Riding in the rain

[C. Lee]

When I rode my gold wing, I wouldn't avoid the rainy weather but it wasn't enjoyable to ride in the rain on my wing. Since I've purchased my spyder, I've put more miles on it in less than a month then I put on my wing all season. It is everything I hoped it would be so far and more. I've been caught in the rain on multiple occasions and find the spyder far more stable. I really don't have a different feeling in the rain than dry conditions. Today I found myself pushing the traction control and testing its limits. It's been a blast. I feel very stable and in control in the rain on the spyder. Chris

[youngers]

I wondered how the machines handle in the wet weather , I have talked too folks who have been caught in big rain storms , but they did not mention the handling of the spyder , they were pretty mush soaked and just glad to be off I guess to really notice the handling...

[Wrongway]

I completely agree with you Chris. I've had 3 wings as well as other bikes and been caught in the rain many times while on trips.
I've only ridden the Spyder in the rain once and that was the day I was riding it home from where I bought it.
I got an hour from home and the skys opened up and kept raining all the way home. I really did feel much more stable and safe on the Spyder than I've ever felt in the rain.
An added bonus was that I arrived home dry (of course I didn't stop and put on my rain gear) lol.
Anyway, after 2 weeks of ownership and 2,000 miles both my wife and I are loving it.
My wife keeps wanting to go for a ride and I'm talking about 200 miles return (we're retired).

safe riding
Greg

[ARtraveler]

Riding over 50 mph in more than an inch of water and you will experience hydroplaning. 's are good for that.

[Wrongway]

Riding over 50 mph in more than an inch of water and you will experience hydroplaning. 's are good for that.

Thanks for the heads up. It's appreciated. I guess I don't have to ask how you know this.

Greg

[gerald37]

When I rode my gold wing, I wouldn't avoid the rainy weather but it wasn't enjoyable to ride in the rain on my wing. Since I've purchased my spyder, I've put more miles on it in less than a month then I put on my wing all season. It is everything I hoped it would be so far and more. I've been caught in the rain on multiple occasions and find the spyder far more stable. I really don't have a different feeling in the rain than dry conditions. Today I found myself pushing the traction control and testing its limits. It's been a blast. I feel very stable and in control in the rain on the spyder. Chris

I found myself the same as you. I had a 2015 Goldwing F6B and I am riding this more and really enjoy it. I have been pushing the traction control more and more. I have not rode mind in the rain yet we just have not had any. Last fall I rode 700 miles one day in rain all day. I would think the Spyder would give better protection.

[Yazz]

I've ridden in the rain on two and three-wheelies. It doesn't bother me. Till one time on my Spyder.

It started raining hard right before a construction zone and mud was washing across the road. Very slippery! The fish-tailing settled down at 10 mph and van behind me kept a safe distance. I was soaked from going so slow, but I wasn't in a ditch.

I honestly do not think a two-wheelie would have gotten through it.

[ARtraveler]

Thanks for the heads up. It's appreciated. I guess I don't have to ask how you know this.

Greg

Were it not for "nanny," I would probably not be typing this.

[oldguyinTX]

Yeah, rain sucks. On our 39th wedding anniversary, my beautiful bride and I rode 100 miles to have lunch in Great Barrington MA. Beautiful day, & great food . Rain started just as we left the restaurant, so we donned our rain gear. Good thing, as it rained relentlessly all the way down RT 22 in NY. But I have to say that we were dry, and we felt very safe and comfortable on the Spyder. We saw some poor souls on 2 wheels with no rain gear, they did not look happy. We got home, hung up the rain gear to dry, and had a cocktail. Life is good.

[Chupaca]

Glad your loving it. I don't go looking for rain but don't mind it at all. It's the other fools out there that worry me so I tend to avoid it....

[SpyderAnn01]

The Spyder handles rain quite well. Just be careful if there is standing water as they will hydroplane.

[Bob Denman]

Learning To Ride In The Rain.jpg

[crafty]

I have ridden in the rain with my spyder and the back fishtails and the steering is squirrely. Hydroplaning is a problem also. This happened at speeds over 50-55mph. It's a little unnerving when it happens.

