Caught in a Downpour?
Novice
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Texas
I rode my 250 lb Yamaha scooter in the rain, but I have yet to ride my HD in rain. Note: I got my first HD in 2012. 
I've actually been waiting for an opportunity to ride my 48 on post-rain wet pavement on a quiet street, so I can ensure that I feel confident to ride in wet conditions in traffic.
I've actually been waiting for an opportunity to ride my 48 on post-rain wet pavement on a quiet street, so I can ensure that I feel confident to ride in wet conditions in traffic.
Just got my first HD three days ago. Got caught in my first down pour in the middle of Friday after work traffic... man. Streets were slick as snot and half covered in water. Soaked and frozen, finally made the 45 min trip home hopping from car wash to car wash when the heavy stuff hit.
You learn real quick to give yourself plenty of road to bring her to a stop.
Hell of an experience, makes you feel alive!!
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 158
Likes: 2
Home mine home from the dealer in light rains... had a few sprinkles and thought nothing of it a few other times. Then I got caught in a cold cold downpour the end of October. Decided it was time to get saddlebags and a nice Icon rainsuit. May not look badass in Nylon pants and jacket....but it's warm and dry.
Novice
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Damn.
Make a hell of a commercial... Dude on a HD riding head on into a nasty storm with a tornado crossing the road behind him just as he crusies by.
Heh!
I just knew I was gonna have marks on my face from the rain drops.
Novice
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Home mine home from the dealer in light rains... had a few sprinkles and thought nothing of it a few other times. Then I got caught in a cold cold downpour the end of October. Decided it was time to get saddlebags and a nice Icon rainsuit. May not look badass in Nylon pants and jacket....but it's warm and dry.
That's my next purchase. Saddle bags and a wet suit.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 523
Likes: 0
From: Chicago
Yeah, it was bad. a tree went flying in front of me across the road, lightning was striking things under 100 yards from me, people where freaking out, and I still kept riding on.
Not going to lie, I didnt think I would make it home
Not going to lie, I didnt think I would make it home
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4,919
Likes: 23
From: Seattle, WA
Here is the problem with carrying a rain suit ...
... by the time you realize you need the rain suit and can find a place to stop and pull over to put it on ... it's too late--you're already soaked ...
I try to pay attention to the weather ... and if there is more than about a 30 percent chance ... I'll wear the pants ...
... by the time you realize you need the rain suit and can find a place to stop and pull over to put it on ... it's too late--you're already soaked ...
I try to pay attention to the weather ... and if there is more than about a 30 percent chance ... I'll wear the pants ...
Novice
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 15
Likes: 0
From: Texas
Here is the problem with carrying a rain suit ...
... by the time you realize you need the rain suit and can find a place to stop and pull over to put it on ... it's too late--you're already soaked ...
I try to pay attention to the weather ... and if there is more than about a 30 percent chance ... I'll wear the pants ...
... by the time you realize you need the rain suit and can find a place to stop and pull over to put it on ... it's too late--you're already soaked ...
I try to pay attention to the weather ... and if there is more than about a 30 percent chance ... I'll wear the pants ...
A set of water resistant chaps or scotchguard jeans, a jacket that isn't a sponge, waterproof boots and a bandana for my face would have made all the difference.
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Road Warrior
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,882
Likes: 83
You haven't ridden in the rain until you got caught out in a Derecho that wrecked us in June of this year from Indiana to the East Coast. I was limping home in a 70-90mph crosswind. I had to pull over a couple times to keep me from blowing off the road. Rain was not a major concern for me under those conditions lol..
I NEVER ever leave home without my Nelson-Rigg SR-6000 Stormrider Two-Piece Rainsuit in my saddle bags. I pair that with my Chippewa Super Logger waterproof boots that i wear 7 days a week and the only thing that gets a drop of water on me is my face. Invest in a quality set of rain gear its worth it.
A windshield and face shield or FF helmet makes rain riding totally bearable.
I NEVER ever leave home without my Nelson-Rigg SR-6000 Stormrider Two-Piece Rainsuit in my saddle bags. I pair that with my Chippewa Super Logger waterproof boots that i wear 7 days a week and the only thing that gets a drop of water on me is my face. Invest in a quality set of rain gear its worth it.
A windshield and face shield or FF helmet makes rain riding totally bearable.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 6,066
Likes: 1,282
From: OH, USA
I was watching the hail the other day took a quick video. Just as I shut it off I heard the bike. I didn't get it on fast enough. Guy on a street glide hating life at that moment. He came by at about 40.
I been caught in hail. It hurts. BAD.
I been caught in hail. It hurts. BAD.