riding in the rain

[smallbudget]

Ok, am I the only guy to continuously get caught in the rain. It seems as though if an area is in danger of being declared a drought area, all one must do is invite me to ride there. The rain, torrential sheets of it, will follow. Of course I have not yet added any rain gear to my list of on board essentials. yup, boots and full helmet, that's it. Well, dry weather attire as well, sorry about THAT visual. I got caught in it again today. High wind, big fat (since I am kinda fat, I can use that word) rain drops coming at me horizontally, stinging  me like african bees. I actually went through water under a railroad trussle that was so high my exhaust burbled. BURBLED! Second tier scooter my, er, foot. My Kymco People 250 rocks. The owner, wellll **** Now that I have hopefully amused yall may I shamelessly ask you smart and well informed people, should I be concerned about undo wheel bearing wear, cable wear, warped rotors, etc.? Now THATS a run on sentence huh? Also, anyone else with soggy tales to tell?

[ScooterWolf]

I'm not a fan of riding in the rain and will do what I can to avoid it. For that reason I've never invested in any rain gear except a tarp for my scooter and a cheap punchy for myself that's generally in my closets and not under my seat. Regardless, I've been caught in the rain twice this week, one particular bad enough to sting my gloveless hands while riding. The worse was one of flash flood intensity a few years ago that forced me to follow the car in front of me so close that the wake of their tires allowed me to ride on flat asphalt and not through 4-5 inches of water.

I've found that winter snow and salt does more damage to my scooter than the rain, but if my scoots parked in the rain I try to dry it off first chance I get when I'm back home in the garage. Water damage will depend on the condition of your scooter. How old is it and how well maintained.

-Wolf

[LidoCA]

 What is this rain you speak of?

[2wheelfun]

Bike was designed to get wet and ridden in the rain. Most of the scooter riding done on the planet is done in SE Asia where the monsoons overwhelm you and they're still riding. Only thing I wouldn't do to it is pressure wash your bike with the nozzle up close pointing into the airbox, bearings, or electronics. I pressure wash mine but hold the nozzle back about 3ft and do wide sweeps, then wipe with a soft cotton towel. Pressure wash can get into the nooks and crannies a lot better than your fingers. Others will say never pressure wash your ride, I've never had any issues. As far as riding in the rain the only advice I can give is to go sloooow and watch your corners. Give cagers plenty of space and pray to your creator to keep you safe. I don't see how people can see through their visor when it rains w/o a visor wiper. Ever try to drive a cage in a down pour and not use the wipers? You cannot see clearly. I avoid the rain if at all possible, I'm like a cat and hate getting wet...........had to clarify, love showers just not getting wet on 2wheels, capiche?

[mrmike]

I used to own a Harley, and in 13 years of riding, I only got caught in a bad storm once. Of course I was macho then and had no rain suit or any place to carry one. In 2010 I sold the Harley and bought my first scoot (People 150). I put a top box on it and bought a set of Frog Togs (rain suit). I sold the 150 in 2012 and bought my GTI300. Now since I've owned scooters, I've had rain gear and have not been caught riding in the rain. Go figure! I have to admit that I'm 71, and if the weather looks or is bad, I take my car. Luckily I only use my scooter for pleasure, and riding in the cold or rain doesn't meet that criteria.

[ScooterWolf]

mrmike, if you live in Syracuse then you live in the kingdom of unpredictable weather. I went to high school in the area, graduated from FM in '84. Can't even imagine riding a scooter there in the winters. Great place for a scooter though (during the short warm months). Lots of backroads, hills and twisties.

Stay safe, and dry.

-Wolf

[smallbudget]

Thanks for the input everyone. As far as salt goes Wolf (and snow) that makes sence. I did pressure wash the old steed (2007 people 250) when I got back from riding it to the beach. I had no idea that to some it was a no no. Seems no worse for it. Surely it couldn't be worse than submerging the muffler. 2wheel, I hadn't really thought about where the scoots were designed to be ridden. Hey maybe in the overall scheme of things I am kind to mine. Mrmike I would tell you how I judiciously plan my rides around my local meteorologists predictions. Of course that would be when my beautiful wife would decide to read this and call me out on that soooo. 2 trucks (you may call my wives minivan a cage but please don't disparage my truck) and a minivan kinda leaves with no excuse except a propensity toward reckless abandon (albeit in a responsible fashion). almost 60 years old and having fun, what can I say? Oh yea, Lido all ha gotta do is invite me to ride with you, then you will see, lol.