Riding in the rain

[cswett]

Hello
I am planning a trip up Highway 1 from Santa Barbara to Monterey (then inland to Sacramento) this weekend, but forecast is for showers. I haven't ridden in the rain in a long time and am worried about being able to see while traveling at highway speeds.
I have an r1150r with a 19-inch Cee Bailey windscreen and a Shoei full-face helmet.
Will I have to pull over when it rains because of visibility issues, or does the water generally sheet off the face plate so visibility stays pretty good.
Any advice is welcome.
Clint

[Beaze]

Try spraying your visor with Plexus. It's a helmet specific cleaner/polishing spray but helps water to shed. I know they make finger squeegee's that you can put over your glove while riding in the rain too.

Personally I just turn my head from side to side and allow mother nature to wick away the water. I do this every 5-10 seconds for a brief moment and I can see fine, I keep my eyes front and center while doing this.

[pinecone]

Lots of potential issues riding in the rain, but as far as visibility goes I've had more problems with fogging than the actual raindrops. I'd recommend a Fog City or ProGrip insert although there are other options, like the Respro mask. My gloves have a thumb squeegee built in which is another nice feature.

[pinecone]

Oh, how hilarious - I just noticed your username is "csWETT"

[cswett]

Lots of potential issues riding in the rain,.

Talk to me about the other potential issues. I know to go slower and generally be more cautious. I have rain pants and jacket. What else? What's a thumb squeegee? Can I buy one for my existing gloves?
I haven't done an extensive rain ride since a miserable 180-miler at night on my Honda 350 back in 1975. But I was too young and stupid to know better.

[pinecone]

Here's a thumb squeegee for ya.

The issues are primarily visibility, traction and comfort. You will get wet in an all-day rain even with rain gear - whether it's through your boots, gloves or down your neck. Then there's the potential to get very cold. Do you have heated gear? Roads will be slick - even more so if it hasn't rained in awhile - and your brakes less efficient.

Sounds like a great trip, even in the rain. Just make sure you have all the bases covered and hopefully it is enjoyable and safe!

[jas]

I love riding in the rain, its peaceful. I tend to crack open my shield for better airflow, and nod my head a couple times to push the water off. With proper rain gear, including gloves (over mittens work well), you can go all day. Just remember that if the rain has just begun, the oils on the road will rise a bit and could be an issue until they become diluted. Road paint, as in road lines and even tar snakes can get as slick as snot (be aware during lane changes and entersections, and if following a vehicle, let them cut the wake and follow their tire tracks.

Enjoy your trip.

[Biff's R]

I rode 530 miles in the rain yesterday.

Some observations:
Everything will leak eventually
Use dishwashing gloves over your waterproof gloves
Plexus does help the moisture bead up on your face shield it does help
tuck your jeans inside your riding boots(it is amazing how they can wick up moisture even when covered with waterproof gear.
I also went 5-10 miles slower than usual
Don't make sudden movements
Avoid puddles, and watch your step at traffic lights

[Sunbeemer]

If possible (depending on traffic and road topography), I use one gear higher than normal, i.e, if I would normally be running in 3d gear at 4000 rpm,, I'd shift up to 4th gear. This lowers the torque output to the wheel which reduces the potential loss of traction due to inadvertent throttle changes. Just realize that your traction on a wet road is about 75% of normal dry traction (depending on your tire type & brand). Be smooth in all manuevers!

[omg1010]

We're having rain more frequently. I ride waterproof gear (Rukka gore-tex) which keeps me dry. I also have gore-tex gloves. And last but not least a double visor to prevent fogging. I never had any issues (even not while braking thanks to ABS).

Brgds
Oliver

[sweatmark]

Don't sweat the rain. You can try one of the shield treatments mentioned, just avoid too much intentional wiping of outer surface for cleaning, squeeging, etc. as the treatment can wear away and leave an exacerbated vision problem.

If you've got a Shoei, then pick up a spare shield that's equipped with Pinlock pins (need to get the PInlock inner shield too). Shield fogging is often a bigger problem than exterior moisture, at least during temperate wet weather up here to the north of Cali.

Get yourself a silk - or some fauxish stuff - balaclava for comfort during the wet. Regardless of warm or frozen nipple cold, wrapping your head (and neck) with something dry and warming (and thin under helmet) makes a big impact on physical and psychological comfort.

Stop and enjoy Big Sur views, even if it's raining.

Don't let yourself get chilled.

Do let yourself relax during the ride. Getting too tense about potential mishaps in the wet can be debilitating.

You'll be surprised by the good visibility with your windscreen setup (just a guess).

Enjoy the ride up 1, but keep your wits about you on the 10-lane-wide interstate in the Bay area.

[Boxer]

Go buy yourself one of these.

http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/486/

[Buckster]

I wonder if the center stand is extra?

[bobw]

I ride in the rain often and these are very good tips. Not sure about % of traction. Modern tire like a PR2 has amazing wet handling. Motorcycle tires do not hydroplane like a car tire, but wash and spray from other vehicles is a hazard as well as decreased visibilty for you and other drivers seeing you. Road paint stripes, man hole covers, leaves-debris, etc. should be anticipated/prepared for. My Helds have the wiper blade, but my other gloves don't. I do like the others have said or just run my glove over the shield (in or outside) to clear the view. Driving SMOOTH and relaxed is very important and if you have very limited visability/severe weather, I would stop for a coffee and give a little time for the storm to move on. I enjoy riding in the rain and my speed does not change other than the severe weather or fog synarios. Better to be a late arrival than a no show so always stay in your comfort zone. My $.02

Safe travels.

Bob