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Making the decision to ride or not in rain

S

spyderjo333

New member
Let me start off by saying my husband rode dirt bikes 40 years ago and I had never even sat on a motorcycle until 3 months ago when we
bought our Spyder RT. We planned on a trip to Asheville, NC, making a trip over the mountains to Tennessee. The weather report was good up until 2-3 days
before the trip and then the rain chances went up drastically. We made the decision to do our overnight trip without the Spyder as planned. I think we made
the right decision. We grew up in Maryland around a lot of traffic. Since retiring and moving down to the Carolinas, we don't have that kind of traffic except during
"resort season" and even then, it's not like being on the Baltimore Beltway or the Capital Beltway. We took our truck instead. Now that the trip is over, hubby said it was borderline, maybe we should have taken the Spyder. I'm glad we didn't only because we would have been caught in rain a few times, with no rain gear and like I said the traffic
was crazy at times. Also, the steep mountain roads going from NC into TN were foggy. Someone suggested to us to use the old roads from Madison County, NC into
TN. That was after we did it. I was doing the google maps where you can see the actual roads as if you were on them. Should we decide to do this trip again, but with the Spyder, that may be the way to go. Anyway, there will be other trips and we will eventually be rain ready and seasoned enough to do them on our Spyder.
 
Depends..!

foul weather ryding is a comfort thing. How comfortable are you ryding in it. If your suddenly caught in it, thats different but knowing your going into it is a choice. You should have rain gear with you anyway cause it can crop up on you. I think your more comfortable having done the trip in the truck but after you have more miles tucked away you will see it is all good even with a bit of wet...:thumbup:
 
I agree with you that you need to "break yourself in". Get some sort of raingear and when it rains where you live, jump on the bike and try it out. When we went along with the "North to Alaska" group the first day it rained on us a bit. IMO opinion it wasn't enough to "suit up" others did. With 3 wheels you might slide but you won't go "down".
 
If you just got your Spyder 3 months ago, maybe you were right to hedge the weather bet.
I totaled my 1st Spyder being caught in an unexpected hail storm. I was okay, cycle not.
I know enough now, a couple yrs into my Spyder, I can deal with a little rain, I know how to seek cover.
With a little more experience, maybe you can take a little weather. It's always better to not be
"on a schedule". Thanks for staying safe.
 
I am also in the camp that says riding in the rain is a comfort and personal thing. Some are more willing to do it than others.

Most rain storms are not much bigger than 20 miles or so--a quick ride through them is not to much of a chore. Then...there are the all day, hundred mile (or more) sized storms.

I have been in two three hundred mile rains--and had to get back because of work commitments. We rode the whole day, and both times the rain ended when we were about 30 miles from home. That's just the way it goes some times.

After the first time, we were looking for waterproof gloves. BRP and Firstgear have some good ones. Already had good boots with those waterproof liner skins in them. They did work. Was wearing our waterproof textiles and they also worked.

I do not recommend riding in some of those Midwest storms that have lightning, thunder, high winds, or hail associated with them. You can get into trouble pretty fast. The :spyder2: does not like driving through standing water. That is an open invitation to hydroplane. Those caveats in mind, and its then a personal decision you have to make.

When the ride becomes ordeal, then its time to park it for the day. I never base rides on % of rain that could happen. Most of the time they are off "big time" here.
 
With time; comes familiarity! :thumbup:
As you gain "saddle time", you'll eventually find that you'll get caught in one of those "Weather Anomalies"...
Treat it like just another challenge, and you'll be readier for the NEXT one! :D
 
I ride in rain, sometimes even look for rain to ride through. I really like it on the Can-Am. I carry rain gear at all times. I will not ride in hail or worse but an all day nice rain is fun for me..even going on I4 through Orlando which I have done a few times.
0992
 
First and foremost get good rain gear!

My wife and I have Frogg Toggs and we love them. We both have their Toadz set. They're hi-viz and designed for motorcycling. We keep them on board all the time so whenever it rains, we're prepared. At the first hint of rain, we put them on and keep moving. Rarely does rain slow us down. In the rain, the Spyder is much safer and more stable than a two-wheeled motorcycle. Heck, all the time the Spyder is much safer and more stable than a two-wheeled motorcycle. In my opinion, riding in the rain is a non-issue. You'll learn that the first time you get caught in the rain.

And anytime when it gets cool while you're riding, the rain jacket keeps you warm.

Enjoy yourself.
 
You need to invest in good rain gear because whether you plan to ride in the rain or not eventually you will get caught in it. Before I started riding I thought that riding in the rain would be the worst thing ever because it never looked like anyone on a bike in the rain was having a good time. I was pleased to find out that riding a Spyder in the rain is really not bad at all.

With thy the right gear and good tread on your tires you can actually enjoy a ride in the rain. Of course I wouldn't recommend that your first trip be in the DC Metro area!
 
