Dude, you are the man!! I know it was unintended, but that was probably the most entertaining video Ryker ride I have ever seen. All the others pale by comparison. You have a lot of guts, man.
Thx! I figured that I would get wet, but I wasn't planning for the hurricane-force winds or the flooding. I've ridden through much worse weather before, but this one is in my top 10 crazy weather rides, for sure. I grew up in Oklahoma (tornado alley), so I've ridden through tornadoes (literally) and quarter-sized hail stones at 50+ mph.. now that REALLY sucks! 😉👍 --QM
After 20 years of motorcycling, I'm now considering buying a Ryker. Your video helped me realise I'm making the right decision. Lol. The comment about holding your motorcycle upright at low speed in strong wind and rain was what cemented it for me. The Ryker looked like it handled the conditions really well. That was an epic storm bro. Great video.
Thanks for the feedback! I wouldn't have ridden into that had I known how bad it was going to be... those 65+ MPH winds were crazy! The Ryker's stability made it almost a non-event... just soggy. If I had been on a motorcycle, then I would have certainly needed to stop somewhere because it would have been impossible to stay upright. Another benefit of the Ryker's stability is on twisty roads and unknown surfaces. You don't need to worry about low-siding or high-siding the bike if you don't negotiate a corner correctly. You can certainly push the front end off the road if you really overcook a corner (understeer), but the Ryker's stability control does a great job of keeping you out of trouble. I have a short weekend ride video on the backroads that I'm editing now where I demonstrate that capability. I'll be posting those videos in normal 4K and also in 5.6K 360° video so you can look around during the ride. Cheers! 👍 --QM
If I had known what was ahead of me, I probably would have waited for that to pass. The weather here in the Gulf Coast can be unpredictable, so I always take my rain gear just in case. The Ryker handled that situation quite well... a 2-wheeler would have been a bad situation in those winds. Cheers! 👍 --QM
This must be the 4th time I watched this video, ‘cause I just love watching rain videos. You see, I don’t have much money, but I have a small, old car that costs quite a few bucks to keep running, and from time to time I wonder if it is time to scrap it and ride my 50 cc scooter instead. But then I watch a video like this, and it reminds me of how nice it is to be warm and dry in that old car, and then the running costs suddenly don’t seem that bad after all. 😁
Thanks for watching, Thomas! That ride was certainly not planned. If I had known how strong that storm was going to be, then I'd have waited it out for a little while. The Ryker handled it without a whimper... it's very stable at low speeds and in high crosswinds (minus the erratic alignment issues that I've had). Cheers! 😉👍 --QM
Very nice video. Def a adventure for sure. I have a Sea Doo (same company) and you riding your toy reminded me of riding my at the lake. Sound and water wise. Thanks for sharing that with us.
I was on edge of my seat watching scared seeing you in this storm, poor visibility, traffic etc. We've been riding our Rykers since Sept 2020 but here in Virginia the cold isn't our friend so much. Love watching your videos, thank you for such great fun and informative videos.
Thx for the feedback! I probably wouldn't have ridden through that storm if I had known what was coming. I've ridden through a few tornadoes on motorcycles a few times (accidentally), and it's no fun trying to keep a 2-wheeler upright in 60+ mph lateral winds. The Ryker handled it perfectly, though... it was very stable and reassuring in the high winds and the 2+ inches of standing water. I was getting thrashed in this storm (notice my helmet was tilted toward the right into the wind for a while), but the Ryker was planted and stable throughout. The only surprise that I had during this ride was the when then front wheels hydroplaned at 7:59. I was only traveling at 39 mph (luckily), so it's a good thing that I wasn't moving any faster... the slope of the road might have pushed me into the cars in the right lane. Cheers! 👍 --QM
@@QuasiMotard Well jeep riding safe, as i look forward to the next one. Im always learning something from you, by the timeI get mine, I'll be a breast.
Thx for the feedback! If you haven't already seen my latest Ryker series, check out the "Hammock in a severe thunderstorm" video: ruclips.net/video/ryCHfZdFNGE/видео.html . Cheers! 👍 --QM
norcal here and yes we have traffic like that. If your driving from one big city to another,it is hard to find alternative routes, but small city to small city expressways are my go to, still heavy but not as bad as the freeway. I am not ready to get stuck in the rain yet,lol. At least I know my Ryker will do well in it. Love your videos and as I have stated in another your very calm voice.
Thx for the feedback! The Ryker is really good in these situations because of the inherent stability (no need to balance it) and the traction control. If I had been on a 2-wheeler in that torrent, then I would have certainly needed to stop under a bridge or on the side of the road somewhere... it's hard to stay upright on a motorcycle in 60+ mph side winds. Cheers! 👍 --QM
Yep... sitting still in traffic on a bike (or trike) really sucks. Motorcyclists in CA are allowed to lane-split (filter), but it's not legal in TX yet... probably never will be. The point was moot in this video, though... can't split lanes on a Ryker because it's as wide as a Smart ForTwo! 🤣👍 --QM
We were caught in the rain on our Spyder RT and as long as you can get moving at about 55 or more it does excellent to keep the rain off of you especially with the adjustable windshield but I was happy to have heavy rain gear
I hate ridding in the rain, however I did do it once on a charity ride I was on years ago ( like over 30 years.) when I was selling motorcycles for a Honda Dealer. They let me take a Goldwing on the ride which really protects ya from the rain except when you stop. It was a Sunday so no real traffic to deal with and we were ridding in the country so there were a few stop signs. Wonder how much rain protection the Spyder offers? Probably similar to the Wing.
The Spyder RT is very much like a full-dress touring motorcycle (e.g., GoldWing, Road King, etc). It has a large fairing that protects your legs and torso, and the windscreen is electrically adjustable for height. The Spyder F3 is more of a naked bike, but the front fascia and fairing does a good job of protecting against wind and rain... not as good as the RT, though. The crappy part of riding in the rain is when you need to stop in traffic. All of the water is falling straight down and pooling in your lap. Fairings don't protect you from swamp balls in that case! 🤣👍 --QM
Thx! I wasn't expecting things to get quite that crazy. If I had known what was ahead, I probably would have stopped at a fuel station and waited under the canopy for a while. That stretch of IH-10 sucks because there are no shoulders that are wide enough to stop safely... only about half-width through there. Stopping on the highway while riding a bike is dangerous enough, but stopping in a white-out rainstorm is suicide. 😉👍 --QM
That's not my worst weather experience on a bike, but it's probably in my top 10 where rain and wind were concerned. I've actually ridden through tornadoes before (by accident, of course), and through heavy lightning storms where multiple strikes have come down within 30 feet of me. Those moments will give you an 11.0 on the pucker scale. 🤣 --QM
Yes, that windscreen is the light gray tint. I haven't posted my installation video yet (still editing), but my first commute and ride impression video with the MadStad screen is here if you're interested: ruclips.net/video/9Nn5NIfgS8g/видео.html . Cheers! 👍 --QM
The more videos of yours I watch the more excited i get about getting mine. All going well its a month away now. most think i'm crazy getting this over a car for my first vehicle but the Ryker looks more my style. On a side note I noticed the ones here in New Zealand don't have that extra light switch either. it does have the parking break lock though along with some body conformity additions like extra lights to the sides of the headlights and some reflectors to the sides of the rear bumper.
Thx for the feedback! I really enjoy my Ryker, even for its shortcomings (e.g. poor traction with all-season tires and wandering at high speeds). The Ryker is a totally different animal than other motorcycles or scooters. The 900's power delivery is a lot of fun, and the 3-wheel stability with the rider aids (e.g. traction control, ABS, etc) are a big advantage over a motorcycle. The biggest difference between the Ryker and a car is obviously the weather protection... as long as you WANT to be out in the elements, then you'll be fine! Best of luck with your upcoming Ryker ownership, and let us know how you get along with it! Cheers! 👍 --QM
@@QuasiMotard will do. I plan on getting the 600 as I can't see myself needing the extra power or driving it off road. I plan on getting a GoPro on it to record rides/act as a dash cam. I may upload and share some videos of my experiences too.
That kind of wind makes me nervous in my truck. Even at slow speeds I'm still getting tossed around in the cab. You've got some courage to ride through that!
How does that old saying go...? "There's a fine line between courage and stupidity..." 🤣 If I had known what I was riding into, then I probably would have sat it out on the surface streets somewhere. That's always the problem with riding motorcycles: once you're in bad weather... then you're IN IT... no backing out! So, you just make the best of it and try to keep the bike on the road. 😉👍 --QM
My goodness. I'd be sweatin' it even if i was in the car! Great control on your part. Fortunately I am retired so I just wouldn't drive venture into such a storm if I didn't have to, or I'd at least pull over for awhile and take a break. How exhausting it must be to fight all the rain, wind and hale! I couldn't believe the roosters you were throwing up from the left front wheel when you gave us a quick look. Do you think that having those spash plates installed on the control arms would've helped?
