I would agree with that. It can be a bit much and uncomfortable (getting wet) but I think it’s beneficial as well. Thank you, I think maybe next year I’ll consider myself an intermediate rider. Going to my instructor certification this year if everything goes well.
I used to ride in the rain when my bike was my only transportation, so I totally understand your point of view. It is an experience, and requires being twice as careful with everything. True. I rode in the pouring, drenching rain probably 10 times and it was not fun, but sometimes you don't have a choice. I keep my head tilted slightly to the right, as that will help turn the hundreds of water drops to the right faster than straight ahead, though my eyes are focused straight ahead. My shoes get soaked, so it's good to have a couple plastic bags to wrap them in. Other cars and trucks are the main reason to reduce riding in rain due to reduced visibility, reduced traction, fog and the difficulty of riding at night in pouring rain with the glare of lights.
Riding in the rain at night is very difficult I would agree. I chased a thunderstorm one time and man it was an outright downpour. That was risky and unnecessary on my part. You are right about the glare and other cars not being able to see you. Most of the cars that merge into me happen at night. If and when that happens while it’s raining is so much more risky. It’s funny the only thing that really gets soaked on me too is my boots. I think it’s the straps or something. Now if it’s outright raining cats and dogs then I will eventually be soaked to the bone but that usually takes 40 min or so
Next video: *Why you should crash your bike* "If you never lay 'er down how can learn to pick 'er up?" 🤣🤣 All jokes aside, Idk if i would say you SHOULD ride in the rain but being capable of riding in the rain is important. Its practically impossible to ride motorcycles for thousands of miles and never end up getting rained on (depending on where you live of course). I think its more important to actually learn good habits in general than to go out in the rain as a beginner and learn lessons the hard way. I'd recommend just practicing safe habits, watch YT videos and critique yourself on dry ground rather than risking it all to prove yourself in the rain. Ya know, that old "smart men learn from their own mistakes, wise men learn from the mistakes of others" quote.
I use fluid film after it has been cleaned if storing and 3 in 1 oil on my chain. Think it was a project farm video of why 3 in 1 oil. 3 in 1 was made for bike chains originally. It cleans and lubricates. Not just lubrication that attracts dirt. The fluid film has high resistance to wash out by water. I use it on marine stuff because lanolin oil from wool. I like ams oil for modern engines and hvavoline in older stuff. I use ams oil food grade in apple press and honey extractor.
1) Ride in the rain 2) Ride in the cold 3) Ride at night 4) Ride on dirt If you are scared or incapable of any of these, maybe motorcycle riding isn't for you. Sometimes we don't get to choose when we need to get somewhere, so we better be comfortable riding any time and any place.
Riding on dirt is a bit of a stretch, riding on flat dirt is one thing, but riding on offload dirt, I can't see a reason why the vast majority of riders on street bikes would need to do that 😅
Learn to stoppie, and how to recover a front wheel skid. That becomes your traction testing method once you're confident in doing it repeatably and reliably. Also keep in mind that just because a piece of asphalt is dry and clear, it isn't necessarily grippy.
I’m not opposed to that at all. I would wanna learn on a beater tho because the 650 is my only source of transportation. But I agree with that statement 💯
In southern Mi and about to take a ride in the rain. I would rather choose to ride in rain and get experience. Before I have to ride in the rain. New used bike and not much on road experience in the rain. I work more on my downshifting in the rain. I have a good understanding of breaking traction on acceleration. But if downshifting that usually means trying to stop fast. I like riding on the frozen lake ice in winter.
You most have at least two motorcycles since last time you were on the ninja! I wish I would have learned how to drive motorcycles by now but it just never crossed my mind but the upfront cost is so much more affordable brand new. I think I remember way back long before mosites was even built on 30, I never strolled inside but that's probably going to be the first place I'll go but it is going to be awhile since I try to never finance anything.
I still have the one. I got to do a demo day and actually rode a couple bikes 2x. I’m happy with my purchase but honestly I don’t wanna finance again. I went this route because I didn’t know much about bikes and didn’t wanna buy a lemon. I do wanna buy another from them tho. A Honda xl100. I wanna pay cask (3k) if I can. I want a winter bike that I wouldn’t be to mad if I crashed it on ice
You should wait a bit during the msf course they told us the oils from the road come up when it first starts to rain. Or at least try to stay on one side of the road not the center.