Frogg Toggs are your Friend

Get a set for each of you so you are prepared. When it is raining take the Spyder out for a spin to get used to it. It really isn't that much of an issue. Decrease speed a bit and use some common sense. The Frogg Toggs also can be used as an additional layer for warmth and they do not take up a lot of room. Bass Pro Shop carries FT's

Willie


spyderjo333 said:
Let me start off by saying my husband rode dirt bikes 40 years ago and I had never even sat on a motorcycle until 3 months ago when we
bought our Spyder RT. We planned on a trip to Asheville, NC, making a trip over the mountains to Tennessee. The weather report was good up until 2-3 days
before the trip and then the rain chances went up drastically. We made the decision to do our overnight trip without the Spyder as planned. I think we made
the right decision. We grew up in Maryland around a lot of traffic. Since retiring and moving down to the Carolinas, we don't have that kind of traffic except during
"resort season" and even then, it's not like being on the Baltimore Beltway or the Capital Beltway. We took our truck instead. Now that the trip is over, hubby said it was borderline, maybe we should have taken the Spyder. I'm glad we didn't only because we would have been caught in rain a few times, with no rain gear and like I said the traffic
was crazy at times. Also, the steep mountain roads going from NC into TN were foggy. Someone suggested to us to use the old roads from Madison County, NC into
TN. That was after we did it. I was doing the google maps where you can see the actual roads as if you were on them. Should we decide to do this trip again, but with the Spyder, that may be the way to go. Anyway, there will be other trips and we will eventually be rain ready and seasoned enough to do them on our Spyder.
Click to expand...
 
The rain gear never leaves the bike. It's either already on or ready and waiting in the side case. Riding in the rain is the best way to wash the bike.;)
 
Frogg toggs great go to your local scuba shop get some diving gloves waterproof warm and her nimble waterproof boots and go :)
 
Thanks everyone. We do need to go out and get something better than what we have. My husband has a windshirt (his golf gear) which will keep his upper body dry, but not much
else. I have a regular rain jacket with a tie around the waist, which was what I had on hand. We have been looking into online as well as brick and mortar stores. I will
have to check out the Frogg Toggs.
 
Ah! When I was a lad... errr sorry, that is a different geezer story. If you just got the Spyder, take the cage! Enjoy your weekend without becoming a human sponge. Never NEVER NEVER ride around the Capital or Baltimore beltways in any vehicle if at all possible. If you have a 12 ton SUV, make someone else drive and try to take a nap. I lived in the DC area from 1983 till 1995. Worked for the Fed. I did take a motorcycle every day to work but I went from Riverdale to College Park (about 3 miles) then later on had to drive up the BW Parkway. I never got used to the traffic and to this day avoid taking a bike or my Spyder into downtown San Antonio. I have been riding a long time and to me, being jittery while riding isn't worth the ride.... I have an F150 for these occasions. As far as rain, visibility is down and the roads get slick. I am not fond of rain suits and limit my rain riding to where my knickers get wet. This makes me miserable so I prefer the pickup. You will get caught in the rain if you ride but if you keep a positive attitude, keep your knickers dry and slow down some, it is passable. Last, the deer in NC and Tenn are as dumb as they are here in TX. Watch for them. Try not to ride in foul weather at twilight or very early in the AM when they tend to commit suicide most readily... and by the way, if you left the DC metro area and retired in NC, you and your mister are a couple of smart folks. Beautiful part of the country! BTW: Texas has no income tax hehe
 
rain gear

spyderjo333 said:
Thanks everyone. We do need to go out and get something better than what we have. My husband has a windshirt (his golf gear) which will keep his upper body dry, but not much
else. I have a regular rain jacket with a tie around the waist, which was what I had on hand. We have been looking into online as well as brick and mortar stores. I will
have to check out the Frogg Toggs.
Click to expand...
Try this man for rain gear, site sponsor and all round good guy and honest as the day is long.

​
bajaron.jpg
 
Personally, I don't like riding in the rain and, if rain is expected where I want to go (in the local area), I no longer make the ride.

Now, unlike what some have thought it the past, that doesn't mean I don't know how to ride in the rain. From 1976 to 1980 my main form of transportation was my motorcycle, and in that time I lived in Hawaii, the Philippines, and Key West. I had to learn very quickly how to ride in the rain. I also had very good rain gear...at least for the time.

But these days...not unless I get caught out in the rain.
 
Chupaca said:
foul weather ryding is a comfort thing. How comfortable are you ryding in it. If your suddenly caught in it, thats different but knowing your going into it is a choice. You should have rain gear with you anyway cause it can crop up on you. I think your more comfortable having done the trip in the truck but after you have more miles tucked away you will see it is all good even with a bit of wet...:thumbup:
Click to expand...

How would you know
Isn't it always sunny in SoCal :roflblack:
 
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