That was a heck of a storm! I would have stopped on the side of the highway and waited that one out, but there is NO shoulder through that section of highway... too risky to stop in low-visibility situations. If I had known what was coming, then I would have certainly waited about 30 minutes before hitting the road! 🤣 The splash plates for the swingarms might help some water redirection, but they won't help for tire overspray. The built-in splash guards at the back edge of the fenders do a decent job of redirecting the spray. 😉👍 --QM
Thx for the feedback! The Ryker does exceptionally well in bad weather and slow traffic. The 3-wheel stability can't be beat in situations like this. 👍 --QM
Love the ryker vids. I am disabled, can't walk and am considering buying one but it absolutely has to be DEPENDABLE since I can't just walk away from it if it breaks down.
Thx for the feedback! If I could ask, what is your disability? The reason that I ask is that there are a couple of things to keep in mind about riding it. First, the Ryker doesn't have a hand brake, so you're required to use the right foot brake (combined brake for all 3 wheels). Second, the Ryker does take some physical strength to manage the handlebars because it has manual steering (no power assist like the F3 or RT). I bought my Ryker in anticipation of letting my wife or daughter ride it if they ever take the interest. My daughter has an issue with her left leg that prevents her from riding 2-wheelers. Otherwise, it seems to be reliable so far... no mechanical issues or breakdowns yet. The fuel pump issue is still outstanding, but we'll see how that sorts out. Cheers! 👍 --QM
Thx for the feedback! Do you ride motorcycles, and if so, do you filter/split lanes there? How are the cagers' attitudes toward motorcyclists these days? I haven't been there in decades. 👍 --QM
Yes, lane splitting is legal in CA. Some restrictions with respect to speed though. Caltrans has real time freeway maps that show speed and incidents. You can plan ahead or plan detours accordingly. My biggest fear was always that guy on the other side of the intersection turning left in front of you. Always rode with 2 fingers resting in the front brake while in town. Many, many back road options to freeways anyway.
You’ve been uploading like no tomorroe lately! We conversed here once before. I’m also in Houston. Was waiting on the 2020 rykers to come in. I know I want to get a passenger seat, do you think it’s something I could easily put on myself? I’m not as handy as you are, but from what I’ve seen online it’s easy but the spring adjustment is what I’m worried about. Any advice would be awesome. Maybe we can go for a ride.
Howdy, neighbor! The passenger seat itself is very easy to install... it's the footpegs and the frame cross-brace that can be a little tricky. I'd be glad to help you install the parts if you need any assistance... just drop me an email at quasimotard@gmail.com and we can coordinate a meeting. If you haven't already purchased the kit, then I might be able to save you 10-15% at Wild West Motoplex in Katy... they always give me good discounts because I'm one of their frequent flyers. Cheers! 😉👍 --QM
Great video, gives me an idea what to expect in heavy rain. I just purchased mine 2 days ago. I have noticed that my whole handle bar assembly which has the digital guage on it as well, is ever so slightly facing to the left. The Ryker tracks straight and no alignment issues. Do you have that issue or have you even had that issue?
Thx for the feedback and congrats on your new Ryker! I had the same problem with my Rally edition right off the showroom floor. The handlebars were slightly cocked to the left, but the bike had a constant hard pull to the right. The dealer didn't have the necessary alignment tools to check/verify the bike, so I lived with it for a few weeks before taking it to another shop for the ROLO laser alignment. We found that the right wheel was toed-out by a few degrees (causing the pull to the right), and that the bars were indeed cocked left. So, we reset the bars to center, fixed the alignment, and also reset the steering angle sensor using the BUDS diagnostic interface. The alignment helped with the constant pull so it tracked straighter, but it still has a lot of "tail-wag"... darty, twitchy behavior at highway speeds. I will be replacing my tires this season to get off of the all-season tread and onto more street-oriented treads. Hopefully, that will fix a lot of the darty behavior, following rain grooves, and other bad behavior. Cheers, and congrats again on your new Ryker! 👍 --QM
@@bigbrainuwu5718 As long as you are prepared (e.g. rain gear and the right mind set), then it's not so bad. I prefer to commute by motorcycle because I can generally get around faster and cheaper (less $ in fuel and free HOV lanes) than in a car. The obvious down sides are the heat and rain, so it's a gamble sometimes. 😉👍 --QM
Hey, man. Nice thunderstorm you got yourself into that day! Wich brings me to my question: If you had 2 scooters: a 125 cc (220 lbs, with UBS), and a 300 cc (440 lbs, with ABS). Which one would you choose to run some errands in the city on a rainy day, or wet-roads day? PS: UBS = Unified Braking System (Yamaha).
Good question! I would definitely choose the ABS-equipped scooter for any rain chores. In my opinion, that safety feature offsets the scooter's extra weight compared to the smaller/lighter option. 😉👍 --QM
Glad you made it home safely! Two questions for you, though: 1.) Did you get the splash guards added to your Ryker? If so, how much of a difference did it actually make during your commute? 2.) Where'd you get the windshield? Looks better than the one on Can-Am's website.
Thanks for the feedback! I didn't purchase the Can-Am splash guards because I was concerned about the already-low ground clearance on the bike. We have lots of rough roads and potholes here in Houston, so those could potentially snag something. The windscreen is probably the best accessory that I installed on my Ryker... that is the MadStad Engineering adjustable windscreen (18" light gray): madstad.com/collections/can-am/products/can-am-ryker-2019 . The windscreen is adjustable for height and rake (angle), and it's also quick-detachable... you can pull it off of the bike in about 5 seconds to ride screen-free. Cheers! 👍 --QM
I was wondering how much spray was hitting you from the back tire due to the short fender. I am looking at purchasing a Rally next Spring and trying to do as much research as possible. Thank you!
Hello, Pamela... sorry for the late reply. I've always been annoyed by the half-fender in the back because the tire overspray is a real nuisance. Even when you're riding in dry weather, you can splash through puddles on the road (e.g. irrigation runoff), and that can splash/spray up into the back of your legs and butt. When you ride through construction areas where there is mud or wet slush on the road (everywhere in Houston, it seems) , the overspray quickly covers the bike's swingarm and under the seat area (which gets through the splash guard and onto your butt). I would recommend replacing the half fender with the full fender from the 900ACE... it's a direct fit item. Unfortunately, installation is difficult because the rear wheel needs to be removed to do that swap. So, you might want to see if your dealer can do that for you as part of the bike purchase (for a small upcharge and not pay the full shop labor rates). Good luck with your upcoming Ryker purchase! Cheers! 👍 --QM
@@QuasiMotard thank you very much for answering my question. I will definitely ask about putting on a full fender. Sounds like worth whatever amount they charge. I really enjoy your videos and have learned a lot.
I have a video on my YT channel that shows my helmet setup and describes some of the equipment in the video's description: ruclips.net/video/D_lbmLdenHU/видео.html . I have since upgraded the case to the Ulanzi V2 GoPro Hero5/6/7 vlogging case to mount the audio adapter with the camera: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MZR836X You can probably find a lot of different in-helmet microphones that will work well. I had the spare Cardo microphones laying around from previous helmet communicators, and it just happened to be perfect for this application. Remember that when you use the GoPro audio adapter, you will be removing the side door and that makes the camera not weatherproof any more. I use Mack's silicone earplugs to fill the ports/gaps to prevent rain from damaging the camera: www.amazon.com/Macks-Moldable-Silicone-Putty-Plugs/dp/B007P8CZS0 . You can get those from any drug store, and the kids' size (red/orange) fits perfectly to fill the gaps. Let me know if you're interested in the video workflow or software that I use. Just drop me an email at quasimotard@gmail.com and I can send you a detailed list with all of the details. Cheers! 👍 --QM
Yeah i am in Houston and i hate the fact you cant lane split. Waiting in traffic with a motorcycle is annoying especially in the highway having the chance to go in between the cars . Ive tried to lane split but people seem to get bother by it.
