kid-

You got me thinking about that rear brake thing on the old harley riders. My wife was told by her dad not to use the front brake, EVER. When he was w/ us I asked him about it and he said it was because the old hogs used to have horrible front brakes, and they'd lock up if you tried to use them. Maybe that's why Nate's dad says to use only the rear?

But of course between the three converstations, there might have been some wordslost.


I like to ride in the rain, it cleans my bike.

 

Anybody ever get caught in a hail/pissing rain/60mph wind storm that appeared in seconds? I have and it was a blast.


I was on my ninja 250 right on an overpass and bam, it hit me so hard I about tumped over. The hail was the icing on the cake. I slowed down to 30mph and it still hurt like a bitch and it sounded like they were going straight thru my bike's plastic.

I made it down the overpass and just stopped in the triangle markings (where the off ramp and access road meet) and just sat there letting cars go pass me. I was struggling just to keep my bike up the wind was blowing so hard. Finally the hailed stop and the wind let go some so I putted a few blocks down and went to a friends apartment.



I actually enjoy riding in the rain. Ya it sucks cause you have to concentrate more, more the rain relaxes me. I what kid does and just ride slower or let off the gas farther away from a stop sign/red light and coast to a stop.

 

I dont do much different either, just ride a lil slower...and i tuck a LOT even at slow speeds to stay relativly(sp) dry

Also remeber how hard it is to see cars when its raining (most states require headlights w/wipers)
You are damn near invisable when its raining and fogging peoples windows.... so i usually tap the break prior to actually using it and roll with the brights on

 

I pulsate my brakes on my bike and vehicle. Brake some, let off some, brake some, repeat. Sounds dumb but it gives the brakes cooling time and stead of just mashing them down and getting them hot as hell.

I havent changed brake pads in my vehicle in 4 years with cheap *** brake pads. Is it becuase of how I brake? I dont know, but I'm in other vehicles all the time that get their brakes held down the whole stopping process and the brakes get changed every year.

 

I guess I should have clarified--I didn't mean stay off the front brake altogether (that's very bad), I just meant use a little less than you would in the dry. I've had MASSIVE front end tuck in the rain due to overbraking, and to this day I don't have a clue how I saved it. Guess 27 years of riding helped make some things instinctive.

 

One thing to add that I don't think anyone mentioned is when I am leaving for somewhere and it starts raining, I always give it 15-20 mins so that the oil gets washed off the roads...they are 1000x more slippery when the rain first starts coming and spreads the oil over the road.

 

yea I know they are always more slippery the first 15-20 mins...I do use the front brake was just told not to use it as much

and of course my old man rides a harley and no its not 800lbs, its 900lbs....

 

^^^