Wet road riding

[Raptor1]

I am wondering about the traction limitations on wet roads. I have been riding for many years dirt bikes and cruisers. Now have a m1100 which I absolutely love. I still have a lack of confidence when leaning into a turn. I can lay a dirt bike way over but something about the pavement makes me nervous.

Can someone describe for me how much lean I can use on a wet road? Also how much difference in braking ability. I do not have ABS. At this point I am just being very cautious when cornering, braking, and accelerating on wet roads. I don't want to be a pussy about it if I can safely push it more but I just don't know where the limitations are. I would rather not find out the hard way. Any advice would be appreciated.

[rmerchant3]

Don't push it on wet roads. When it starts raining, unless I am going in a straight line, I treat it like there is ice on the road. Better safe then sorry.

[Zombie_Hunter]

It all depends on what you mean by push it. With modern tyres and Good habits, you can still have a lot of fun. 1) be smooth, in every part of the ride, brakes, throttle, corners, it is all about smoooooooooth.

2) give yourself room, room from other road users, from concrete barriers, anything really. You need more braking room etc.

3) practice, and practice. If you are into motor sport, watch wet weather racing etc. You will see the sort of limits availble.


For me though, i am too old for wet riding. I used to ride in every weather condition, now if it is crappy I drive.

[spike_africa]

Highly depends on the tire you are using also.

My Pilot Road2's let me cruise at 75mph in a down pour and I feel totally safe. I lean on corners and brake fairly hard.

[Benivel]

No way you should push it on wet roads man. Remember not only does water decrease friction but also repels oil, which is all over the roads. Therefore you loose a ton of traction and friction when the roads are wet.

I have come close to coming down for too much acceleration, once for downshifting in a close turn (again decreased friction) and not giving myself enough distance to stop.

Don't get me wrong, I have had a blast riding in the water. H20 all the way up to my foot pegs. But it is VERY dangerous. Perhaps the most dangerous riding after heavy traffic you can do. so unless you absolutely have to, I would always advise against it.

Cheers!

[philb]

The thing about wet roads is the irregularities. If it's a good road (and you have good tires), you can get surprisingly high limits on it. Watch a wet race sometime.

However! Water does bring up the oils, so if it is a first or sometimes second rain after a long dry spell, it may be slippery everywhere until the majority of the oils have been washed into the storm drains. Also, painted arrows and lines, tar snakes, steel plates, manhole covers, and so forth can be very slippery when wet, so you have to keep a high vigilance for those sorts of things. In undeveloped areas, the water can wash dirt and gravel and such onto the roads as well, or cause mud or rock slides.

Once it washes the oils off, and once you get used to avoiding slippery objects and obstacles, (and you have decent gear to avoid becoming physically miserable), riding in the rain is not a big deal.

PhilB

[spike_africa]

Originally Posted by Benivel

No way you should push it on wet roads man. Remember not only does water decrease friction but also repels oil, which is all over the roads. Therefore you loose a ton of traction and friction when the roads are wet.

I have come close to coming down for too much acceleration, once for downshifting in a close turn (again decreased friction) and not giving myself enough distance to stop.

Don't get me wrong, I have had a blast riding in the water. H20 all the way up to my foot pegs. But it is VERY dangerous. Perhaps the most dangerous riding after heavy traffic you can do. so unless you absolutely have to, I would always advise against it.

Cheers!

Forget that I ride all the time to work no matter what.