Howdy, neighbor, and thx for the feedback! I would like to see lane splitting become legal here in TX, but we both know that cagers are really aggressive and territorial around here. I've been riding on the streets for over 35 years and nearly 2M miles at a motorcyclist. I can't count how many times that cagers have intentionally swerved into me or opened car/truck doors to try to wreck me when I'm squeaking by on the shoulder or between cars. They have the mentality that motorcyclists are "cheating" and "cutting the line" and nobody should pass them... if they have to wait, then so should everyone else! It's just faulty logic and aggression that doesn't seem to exist in other countries where lane-splitting (filtering) is legal and commonplace. A motorcyclist filtering through traffic is the same as a bicyclist or pedestrian on a sidewalk passing stopped traffic: why should they stop and wait behind cars when they can pass by (or through) safely? It's silly and inefficient to make those people wait if there is an option to reduce that congestion. Anyway... that's just my $0.02! 😉 --QM
Absolutely! Thanks for asking, and I hope it's useful! If you need the raw/unedited video, you can send me an email at quasimotard@gmail.com, and I can send you a link to a private Google Drive folder. Cheers! 😉👍 --QM
Absolutely! You have my permission to use my videos with accreditation. Reach out to me by email at quasimotard@gmail.com if you need to discuss anything. Cheers! 😉👍 --QM
Yep, the Gulf Coast region is unpredictable, so I always need to be prepared and carry rain gear with me just in case of sudden downpours. Cheers! 👍 ‐‐QM
Hows the hand guard and windshield workout for you? Bought my Ryker yesterday and drove home 55 miles in freezing cold rain and my hand were numb and my helmet visibility sucked in the rain. What do you use to keep the rain off your visor?
Is there a type of rain gear for travel in warmer weather you found that works pretty good? We looked at some lightweight, had a liner in it but basically a wind breaker it seems Thanks, God Bless and keep you.
Updated: 09-29-19 What brand name is your other rain suit? From what you said about the one you have on now made me think I have one like it. It basicly sux I get totally soaked! I need a real watertight one, I will put up with the humidity as long as I don't get drench from the rain. So far we have not got much in my neck of the woods. Great video, now I'm gonna go check out the one on your new windshield, it looks pretty trick are you going to get another parabolic mirror on it as well? P.S. What's your thought on modular helmet's IE like the Shark that is made to ride open or closed? Also, what is the empty gadget holder on the left side of handlebars, GPS holder? www.zoro.com/zoro-select-oval-shaped-mirror-offeye-17/i/G7520947/#specifications The link above I found another oval-shaped mirror like the one you have attached to your old windscreen, I was thinking of purchasing it, you will notice it mentions hardware I assume it is for mounting on a wall, plus it may be made with real glass too? Keep up the great videos I know you said your behind on the vlogs, I think this is the second Ryker rain video I have seen on the internet yours is longer. Have you found any replacement tires that work better in the rain and the road grooves yet?
My other (better) rain suit is the Nelson Rigg AS-3000 Aston 2-piece suit: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C9U1CRY . It's cheap at only ~$89.00 and I've had very good luck with it... just remember to close all of the zippers and Velcro flaps. I do plan to install another RiderScan mirror on the new windscreen. I sent an email to the new company about a bulk order, so I'm just waiting to hear back on that option. As for the Shark modular helmet that flips completely back, I found that to be more of a gimmick than a useful hack. I'm not really a fan of open-face helmets anyway because of the reduced protection (too many years and hard downs in racing taught me the value of full-face protection) and the increased road noise when the chin is open or rotated back. I tried (and bought) several modular helmets and had varying levels of success with fit and comfort. I finally settled on the Schuberth C3 Pro because it was the quietest and most comfortable, IMHO. It's definitely expensive, but my head spends a LOT of time inside a helmet, and the added comfort is worth the extra money. The mount on the left side of the bars is the Garmin Zumo cradle. You can see the Zumo mounted and in action in this video: ruclips.net/video/Y7BHwp4E_3A/видео.html . That is the Zumo 350LM, but I also have a Zumo 396LM that fits the same cradle... I just need to rotate it 90 degrees clockwise. Both GPS's work very well, and I've had good luck with them. The 396's "adventurous routing" option is interesting, but it will occasionally park me in the middle of a farmer's field for no apparent reason. Maybe that' Garmin's idea of adventure? 🤣 --QM
Just got to watch the vid. Looked a little wet. LOL Question what rain gear do you use and you mentioned something about fogging up what do you use for that?
The gear that I was wearing in this video was my "lightweight" kit that I usually keep in my panniers or tank/tail bag (depending on which bike I'm riding). The over jacket is a Macna rain shell (an EU brand that's not sold here anymore), and the pants are the rain/wind liners from a pair of Olympia AirGlide 3 touring pants. My preferred rain gear for heavy downpours is the Nelson Rigg AS-3000 Aston 2-piece suit: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C9U1CRY ... it's cheap at only ~$90 and it works really well. The collar is a little bulky if you leave the rain hood stowed in there, but I've never had a leak with that suit unless I forget to zip the crotch zipper and close the Velcro on all of the zipper gussets. I even use that Nelson Rigg suit when I'm camping because I can sit outside in a monsoon and not get soaked. Cheers! 👍 --QM
Ah, sorry... I forgot to answer the second question about fogging up. My helmet (Schuberth C3 Pro) has a Pinlock shield, so it accepts the shield/lens inserts inside the visor. The insert is a second layer of plastic that has a thin rubber gasket around its perimeter, so it effectively creates a double-pane window that avoids fogging. If I don't have that insert, then I have the single-use anti-fog wipes from Cycle Gear or similar outlet. Those wipes don't work nearly as well as the pinlock lens, but I keep a few of them in my tank bag for emergencies. 👍 --QM
Thx for the feedback! This vlog was recorded with the GoPro Hero 7 Black. I have it mounted to my Schuberth C3 Pro helmet with a MotoRadds chin mount, and the audio is via a Cardo helmet microphone connected via the GoPro audio adapter. I also have a CLEAREX hydrophobic lens protector ( www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074G1ZKTB ) on the Hero 7 that helps to repel water. It does a good job of keeping the lens clear of water drops most of the time. Cheers! 👍 --QM
The Ryker is usually very stable in rain and inclement weather. I briefly hydroplaned at 7:55 in this video, but the water on the highway was ponded (around 2-3" deep) due to heavy rainfall. The original Kenda all-season tires on the Ryker Rally are decent in the rain, but they aren't great overall. I had lots of problems with the rear tire breaking loose while accelerating in wet pavement... even when traveling above 45 MPH. I replaced the rear tire with a Yokohama summer radial, and the front tires were swapped for the normal Kenda performance tires (not all-season)... that has done wonders for the traction issues. Cheers! 😉👍 --QM
Yep, the Ryker loses many of the benefits of a motorcycle, but it gains a few with stability and advanced rider aids. There is no way that I could have continued riding a motorcycle through those 70 mph winds... the Ryker did just fine, though! Cheers! 👍 --QM
Ugh... that's brutal. At least you can filter on a bike there (legally)... any kind of movement is better than sitting still. I haven't been to LA or SD in 20 years. Back in the late 90's and early 2000's, I had a lot of work just south of the LA area and further down the coast (e.g. Inglewood, Torrance, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, etc), and I remember the riding being much more friendly out there... cagers weren't as territorial as they are here in Texas. Lane splitting wasn't technically "legal" back then, but everyone did it anyway, and the motorists tolerated it just fine. Man, I can remember taking evening rides up and down PCH and through the Crystal Cove area after work... ahh, the good ol' days. 😉👍 --QM
@@QuasiMotard yeah, times have changed since we moved here from Chicago, back in 1990. The traffic was really nice. I still take my bikes up to Buena Park for lunch at Portillo's every blue moon. Lane splitting sometimes. Haven't taken my Ryker 900 up there yet. Can't split traffic with that ole girl. Just have to sit and wait.
Agreed! The only downsides are the relatively poor fuel economy compared to most bikes (~30 mpg), and the width prevents you from lane splitting (it's as wide as a Smart ForTwo). Other than those caveats, the Ryker is an excellent commuter because you don't need to balance it, there is no clutch, and the computer tries to keep you out of trouble (ABS, traction control, etc). 👍 --QM
I get about 36 with my R1200RT. I have a fairly short commute from Lake Jackson to Angelton. But one of our torrential downpour in Houston traffic would just about convince me to give the Ryker some serious thought. That and I overheated my previous BMW K1600GT in the Pierce Elevated taking the bike to the Woodlands for a warranty issue. Houston traffic and motorcycles don’t jive too well. Unless you can time it to stay out if stop and go traffic.
