Caught in the rain!

[Stumpy6Guns]

I know for most of you this is old hat, but this was a first for me.

The forecast said rain maybe tomorrow so I took my new Spyder to work this morning. I grabbed my Frogg Toggs on the way out the door, as an afterthought. I'm glad I did!

Fifteen miles from home the rain started to hit me. I pulled under the eaves of a 7-11 store and put on my rain gear. No boots, though, only leather street shoes. They got soaked.
I could barely see through my faceshield. The water didn't shed, and the inside fogs instantly if I close it. I had to leave it up a click, letting the raindrops smack me in the eyes but clearer than if it were closed.
The last ten miles home is twisty and dark, and the reflective paint of the road lines is worn off and doesn't reflect anymore. Not bad when the road is dry, but they flat-out disappeared tonight. I had a few scares when cars would come by from the other direction and I was temporarily blinded by the glare. I stayed on the road, though. High pucker factor.

The rain was coming down at .75"/hour, which for us is a pretty good storm. The roads here are not crowned very much, and rain doesn't drain well, so hydroplaning is a concern. I took it slow and had no problems in that sense.
I made it home safely, and learned a few things on the way, like making sure that your rain pants are pulled way up and your rain jacket is pulled down and covers the top of the pants. My belly was soaked!

However, I need to learn about a couple of other things:

Visibility through the faceshield and windshield - how do you get the water to shed quickly? How do you keep it clear from fog?
Waterproof boots - any recommendations? I have little feet and wear a size 6.5 boot, and a lot of styles don't come that small.
Windshield height - the stock windshield is too tall for me. I have a SCalSci tinted shorty on my 2012 RTL that I like; are there any other recommendations?

Thanks!
Myron

[Bogie]

For starters, use Rain-X (plastic) on your windshield and visor, that helps shed the water quite well.
I always ride with motorcycle boots (BRP) That are waterproof.
Glad you made it home safe.


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[Bfromla]

Well glad you made it safe Its a learning process & finding right gear for you. Water resistant foot ware almost any type will work as long as you can control what you need to. None are 100% when riding!
I learned to keep a dry pair at work & essentials (but I had the space). If you dont think you will encounter rain much you may just try a overnight bag of spares, either on bike (refresh monthly) or where someone can deliver to you if need be. It is fairly common here in Louisiana so we were cut some slack with work RainX makes a good anti-fogger that has worked on my visor, but some visors are made of wrong type plastic you need to check.depending on your helmet they may have a special visor you can order¿ There is also was anti-fog disposable patch for eyeglasses is advisable to keep handy visit eye glass store they may have free samples at counter

[JimVonBaden]

I ride to work every day, rain or shine. Frogg Toggs are decent, put the hood up before putting on the helmet and water wont run down your back. Make sure the pockets are closed.

Use Plexus or Rain X plastic on your faceshield. It will help shed water, but nothing is perfect. Fogging will happen no matter what you use. Keep it cracked open, but just a little. I use a paperclip on the faceshield to crack it 1/8 to 1/4 inch, depending on the helmet. This is enough airflow above 40mph, below that I open to the first detent.

As for boots, check with Cycle Gear. They have a wide variety of fairly priced waterproof boots. For your size look at the boots for women that have no designs on them. They have been 100% waterproof for me, just make sure your rain suit is over the boots, but your pants either pulled up, or tucked into your boots. That will keep your pants dry.

[Bob Denman]

I'm glad that your "Trial by Fire" ended okay!
When I'm riding in the rain: I always drop the windshield as low as possible. I use the wind, to help keep the my faceshield clear. If you tip your head to the side: it'll blow the rain off of it.
I also ride with mine clicked up just one notch... I've not had much trouble with keeping my glasses free of rain, but I suppose that it could be an issue. Rain-X might just help!

[Eagle1]

I use rain x plastic on the visor and the windshield. Works great!

[OverHillAndDale]

Sounds like you learned a lot. Rain (like cold) will find any and every uncovered place, so make sure you've got your Frogg Toggs, boots, and gloves all where they are overlapping. I didn't see waterproof gloves mentioned and they are essential. I agree that a hood worn under your helmet will do a LOT do keep rain from running down your back. The RTs tend to blow street water at you from behind, so your waistline and neckline are both a bit vulnerable.

