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Sidecars In The Rain
Quote from IndSlim on August 17, 2016, 5:18 pmPlanning an eight hundred mile weekend trip and it looks like I'll be wet. What can I expect from my rig in the rain?
Planning an eight hundred mile weekend trip and it looks like I'll be wet. What can I expect from my rig in the rain?
Quote from Deleted user on August 17, 2016, 5:47 pmYou will get wet but you won't fall down. How is that for obvious. We have ridden in blinding rain for 4 or 5 hours getting from here to the Duluth rally. The sidecar took on water and I have rust on tools that I carried under the seat but we dried out. In the words of a taxi driver in Sitka Alaska "The human skin is waterproof". (If you have been to SE Alaska you will understand.) That doesn't mean you won't be miserable while riding - but you will survive. I much prefer sidecaring in the rain than 2 wheels in the rain. We did that one day in MT. We rode most of the distance across Montana in similar conditions at 38 degrees. It make a good story but I don't need to repeat the experience.
You will get wet but you won't fall down. How is that for obvious. We have ridden in blinding rain for 4 or 5 hours getting from here to the Duluth rally. The sidecar took on water and I have rust on tools that I carried under the seat but we dried out. In the words of a taxi driver in Sitka Alaska "The human skin is waterproof". (If you have been to SE Alaska you will understand.) That doesn't mean you won't be miserable while riding - but you will survive. I much prefer sidecaring in the rain than 2 wheels in the rain. We did that one day in MT. We rode most of the distance across Montana in similar conditions at 38 degrees. It make a good story but I don't need to repeat the experience.
Quote from jaydmc on August 17, 2016, 6:19 pmKeep in mind, there is no bad weather, only bad clothing.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
866-638-1793
Keep in mind, there is no bad weather, only bad clothing.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
866-638-1793
Quote from Al Olme on August 17, 2016, 6:37 pmAll the above is true but what I expect you are asking is, "What do I need to know about driving in the rain?"
The answer is pretty simple. Your stopping distances will be longer and in general you may have reduced traction. It boils down to being the same as driving a car in the rain. It's no big deal but you need to be a little extra cautious. Also, I suggest that you pack in sealed plastic bags inside your luggage and trunk. We rode a full day in heavy rain on a trip to Nova Scotia. We survived with no issues but everything we had was wet, including our "dry" clothes.
All the above is true but what I expect you are asking is, "What do I need to know about driving in the rain?"
The answer is pretty simple. Your stopping distances will be longer and in general you may have reduced traction. It boils down to being the same as driving a car in the rain. It's no big deal but you need to be a little extra cautious. Also, I suggest that you pack in sealed plastic bags inside your luggage and trunk. We rode a full day in heavy rain on a trip to Nova Scotia. We survived with no issues but everything we had was wet, including our "dry" clothes.
Quote from notanlines on August 18, 2016, 7:11 amSlim, one more thing while it is on my mind. Rain-X has a relatively new product on the market made for plastic, like your windshield and your face shield. Works like a dream after three light coats. (I won't tell you how badly it works if you leave in home in the garage)
Slim, one more thing while it is on my mind. Rain-X has a relatively new product on the market made for plastic, like your windshield and your face shield. Works like a dream after three light coats. (I won't tell you how badly it works if you leave in home in the garage)
Quote from Deleted user on August 18, 2016, 5:04 pmjaydmc - 8/17/2016 3:19 PM
Keep in mind, there is no bad weather, only bad clothing.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
866-638-1793Jay, that's exactly what my German friend Big George used to say!! Apparently a common phrase for riders in Germany. Not so common here in the US.
jaydmc - 8/17/2016 3:19 PM
Keep in mind, there is no bad weather, only bad clothing.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
866-638-1793
Jay, that's exactly what my German friend Big George used to say!! Apparently a common phrase for riders in Germany. Not so common here in the US.
Quote from jaydmc on August 18, 2016, 5:37 pmMy Norwegian relatives told me this. Having ridden year round in the Seattle area, I have learned to welcome the rain at least in the winter time as it is much nicer then that white stuff that falls from the sky's that I also use to ride in as I went 7 years when the only time I ever drove a car to work was if I needed to service my wife's car.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
My Norwegian relatives told me this. Having ridden year round in the Seattle area, I have learned to welcome the rain at least in the winter time as it is much nicer then that white stuff that falls from the sky's that I also use to ride in as I went 7 years when the only time I ever drove a car to work was if I needed to service my wife's car.
Jay G
DMC sidecars
Quote from Peter Pan on August 19, 2016, 12:06 amLast comment from my sister on our departure:
How do you recognise it is summer in Northern Germany?
The puddles are not frozen!--------
Comments:
normal rain x...it will not help much under 60kmh 36mph. It needs speed to blow off the drops
Goretex helps a lot but has its limits.
On the Ural sidecar...tip: sit on the bike... the companion in the sidecar will be sitting in the water so even Pampers do not help. /strange MZ and Velorex s/c do not have that effect.Jupp. a rig in rain is no trouble, while solo in the rain will give easily creeping hairs in the neck.
Sven
Last comment from my sister on our departure:
How do you recognise it is summer in Northern Germany?
The puddles are not frozen!
--------
Comments:
normal rain x...it will not help much under 60kmh 36mph. It needs speed to blow off the drops
Goretex helps a lot but has its limits.
On the Ural sidecar...tip: sit on the bike... the companion in the sidecar will be sitting in the water so even Pampers do not help. /strange MZ and Velorex s/c do not have that effect.
Jupp. a rig in rain is no trouble, while solo in the rain will give easily creeping hairs in the neck.
Sven
Quote from Big Tom on August 19, 2016, 1:07 pmGet a water proof roll top bag. I bought one to use on RFTW in 2008. I also bought the straps to secure it to the bike... It's not cheap but dry clothes at the end of a wet day are invaluable..
http://www.helen2wheels.com/
Get a water proof roll top bag. I bought one to use on RFTW in 2008. I also bought the straps to secure it to the bike... It's not cheap but dry clothes at the end of a wet day are invaluable..