[Bob Denman]

The only defenses that we have against hydroplaning: Slowing down, and maintaining a constant vigil...
Once those wheels are "floating"; you've handed the keys over to your Guardian Angel!

[crazycanuck]

I walked over to another thread to say Hi to Uncle Bob but door was closed and no one was home so I walked into this one.

That's it

[Lew L]

Coming back from Cody Wy. we went through Salt Lake City. A good heavy rain hit us about Park city. With rain suits on we stayed surprising dry. The Handled great with the new General Altimax tire on the back.



Kaos

[Triple B]

Riding over 50 mph in more than an inch of water and you will experience hydroplaning. 's are good for that.

You're correct with that statement, I experienced hydroplaning a year ago, and never want to experience it again. I've owned three different wings and have never experienced hydroplaning until last year on my Spyder.

[Bob Denman]

You're correct with that statement, I experienced hydroplaning a year ago, and never want to experience it again. I've owned three different wings and have never experienced hydroplaning until last year on my Spyder.

The width of the rear tire (among other factors), has a lot to do with it.

[UtahPete]

You're correct with that statement, I experienced hydroplaning a year ago, and never want to experience it again. I've owned three different wings and have never experienced hydroplaning until last year on my Spyder.

That's because your 'wing has traditional rounded profile tires, whereas the Spyder has the flat profile of an automobile tire.

[smurfette]

This past June, I had the privilege of attending the 10th Anniversary Homecoming celebration in Valcourt QC. On the day of the Owner's Ride, the weather was just plain. It rained from the time we left the hotel in the morning, through the event, and lasted until we got back to the hotel. At times, it was torrential, with few breaks. My Spyder is a '16 RTS SS, with stock Kendas. My "Bandit" handled beautifully, with no hydroplaning or sliding at all. Never before had I ridden in such weather. Now, I know if I get caught in rainy weather (or flurries), I'll be a lot safer....

[UtahPete]

Coming back from Cody Wy. we went through Salt Lake City. A good heavy rain hit us about Park city. With rain suits on we stayed surprising dry. The Handled great with the new General Altimax tire on the back. Kaos

Yeah, we get some doozies here. Mostly dry climate, but when those thunderstorms hit, wow! (Just outside Park City in Oakley)

[Fat Baxter]

I've been caught in the rain only a handful of times; never had a handling problem. The really neat thing is to glance down at the front tires and see the roostertails.

Another benefit of riding a Spyder vice a two-wheeler is that, once you decide to suit up, you can just pull over. On a two-wheeler, you had to search for a suitable patch of road shoulder, so you could safely put the kickstand down without it sinking into soft dirt. And hopefully, it was far enough off the road as to not present a target for oncoming traffic.

[UtahPete]

When I rode my gold wing, I wouldn't avoid the rainy weather but it wasn't enjoyable to ride in the rain on my wing. Since I've purchased my spyder, I've put more miles on it in less than a month then I put on my wing all season. It is everything I hoped it would be so far and more. I've been caught in the rain on multiple occasions and find the spyder far more stable. I really don't have a different feeling in the rain than dry conditions. Today I found myself pushing the traction control and testing its limits. It's been a blast. I feel very stable and in control in the rain on the spyder. Chris

That was my experience this past week of riding in dark, cold, rainy conditions for over 3 hours. Never any worries about the Spyder itself handling the road - the limitations were all me.

[Highwayman2013]

I was just on a long trip to Spydequest in Lake George NY. 4200 miles on the F3L to NY and I hit no rain. The rear tire was worn so I had Netzley's mount a new General Altimax. I didn't hit any rain until my last day from Salina, UT to Las Vegas. Heavy rain and then clearing,then heavy rain again. Everything was fine until I hit a stream running across the interstate at 75 mph. Thanks to the nanny it was just a little swerve. Kept the speed lower and my eyes open a little wider the rest of the way home.

[UtahPete]

Coming back from Cody Wy. we went through Salt Lake City. A good heavy rain hit us about Park city. With rain suits on we stayed surprising dry. The Handled great with the new General Altimax tire on the back. Kaos

I'm glad I had the Altimax on my Spyder for the return trip from Tuolumne, instead of the almost bald OEM Kenda. Not a hint of traction loss.