Yep, Houston traffic snarls are hard on air-cooled bikes and also for scooters. I seriously glazed the clutch in my SilverWing 600 about 18 months ago during a Katy Crawl on Westpark Tollway. I got stuck in 0-5 mph stop and go crap for 90 minutes, and it roasted my clutch. I still haven't torn the rear drive bell out of the bike to fix it... it's just sitting in my warehouse collecting dust... waiting. The Ryker handles that low-speed stuff very well... the clutch fully engages at only 2-3 mph and there is no slippage or riding the engagement point that would heat it up. Drop me a line one of these days if you want to meet up,, and I'll let you take my Ryker out for a spin to see what you think. Cheers! 👍 ‐‐QM
Yep, that was definitely a little rough and there was also small hail on that storm. The jacket damped most of the impacts on my upper body, but my legs were taking a beating. 😉👍 --QM
That is the MadStad adjustable windscreen, 18" (light grey tint): madstad.com/collections/can-am/products/can-am-ryker-2019 . The installation is really easy and it is quick-detachable if you want to take it off of the bike. You can watch my first impressions video here: ruclips.net/video/9Nn5NIfgS8g/видео.html . If I were to purchase it again, then I'd go for the 20" version to give a bit more height. I'm 5'7" and the calculator showed me to be right in the middle between the 18" and 20". 👍 --QM
Hi, I know this video is from a yr ago, but here an answer about traffic in CA. Yes, it's so congested in most major areas. I've been to Texas and the big difference I noticed was Texas drivers are nicer. California driver's are HORRIBLE rude, won't let you merge and think their car is a toy to mess with you with.
Yep, it seems to be getting more aggressive and dangerous everywhere over the past few years. I'm a big proponent for lane-splitting (filtering), but our cagers are so territorial here that it probably would never work. I've had countless altercations where cagers have intentionally tried to wreck me because I was carefully filtering through stopped or heavy rush-hour traffic. In a few cases, those homicidal maniacs have actually caused accidents with other vehicles because they were angry with me... I could slip through a snarl in traffic, so they were chasing me and trying to get even. SMH... you can't argue with or fix stupid. We've also had a drastic increase of road-rage shooting incidents here in Houston over the past few months. I had a crazy female chasing me in a Chevy Malibu and trying to ram me on my little Honda CT125 just a few weeks ago. It was a completely unprovoked and random event on slower surface streets on the north side of Houston. She tried to ram me into the curb 5 times and then attempted to ram me from behind in slow traffic. I evaded her several times until we stopped at a traffic light. She jumped out of her car with a gun and threatened to kill me in front of dozens of other motorists (witnesses) that were all as shocked as I was. That aggression quickly changed when she saw that I was also armed (normally carry a .45 covered by my riding jacket) and that I was quite prepared to stop the threat. She jumped back into her car, gunned the gas directly at me, jumped over the curb, and ran thru a red light past all of the other stopped traffic. Crazy is everywhere lately! 😒 --QM
Yep, I love getting caught in rainstorms out on the open road... that's fun. Playing bumper tag with inattentive, aggressive cagers in rush hour traffic... in the rain... that's not so much fun. 😉 --QM
That phone was the Samsung Galaxy 7, and it was mostly waterproof. It started to misbehave in heavy downpours like this one because it still had the physical "home" button at the bottom of the screen. The button would get waterlogged and activate randomly. My newer Samsung Galaxy phones are completely waterproof, so I haven't had any problems with them in the rain. 😉👍 --QM
Yes, that was the Samsung Galaxy S9, which has a waterproof rating of IP68 (up to 1.5m for 30 minutes). It fared very well, but it did have problems with water messing with the touch sensor at the bottom of the screen... constantly "pressing" the home button and not behaving when it was very wet. The newer Samsung Galaxy S-series phones are completely waterproof and don't have buttons to misbehave now. Cheers! 😉👍 --QM
It was soaking wet, just like everything else. That phone was the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, but I have now upgraded to the S10+... both of which are IP68 water-resistant down to 1.5m for 30 minutes. 👍 --QM
I would have stopped somewhere during that deluge, but the highway shoulders are too narrow to safely stop anywhere in that stretch of IH-10. Houston's drivers are far too aggressive and reckless to risk stopping on a motorcycle in any roadway, especially in a white-out rainstorm. --QM
OMG this vid stressed me out! Why would anyone give you a thumbs down? Double thumbs up for surviving!! I can't imagine getting caught in that rain storm! Ps what microphone etc do you use? Quality is great! ruclips.net/user/RykerRydes
Thx for the feedback! I think some people hit thumbs-down because it ends up in their feed and they didn't want it. At least that's what I choose to believe. 😉 The microphone hack that I'm using is from a Cardo Scala headset. You can watch that video here if you're interested: ruclips.net/video/D_lbmLdenHU/видео.html . If you want any other detailed info, just drop me an email at quasimotard@gmail.com and I'll send my equipment list and editing workflow. Cheers! 👍 --QM
Rain is nothing. Call me when you ride in rain and sleet of a 35 degree day. Open face helmet and no rain gear. In case you’re wondering, I did learn my lesson.
🤣 Yep, been there, done that. I grew up in central Oklahoma, so ice and sleet storms are more common there than snow. In the winter, we would take our bikes to a friend's heated garage/shop and drill short sheet-metal screws into our tire knobbies. Then we would go out into the frozen wasteland at the worst/coldest possible time (intentionally) and ride until we couldn't operate the controls anymore... then it was time to find somewhere to thaw and do it all over again. It was a real hoot riding down the highway or through the middle of town on steel-studded, two-stroke race bikes. Even the cops would just shake their heads and look the other way... there's no sense in chasing idiots. 🤣 If that wasn't enough excitement, then we'd find some "frozen" ponds or lakes to race across. That's a fun but risky pastime... ask me how I know. 😉 Unfortunately, I never did learn my lesson there... even after fishing out multiple bikes and quads from semi-frozen ponds... that really sucks, BTW. 👍 --QM
You couldn't see my mirrors from my camera position. The guy in the big white semi in the middle lane almost rear-ended me twice... speeding up much faster than the flow of traffic and then nailing the brakes within about 3 feet of me and the other vehicles in that lane... just being a tool. I edit out most of the near-misses and bad drivers from my videos to keep the mood more positive. The real issue with riding near or behind semi's in the rain is the overspray from their tires... you can't see anything when you're on a bike (no windshield wipers). I just try to stay away from them so I don't need to dodge them if they swerve into my lane or try to match speed with me and keep me in danger. --QM
Dude, you are the man!! I know it was unintended, but that was probably the most entertaining video Ryker ride I have ever seen. All the others pale by comparison. You have a lot of guts, man.
Thx! I figured that I would get wet, but I wasn't planning for the hurricane-force winds or the flooding. I've ridden through much worse weather before, but this one is in my top 10 crazy weather rides, for sure. I grew up in Oklahoma (tornado alley), so I've ridden through tornadoes (literally) and quarter-sized hail stones at 50+ mph.. now that REALLY sucks! 😉👍 --QM
After 20 years of motorcycling, I'm now considering buying a Ryker. Your video helped me realise I'm making the right decision. Lol. The comment about holding your motorcycle upright at low speed in strong wind and rain was what cemented it for me. The Ryker looked like it handled the conditions really well. That was an epic storm bro. Great video.
Thanks for the feedback! I wouldn't have ridden into that had I known how bad it was going to be... those 65+ MPH winds were crazy! The Ryker's stability made it almost a non-event... just soggy. If I had been on a motorcycle, then I would have certainly needed to stop somewhere because it would have been impossible to stay upright.
Another benefit of the Ryker's stability is on twisty roads and unknown surfaces. You don't need to worry about low-siding or high-siding the bike if you don't negotiate a corner correctly. You can certainly push the front end off the road if you really overcook a corner (understeer), but the Ryker's stability control does a great job of keeping you out of trouble. I have a short weekend ride video on the backroads that I'm editing now where I demonstrate that capability. I'll be posting those videos in normal 4K and also in 5.6K 360° video so you can look around during the ride. Cheers! 👍 --QM
Dude the sound of ran is so pleasing to hear
Wow. I am so happy you made it home safely. You actually did that!!! Amazing!!!
If I had known what was ahead of me, I probably would have waited for that to pass. The weather here in the Gulf Coast can be unpredictable, so I always take my rain gear just in case. The Ryker handled that situation quite well... a 2-wheeler would have been a bad situation in those winds. Cheers! 👍 --QM
You are the man. Always difficult and very stressful. But you keep calm and in control. Great riding and video.
This must be the 4th time I watched this video, ‘cause I just love watching rain videos.
You see, I don’t have much money, but I have a small, old car that costs quite a few bucks to keep running, and from time to time I wonder if it is time to scrap it and ride my 50 cc scooter instead.
But then I watch a video like this, and it reminds me of how nice it is to be warm and dry in that old car, and then the running costs suddenly don’t seem that bad after all. 😁
Thanks for watching, Thomas! That ride was certainly not planned. If I had known how strong that storm was going to be, then I'd have waited it out for a little while. The Ryker handled it without a whimper... it's very stable at low speeds and in high crosswinds (minus the erratic alignment issues that I've had). Cheers! 😉👍 --QM
Very nice video. Def a adventure for sure. I have a Sea Doo (same company) and you riding your toy reminded me of riding my at the lake. Sound and water wise. Thanks for sharing that with us.
