Steve H
Serious Thumper
Offline
SuzukiSavage.com Rocks!
Posts: 1223
Spartanburg, SC
Gender:
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I'm not a big fan of riding in the wet just because its WET and I also don't have a proper rain suit. But, every time I have ever gotten a new bike, I have purposely ridden in the rain to see how it rides and handles the wet. Sooner or later you WILL get wet unless you only ride on 'perfect' sunny days.
I had a bike years ago that when it rained, would die within about 5 minutes and wouldn't start again until it dried out. I never did figure out where the water was getting in and causing the problem.
The front end gets 'light' on the savage, it's much easier to lock the front wheel in the rain, at least on mine. My back wheel, unlike most, doesn't lock at the meerest hint of braking. They work like they should. It does lock easier in the wet, though.
The little ninja just keeps on going. Handling is not much affected at all. It will lock either end just slightly easier than in the dry. The tiny windscreen blows much more wind and water at my upper chest and helmet. It will slide easier in turns which is a little disconcerting until you find out just how much easier.
Like everyone has said, watch out for slick tar spots, manhole covers, steel plates, ANY painted surface, concrete is generally much slicker than asphalt. Bridges with steel grating are sometimes like riding on ice. Wind gusts in a storm will try to blow you around. Don't tense up.
You are much more a target in the rain. Nobody is expecting a bike to be out 10 minutes after it starts raining. It's harder to see and harder for everyone else out there to see you. The cagers around here seem to have two speeds when it rains, barely moving or wide open. Practice wet riding in a controlled environment if you can...deserted parking lot, deserted back roads, etc. It won't take long to feel confident enough to go in the rain if you have to.
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