killer rain today. very unsteady ride

[Janzellotti]

As i am a new xs owner this was my first tiime riding in the rain. . the bike seemed to float around side to side . any other rain experiences?

[DGXSER]

Check the tires, if they are old or worn down you will hydroplane. Not good and no fun at all. I have ridden my XS11 in a pretty torential rain before. No real problems.

[haywardguy929]

My SUV was down last fall and it seemed like I got caught a lot in it. No problems besides wet and cold, glad I had the front fairing and windshield just the same. I did take it a little slower also. I think I got soaked 5 or 6 times at least...lol

[oldyam80sg]

Me too! 2 years ago i rode in torrential blowing rain on a reunion with some lifelong friends.I must have put maybe 35 miles in the rain.My Metzlers held up good as they are an excellent wet weather tire.And proper tire pressure and riding technique helps.

[TopCatGr58]

Hey again Janz,

There are DATE STAMPS on the side of the tires...in an oval, with the week and year of production over 4 number places... ie. (3405) 34th week of 2005.

Tires get hard and loose their adhesion with exposure to heat and ozone... do you have much of that there in Santa Clara, CA?? 6 years old is considered the cutoff age, but can be younger in more adverse environmental conditions.

See the recent "TIRE" thread for info on what tires are currently being recommended for price vs. performance.

T.C.

[Janzellotti]

I live in florida. and don't know why it says cali. a buddy purchased a new bike today so i met him because he is a begginer rider and needed support. so we toughed it throuvh 3hrs of nonstop heavy rain. i will be sure to check the tires tommorow

[Crusty Snippets]

Rain

I have ridden everywhere in the rain. Ask any question.
Squeeze things, do not grab. Brakes can be used firmly in a straight line.
And really gently in a curve.
If there are no puddles, high speed is okay in a straight line, provided the tyres are okay.
Ride a dirt bike to get the feel of a bike moving around under you.
From yesterday: Steve Baker was the fastest guy in the rain.
Unkle Crusty

[TopCatGr58]

I live in florida. and don't know why it says cali.

When you contacted the Admin for registration, the site logs your IP address, and it said you were in Ca., but you may have been using a PROXY site or such? YOU can edit your profile and correct your location. But the weather's the same...heat, smog and such...yes, check the tires dates.

T.C.