Making the decision to ride or not in rain

[Pirate looks at --]

if it would rain

I keep hoping I could ryde in rain....if it would ever rain again!!!:banghead:

 

[spyderjo333]

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.

Any suggestions or things to watch out for riding in Key West? We were there in January, months before buying the Spyder. We may go back some day. Thanks.

 

[Bob Denman]

Nothing specific... watch the weather reports, watch the clouds, and watch out for the traffic around you! nojoke
Roads often can get pretty slippery when the rain first hits them..
(But you already knew this! )

 

[wiredgeorge]

Any suggestions or things to watch out for riding in Key West? We were there in January, months before buying the Spyder. We may go back some day. Thanks.

Key West, like most of Florida is full of real old geezers from New York/New Jersey and such places. They drive crazy and there seem to be many stories in the papers about an 84 year old running over people on the sidewalk. Beyond that, during rainy season, the t-storms hit with depressing regularity in early afternoon and then there is 147 percent humidity for the rest of the day.... and Florida takes the prize for big bugs. Even if you have a windshield on your Spyder, wear a full face helmet with shield down or at least a full shield. Some of those bugs look like they are left over from some pre-historic era. And if you break down at the side of the road... well gators live in every little water hole and such and come looking for road-side Spyder riders to munch on!

 

[missouriboy]

...BTW: Texas has no income tax hehe

That's just ONE of the best-kept tax secrets in Texas. The other one is: ZERO PERCENT SALES TAX on Groceries!
And on taxable stuff, the state rate is only 6.25% (plus up to 2 percent local levies). :yes:

 

[PrairieSpyder]

I had always hated getting into rain until I did the North to Alaska tour. Now it's just part of going and I just roll with it. If you like touring, you'll have to get used to it and have to be ready.

You should always have rain gear with you. Some have recommended Frogg Toggs. They are different kinds, though. Those sold at Wal-Mart and some motorcycle gear shops are not real durable and in a really heavy prolonged rain, will fail. I've seen other riders wearing that brand that have a coating on them to repel the water better.

I'd recommend investing in good rain gear. Check out Revzilla, Motorcycle Superstore, etc., online. And like someone else said, First Gear is sold by Baja Ron, a sponsor here.

 

[Bob Denman]

:agree: If you think that Good Raingear is expensive... try sitting on a wet butt all day, in a cheap set! :shocked:

 

[Frank G]

Here is my take on the rain gear. If you'r going to ride you will encounter rain. With that said I invested in and recommend top quality gear. I started with the Can Am Tech Plus Jacket. This is a great all around jacket that is comfy in the summer and with layers serves as a cold weather jacket. It is FULLY WATERPROOF so you do not have to carry extra gear or continuously change on the side of the road. You can also add all the safety stuff to help improve your survive-ability in case of . Yep, a full face helmet helps in the rain, as does good boots and pants. They must work as a system, at speed water has a tendency to find the smallest hidden openings, once wet it is hard (impossible) to dry out without changing.

Gloves, In short warm rains gloves are not a real issue, When it turns colder you will be looking for some top quality waterproof gloves.

Remember most rain gear is meant to be used in static conditions, not at 60mph.

In my humble opinion I have found the Can Am gear to be fairly represented, a little high in price (This can be negotiated) but of good quality.

http://store.spyder.brp.com/product/895899/440610/_/Men's_Tech_Plus_Jacket

 

[Rogue Hawk]

I love riding in the rain o my F3. I would never do it on my Honda VFR.