Harleys and rain
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 12
I got caught in a hail storm, and it was raining so hard my goggles would fill up with water. I couldn't pull over because there wasn't a shoulder. I actually had to ride in it.
Thank goodness I have a black denim bike. It didn't even scratch the paint, but my half lid lost a bunch of paint.
Also the cars made a blockade for me. The slowed way down because I could only do 35 on the HWY. They stayed way back, and let me limp along.
It was raining so much that the steam from my rear rocker box was burning my ***, and the bike really didn't want to go. Did I mention there were two funnel clouds spotted that day at the time I was riding.
This is what happened the last time I got caught in the rain about a month and a half ago. **** happens. Glad I survived. That was seriously the most frightened I have ever been on a motorcycle. Forty-five miles per hour winds, hail, and a down pour, all while on a four lane HWY. It sucked big time.
But in the summertime on long rides, I don't mind getting caught in a small summer shower to cool down some. You'll be dry in 10 miles anyway.
Thank goodness I have a black denim bike. It didn't even scratch the paint, but my half lid lost a bunch of paint.
Also the cars made a blockade for me. The slowed way down because I could only do 35 on the HWY. They stayed way back, and let me limp along.
It was raining so much that the steam from my rear rocker box was burning my ***, and the bike really didn't want to go. Did I mention there were two funnel clouds spotted that day at the time I was riding.
This is what happened the last time I got caught in the rain about a month and a half ago. **** happens. Glad I survived. That was seriously the most frightened I have ever been on a motorcycle. Forty-five miles per hour winds, hail, and a down pour, all while on a four lane HWY. It sucked big time.
But in the summertime on long rides, I don't mind getting caught in a small summer shower to cool down some. You'll be dry in 10 miles anyway.
Road Captain
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 535
Likes: 2
From: Saint Johns, FL
first off it is not true.
top all weather riders tend to be touring and sport touring riders. Which can be any brand.
And a lot of HD riders are all weather riders even if they don't have a touring rig.
top all weather riders tend to be touring and sport touring riders. Which can be any brand.
And a lot of HD riders are all weather riders even if they don't have a touring rig.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 23,003
Likes: 11,441
Like all the other Harley BS.
Don't you know if you ride it in the rain it will never run agin.
It will rust away the chrome will fall off. Make up anything you want ,they will swear to it.
I ride in the rain often, This times of year 3 times a week it seems. It won't hurt it and the stock Dunlop tires will do just fine.
Rain is God's why of liquid cooling a HD.
Don't you know if you ride it in the rain it will never run agin.
It will rust away the chrome will fall off. Make up anything you want ,they will swear to it.
I ride in the rain often, This times of year 3 times a week it seems. It won't hurt it and the stock Dunlop tires will do just fine.
Rain is God's why of liquid cooling a HD.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 3,259
Likes: 523
From: USA
Fast rain riding is an art.
Yes tires will hyrdoplane.
Smooth throttle and braking is one key.
Painted stripes on road, lean angles and hidden oil/anitfreeze on road, torque spinning the rear tire off the line, visablity and fog on your glasses or helmet shieild.
IMHO the bike machincally is fine in the rain.
Over time there could be rust or water puddles in some nooks and crannys.
As above, clean up from rain riding can be a bitch.
Yes tires will hyrdoplane.
Smooth throttle and braking is one key.
Painted stripes on road, lean angles and hidden oil/anitfreeze on road, torque spinning the rear tire off the line, visablity and fog on your glasses or helmet shieild.
IMHO the bike machincally is fine in the rain.
Over time there could be rust or water puddles in some nooks and crannys.
As above, clean up from rain riding can be a bitch.
Cruiser
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 194
Likes: 14
From: Florida
If you do any long trips or tours it is likely you will see rain. It is less pleasant to ride in, and somewhat more risky. But it can be done. A good rain suit is really helpful. Full face helmet helps. Water resistant boots to keep feet dry are nice. The resultant cold can be a problem, so dress warm. I have ridden through three days of rain, the bike never got dry or clean, it ran fine.
Extreme HDF Member
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 12,986
Likes: 715
From: NE Philly
I'll ride in rain if I get caught in it. For me it's about visibility. I wear glasses. Even when I wear safety glasses over them the rain doesn't help my visibility when the drops fall on them. Around town and in residential areas the rain doesn't shed that effectively.
Plus it's bad enough that there are too many tailgaters. Even when I blip my breaks most of them ignore it. Rain doesn't help matters any. Especially with the extended stopping distances and higher potential for having to stop quickly.
Plus it's bad enough that there are too many tailgaters. Even when I blip my breaks most of them ignore it. Rain doesn't help matters any. Especially with the extended stopping distances and higher potential for having to stop quickly.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 5,308
Likes: 9
caught a front coming from the west going to daytona last year. rode from houston to jacksonville in the rain...little hail and some tornadoes in the area. at least it was not cold. riding in the rain is fine as long as the temperature is above 60 or so. bike was so dirty that i wiped the head and tail lights off so that cages could see me. the dealer washed the bike at the next oil change...all was well.