Replying to not riding in rain-----how do you take long trips? I just returned from 13 day,4000 mile trip to James Bay Road in Quebec....9 days of rain. Small bike--Honda CB300F.
Professional Quality waterproof riding clothes, waterproof boots or rubber boots. Windshield set up 8-12 inches from tip of nose, looking over---I wear safety glasses, foam ear plugs and 3/4 helmet. At 79, and riding since 1955=rain no problem for me.
Rain just requires paying more attention.
Good for you.
I disagree with your assessment of rain requiring nothing more than "paying more attention." Everyone, including you, has decreased stopping power, and those people in cars who are already unsafe on dry roads, have no clue what a little hydroplaning can do, and so they drive the same exact way they do when the roads are dry. That leads to considerably more opportunities for them to lose control of their vehicles, and I choose not to be on the roads with them during those times.
I also didn't acquire my bike to "take long trips" and to ride her that way would not be the reason I have her. She's a commuter bike for me. You know, for those of us who have jobs, and can't pick up and go on 13-day, 4,000mi trips. I ride her to the college and back, and use her for errands. Once in a while, the lovely spouse and I will take her out to go find a meal on a weekend evening, and that's all I have her for.
You may feel free to spend all that buckage on all that gear, and go out on the wet roads with drivers of cars who think they're the only ones on the road, and in the rain are much more dangerous than they are on dry roads, all you like. I wish you luck, and hope for your safety, as much more of it is outside your control in the rain, no matter how much more attention you pay.
I, on the other hand, could think of many other things on which to spend that buckage. Things that would undoubtedly make me just as happy as you are when you're riding in the rain on your long trips.
Ride safe!
