Have been caught in several downpours lately, some with lightning. Are we grounded while riding or are we a nice target for the Lightning Gods?

 

You're not grounded but you're also not in a protective metal cage like a car which in theory will direct a lightning strike around you. To put it simply,,,can you say POOOOOF?

 

I don't know if it would kill you since technically you are insulated from the ground by your rubber tires. Plus the grips are rubber and the foot rest is rubber combined with rubber soled shoes. I am no expert so do some research.

 

Wrong, it will and has killed motorcyclists. Just this past spring there was a guy zapped on his bike.
http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news...81/detail.html

For more, Google is your friend;
http://www.google.com/custom?q=motor...5a5475f754b%3B

 

Not safe. But better than the guard rail sitters under the overpass.

My personal strategy is to keep moving. I've always assumed I'm not going to get hit. ( I've never won the lottery either). So far I've been right. And I've been able to see trees exploding beside the road just a few feet in front of me. Actually, I'm rethinking this logic of mine as I write.
Intersections and parking lots will get you sooner. How's that for rationalizing?

 

Chicago Spike: Thanks for the informative links.

 

Wow- major major bummer. I have been in many a rain storm and a few with lightening flashing all around but never heard of anyone actually getting hit until reading that one.

I don't like the mental image of a pile of carbon on a motorcycle seat. If I was one of those guys with a novelty helmet with the spike on top I think I would be looking for a big grounding strap to drag behind me!

 

Even if the voltage didn't flow directly through your body, just being in such close proximity to so much electrical power will probably fry your personal electrical system if nothing else.

 

I prefer not to test the theory. I have no problems riding in the rain. But the first sign of close lightning, and I am finding an out anywhere I can.

 

yeh,,,rain no prob,,,lightning..im lookin for a shelter..