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Old 11-02-2008, 04:59 AM   #1 (permalink)
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Riding in the wet !

The video on Biker Hang-Out shows some excellent riding on a wet track where a rider shows off his skills. One poster commented on he takes it more carefully on wet roads. I think most of us do, as I ride all year around I often ride in rain and have been caught in some really bad storms.

Looking at Michellin tyre specifications I notice they state for certain tyres a lean angle of 51.9 degrees on dry roads and 41.9 on wet, so there you have it, as we all know tyres are not so good on wet as dry.

Given the preference to ride in wet or gusty winds I think I would prefer the wet, we've just had a month of strong winds here and pleased that October has now gone.

Anyone have any views of riding in the wet ?


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Old 11-02-2008, 05:41 PM   #2 (permalink)
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Tbirdnz View Post
Anyone have any views of riding in the wet ?
Keep your riding smooth, no hard accelerating or braking and keep a sharp eye on the road surface.

Andy.
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Old 11-05-2008, 10:37 PM   #3 (permalink)
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I might be changing my mind about preferring to ride in the wet rather than big winds. Today and yesterday I was drenched twice, although starting off in the sun. Spring is throwing down some very heavy showers.


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Old 12-26-2008, 11:12 AM   #4 (permalink)
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I had my first "yikes" moment on the thrx a week or so ago: wet pavement, turned on it at a light and the front tire did the willy. Wasn't braking at all on it nor accelerating. I did go from bone dry to wet as it was due to some sort of hydrant leak or something.

Any input on this? Tires? It didn't freak me out enough to panic but it has got me thinking about cornering when wet.
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Old 01-22-2009, 02:57 PM   #5 (permalink)
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My 2 cents:

Avoid all manhole covers, metal studs & catseyes and also avoid painted road markings wherever possible.

Only change gear, up or down, when the bike is upright.

Practice emergency braking & learn the technique for doing this.

I prefer to be very deliberate when I ride in the wet. This does not mean being heavy handed. I try and get that peel-off point for the corner as accurately as I can. I'd rather err on turning in a little too early than a little too late!

Ride with a bigger safety margin than in the dry.

Treat downhill corners with enormous respect.

Relax & don't hold the handlebar grips tightly.

Ride as smoothly as possible.

DaveB.
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Old 01-22-2009, 08:27 PM   #6 (permalink)
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Dont see them much but wooden bridges are slicker-n-snot when wet. Also that thin green moss that covers concrete at low water crossing will put you down quicker than any thing around.
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