Viola and I were out in the rain today and there were spots when I put my foot down to check that were very slippery. the traffic was heavy with lots of stops, maneuvers etc. I had to go out for a dentist apt etc as the cage is in the shop. My question is ......Viola was a dream to handle in the rain !! Is it what has been done to the bike that makes it that way a combination of mods , tires, or is this bike good natured in the rain when it was born. I'm almost looking forward to another rainy day !
Mine takes to the rain like a duck, but I think tires play a huge roll in it. Just remember, the middle of the lane (where cars drop grease and oil) is the slickest, especially for the first hour or so, so ride in the car tire paths, and watch out for the painted lines......they're slick as ice!
What pc said.
Take it easy when it rains.
Cheers.
Thank You , I have the Maxis Classics. their white walls don't hold up well. I have seen a few and they like mine have discolored and nothing has cleaned them . the traction seems to be very good. The bike is lowered in the rear about 1 inch and I have noticed a little float or lightness or bounce in the fount handling but the traction seems rock solid. A wild ride in the rain is my Honda cb 400 with several inches of ground clearance !
The first long trip I took after getting my Drifter was from Bandera, TX to Hot Springs, AR. And everything from Dallas to the exit to Hot Springs was in a medium to heavy downpour. A first for me and I never thought it would be that smooth and trouble free. Got a lot of strange looks, you know! :o
Yeah, what is it about people freaking if you ride in the rain? It's just water!
Hydroplaning on any motorcycle can't be fun. I remember coming North through Alabama back in 1999 just after buying my Drifter, doing 70+ behind a semi, trying to stay in his tracks to hit as little water as possible, at night. Strange ride but safe enough. Dozed off coming across a bridge and the change in pavement bumped me back to consciousness. At the next rest stop they gave me free coffee, noting the all night ride and shivering.
Varooom