Very good point. I remember getting my regular license they told us that. And you’re absolutely correct. Staying of to the sides in the tracks of cars is the best place to be.
Riding in the rain is nothing once you ride in winter. I ride all year in Canada-sun, rain, wind, hail, sleet, snowfalls, etc.-and I've even ridden in a bad snowstorm. It shocks me how motorcycle tires can still stick in -10°C (14°F). For some reason, they warm up after about 20 minutes and never get cold again. I'll never be able to figure that out.
I loved the winter riding. It destroyed my chain tho. Any tips with protecting the chain from the salt? I’m looking at getting a little Honda xl100 just to run in winter. Something I won’t be to mad at if I lay it down
Oh really? That’s what’s up. Yea man it can be a lot at first but in the long run it’s a good thing. I seen where you had that wobble btw. How did that feel lol? I had a slight one once and man it was not fun.
@@CityNinja650 Not gonna lie, my heart skipped a beat! For a tiny fraction of a second, you feel helpless, like when you hydroplane. I often practice slow speed stuff, locking up the rear wheel etc. Im certain that the practice helped my reaction in this scenario. Ride safe brother!
@@CityNinja650 nice thanks taking my bike in tomorrow for first service and will have to ride for first time in rain hope won’t be to bad ! But will have to go 39 miles
@@Joel-C479 good luck Joel. It’s not to to bad. If you got ok rain gear it makes it better because you’re more comfortable. Idk if you seen it but I did another video about how to ride in the rain. Idk if it would help or not.
Im a beginner rider and I wear glasses, for me I don’t mind the rain from temperature or anything, I drive a bit slower and all but the view is really making me avoid it. When I’m driving in the city and have my visor closed I don’t see as good because of the rain ( is this rain spray any good?), when I open the visor to see better I get rain on my glasses and that’s even worse, so any ideas on how to deal with that? I can’t wear contacts because I can’t deal with having to put something in my eyes:(
Hmm that’s an interesting situation. So idk if this would help but for me (don’t wear glasses) but my eyes are real sensitive to wind idk why but I like having the visor open for the smells and better riding experience. So I got clear safety glasses that I’ll put on when I don’t wear sunglasses. Idk if that’s possible to do with glasses. I would imagine it would be uncomfortable. Idk if they make this but when I go Scuba diving I know a few people who have prescription goggles that acts like glasses. I’m not sure if they make visors like that but could be something to look into.
@@CityNinja650 ah ok like these ones the chemistry teacher would wear :) ok, but do these glasses solve the vision problem? Do they disperse the raindrops or something? I know there are glasses for riders (especially Harley riders or people that tilt towards braincaps), but having them with visual aid is is pretty expensive. Might give it a try anyway tho.
I always say: If you can't ride in the rain, you can't ride well.
For a supposed newbie, you're well-versed!
I would agree with that. It can be a bit much and uncomfortable (getting wet) but I think it’s beneficial as well.
Thank you, I think maybe next year I’ll consider myself an intermediate rider. Going to my instructor certification this year if everything goes well.
If you can't ride in the rain, you probably can't ride in the dry..nobody ever said to go into the wet grass with street tires.
I used to ride in the rain when my bike was my only transportation, so I totally understand your point of view. It is an experience, and requires being twice as careful with everything. True.
I rode in the pouring, drenching rain probably 10 times and it was not fun, but sometimes you don't have a choice. I keep my head tilted slightly to the right, as that will help turn the hundreds of water drops to the right faster than straight ahead, though my eyes are focused straight ahead. My shoes get soaked, so it's good to have a couple plastic bags to wrap them in.
Other cars and trucks are the main reason to reduce riding in rain due to reduced visibility, reduced traction, fog and the difficulty of riding at night in pouring rain with the glare of lights.
Riding in the rain at night is very difficult I would agree. I chased a thunderstorm one time and man it was an outright downpour. That was risky and unnecessary on my part.