I was on edge of my seat watching scared seeing you in this storm, poor visibility, traffic etc.
We've been riding our Rykers since Sept 2020 but here in Virginia the cold isn't our friend so much.
Love watching your videos, thank you for such great fun and informative videos.
I definitely don't miss those days living in Houston especially on 610
This is one of my favorite Ryker vlogs, seeing you and the Ryker make it look so easy going through that storm. I can't wait for that feeling.
Thx for the feedback! I probably wouldn't have ridden through that storm if I had known what was coming. I've ridden through a few tornadoes on motorcycles a few times (accidentally), and it's no fun trying to keep a 2-wheeler upright in 60+ mph lateral winds. The Ryker handled it perfectly, though... it was very stable and reassuring in the high winds and the 2+ inches of standing water. I was getting thrashed in this storm (notice my helmet was tilted toward the right into the wind for a while), but the Ryker was planted and stable throughout. The only surprise that I had during this ride was the when then front wheels hydroplaned at 7:59. I was only traveling at 39 mph (luckily), so it's a good thing that I wasn't moving any faster... the slope of the road might have pushed me into the cars in the right lane. Cheers! 👍 --QM
@@QuasiMotard Well jeep riding safe, as i look forward to the next one. Im always learning something from you, by the timeI get mine, I'll be a breast.
Boy, GREAT video.
THOROUGHLY ENJOYED IT.
Watched it all. It was exciting!!!
Thank you. Give us more!!!
Thx for the feedback! If you haven't already seen my latest Ryker series, check out the "Hammock in a severe thunderstorm" video: ruclips.net/video/ryCHfZdFNGE/видео.html . Cheers! 👍 --QM
Great driving my friend, I agree with you driving a safe distance an A holes cutting in , I hate that.
norcal here and yes we have traffic like that. If your driving from one big city to another,it is hard to find alternative routes, but small city to small city expressways are my go to, still heavy but not as bad as the freeway. I am not ready to get stuck in the rain yet,lol. At least I know my Ryker will do well in it. Love your videos and as I have stated in another your very calm voice.
Thx for the feedback! The Ryker is really good in these situations because of the inherent stability (no need to balance it) and the traction control. If I had been on a 2-wheeler in that torrent, then I would have certainly needed to stop under a bridge or on the side of the road somewhere... it's hard to stay upright on a motorcycle in 60+ mph side winds. Cheers! 👍 --QM
Replying from Southern California…. Yes, traffic is very similar to that on the major freeways. It sucks!
Yep... sitting still in traffic on a bike (or trike) really sucks. Motorcyclists in CA are allowed to lane-split (filter), but it's not legal in TX yet... probably never will be. The point was moot in this video, though... can't split lanes on a Ryker because it's as wide as a Smart ForTwo! 🤣👍 --QM
We were caught in the rain on our Spyder RT and as long as you can get moving at about 55 or more it does excellent to keep the rain off of you especially with the adjustable windshield but I was happy to have heavy rain gear
Thanks for the great video of riding Ryker in a big storm and your running commentary.
Thx for the feedback! I will be posting more ride and storm videos soon during my fall riding season! 👍 --QM
I hate ridding in the rain, however I did do it once on a charity ride I was on years ago ( like over 30 years.) when I was selling motorcycles for a Honda Dealer. They let me take a Goldwing on the ride which really protects ya from the rain except when you stop. It was a Sunday so no real traffic to deal with and we were ridding in the country so there were a few stop signs. Wonder how much rain protection the Spyder offers? Probably similar to the Wing.
The Spyder RT is very much like a full-dress touring motorcycle (e.g., GoldWing, Road King, etc). It has a large fairing that protects your legs and torso, and the windscreen is electrically adjustable for height. The Spyder F3 is more of a naked bike, but the front fascia and fairing does a good job of protecting against wind and rain... not as good as the RT, though.
The crappy part of riding in the rain is when you need to stop in traffic. All of the water is falling straight down and pooling in your lap. Fairings don't protect you from swamp balls in that case! 🤣👍 --QM
Wow!!! I hate driving in my truck like that in Houston, u did it on the Ryker!!! Damn!! U are brave lol glad u made it!
Thx! I wasn't expecting things to get quite that crazy. If I had known what was ahead, I probably would have stopped at a fuel station and waited under the canopy for a while. That stretch of IH-10 sucks because there are no shoulders that are wide enough to stop safely... only about half-width through there. Stopping on the highway while riding a bike is dangerous enough, but stopping in a white-out rainstorm is suicide. 😉👍 --QM
I've never seen anything like that, sheer madness.
Yes here in Sacramento CA!
Man! That was a rough commute.
That's not my worst weather experience on a bike, but it's probably in my top 10 where rain and wind were concerned. I've actually ridden through tornadoes before (by accident, of course), and through heavy lightning storms where multiple strikes have come down within 30 feet of me. Those moments will give you an 11.0 on the pucker scale. 🤣 --QM
You have a lot of patience to drive thru that big storm. I like that new wind shield you have. Looks tinted just a tad bit.
Yes, that windscreen is the light gray tint. I haven't posted my installation video yet (still editing), but my first commute and ride impression video with the MadStad screen is here if you're interested: ruclips.net/video/9Nn5NIfgS8g/видео.html . Cheers! 👍 --QM
The more videos of yours I watch the more excited i get about getting mine. All going well its a month away now. most think i'm crazy getting this over a car for my first vehicle but the Ryker looks more my style. On a side note I noticed the ones here in New Zealand don't have that extra light switch either. it does have the parking break lock though along with some body conformity additions like extra lights to the sides of the headlights and some reflectors to the sides of the rear bumper.
Thx for the feedback! I really enjoy my Ryker, even for its shortcomings (e.g. poor traction with all-season tires and wandering at high speeds). The Ryker is a totally different animal than other motorcycles or scooters. The 900's power delivery is a lot of fun, and the 3-wheel stability with the rider aids (e.g. traction control, ABS, etc) are a big advantage over a motorcycle. The biggest difference between the Ryker and a car is obviously the weather protection... as long as you WANT to be out in the elements, then you'll be fine! Best of luck with your upcoming Ryker ownership, and let us know how you get along with it! Cheers! 👍 --QM
@@QuasiMotard will do. I plan on getting the 600 as I can't see myself needing the extra power or driving it off road. I plan on getting a GoPro on it to record rides/act as a dash cam. I may upload and share some videos of my experiences too.
Shane did you buy the bike, Auckland here
That kind of wind makes me nervous in my truck. Even at slow speeds I'm still getting tossed around in the cab. You've got some courage to ride through that!
How does that old saying go...? "There's a fine line between courage and stupidity..." 🤣 If I had known what I was riding into, then I probably would have sat it out on the surface streets somewhere. That's always the problem with riding motorcycles: once you're in bad weather... then you're IN IT... no backing out! So, you just make the best of it and try to keep the bike on the road. 😉👍 --QM
My goodness. I'd be sweatin' it even if i was in the car! Great control on your part. Fortunately I am retired so I just wouldn't drive venture into such a storm if I didn't have to, or I'd at least pull over for awhile and take a break. How exhausting it must be to fight all the rain, wind and hale! I couldn't believe the roosters you were throwing up from the left front wheel when you gave us a quick look. Do you think that having those spash plates installed on the control arms would've helped?
That was a heck of a storm! I would have stopped on the side of the highway and waited that one out, but there is NO shoulder through that section of highway... too risky to stop in low-visibility situations. If I had known what was coming, then I would have certainly waited about 30 minutes before hitting the road! 🤣
The splash plates for the swingarms might help some water redirection, but they won't help for tire overspray. The built-in splash guards at the back edge of the fenders do a decent job of redirecting the spray. 😉👍 --QM
Sorry that you got wet but this really was a good video. Proving the Ryker is more than Capable. Thanks
Thx for the feedback! The Ryker does exceptionally well in bad weather and slow traffic. The 3-wheel stability can't be beat in situations like this. 👍 --QM
Love the ryker vids. I am disabled, can't walk and am considering buying one but it absolutely has to be DEPENDABLE since I can't just walk away from it if it breaks down.
Thx for the feedback! If I could ask, what is your disability? The reason that I ask is that there are a couple of things to keep in mind about riding it. First, the Ryker doesn't have a hand brake, so you're required to use the right foot brake (combined brake for all 3 wheels). Second, the Ryker does take some physical strength to manage the handlebars because it has manual steering (no power assist like the F3 or RT). I bought my Ryker in anticipation of letting my wife or daughter ride it if they ever take the interest. My daughter has an issue with her left leg that prevents her from riding 2-wheelers. Otherwise, it seems to be reliable so far... no mechanical issues or breakdowns yet. The fuel pump issue is still outstanding, but we'll see how that sorts out. Cheers! 👍 --QM
No one, absolutely no one:
Quasi: *proceeds to waterboard himself and his motorcycle*
SoCal driver here. Yes, like that and worse at rush hour.
