Ducati Monster Forum

Hello all, I'm fairly new to motorcycling and was curious what others thought of riding in the rain.  I'm not sure how much faith I should place in my tires when the ground is wet.  I obviously don't plan on riding too aggressively if I get caught in the rain, but how good are the BT017 (I believe this is the correct stock M1100 tire) in the rain?  I'm an experienced mountain biker, and know what it feels like to push those tires to their limit, but a low side on a bicycle at 30 mph is quite different than wiping out my brand new $10K monster!  Thoughts..... [popcorn]

my thoughts on it and im sure that someone will chime in, but i got my first ducati about a month before the gp race in indy where it rained the whole time.  anyways, i went down and watched the race in the rain and figured that if they can do it so can i.  i know im not pushing my bike even close to the limit they are so i figured i should be safe.  just dont get stupid and you should be all right.

Do watch out for markings on the road, the do become slippery when they are wet.

i ride in the rain alot here in hawaii.  more then i care to to think of really, but with either my 848 or my Gfs 696. i have found that for most parts its pretty much the same (considering you follow the speed limits) just be cautious of painted lines cause they do get slick, and watch for standing water that might be covering a POT HOLE ... (those really suck) or just might be deeper then you anticipate. 

Not to knock this comment but those guys are professionals. There are not many "street" riders who can come close to how they ride. Two other things about the professionals. One, they're getting paid to ride in the rain and, therefor, don't have much of a choice. Two, they have sponsors that will fix or replace a bike that gets wrecked.

I wouldn't push anything to the limit in the rain. IMO it's better to get home safe and unscathed. Then push it to the limit when it's dry.   ;) [moto]

I could not agree more with ^^^^
When its raining I do these things
30+% slower
Avoid anything with paint or metal on the road
In corners I keep the bike more upright and get my body way over as a counter weight.
Give way more distance between me and the car in front.
No sudden brake grab just a gentle initial squeeze with even firm increases.
And if Im smart check the weather then drive the car ;D 

If you ride a little slower, stay a little more vertical, leave a little more space, watch the painted lines, metal (sewer plates, etc) and remember the roads are extra slick when the rain starts you will be fine.

What howie said + be smoother on your inputs.

Regardless of rain or not, those painted lines make me nervous.  Again, I don't know what kind of traction is available on painted lines when they are dry.

Manholes are extra slick too.


That said, I ride the bike the same in the rain as in the dry.


Keep in mind, I'm on a motard with rain slicks  8)

I ride in the rain pretty often this is what i learned

a) people are make the beast with two backsing retarded and will slam on the brakes, keep your distance.
b) your brakes, depending on pad type, will probably not even work since they are cold as ice. Keep your distance because braking distance increases by alot more than just 2x.
c) if its pouring, traction on the front wheel, is pretty good. same with the rear. Slow is smooth, smooth is fast. Dont gun it, you will step out the rear, and dont slam on the brakes, because once you get them hot enough and dry enough they are going to suddenly bite
d) if its been drizzling, this is probably the most dangerous time. Everything isnt wet, its slippery because the oils in the groun hasnt washed away.

After a good dump of rain (30 mins of heavy rain) you're looking at probably 80% grip depending on the tires and depth of water you're riding on.

it's no problem in local road since you can just slow down.
but if you have to stay on the highway, then there is a problem.
it's more dangerous if you are slower than traffic and those waters from other cars?

My own 2cents...the highway can actually be drier than side roads in some conditions, especially if it's not a downpour.  Around here (Ohio), interstates are more sloped and elevated than city streets, and so are often the first to dry after a rain.  I'll even sometimes jump on the interstate to avoid sloppy city streets, sometimes. Of course, if it's pouring rain, that's a different story. 

I didn't see it mentioned so I will add that the rain is going to make your tires take longer to get up to temperature (if ever) so be especially cautious when you first start riding. I have found though that my two best friends when riding in the rain is awareness and confidence.

   [puke] [puke] [puke]

Don't let a little rain slow you down.... :o



SBK 2008 - Donington Park - Kiyonari Show (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KycZk1M7g24#lq-lq2-hq-vhq)

Loose gravel is far worse than rain. I have never lost confidence in rain, cuz I know to behave myself. When its dry and sunny, you feel like you own the world, thats when you get into trouble.

A track day with rain will do wonders for your confidence. Took the tires longer to warm up obvioulsy. rain cleared and track dried by noon. as the morning went on my confidence increased in the rain as did my confidence. When the track dried there was definatley a difference in speed i was willing to take corners but i was surprised it wasnt that signifiacnt a difference.

track is way diff than street no slick surfaces like others mentioned and no surprises.

point i think im making is trust the tires way more than you would expect just be cautious of everything else.

and by the way they are BT016 on the M1100

I know this is an old thread, but I thought Id add one thing I didnt see in all the tips above.. (if I missed it, sorry)

Watch out for the center of the lane when slowing to a stop at intersections. Its usually oily slick from leaking cars. Also, when stopping in a toll make sure you NEVER leave the left tire track. If you get to talk to a toll booth operator, he'll tell you what he's probably seen.