Technique on Rain-Grooved Pavement?
Thread Starter
|
Cruiser
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From:
Technique on Rain-Grooved Pavement?
Rode into work today (85 miles one-way) and the ride was fine except for I-95 in Westchester, NY where there is rain-grooved pavement. These grooves seem to be wider than most I have come across, there were some butt-clenching moments there on some of the curves, even soft ones. The bike just seems to have a mind of it's own, and it could be the front or the rear independent of each other. At one point I felt the rear start to swing out just a little and was able to get through it.
I did the whole thing in 4th gear averaging about 50-60mph, much faster on the turns and it felt like I was going to lose it. Thankfullly it's not too long a stretch. I was just wondering if anyone had any pointers on how to handle this type of road, or this road in particular, maybe it's somethig I'm doing in how I'm riding? I have this on both bikes, one with Dunlop tires and one with Metzelers, so I don't know how much tires factor in...
Thanks,
Sean
I did the whole thing in 4th gear averaging about 50-60mph, much faster on the turns and it felt like I was going to lose it. Thankfullly it's not too long a stretch. I was just wondering if anyone had any pointers on how to handle this type of road, or this road in particular, maybe it's somethig I'm doing in how I'm riding? I have this on both bikes, one with Dunlop tires and one with Metzelers, so I don't know how much tires factor in...
Thanks,
Sean
Cruiser
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 138
Likes: 2
I feel your issue. When I ride on those, I try to relax even more than usual. If you tighten it it seems to make it much worse. Keep speed in check and let the bike do the driving (within reason of course). I would probably try and mimize the lean angle a bit as well. Lastly, when applying the brake, do it a bit more gingerly as well.
Road Captain
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 586
Likes: 48
From: Saint Augustine, FL
I know when I had a worn down Dunlop on my bike - riding on scarafied pavement (I think that's the proper term) when it was wet was always a fun experience. For that matter, riding on anything with that tire blew chunks. I eventually swapped that rear tire out for a Metzler - and not just any Metzler - but one filled with the proper amount of Dyna beads - the newest sensation for balancing a tire. Now, I ride this bike around like it's a friggin dirt bike - on dry roads, wet roads, and everything in between. I really believe the Dyna Beads make a difference. And, I usually throttle up when I go into any curve (except blind ones - never know whats comin' your way) cuz it's fun.
In your case though - just slow it down. As slow as you need to make yourself comfortable. Always make a point to ride to YOUR comfort level; who cares what the posted speed is; who cares if there is a car behind you or other traffic. Take it at whatever speed you have to. Period. It's your life that is in your hands.
In your case though - just slow it down. As slow as you need to make yourself comfortable. Always make a point to ride to YOUR comfort level; who cares what the posted speed is; who cares if there is a car behind you or other traffic. Take it at whatever speed you have to. Period. It's your life that is in your hands.
Road Warrior
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 1,383
Likes: 3
From: Texas City, TX
I agree with tlr. Relax as much as possible. I understand that's really hard to do when the bike is wallowing all over the place but stiffening up like a 2x4 and keeping a death grip on the bars doesn't help either and you'll wear yourself out in short order.
That you should keep your speed down is obvious. Beyond that, just keep your cool and understand that the bike is going to wander around and there's really nothing you can do about it beyond staying on top of things and guiding it back where you need it to be at any given moment.
Good luck & Ride Safe,
Steve R.
That you should keep your speed down is obvious. Beyond that, just keep your cool and understand that the bike is going to wander around and there's really nothing you can do about it beyond staying on top of things and guiding it back where you need it to be at any given moment.
Good luck & Ride Safe,
Steve R.
Road Captain
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 656
Likes: 0
From: gone
light on the gas light on the brake. Its going to wobble and there is nothing you can do about it. Its going to wobble, but its not going to go down. Relax a bit, trust yourself and the bike a bit more.
Used to have roads like that when i was stationed at PT Mugu in So Cal.
Used to have roads like that when i was stationed at PT Mugu in So Cal.
Cruiser
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 173
Likes: 1
From: New York
I agree with the relaxed grip theory. I find that the bike doen't really move all that much in the lane. Just curious though, is this pavement that is distressed in order to repave it or are there grooves cut in the pavement to shed water?
Trending Topics
Elite HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 4,602
Likes: 5
From: Southern California - Palm Springs Area
Agree Pucker Butt doesn't help... Most of the Fwys in So Cal are the same way. Relax & go with the flow (or use back roads)
HD Forum Stories
The Best of Harley-Davidson for Lifelong Riders
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Verdad Gallardo
8 Best Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Worst Harley-Davidson Motorcycles Ever
Pouria Savadkouei
Killer Custom's Jail Break Is The Breakout That Refused to Blend In
Verdad Gallardo
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Verdad Gallardo
Harley-Davidson Reveals Super Cool Cafe Racer Concept
Verdad Gallardo
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Verdad Gallardo
10 Motorcycles You Should Never Buy
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Harley-Davidson Needs to Fix in 2026
Verdad Gallardo
Road Master
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 815
Likes: 0
From: GA
Big heavy motorcycle and fat tires 
never feel really 'em!
But on the occasion I do then I try to stay as loose as possible, and as another said trust in yourself and the scoot. When you tighten up you allow that extra vibration and wallowing effect to transfer to your arms and upper body producing SoCal Pappy's "Pucker Butt" factor to rear it's ugly head.
Hey Pappy, I lived in Huntington Bch for years and used to ride 405 on an old Kawi, man what a ride that was, they should call those things rain canyons and not grooves!!
never feel really 'em!But on the occasion I do then I try to stay as loose as possible, and as another said trust in yourself and the scoot. When you tighten up you allow that extra vibration and wallowing effect to transfer to your arms and upper body producing SoCal Pappy's "Pucker Butt" factor to rear it's ugly head.
Hey Pappy, I lived in Huntington Bch for years and used to ride 405 on an old Kawi, man what a ride that was, they should call those things rain canyons and not grooves!!