How is it even possible, really?
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 12,653
Likes: 18
From: Broken Arrow, Oklahoma
^^^^ This ^^^^
I try to never ride if the roads are wet. As big of a PITA as it is to clean the bike afterwards, it's more of an issue (for me) about safety. Bikes can disappear in the road spray from other vehicles. Especially when approaching them from the rear. And riding in traffic in dry conditions can be dangerous enough. But when you're on wet roads, on two wheels, evasive maneuvers become especially tricky.
I try to keep an eye on forecasts and drive the cage when the chances are better than 30% that it's going to rain. Even then, I've been caught in it a few times. Sometimes, the weather man just lies!!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2,275
Likes: 149
From: High in the Colorado Rockies
It certainly is possible! I have several bikes and one of my bikes has nearly 20k miles and has never seen the rain (located in Southern California). I have other bikes for long distance trips and riding at my other home in the Colorado mountains where the bikes see lots of rain (and snow). SJ Ron 
Road Master
Joined: Jan 2014
Posts: 1,099
Likes: 34
From: NC/SC
I don't see what the big deal is if the bike has been in rain or not. It is a 600+ lbs heap of metal. Rain can't ruin it if you take proper care after coming back. I ride to work everyday rain or shine as I chose my bike as my only mode of transportation and so far I am pretty happy. If it rains it rains. I will ride to work, come back and wash and dry it off. I don't ride in snow though. I am not skilled enough to do that.
Another thing I will add is, riding in rain surely is trickier so I totally understand if one is apprehensive due to this reason. But if you are comfortable then it's not really that big an issue. Just get the proper rain gear though.
Understood people are very meticulous when it comes to keeping their bikes clean and shiny and polished and it's a very good thing too. But if they have a desire to ride but are too afraid to go out in rain thinking it will ruin the bike, maybe they need to order a pair of *****.
Another thing I will add is, riding in rain surely is trickier so I totally understand if one is apprehensive due to this reason. But if you are comfortable then it's not really that big an issue. Just get the proper rain gear though.
Understood people are very meticulous when it comes to keeping their bikes clean and shiny and polished and it's a very good thing too. But if they have a desire to ride but are too afraid to go out in rain thinking it will ruin the bike, maybe they need to order a pair of *****.
Last edited by kingxirol; Mar 17, 2015 at 08:22 PM.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 2,764
Likes: 396
From: 2 houses down from you
We sure have some massive rain storms here, and it's impossible to avoid rain if you want to ride a motorcycle. I've ridden in unbelievable rain where you can't see past the windshield, rain is pouring into your eyes behind your sunglasses and you are totally drenched.
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 941
Likes: 9
From: Denver, CO
It certainly is possible! I have several bikes and one of my bikes has nearly 20k miles and has never seen the rain (located in Southern California). I have other bikes for long distance trips and riding at my other home in the Colorado mountains where the bikes see lots of rain (and snow). SJ Ron
It is pretty much impossible to ride in Colorado in the summer and not ride in the rain. Unless you are only riding through the southern plains area of the state in every month not named May or June.
Though in 2013, I rode all over this state and only got a few sprinkles in roughly 5k miles. I chose to keep her in the garage during the great 100 year flood that year.
And anyone who does any sort of distance touring has certainly ridden in the rain. There's really no way to avoid rain when you're 10 states away from home and have to be back by a certain date.
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Tourer
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 329
Likes: 18
From: Rhode Island
Granted it was only 3500 miles, but the entire time i had my sportster it never saw rain. I pay a lot of money every month for my truck. So when weather is bad or rain is expected ill drive it.
I want to enjoy the bike, not get stuck in the rain on it.
BUT i might be lucky, im in Southern California so its easy to avoid rainy days
I want to enjoy the bike, not get stuck in the rain on it.
BUT i might be lucky, im in Southern California so its easy to avoid rainy days