Touring in rain ?

[Inhouse Bob]

Sadly, it looks like my ride to the rally will be thunderstorm plagued. But I have two days to ride 550 miles, so I am splitting it roughly in the middle and that should give time to stop if needed. The only good thing about thunderstorms is that they tend to pass on by. Here's hoping!

[flynrider]

Having a big windshield like the Plexistar can be a big help. When the skies open up, you make yourself as small as possible and keep your speed up. I rode through a couple of heavy isolated thunderstorms last year on my way to Idaho. Instead of stopping to put on rain gear, I opted to ride through the dark rain shaft, hoping it wasn't too big. It worked out quite well. I was only wet from the knees down. My upper body stayed pretty dry.

I'm getting ready to leave for this year's trek to Idaho in the morning. According to the weather wizards, I'll probably be using my rain gear this time. Lots of widespread showers most of the way.

[Jim21680_imp]

Maybe I should assume this, but are you doing this cross-country trip on the CB1100? If so, I applaud you!

I don't think anyone else mentioned this....but don't forget about chain maintenance after the rainy days. These things seem to rust up fairly quickly.

[flynrider]

That would be a safe assumption, Jim! I've only got the CB750 and the CB1100. Before the CB11 my 750 did the long distance duty, but the 1100's better suspension, brakes and power make it my go-to road trip bike these days. I've never owned an actual touring specific bike.

I'm way ahead of you on the chain. I neglected to bring chain lube last year and wasted a lot of time riding around looking for some when the chain started to get noisy. This year I've already packed a big can of DuPont Chainguard. Should last me all summer.

[Jim21680_imp]

Arizona to Idaho is one heck of a trip, in it's own right.....but Bflint is headed from Southern California to Maryland!

I'd like to consider myself a stoic individual, but I'm not sure I could make that trip on my 5-speed, shieldless CB.

Wishing you both a safe and enjoyable ride, wet or dry!

[bflint]

Bflint chickened out trying to make Maryland by Memorial Day ... nonstop rain there per forecasts. Going to postpone or a couple of weeks until there are just thunderstorms. Might go up to Idaho Falls to visit uncle though ... weather seems to be ok their.

[BamaRider_imp]

I didn't read all the threads, and jumping in.

California to Maryland? It has been my experience I seldom get wet riding west to east. If you leave California, and no rain system is currently on the Mainland, good chance you make it all the way to maryland and never get wet. The wrench in that is the midwest in summer are subject to pop storms that are fiercest I've ever come across.

Catching one out in the Plains downright dangerous as a guy on bike is tall and subject to lightening. My advice. Have a nice weather app on your phone. Check it often to see what lies ahead. Plot around it, or late in the day hold up and let it dissipate on its on when the coolness of the night settles in.

I hate riding in the rain for long term. It just makes the whole day crappy. There is no such thing as waterproof riding gear, eventually water finds its way in. On a naked bike like a CB you're gonna get really wet.

[memphismike_imp]

I have Frogg Toggs as well....going that distance....you are going to get WET.....no getting around it...Wet I can Handle...WET and COLD...I cannot!

[Banned_imp]

After years of riding in the rain and spending the majority of my life outside miserable in the elements (Army), there is one option that I have found that is far superior to every other rain suit (a lot) that I have tried but it isn't very fashionable.

British Army gortex rain gear works like nothing else, I use the desert camouflage as it is quite light coloured. A bonus is it packs up quite small.

[Stichill_imp]

If I'm in my mesh gear, I throw on my Olympia New Horizon rain jacket and Horizon rain pants. Very good at keeping water out. If I'm wearing hardshell jacket and pants, I just ride on. Eventually I'll get wet but if it's not torrential or continuous I'll stay dry.

After years of riding in the rain and spending the majority of my life outside miserable in the elements (Army), there is one option that I have found that is far superior to every other rain suit (a lot) that I have tried but it isn't very fashionable.

British Army gortex rain gear works like nothing else, I use the desert camouflage as it is quite light coloured. A bonus is it packs up quite small.

Awesome idea!