News & Reviews

New shirt and patch design          

I had a little extra time and was able to work up this new design. Check out the store to see how it looks on a t-shirt. Also I am working on a quote to have some vests ( as per my brothers' requests) that will include this design on the back. I am currently having some dot com decals cut in white to help promote the website, I should be able to get those to all those who want one before the key West run.

Tips for riding in the rain

Getting caught riding-in-the-rain is something that will happen to you if you ride enough. And, riding-in-the-rain
is not all that much more dangerous, and can even be fun if you are prepared. But, if you really don't feel like
getting out in the wet, find a coffee shop and sit it out, at least until the worst has passed.

To increase your riding efficiency in the rain, you need to adjust your riding style. This includes finding the
best possible lane position, wearing clothing to be seen, reduce your speed and lean angles around turns
and most of all increase your attention. And, riding in the rain requires you to be smooth and controlled with
all your physical movements your on the motorcycle.

The following guidelines are some of the things you need to do and be aware of to be prepared mentally and
physically to ride in the rain:

1) BE SMOOTH. First -- SLOW DOWN! It's not a race to get out of the rain. The limited traction available on
wet roads demands subtlety with the throttle and brake applications. This is most crucial when the motorcycle
is leaned over during a turn or swerve. Slow down to give yourself more time and space to react. With water
on your windshield, on your visor or glasses, the hissing of the water soaked payment, restricted movement
from rain gear and an increase in humidity in your helmet, you can get distracted so you need to “Increase
your attention” to your riding.

2) EVALUATE AVAILABLE TRACTION. Obviously, the amount of traction a road surface will provide changes,
as it becomes wet; the amount of degradation will vary from one road surface to another. Be especially
careful when transitioning from one type of pavement to another -- concrete to asphalt for instance. Additionally,
debris on the road (leaves, pine needles, mud, standing water) will have an even more dramatic reduction in tire traction (grip).

3) RAIN RIDING WITH BALD TIRES IS LIKE POKING THE REAPER WITH A POINTY STICK. A tire's tread is
only there to channel water away, without this you hydroplane. Another point to keep in mind is that temperatures
are generally lower during the rainy season and therefore will combine with the water temperature to extend
the time needed to get your tires up to the correct operating temperature.

4) KEEP WARM AND DRY. Rain riding takes an enormous amount of concentration and body energy. Try to
eliminate any distractions. The minute you feel the first drops on you, get in your rain gear. Once it starts to
pour, it's too late, and it is important to be comfortable and protected when riding in the rain. Hypothermia can
sneak up on you. Not only is it miserable to ride when sopping wet, it's hard to stay focused on the road when
the first rivulet of icy water hits your crotch.

5) IF YOU HAVE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES (ABS), USE THEM! Anti lock brakes allow you to ride harder with less
drama in the wet. Many people have ridden their motorcycles for years without ever engaging the ABS feature. Additionally, you can gradually increase rear brake pressure as you approach a turn and use the point of
activation to estimate available traction. For every 5 mph added you increase your safe stopping distance by
about 15 feet. With or without ABS, allow for increased stopping distances when initiating your braking.

6) FREE STANDING WATER ON THE ROADWAY. The danger here is a loss of traction from Hydroplaning -- the phenomenon where the motorcycle tire is lifted (buoyancy) and rides on top of the water without any roadway
traction. Hydroplaning affects roadway traction at speeds above 55 mph. Slow down when approaching any
standing water on the roadway -- SLOW DOWN.

7) OTHER HAZARDS. Some areas/situations to be aware of: Painted lines, manhole covers and metal surfaces
like RR crossings and buttered Teflon turn and pedestrian markings, have roughly equal coefficients of friction
when wet -- look out for them when turning. Avoid the center of the lane at intersections and tollbooths, cars
will drop oil there when stopping. Gas stations and the exits of car washes can be treacherous due to oil and
soap scum accumulations. Most riders agree that the first 15-30 minutes of rain are the most treacherous
because all the oil gets lifted off the road and goes into solution (this may be specious, but it couldn't hurt to
be cautious). Finally, many car drivers have difficulty driving and seeing motorcycles in the rain (tunnel blind),
some drive the way they normally do without regard to the decreased stopping distances. Be ever vigilant to the changing patterns of traffic in the wet.

Some additional notes:

Tires: Traction = Pressure/temperature/profile/tread depth. A wet tire needs plenty of tread, plenty of snipes,
and an even, rounded profile.

Suspension: If you have a choice, set the suspension a little softer than you would set for high speed dry
weather riding.

Technique: Smoothness is everything! Riding in the rain is fun, it does not have to be scary, and it builds
skill rapidly.

Rider: You will be happy in the rain if you are warm, dry and confident!

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