Thx for the feedback! Do you ride motorcycles, and if so, do you filter/split lanes there? How are the cagers' attitudes toward motorcyclists these days? I haven't been there in decades. 👍 --QM
Yes, lane splitting is legal in CA. Some restrictions with respect to speed though. Caltrans has real time freeway maps that show speed and incidents. You can plan ahead or plan detours accordingly. My biggest fear was always that guy on the other side of the intersection turning left in front of you. Always rode with 2 fingers resting in the front brake while in town. Many, many back road options to freeways anyway.
Hey mate! Is it okay if I use it in my compilation? Full credited ofc. Thank you!!
Certainly... I would love the link when you post the video. Love your channel, btw! Cheers! 👍 --QM
That’s quite a nice rain. Send some to Albuquerque
You’ve been uploading like no tomorroe lately! We conversed here once before. I’m also in Houston. Was waiting on the 2020 rykers to come in. I know I want to get a passenger seat, do you think it’s something I could easily put on myself? I’m not as handy as you are, but from what I’ve seen online it’s easy but the spring adjustment is what I’m worried about. Any advice would be awesome. Maybe we can go for a ride.
Howdy, neighbor! The passenger seat itself is very easy to install... it's the footpegs and the frame cross-brace that can be a little tricky. I'd be glad to help you install the parts if you need any assistance... just drop me an email at quasimotard@gmail.com and we can coordinate a meeting. If you haven't already purchased the kit, then I might be able to save you 10-15% at Wild West Motoplex in Katy... they always give me good discounts because I'm one of their frequent flyers. Cheers! 😉👍 --QM
I don’t usually comment on anything but I will recommend rain x for your helmet and windshield it will make a huge difference
Great video, gives me an idea what to expect in heavy rain. I just purchased mine 2 days ago. I have noticed that my whole handle bar assembly which has the digital guage on it as well, is ever so slightly facing to the left. The Ryker tracks straight and no alignment issues. Do you have that issue or have you even had that issue?
Thx for the feedback and congrats on your new Ryker! I had the same problem with my Rally edition right off the showroom floor. The handlebars were slightly cocked to the left, but the bike had a constant hard pull to the right. The dealer didn't have the necessary alignment tools to check/verify the bike, so I lived with it for a few weeks before taking it to another shop for the ROLO laser alignment. We found that the right wheel was toed-out by a few degrees (causing the pull to the right), and that the bars were indeed cocked left. So, we reset the bars to center, fixed the alignment, and also reset the steering angle sensor using the BUDS diagnostic interface. The alignment helped with the constant pull so it tracked straighter, but it still has a lot of "tail-wag"... darty, twitchy behavior at highway speeds. I will be replacing my tires this season to get off of the all-season tread and onto more street-oriented treads. Hopefully, that will fix a lot of the darty behavior, following rain grooves, and other bad behavior. Cheers, and congrats again on your new Ryker! 👍 --QM
Your cool I appreciate you sir!😊
👊😉👍 --QM
Houston Traffic + Rainstorms + Two wheels makes for a very nerve wracking time lol xD
Yep... rush hour is never fun, and rain makes it worse. 😉 --QM
Moving to houston soon(porter area)
Would like to get a motorcycle soon, but this is one of the reasons I always debate if it's worth it.
@@bigbrainuwu5718 As long as you are prepared (e.g. rain gear and the right mind set), then it's not so bad. I prefer to commute by motorcycle because I can generally get around faster and cheaper (less $ in fuel and free HOV lanes) than in a car. The obvious down sides are the heat and rain, so it's a gamble sometimes. 😉👍 --QM
5:22 lightning strike is mirrored on the phone screen lol cool
Hey, man. Nice thunderstorm you got yourself into that day! Wich brings me to my question:
If you had 2 scooters: a 125 cc (220 lbs, with UBS), and a 300 cc (440 lbs, with ABS). Which one would you choose to run some errands in the city on a rainy day, or wet-roads day?
PS: UBS = Unified Braking System (Yamaha).
Good question! I would definitely choose the ABS-equipped scooter for any rain chores. In my opinion, that safety feature offsets the scooter's extra weight compared to the smaller/lighter option. 😉👍 --QM
@@QuasiMotard I knew it was a good idea to ask someone with experience.Thanks a lot, man. Loving all your playlists. 200 videos down, 500 to go!!
Glad you made it home safely! Two questions for you, though:
1.) Did you get the splash guards added to your Ryker? If so, how much of a difference did it actually make during your commute?
2.) Where'd you get the windshield? Looks better than the one on Can-Am's website.
Thanks for the feedback! I didn't purchase the Can-Am splash guards because I was concerned about the already-low ground clearance on the bike. We have lots of rough roads and potholes here in Houston, so those could potentially snag something. The windscreen is probably the best accessory that I installed on my Ryker... that is the MadStad Engineering adjustable windscreen (18" light gray): madstad.com/collections/can-am/products/can-am-ryker-2019 . The windscreen is adjustable for height and rake (angle), and it's also quick-detachable... you can pull it off of the bike in about 5 seconds to ride screen-free. Cheers! 👍 --QM
Bad traffic is when you live in a huge city that's divided by a river, like Nashville, Florence, AL and Memphis.
I was wondering how much spray was hitting you from the back tire due to the short fender. I am looking at purchasing a Rally next Spring and trying to do as much research as possible. Thank you!
Hello, Pamela... sorry for the late reply. I've always been annoyed by the half-fender in the back because the tire overspray is a real nuisance. Even when you're riding in dry weather, you can splash through puddles on the road (e.g. irrigation runoff), and that can splash/spray up into the back of your legs and butt. When you ride through construction areas where there is mud or wet slush on the road (everywhere in Houston, it seems) , the overspray quickly covers the bike's swingarm and under the seat area (which gets through the splash guard and onto your butt). I would recommend replacing the half fender with the full fender from the 900ACE... it's a direct fit item. Unfortunately, installation is difficult because the rear wheel needs to be removed to do that swap. So, you might want to see if your dealer can do that for you as part of the bike purchase (for a small upcharge and not pay the full shop labor rates). Good luck with your upcoming Ryker purchase! Cheers! 👍 --QM
@@QuasiMotard thank you very much for answering my question. I will definitely ask about putting on a full fender. Sounds like worth whatever amount they charge. I really enjoy your videos and have learned a lot.
Wow. Good on you sir. Can I ask what model of gopro do you use, and where do you mount it when on your bike? Thanks
I have a video on my YT channel that shows my helmet setup and describes some of the equipment in the video's description: ruclips.net/video/D_lbmLdenHU/видео.html
. I have since upgraded the case to the Ulanzi V2 GoPro Hero5/6/7 vlogging case to mount the audio adapter with the camera: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MZR836X
You can probably find a lot of different in-helmet microphones that will work well. I had the spare Cardo microphones laying around from previous helmet communicators, and it just happened to be perfect for this application. Remember that when you use the GoPro audio adapter, you will be removing the side door and that makes the camera not weatherproof any more. I use Mack's silicone earplugs to fill the ports/gaps to prevent rain from damaging the camera: www.amazon.com/Macks-Moldable-Silicone-Putty-Plugs/dp/B007P8CZS0 . You can get those from any drug store, and the kids' size (red/orange) fits perfectly to fill the gaps.
Let me know if you're interested in the video workflow or software that I use. Just drop me an email at quasimotard@gmail.com and I can send you a detailed list with all of the details. Cheers! 👍 --QM
Ok thanks for your comprehensive reply
kinda like a jetski in this video! Be safe!
Yep... it's already a jetski for asphalt, so this torrential downpour just tried to put the Can-Am into its native habitat. 🤣 Cheers! --QM
Yeah i am in Houston and i hate the fact you cant lane split. Waiting in traffic with a motorcycle is annoying especially in the highway having the chance to go in between the cars . Ive tried to lane split but people seem to get bother by it.
Howdy, neighbor, and thx for the feedback! I would like to see lane splitting become legal here in TX, but we both know that cagers are really aggressive and territorial around here. I've been riding on the streets for over 35 years and nearly 2M miles at a motorcyclist. I can't count how many times that cagers have intentionally swerved into me or opened car/truck doors to try to wreck me when I'm squeaking by on the shoulder or between cars. They have the mentality that motorcyclists are "cheating" and "cutting the line" and nobody should pass them... if they have to wait, then so should everyone else! It's just faulty logic and aggression that doesn't seem to exist in other countries where lane-splitting (filtering) is legal and commonplace. A motorcyclist filtering through traffic is the same as a bicyclist or pedestrian on a sidewalk passing stopped traffic: why should they stop and wait behind cars when they can pass by (or through) safely? It's silly and inefficient to make those people wait if there is an option to reduce that congestion. Anyway... that's just my $0.02! 😉 --QM
Hey mate is it okay if I use this video for my new compilation?Full credited ofc! Thanks!
