Rain and Tires

[camogirl]

I have a question. I have spent over 200k miles on 2 wheels. I now also now own a 2014 RS. I brought it home in the rain. Not a horrible rain but rain. And one other time since. My rear tire keeps hydro planing. Does anyone else have this problem. I have never done this on 2 wheels. And I have ridden in some really bad rain. These are stock tires. I bought the bike with less than 600 miles, so no real wear on the tires. I checked the tire pressure and it was good. Any ideas out there.

[Deer Slayer]

In the rain, slow down ole man. You got a FAT tyre in the back.

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

I have a question. I have spent over 200k miles on 2 wheels. I now also now own a 2014 RS. I brought it home in the rain. Not a horrible rain but rain. And one other time since. My rear tire keeps hydro planing. Does anyone else have this problem. I have never done this on 2 wheels. And I have ridden in some really bad rain. These are stock tires. I bought the bike with less than 600 miles, so no real wear on the tires. I checked the tire pressure and it was good. Any ideas out there.

Hope you notice this.........go to forums......find new thread......" HYDROPLANING " ..Mike

[ARtraveler]

New tires take about 300 miles to get "set in." You are slightly over at 600 miles--but still in the ball park of brand new.

I have found that speeds over 50 mph and driving through standing water will make the hydroplaning take place very quickly. There is a warning printed about this in your owners manual. I don't have the manual handy so cannot give you the exact page.

The upside--try it on two wheels and you could be in some trouble. I have had the VSS kick in twice and bring me out of the hydroplaning.

[Bob Denman]

The combination of a relatively light weight, and automotive width tires; makes the Spyder particularly susceptible to hydroplaning.
Take your time in the rain, and you'll be fine.

[camogirl]

The combination of a relatively light weight, and automotive width tires; makes the Spyder particularly susceptible to hydroplaning.
Take your time in the rain, and you'll be fine.

Thanks everyone. Will pay more attention to my speed in the rain. Never had a fat tire before.

[Pampurrs]

Never had a fat tire before.

Fat Tire is one of my favorite beers


...... oh, were we talking about tires again?


Pam

[Pampurrs]

The combination of a relatively light weight, and automotive width tires; makes the Spyder particularly susceptible to hydroplaning.
Take your time in the rain, and you'll be fine.

Is there some science to this? It just seems illogical to me that a tire with a much larger footprint would be more susceptible to hydroplaning than a thinner tire with a smaller footprint.

Pam

[Bob Denman]

There's a ton of science that goes into tread designs...

...And all of it is far beyond my meager brainpower...

But I think that this theory will... "Hold Water".
The wider the tire: the further that the water must be moved in order to keep it from "piling up", under the tread, and causing the hydroplaning.
(Tread patterns not being considered for this discussion...)
That's why you have to slow down more, and be more careful with the wider tire...

[ARtraveler]

There's a ton of science that goes into tread designs...

...And all of it is far beyond my meager brainpower...

But I think that this theory will... "Hold Water".
The wider the tire: the further that the water must be moved in order to keep it from "piling up", under the tread, and causing the hydroplaning.
(Tread patterns not being considered for this discussion...)
That's why you have to slow down more, and be more careful with the wider tire...

I guess we could also say that the fatter tire kind of climbs up on the water instead of parting it. Then the hydroplaning begins.

[Bob Denman]

That's when the fun starts...
But; a well-designed rain tire can shovel a whole lot of water out of the way...

[camogirl]

Is there some science to this? It just seems illogical to me that a tire with a much larger footprint would be more susceptible to hydroplaning than a thinner tire with a smaller footprint.

Pam

I agree doesn't make any sense. Looking at the tire the tread looks good for shedding rain. Yesterday I ended up riding in rain and very high winds. Tire was fine and the wind was coming from my left. Very glad abut that otherwise I would of had a scary time being blown into on coming traffic. It was a scary ride but was very glad I was not on two wheels.

[Bob Denman]

Fat Tire is one of my favorite beers

...... oh, were we talking about tires again?

Pam

Not any more...

http://www.newbelgium.com/beer/detai...FdgOgQodiXkAQw

[pathfinderjoe]

Is there some science to this? It just seems illogical to me that a tire with a much larger footprint would be more susceptible to hydroplaning than a thinner tire with a smaller footprint.

Pam

A wide tire spreads the weight over a larger contact area reducing the psi to the pavement - less traction. As with driving in snow - a narrow tire gains more traction. Driving off road in the mud - use a wide tire.

[Pampurrs]

This thread made me thirsty. I had to go out and get some Fat Tire

[ARtraveler]

This thread made me thirsty. I had to go out and get some Fat Tire

Thanks, I think? I saw some of that last weekend when shopping. Now I am going to have to try a six pack.

[Bob Denman]

I'll drink to that!!

[ARtraveler]

I'll drink to that!!

Since the thread has taken a couple turns, does anyone recommend a particular oil weight, brand, etc., I should pick up while shopping?

[Bob Denman]

Oil?

I like Canola...

But Bacon grease is also a real Star!!