Harleys and rain
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 4,474
Likes: 2
From: Puerto Rico
Big Leb, hit it on the head... Peeps in cars do freaky things in the rain, they just don't look. It must be hypnosis of the wiper blades or something.
Annnnnd the getting soaked to the bone ain't funny, nor the clean-up to the bike.
I avoid it like the plague and if caught look for a viaduct to sit it out under.
I'm not a tourer, so if I don't like the skies I don't cruise. Lucky I live where almost everyday is dry & sunny. Puerto Rico, but not near the rain forest, south coast is like the desert.
jack
Annnnnd the getting soaked to the bone ain't funny, nor the clean-up to the bike.
I avoid it like the plague and if caught look for a viaduct to sit it out under.
I'm not a tourer, so if I don't like the skies I don't cruise. Lucky I live where almost everyday is dry & sunny. Puerto Rico, but not near the rain forest, south coast is like the desert.
jack
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
ok guys, i know a few and have heard of lots of Harley riders who dont ride in the rain 
my question is why?
im not trying to judge, i genuinely want to know.
is there a reason i shouldn't be riding in the rain? electrics? bad handling?
i asked one guy i know n he said "i dont want my bike to rust"
i thought he was joking but he really wasnt
my question is why?
im not trying to judge, i genuinely want to know.
is there a reason i shouldn't be riding in the rain? electrics? bad handling?
i asked one guy i know n he said "i dont want my bike to rust"
i thought he was joking but he really wasnt
There is no bad weather only bad gear!!
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 3,212
Likes: 212
I commute on my bike. Rain or shine, it's not that big of a deal. A good set of boots, rain gear, and a full face helmet and it's really not that bad. I find riding in the rain kind of peaceful because all the random noise is dampened out and you don't smell the road grime.
I never understood what people have against the rain. Don't goose the throttle, take turns easier, leave stopping distance, and just be aware. It's not that hard.
I never understood what people have against the rain. Don't goose the throttle, take turns easier, leave stopping distance, and just be aware. It's not that hard.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
I commute on my bike. Rain or shine, it's not that big of a deal. A good set of boots, rain gear, and a full face helmet and it's really not that bad. I find riding in the rain kind of peaceful because all the random noise is dampened out and you don't smell the road grime.
I never understood what people have against the rain. Don't goose the throttle, take turns easier, leave stopping distance, and just be aware. It's not that hard.
I never understood what people have against the rain. Don't goose the throttle, take turns easier, leave stopping distance, and just be aware. It's not that hard.
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Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 66,948
Likes: 4,573
From: TOAK western branch
I dont give anyone grief for not riding in the rain. For most its a hobby and thats great. Mine is really showing some age but if it was garage kept and only drivin on sunny days it would sparkle more. Id rather be ridding though!
Cruiser
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 173
Likes: 1
From: Michigan
We got caught in the rain last year. We knew the potential for bad weather was forecasted but thought we could beat the storm. A few miles from our destination the sky opened up to the point where I could barely see 20' in front of me. I had never rode in the rain so was very nervous and riding two up didn't help matters.
Having no prior experience I was concerned about stopping distance but more concerned that the cages would not see us. The bike handled well, we made it to our destination and we spent the next hour laughing while drying the bike.
We are planning longer trips now and the rain isn't so intimidating. Oh, and we now keep the rain gear in the bike 24/7 just in case.
Having no prior experience I was concerned about stopping distance but more concerned that the cages would not see us. The bike handled well, we made it to our destination and we spent the next hour laughing while drying the bike.
We are planning longer trips now and the rain isn't so intimidating. Oh, and we now keep the rain gear in the bike 24/7 just in case.