Absolutely! Thanks for asking, and I hope it's useful! If you need the raw/unedited video, you can send me an email at quasimotard@gmail.com, and I can send you a link to a private Google Drive folder. Cheers! 😉👍 --QM
Hello! Is it okay to use it in compilation? Full credited of course
Absolutely! You have my permission to use my videos with accreditation. Reach out to me by email at quasimotard@gmail.com if you need to discuss anything. Cheers! 😉👍 --QM
@@QuasiMotard Thanks a lot mate :)
Now this is the type of rain I always get stuck in on a bike
Yep, the Gulf Coast region is unpredictable, so I always need to be prepared and carry rain gear with me just in case of sudden downpours. Cheers! 👍 ‐‐QM
Hows the hand guard and windshield workout for you? Bought my Ryker yesterday and drove home 55 miles in freezing cold rain and my hand were numb and my helmet visibility sucked in the rain.
What do you use to keep the rain off your visor?
Is there a type of rain gear for travel in warmer weather you found that works pretty good?
We looked at some lightweight, had a liner in it but basically a wind breaker it seems
Thanks, God Bless and keep you.
Frog toggs and for some that are slightly heavier I actually have a Coleman outfit it’s a heavier material and works absolutely perfect and heavy rain
As I watch this I couldn't help but think of Apocalypse Now.
The horror. The horror.👍🇨🇱
Updated: 09-29-19 What brand name is your other rain suit? From what you said about the one you have on now made me think I have one like it. It basicly sux I get totally soaked! I need a real watertight one, I will put up with the humidity as long as I don't get drench from the rain. So far we have not got much in my neck of the woods. Great video, now I'm gonna go check out the one on your new windshield, it looks pretty trick are you going to get another parabolic mirror on it as well?
P.S. What's your thought on modular helmet's IE like the Shark that is made to ride open or closed? Also, what is the empty gadget holder on the left side of handlebars, GPS holder?
www.zoro.com/zoro-select-oval-shaped-mirror-offeye-17/i/G7520947/#specifications
The link above I found another oval-shaped mirror like the one you have attached to your old windscreen, I was thinking of purchasing it, you will notice it mentions hardware I assume it is for mounting on a wall, plus it may be made with real glass too?
Keep up the great videos I know you said your behind on the vlogs, I think this is the second Ryker rain video I have seen on the internet yours is longer. Have you found any replacement tires that work better in the rain and the road grooves yet?
My other (better) rain suit is the Nelson Rigg AS-3000 Aston 2-piece suit: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C9U1CRY . It's cheap at only ~$89.00 and I've had very good luck with it... just remember to close all of the zippers and Velcro flaps. I do plan to install another RiderScan mirror on the new windscreen. I sent an email to the new company about a bulk order, so I'm just waiting to hear back on that option.
As for the Shark modular helmet that flips completely back, I found that to be more of a gimmick than a useful hack. I'm not really a fan of open-face helmets anyway because of the reduced protection (too many years and hard downs in racing taught me the value of full-face protection) and the increased road noise when the chin is open or rotated back. I tried (and bought) several modular helmets and had varying levels of success with fit and comfort. I finally settled on the Schuberth C3 Pro because it was the quietest and most comfortable, IMHO. It's definitely expensive, but my head spends a LOT of time inside a helmet, and the added comfort is worth the extra money.
The mount on the left side of the bars is the Garmin Zumo cradle. You can see the Zumo mounted and in action in this video: ruclips.net/video/Y7BHwp4E_3A/видео.html . That is the Zumo 350LM, but I also have a Zumo 396LM that fits the same cradle... I just need to rotate it 90 degrees clockwise. Both GPS's work very well, and I've had good luck with them. The 396's "adventurous routing" option is interesting, but it will occasionally park me in the middle of a farmer's field for no apparent reason. Maybe that' Garmin's idea of adventure? 🤣 --QM
Just got to watch the vid. Looked a little wet. LOL Question what rain gear do you use and you mentioned something about fogging up what do you use for that?
The gear that I was wearing in this video was my "lightweight" kit that I usually keep in my panniers or tank/tail bag (depending on which bike I'm riding). The over jacket is a Macna rain shell (an EU brand that's not sold here anymore), and the pants are the rain/wind liners from a pair of Olympia AirGlide 3 touring pants. My preferred rain gear for heavy downpours is the Nelson Rigg AS-3000 Aston 2-piece suit: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00C9U1CRY ... it's cheap at only ~$90 and it works really well. The collar is a little bulky if you leave the rain hood stowed in there, but I've never had a leak with that suit unless I forget to zip the crotch zipper and close the Velcro on all of the zipper gussets. I even use that Nelson Rigg suit when I'm camping because I can sit outside in a monsoon and not get soaked. Cheers! 👍 --QM
Ah, sorry... I forgot to answer the second question about fogging up. My helmet (Schuberth C3 Pro) has a Pinlock shield, so it accepts the shield/lens inserts inside the visor. The insert is a second layer of plastic that has a thin rubber gasket around its perimeter, so it effectively creates a double-pane window that avoids fogging. If I don't have that insert, then I have the single-use anti-fog wipes from Cycle Gear or similar outlet. Those wipes don't work nearly as well as the pinlock lens, but I keep a few of them in my tank bag for emergencies. 👍 --QM
Thanks for the info will look into them. Your videos helped me in determining in buying my Ryker Rally.
Great video,
what camera are you using?
Thx for the feedback! This vlog was recorded with the GoPro Hero 7 Black. I have it mounted to my Schuberth C3 Pro helmet with a MotoRadds chin mount, and the audio is via a Cardo helmet microphone connected via the GoPro audio adapter. I also have a CLEAREX hydrophobic lens protector ( www.amazon.com/gp/product/B074G1ZKTB ) on the Hero 7 that helps to repel water. It does a good job of keeping the lens clear of water drops most of the time. Cheers! 👍 --QM
In this video your speeds were pretty low for the most part. How bad is the Ryker for hydroplaning?
The Ryker is usually very stable in rain and inclement weather. I briefly hydroplaned at 7:55 in this video, but the water on the highway was ponded (around 2-3" deep) due to heavy rainfall.
The original Kenda all-season tires on the Ryker Rally are decent in the rain, but they aren't great overall. I had lots of problems with the rear tire breaking loose while accelerating in wet pavement... even when traveling above 45 MPH.
I replaced the rear tire with a Yokohama summer radial, and the front tires were swapped for the normal Kenda performance tires (not all-season)... that has done wonders for the traction issues. Cheers! 😉👍 --QM
So, when are you going to check out the pontoon kit for your Ryker? (Keeps raining and flooding like you have been getting )🤨
BRP already makes snowmobiles and watercraft, so a bolt-on pontoon kit shouldn't be too much of a stretch, right?!!! 🤣 --QM
Hey QuasiMotard, is it okay if I use this clip in my compilation video? You will be fully credited in the clip and in the description. Thanks
Absolutely! Let me know if you need raw footage and I can probably pull that from my archives. Cheers! 😉👍 --QM
@@QuasiMotard Ok, I will let you know. Thanks!
Thats light traffic for here in California. We can split lanes but not on a 3 wheeler.
Yep, the Ryker loses many of the benefits of a motorcycle, but it gains a few with stability and advanced rider aids. There is no way that I could have continued riding a motorcycle through those 70 mph winds... the Ryker did just fine, though! Cheers! 👍 --QM
The 405, 5, 805, 91 and the 15 is just like this everyday. That's in San Diego county. LA is even worse.
Ugh... that's brutal. At least you can filter on a bike there (legally)... any kind of movement is better than sitting still. I haven't been to LA or SD in 20 years. Back in the late 90's and early 2000's, I had a lot of work just south of the LA area and further down the coast (e.g. Inglewood, Torrance, Huntington Beach, Costa Mesa, etc), and I remember the riding being much more friendly out there... cagers weren't as territorial as they are here in Texas. Lane splitting wasn't technically "legal" back then, but everyone did it anyway, and the motorists tolerated it just fine. Man, I can remember taking evening rides up and down PCH and through the Crystal Cove area after work... ahh, the good ol' days. 😉👍 --QM
@@QuasiMotard yeah, times have changed since we moved here from Chicago, back in 1990. The traffic was really nice. I still take my bikes up to Buena Park for lunch at Portillo's every blue moon. Lane splitting sometimes. Haven't taken my Ryker 900 up there yet. Can't split traffic with that ole girl. Just have to sit and wait.
