Riding in the poaring rain ain't fun!

[malb]

I got absolutely soaked last night coming home from work, it was about 7:30 and the heavens opened. I was wearing a waterproof jacket but the weather forecast said dry all day so I didn't bother with trousers. (Waterproof ones that is, I did have some trousers on). By the time I got home even my boxershorts were soaked. Now don't get me wrong I'm not going to be a fair weather rider but I would like some tips on riding in the rain.

E.g. My visor kept collecting water droplets that wouldn't shift, even when I wiped it, is there anything I can spray it with to stop this? I couldn't see a damn thing for about 4 miles.

P.s. Sorry if this thread exists elsewhere! Couldn't find it
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[iCraig]

I use Holts Anti Mist and Water Repellant on my visor, it seems to sheet the water away and stops it from steaming up too and also I have a pair of gloves I use for the winter with a bit of car windscreen wiper stuck to the index finger so I use that to wipe the rain away.

Other tips too, keeps a bigger distance from the vehicle infront, as the stopping distances as increased, also you get less spray from the vehicle ther further you are back.

[Kickstart]

Hi

The water drops that do not shift are probably on the inside. Keep your visor closed as much as possible so that water cannot get inside.

Also control you breathing.

All the best

Keith
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[Phoenix]

That rain lastnight was horrendous, coming up through wolves/stafford about 9pm and it was a monsoons, traffic couldnt do more than 40 as visibility was crap and there was a layer of water on the road which made driving very skittery, was worst I've ever driven in.

[scott_hood_88]

The rain last night was pretty bad i was coming back from a mates house i have an HJC helmet the visor wouldn't clear, i've been told to use rain x which is a clear oily solution designed to shed rain of car windscreens, but the roads were pretty awful, and i'm really starting to hate the council for there drain cover positioning they're all on mini roundabouts, junctions, and corners

Scott

[Scotsman37]

I remember a while back riding through gale force winds with the rain belting down while going through nearby Glencoe. I must have used an extra 1/4 tank of fuel more than usual to cover the same amount of distance and I had to keep my chest to the fuel tank to keep myself from being blown over.

Suggestions;

1) Buy a well ventilated helmet and even better if it's already fitted with a downward breath deflector to prevent condensation on the visor or buy one for your current helmet.

2) Always carry under the seat your waterproof trousers or otherwise wear waterproof type chinos or even leathers instead.

3) Get a finger fitting windscreen wiper in case of a heavy downpour of rain.

[stinkwheel]

[Ade067]

I always keep my wet weather survival kit in the storage bin under the rear seat,I've got my water proof trousers,a neck warmer,one of those super absorbent chamois cloth things like the ones you see quite often at markets,a bit of rag and a small tin of WD40 cos you never know when you might need it!

Its surprising what will fit under that seat if you pack it in well,other than what I've listed above I've also got my disc lock and a normal bicycle type lock that I got free with one of the bike mags a couple months back,I use it for locking my helmet to the bike to save carrying it everywhere

[mchaggis]

[awj72]

[VTR SP1]

If the weather/visibility are that bad then my recomendation is pull over. It's now being a wimp just being careful. Remember if you cant see very well then there is a good change the car drivers wont see very well. If you feel cold and wet your concentration level is lower.

Pull over into a petrol station or somewhere else with shelter and sort yourself out. Wait until the worst of it is over and start again.

Be even more observent for drains and manhole covers and make sure you dont slam the brakes on on a white line.

[stinkwheel]

[Raffles_Gentleman Thug]

The first time i ever set wheel on the road was my CBT 3 1/2 yrs ago, and it just happened to be on the day of the biggest storms in a decade or so, with absolutly torrential rainfall!

you couldnt see the roads, you couldnt see 10 ft infront of you cos of the splashback from the rain etc but my crazy instructor said that a little rain wouldnt hurt!

I had on jeans, waterproof trousers, gloves, inner gloves, boots, bike jacket, overjacet and scarf.

I was soaked to the skin in 10 mins!

since then, rain doesnt really bother me much, i guess i got de-sensitised to it!


I love hooning about in the wet on my varadero cos its got Pirelli Scorpions on it, and they're fantastic in the wet. The RS is a little more interesting....
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[malb]

I'm not that bothered about getting wet on the way home, but I'm back at uni now doing my placement year, so I don't want to get absolutely soaked in the morning and then have to sit in wet clothes all day. HHmmm Think I'll have to go in the buff give the ladies in the office something to talk about.
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[Kris]

I've been sitting here at work since 8am absolutely soaked

My socks are hung over a chair to dry, along with my (supposedly waterproof) jacket, my overtrousers and my boots tucked underneath. My gloves are stuffed with paper towels hung off of drawer handles. My helmet is dripping all over my desk (oooer ) and I'm sitting in soaking jeans, t-shirt and damp jumper.

I *need* to get a decent set of waterproof gear.

Btw - anyone else who rode in on the M25/A3 etc I salute you. The rain was damn nasty this morning.

/sniff
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[iCraig]

Hmmm, my waterproofs have always been that, and for the last 3 years too.

I have a Lewis Textile Jacket and Dymanic Weathers Trousers and RST boots, none have let any water in what so ever.

Maybe worthwhile getting some of that fluro carbon spray to keep things in tiptop waterproof condition .

[malb]

[Kris]

[malb]

Well I was thinking maybe they wouldn't be too pleased about dripping on the floor and taking over all the radiators . I suppose it depends on where you work.
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[Luke_Retrofly]

Hi
Thats nothing, i rode from north devon the london, pissed it down the whoooooooooooole way. Not just rain but torrential rain, i stopped half way and wringed my socks out .

I had forgotten my watr proofs, so i was properly soaked

Note: TAKE fucking waterproofs everywhere .

Luke

[malb]

Oh Dear!. I wasn't quite that bad.
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[Shaun]

If the rain drops on your visor are annoying you then just turn your head to the side and let the wind take them to the side, do this to the left and right and you have a clear visor for a few seconds.

[map]

[malb]

[Bendy]

Apparently rubbing it with a cut potato will have much the same effect as all these fancy rain-off type products.

Can't say I've ever tried it myself though.