You are right about the glare and other cars not being able to see you. Most of the cars that merge into me happen at night. If and when that happens while it’s raining is so much more risky.
It’s funny the only thing that really gets soaked on me too is my boots. I think it’s the straps or something. Now if it’s outright raining cats and dogs then I will eventually be soaked to the bone but that usually takes 40 min or so
Next video: *Why you should crash your bike*
"If you never lay 'er down how can learn to pick 'er up?" 🤣🤣
All jokes aside, Idk if i would say you SHOULD ride in the rain but being capable of riding in the rain is important. Its practically impossible to ride motorcycles for thousands of miles and never end up getting rained on (depending on where you live of course). I think its more important to actually learn good habits in general than to go out in the rain as a beginner and learn lessons the hard way. I'd recommend just practicing safe habits, watch YT videos and critique yourself on dry ground rather than risking it all to prove yourself in the rain. Ya know, that old "smart men learn from their own mistakes, wise men learn from the mistakes of others" quote.
What a beautiful experience man! That's really awesome that they held a demo like this.
I agree. It was a really good time. Huge eye opener as well. I hope they do other brands as well. I look for them to but you never know.
I use fluid film after it has been cleaned if storing and 3 in 1 oil on my chain. Think it was a project farm video of why 3 in 1 oil. 3 in 1 was made for bike chains originally. It cleans and lubricates. Not just lubrication that attracts dirt. The fluid film has high resistance to wash out by water. I use it on marine stuff because lanolin oil from wool. I like ams oil for modern engines and hvavoline in older stuff. I use ams oil food grade in apple press and honey extractor.
Thank you for that recommendation. Ima look into that for sure. The cleaner and wax I use is good but also gets really expensive.
1) Ride in the rain
2) Ride in the cold
3) Ride at night
4) Ride on dirt
If you are scared or incapable of any of these, maybe motorcycle riding isn't for you. Sometimes we don't get to choose when we need to get somewhere, so we better be comfortable riding any time and any place.
You wish
Riding on dirt is a bit of a stretch, riding on flat dirt is one thing, but riding on offload dirt, I can't see a reason why the vast majority of riders on street bikes would need to do that 😅
@@phased3941 I'm talking normal rural dirt roads, not like trail riding. You'll miss out on so much there is to see if you never leave the tarmac.
Learn to stoppie, and how to recover a front wheel skid. That becomes your traction testing method once you're confident in doing it repeatably and reliably.
Also keep in mind that just because a piece of asphalt is dry and clear, it isn't necessarily grippy.
I’m not opposed to that at all. I would wanna learn on a beater tho because the 650 is my only source of transportation. But I agree with that statement 💯
In southern Mi and about to take a ride in the rain. I would rather choose to ride in rain and get experience. Before I have to ride in the rain. New used bike and not much on road experience in the rain. I work more on my downshifting in the rain. I have a good understanding of breaking traction on acceleration. But if downshifting that usually means trying to stop fast. I like riding on the frozen lake ice in winter.
Riding on a frozen lake sounds fun af if I’m being honest. Do you have special tires when you do that?
You most have at least two motorcycles since last time you were on the ninja! I wish I would have learned how to drive motorcycles by now but it just never crossed my mind but the upfront cost is so much more affordable brand new.
I think I remember way back long before mosites was even built on 30, I never strolled inside but that's probably going to be the first place I'll go but it is going to be awhile since I try to never finance anything.
I still have the one. I got to do a demo day and actually rode a couple bikes 2x.
I’m happy with my purchase but honestly I don’t wanna finance again. I went this route because I didn’t know much about bikes and didn’t wanna buy a lemon. I do wanna buy another from them tho. A Honda xl100.
I wanna pay cask (3k) if I can. I want a winter bike that I wouldn’t be to mad if I crashed it on ice
You should wait a bit during the msf course they told us the oils from the road come up when it first starts to rain. Or at least try to stay on one side of the road not the center.
Very good point. I remember getting my regular license they told us that. And you’re absolutely correct. Staying of to the sides in the tracks of cars is the best place to be.