A Ryker seems to be a better urban commuter than a motorcycle. Especially in the rain.
Agreed! The only downsides are the relatively poor fuel economy compared to most bikes (~30 mpg), and the width prevents you from lane splitting (it's as wide as a Smart ForTwo). Other than those caveats, the Ryker is an excellent commuter because you don't need to balance it, there is no clutch, and the computer tries to keep you out of trouble (ABS, traction control, etc). 👍 --QM
I get about 36 with my R1200RT. I have a fairly short commute from Lake Jackson to Angelton. But one of our torrential downpour in Houston traffic would just about convince me to give the Ryker some serious thought. That and I overheated my previous BMW K1600GT in the Pierce Elevated taking the bike to the Woodlands for a warranty issue. Houston traffic and motorcycles don’t jive too well. Unless you can time it to stay out if stop and go traffic.
Yep, Houston traffic snarls are hard on air-cooled bikes and also for scooters. I seriously glazed the clutch in my SilverWing 600 about 18 months ago during a Katy Crawl on Westpark Tollway. I got stuck in 0-5 mph stop and go crap for 90 minutes, and it roasted my clutch. I still haven't torn the rear drive bell out of the bike to fix it... it's just sitting in my warehouse collecting dust... waiting. The Ryker handles that low-speed stuff very well... the clutch fully engages at only 2-3 mph and there is no slippage or riding the engagement point that would heat it up.
Drop me a line one of these days if you want to meet up,, and I'll let you take my Ryker out for a spin to see what you think. Cheers! 👍 ‐‐QM
The rain must've felt like pebbles hitting you
Yep, that was definitely a little rough and there was also small hail on that storm. The jacket damped most of the impacts on my upper body, but my legs were taking a beating. 😉👍 --QM
I was wondering if this was Florida at first but if it was Florida, all the cars would have their hazard lights on 😂
Great video for us though
that was wild.
what type of windshield do you have and size ??
That is the MadStad adjustable windscreen, 18" (light grey tint): madstad.com/collections/can-am/products/can-am-ryker-2019 . The installation is really easy and it is quick-detachable if you want to take it off of the bike. You can watch my first impressions video here: ruclips.net/video/9Nn5NIfgS8g/видео.html . If I were to purchase it again, then I'd go for the 20" version to give a bit more height. I'm 5'7" and the calculator showed me to be right in the middle between the 18" and 20". 👍 --QM
Hi, I know this video is from a yr ago, but here an answer about traffic in CA. Yes, it's so congested in most major areas. I've been to Texas and the big difference I noticed was Texas drivers are nicer. California driver's are HORRIBLE rude, won't let you merge and think their car is a toy to mess with you with.
Yep, it seems to be getting more aggressive and dangerous everywhere over the past few years. I'm a big proponent for lane-splitting (filtering), but our cagers are so territorial here that it probably would never work. I've had countless altercations where cagers have intentionally tried to wreck me because I was carefully filtering through stopped or heavy rush-hour traffic.
In a few cases, those homicidal maniacs have actually caused accidents with other vehicles because they were angry with me... I could slip through a snarl in traffic, so they were chasing me and trying to get even. SMH... you can't argue with or fix stupid.
We've also had a drastic increase of road-rage shooting incidents here in Houston over the past few months. I had a crazy female chasing me in a Chevy Malibu and trying to ram me on my little Honda CT125 just a few weeks ago. It was a completely unprovoked and random event on slower surface streets on the north side of Houston. She tried to ram me into the curb 5 times and then attempted to ram me from behind in slow traffic. I evaded her several times until we stopped at a traffic light. She jumped out of her car with a gun and threatened to kill me in front of dozens of other motorists (witnesses) that were all as shocked as I was. That aggression quickly changed when she saw that I was also armed (normally carry a .45 covered by my riding jacket) and that I was quite prepared to stop the threat. She jumped back into her car, gunned the gas directly at me, jumped over the curb, and ran thru a red light past all of the other stopped traffic. Crazy is everywhere lately! 😒 --QM
Not gonna lie, i actually like ridin in the rain too. It a good test of skill!
Yep, I love getting caught in rainstorms out on the open road... that's fun. Playing bumper tag with inattentive, aggressive cagers in rush hour traffic... in the rain... that's not so much fun. 😉 --QM
Phone getting wet? Protected?
Wow you the truth!! 💪🏾 #gangstaryder
is the phone waterproof
That phone was the Samsung Galaxy 7, and it was mostly waterproof. It started to misbehave in heavy downpours like this one because it still had the physical "home" button at the bottom of the screen. The button would get waterlogged and activate randomly. My newer Samsung Galaxy phones are completely waterproof, so I haven't had any problems with them in the rain. 😉👍 --QM
livened up the ride home for ya...but bugger that for a game of soldiers eh....
My boys were even more shriveled and pruned up than usual. 🤣 Everything took quite a while to dry out after that deluge. Cheers! 👍 --QM
Your phone must be waterproof?
Yes, that was the Samsung Galaxy S9, which has a waterproof rating of IP68 (up to 1.5m for 30 minutes). It fared very well, but it did have problems with water messing with the touch sensor at the bottom of the screen... constantly "pressing" the home button and not behaving when it was very wet. The newer Samsung Galaxy S-series phones are completely waterproof and don't have buttons to misbehave now. Cheers! 😉👍 --QM
Wow😳👍🏼
Thx for the feedback! 👍 --QM
Wait how is the phone not wet
It was soaking wet, just like everything else. That phone was the Samsung Galaxy S7 Edge, but I have now upgraded to the S10+... both of which are IP68 water-resistant down to 1.5m for 30 minutes. 👍 --QM
A giant bag of suck!!!😂😂 good video my man!!
Something I would never do on a 2 wheeler
This is what Florida is like every day during the summer 😂
In Florida we pull over and wait 5 minutes
I would have stopped somewhere during that deluge, but the highway shoulders are too narrow to safely stop anywhere in that stretch of IH-10. Houston's drivers are far too aggressive and reckless to risk stopping on a motorcycle in any roadway, especially in a white-out rainstorm. --QM
In New Orleans, you go into Submarine Mode.
OMG this vid stressed me out! Why would anyone give you a thumbs down? Double thumbs up for surviving!! I can't imagine getting caught in that rain storm! Ps what microphone etc do you use? Quality is great!
ruclips.net/user/RykerRydes
Thx for the feedback! I think some people hit thumbs-down because it ends up in their feed and they didn't want it. At least that's what I choose to believe. 😉 The microphone hack that I'm using is from a Cardo Scala headset. You can watch that video here if you're interested: ruclips.net/video/D_lbmLdenHU/видео.html . If you want any other detailed info, just drop me an email at quasimotard@gmail.com and I'll send my equipment list and editing workflow. Cheers! 👍 --QM
WOW
Rain is nothing. Call me when you ride in rain and sleet of a 35 degree day. Open face helmet and no rain gear. In case you’re wondering, I did learn my lesson.
🤣 Yep, been there, done that. I grew up in central Oklahoma, so ice and sleet storms are more common there than snow. In the winter, we would take our bikes to a friend's heated garage/shop and drill short sheet-metal screws into our tire knobbies. Then we would go out into the frozen wasteland at the worst/coldest possible time (intentionally) and ride until we couldn't operate the controls anymore... then it was time to find somewhere to thaw and do it all over again. It was a real hoot riding down the highway or through the middle of town on steel-studded, two-stroke race bikes. Even the cops would just shake their heads and look the other way... there's no sense in chasing idiots. 🤣
If that wasn't enough excitement, then we'd find some "frozen" ponds or lakes to race across. That's a fun but risky pastime... ask me how I know. 😉 Unfortunately, I never did learn my lesson there... even after fishing out multiple bikes and quads from semi-frozen ponds... that really sucks, BTW. 👍 --QM
I didn't see any of those semis do anything wrong.
You couldn't see my mirrors from my camera position. The guy in the big white semi in the middle lane almost rear-ended me twice... speeding up much faster than the flow of traffic and then nailing the brakes within about 3 feet of me and the other vehicles in that lane... just being a tool. I edit out most of the near-misses and bad drivers from my videos to keep the mood more positive. The real issue with riding near or behind semi's in the rain is the overspray from their tires... you can't see anything when you're on a bike (no windshield wipers). I just try to stay away from them so I don't need to dodge them if they swerve into my lane or try to match speed with me and keep me in danger. --QM
Water proof cloth
That looked like it sucked lol
Abort abort abandoned ship !!! Taking water fast lolllll
Well, Can-Am (BRP) does make SeaDoo jet skis, so the Ryker was nearly at home. I just needed the pontoon accessory kit for it. 🤣👍 --QM
At least you look cool. Just pretend you're in TRON or something.