You might consider some rain gators for your boots. Here's a sample from JP cycles. 136-161_A.jpg

I agree the Plexus or Plastic Rain-X will help keep the fog out of your face shield. Or, you can use Pledge (the dusting spray).

BTW, I keep my rain gear in a compression stuff sack like this one. You simply wad the gear in the bag, then when you pull the 4 straps the bag is compressed to push the air out of the bag. After compression, you have a hard ball about the size of a small cantaloupe that's easy to store. 43260_cur.jpg

[Chupaca]

I learned the same way here in sunny southern california...I did know tricks to deal with weather from living in Texas, were the weather can change in a heartbeat, but will not go into those. I did get the gear needed and have it on hand. Much of the above mentioned. I have toggs though the one piece work much better and you can also get covers for your shoes. But like most things I prepare for I have only been caught in the rain 2 times in the last 5 years....but you know the saying about better having it......

[quasi]

try using a dryer sheet on the inside of your shield to reduce fogging.

[Lew L]

You could use a de-fog cloth on the inside of the face shield. Got mine for skiing. My helmet has a second layer of plastic securely attached on the inside( I forgot it's actual name). My cheap a$$ helmet has a breath guard and the shield has never fogged up.
The times I've been caught in the rain on the RT, we kept surprising dry. I did make a splash guard of the back fender though.

A big +1 on the rain-x for plastic

Kaos

[SpyderSteveFL]

Faceshield:
For the outside best thing is like Bob said - lower bike shield and let air flow, turn head side to side and will blow water off. I polish whole outside of helmet, including shield with honda polish and that helps as well (like rainx). If it gets really bad I will give a quick wipe with back of gloved hand.
As for fogging, look into the pinlock... Have it on my Neotec and it is great. Here in FL get plenty of fog (humidity) and rain but never have a problem with these techniques.

Boots:
Well I need good boots for my volunteering with FD and other things so I use same boots for riding. Waterproof and composite toe. Not motorcycle boots but they work great for my multiple purposes... https://www.amazon.com/Bates-GX-8-Go...2&keywords=gx8

Windshield:
Personal but I like the stock on the RT, can lower enough to get air or raise just enough to block if I want. I typically ride with it down except on the highway when I want a little more quiet from the excessive wind.

And I always have my rain suit on bike... Also my rule is stay drive on ride TO wherever you are going, but if caught on way home I'll usually just keep moving. Don't really care if I get wet as long as I know I'll be home soon and can change.

[OverHillAndDale]

F4 windshields act like they already have rain-x on them.


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[JimVonBaden]

You could use a de-fog cloth on the inside of the face shield. Got mine for skiing. My helmet has a second layer of plastic securely attached on the inside( I forgot it's actual name). My cheap a$$ helmet has a breath guard and the shield has never fogged up.
The times I've been caught in the rain on the RT, we kept surprising dry. I did make a splash guard of the back fender though.

A big +1 on the rain-x for plastic

Kaos

It is called a PinLock. They come on a few helmets. They work quite well.

[SpyderAnn01]

For boots you want something that is made of Gortex. TCX has some great ones and they are now sold at Cycle Gear. They've never let me down.

[Bob Denman]

Learning To Ride In The Rain.jpg

[Stumpy6Guns]

Learning To Ride In The Rain.jpg

I agree. I've already picked up a bottle of Rain-X Plastic and treated my helmet. Windshield is next.

[Bob Denman]

Now THAT's the spirit!!

Merry Christmas!

[Leeallen1111]

Rode down to Coleman Powersports in the pouring rain this AM to buy myself some Christmas presents. All the rain gear worked great. Will pick up the Rain-X Plastic too.


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[JimVonBaden]

Rode down to Coleman Powersports in the pouring rain this AM to buy myself some Christmas presents. All the rain gear worked great. Will pick up the Rain-X Plastic too.


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Woodbridge or Falls Church?

[Leeallen1111]

Woodbridge


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[JimVonBaden]

Woodbridge


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They are OK, but I like Falls Church a little better. Usually a better selection of gear.

[Leeallen1111]

They are OK, but I like Falls Church a little better. Usually a better selection of gear.

Woodbridge is farther distance wise but quicker and easier to get to. I have been very happy with the service folks


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