D.I.D vx chains have worked well for me
Thank you. Ima look that up for sure
Riding in the rain is nothing once you ride in winter. I ride all year in Canada-sun, rain, wind, hail, sleet, snowfalls, etc.-and I've even ridden in a bad snowstorm. It shocks me how motorcycle tires can still stick in -10°C (14°F). For some reason, they warm up after about 20 minutes and never get cold again. I'll never be able to figure that out.
I loved the winter riding. It destroyed my chain tho. Any tips with protecting the chain from the salt? I’m looking at getting a little Honda xl100 just to run in winter. Something I won’t be to mad at if I lay it down
@@CityNinja650Use the recommended straight gear oil (usually SAE 80 or 90), clean and re-lube after every ride.
my first ride on my bike was 70 miles home from the broker in a downpour on the interstate. love getting wet on two wheels
Good way to start for sure. I honestly like it too. It’s one of my favorite times to ride. As long as you got good gear your good
Great episode, great points! I remember an MSF instructor telling me the same!
Oh really? That’s what’s up. Yea man it can be a lot at first but in the long run it’s a good thing. I seen where you had that wobble btw. How did that feel lol? I had a slight one once and man it was not fun.
@@CityNinja650 Not gonna lie, my heart skipped a beat! For a tiny fraction of a second, you feel helpless, like when you hydroplane. I often practice slow speed stuff, locking up the rear wheel etc. Im certain that the practice helped my reaction in this scenario. Ride safe brother!
@@JacKVS650-bw5um exactly why we practice. You to dude.
I wanted to join the demo day
If you want I can let you know when the next one is. I really hope they have more. It was a good time. I’d definitely kick it with you brother
@CityNinja650 you know it keep me in mind om down
@@HIROTOLLIVER I got you brother 🔥🔥
at 7:45 did the other riders put there foot down to indicate the gravel?
Yea right after that there is a strip of black in tue middle of the road. That’s collected gravel
What do you do to be able to see when visior gets wet and can’t see?
I put rainX on mine. Honestly when you get past 40mph it kinda just rolls off. One thing to do is turn your head to the side to let the water blow off
@@CityNinja650 nice thanks taking my bike in tomorrow for first service and will have to ride for first time in rain hope won’t be to bad ! But will have to go 39 miles
@@Joel-C479 good luck Joel. It’s not to to bad. If you got ok rain gear it makes it better because you’re more comfortable. Idk if you seen it but I did another video about how to ride in the rain. Idk if it would help or not.
@@CityNinja650 I have a jacket that has a removable rain protector I am going put it back in
@Joel-C479 that’s what mine has. It’s a Rocket
Nice vid!
Appreciate it. I’m happy I got to use the footage.
Im a beginner rider and I wear glasses, for me I don’t mind the rain from temperature or anything, I drive a bit slower and all but the view is really making me avoid it. When I’m driving in the city and have my visor closed I don’t see as good because of the rain ( is this rain spray any good?), when I open the visor to see better I get rain on my glasses and that’s even worse, so any ideas on how to deal with that? I can’t wear contacts because I can’t deal with having to put something in my eyes:(
Hmm that’s an interesting situation. So idk if this would help but for me (don’t wear glasses) but my eyes are real sensitive to wind idk why but I like having the visor open for the smells and better riding experience. So I got clear safety glasses that I’ll put on when I don’t wear sunglasses. Idk if that’s possible to do with glasses. I would imagine it would be uncomfortable.
Idk if they make this but when I go Scuba diving I know a few people who have prescription goggles that acts like glasses. I’m not sure if they make visors like that but could be something to look into.
@@CityNinja650 you mean safety glasses as like motocross goggles?
@@kentower that could work too. No I ment regular safety glasses that you would use at a job
@@CityNinja650 ah ok like these ones the chemistry teacher would wear :) ok, but do these glasses solve the vision problem? Do they disperse the raindrops or something? I know there are glasses for riders (especially Harley riders or people that tilt towards braincaps), but having them with visual aid is is pretty expensive. Might give it a try anyway tho.
@@kentower they do for me because I’ll put some RainX on them and it seems to help pretty well. I’ll put it on the visor as well
Did it one time and no way