I live in Oregon (winter’s on it’s way) and am thinking about getting a motorcycle. I grew up around them, so I’m not an idiot, and definitely plan on taking a rider’s course once I decide, but I need help looking at different makes and models. Any advice out there?
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What's The Best Motorcycle For Rainy Climates?8 comments to What's The Best Motorcycle For Rainy Climates? |
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It’s more about the rider than the bike in the rain. Don’t get a freaking 1200cc bike, you’re a beginner! The key to riding in the rain is to be SMOOOOOTH with the throttle and brakes, and a beginner on a 1200 is a recipe for disaster!
You’ll need to spend a nice chunk on waterproof gear, and though a lot of gear on the market says it’s waterproof, it’ll still leak. Cold and wet are bad things to be on a bike, so look at gear aimed at touring like TourMaster or Aerostitch. Gore-Tex boots and gloves will be much appreciated, too.
As for the bike, start off with something small. Take the rider course first, but keep in mind what you’re looking for in a motorcycle. Do you want to be laid back, upright, or have a more aggressive position? Something in a small enduro might work if you can reach the ground, otherwise maybe look at a small naked bike like a Suzuki SV650 or Ducati 620.
in my opinion, the type of tyres u used on your bike makes the different. You should check out with your bike shop of which tyres are good for all weather as its the main part of your bike which is touching the ground….
i live in Greece, lots of motorcycles here … around 5 deaths each day involving motorcycles in a country of about 10 million, hundreds of accidents invlolving motorcycles each day … they cant all be idiots
The big touring bikes like Goldwings or full faired BMW’s are a heavy and really call for an experienced rider to control. So I would recommend getting a small cruiser and putting a windsheild on it for some protection from the elements. Some of the easiest to ride cruisers include the Honda Rebel and Yamaha Virago 250.
Or you can get a maxi-scooter, which is a scooter with an engine the size of a small motorcycle’s. Examples include the Honda Reflex and Suzuki Bergman. They have very good weather protection – windshields, bodywork that keeps the front wheel from splashing on you, and more.
Then I would recommend getting a suit to protect you from the rain. A set of Frogg Toggs is a relatively affordable option, something you can wear over your protective motorcycle gear.
I used to live in Manchester, England which if it isn’t raining, normally its about too. I owned a BMW R100RT and rode it all year round, in summer and winter. This bike was fantastic at keeping the rain off, I could be riding in torrential rain and the fairing would throw all the water over and around me. In all the years that I had the bike I never had the dreaded pool of water that appears at the crotch area, between legs and seat and I could arrive to work dry.
It was also amazing on ice – I rode it several time on icy roads, and never came off.
The downside, was that it was heavy and if you got it into the twisties it really made your arms pump.
The bike I had was the older carburetter model, but as they now have fuel injection I believe they are more powerful and better running at low speed.
I now ride a Honda, Shadow which is great for where I live, now in the tropics but I definitely would go for a BMW again.
As you know, it’s not the bike as much as it’s the rider.
Here’s serveral to choose from, depending on how much you weigh. If you are around 120 lbs or less. I say ride the Kawasaki Ninja 250R Sport, the bike only weighs, 324 lbs. It’s fast and non expensive. You can get one new for $3500.
I’ll give you some links for equiptment also.
If you want a heavy bike in the 700 lb. range.
BMW 1200 RT
Honda 1300 w/ABS brakes
Yamaha has a alloy frame bike you need to see also.
Harley Sportster 1200 or 883, they are light for a women also.
Their are many more, it’s that their no best bike, it’s what you like and want to ride.
Here’s also a list of gear I say you may need.
Full face Vega flip up helmet, $139.00 w/shipping from the link here.
A Vanson Perforated Jacket w/liner.
Kevlar Gloves
Boots w/rubber sole for ankle support
Rain grear, Harley makes the best slip over pants w/rubber bottom, so you don’t slip on the seat.
Also I suggest getting a corbin heated seat and grips, where you are, you may need them.
The Vanson Jacket liner is also water proof and worth owning.
Check out the dual sport bikes, great for year round riding and lousy road conditions. Most are based on dirt only versions that are made to take on lots of water without leaving you stranded.
I wouldn’t drive a motorcycle in the USA.