Riding in the Rain

[mgwtrike]

Come spring when I get my new blue 2012 Roadsmith trike finished, I plan to take longer bike trips.
I posted this on the general MC section a while back and most say there's nothing to worry about and ride like you sold it altitude.

I realize riding in in-climate weather is something that can not be controlled/avoided a couple hundred miles from home.
I been fortunate to avoid most rainy days on my shorter trips.

My concern is I always wondered about the buttons/switches malfunctioning on all Goldwings regardless of year that always concerns me.

I'm very nervous about getting my electronics (radio, GPS, gauges, etc.), soak in a down pour while traveling, that over time, has to take it's toll with dampness.
Besides heavy rain riding isn't for me.

I been told by a Goldwing wrench that those controls are damp resistant not water proof.
I had a reverse button replaced on my '03, and was shocked at the replacement cost. The button couldn't be replaced, but the whole assembly.


Can you riders add some positive reassurance for me, or do I need a Goldwing shrink...............

I'm really a warm and fuzzy guy so go easy on me. :Santa:

Cheers!

 

[FRR]

I don't know if this will make you feel any better or not, but I have ridden 7 Harley Ultras and 9 Goldwings just in the past 20 yrs, including 2 Wings that were Triked and never had a problem with water in my switches. My bikes have sat in pouring rain for hours with either me riding them or just sitting. Never had an issue, especially with the Wings. The reverse control that you mentioned was probably caused by the fact that those switches are covered in thick grease that cause a problem as the bike gets a little older, or caused by that switch not being engaged very often. I had it happen to my 2004 Wing with the emergency hazard switch after about 7 yrs and 65,000 miles. Fortunately, I got in"unstuck" and NEVER engaged it again.

I wouldn't worry too much about water, rain of otherwise hurting your switches. I've never heard of a case with the guys I know of that being an issue. Doesn't mean it could never happen, but I think the chances are pretty slim. Just IMHO.

 

[Bikerbozo]

Ditto above. I have ridden in some real monsoons. No electrical problems with switches at all. My GPS is Tomtom Rider. Waterproof. You might see some fogging next day to inside gauges. Never had a problem with that either. Of course, sometimes rain is so bad I can't see my odometer, so it is a guess when I need gas.

 

[Solidbob]

I've rode everything in all kinds of weather even light non-stickin snow... Now that I've added the windshield wiper that certainly keeps the vision clearer. We've rode in many downpours although at a slower speed, but rain has always been okay for us. We took a two month trip up the east coast then across upper Canada and up to Alaska then back down the west coast over to the Sturgis Rally and then back down to Texas. We saw a fair share of rain on that journey / just remember a great Rain Suit, a seat protector cover, a half cover for when stopped and something warm if you get chilled. Always remember when it first starts to rain that is when its slickest... we generally wait til its raining fairly well to clear the road of the oil & grease slicks... yes its better on a trike until you take a turn a little quick when its wet.... just slow down!!! :Santa:

I also use a regular Tom Tom and it works great in a 1 gallon zip lock bag, we also carry large trash bags in case we get a leak somewhere, but never anything electrical... still ridin my 2003 and not looking for a replacement.

 

[rhino 2]

The truth be told, Motorcycles are made to be out in the weather, Like ducks water just rolls off them, Unlike a convertible car where if you leave the top open in the rain you will have problems.. The one thing you do have to be carful of in heavy rain' Is Hydroplaning..
Other wise just be careful... And know your limitations..

 

[dirtdobber]

If you have it in your head that it is a problem then it may be a problem for you.

Our bikes did not come with a warning telling us to keep it dry or avoid water/rain.
I don't think abut things of this nature, I just keep my bike up to date on maintenance.
That is why cleaning it is so important, you can notice things while doing it.
Just keep it well maintained and you will be fine.

 

[msocko3]

I wouldn't worry about a little water, I've left my bikes and trikes sit in some pretty heavy rains with no issues.

 

[slick rick]

If it does occur just spray the button with electrode cleaner and work it a bit and it should begin working again . I've used it and have on others several times , they are somewhat water resistant but time will sometimes cause corrosion when you live in a high humid place as we do . ThumbUpThumbUp

 

[Lucky]

So far I have had good luck using contact cleaner. I try to spray all the switches the first of every month. Just so I can keep up with when it was done. RIDE SAFE

 

[mhgoldwing]

Ditto to what others have said.

However, the CB unit in the truck can get wet if things are not sealed properly and several have gotten water into their CB and ruined them. Me included. Be sure all gaskets fit securely around trunk, antenna, etc. I also raised my replacement cb off the trunk floor so small amounts of water cannot reach it.

You can actually do more damage to your bike when washing it/pressure spraying than you normally do riding/parking in the rain. That's when you need to be careful about where the water is going and how hard you're spraying.

A little common sense and proper maintenance should allow you to ride in the rain with little or no problems.

 

[SMSgt]

I really can't add a lot to what all these guys have said. I have been in down pours where I couldn't stop on several different motorcycles which of course includes my 06 GW-RS. Starts every time. Keep things lubed up and keep a smile on your face as the rain starts to fall because you have already put on your rain gear and are sitting high and dry.
It really is that simple just enjoy the ride and don't worry you aren't doing anything that thousands haven't done before you.
Ride on....
Kent
P.S. Here's your warm and fuzzy, YOU CAN DO IT!!!ThumbUp

 

[dogman513]

Had my hazard switch get stuck in on position this past, repeatedly pushed on it and it finally released. Im guessing it was one the first times used, since 02 the year of the bike. Havent touched it since. Always have that fear of the reverse switch getting stuck, especially if far away from home, cause your not going anywhere then.

 

[dirtdobber]

I keep a small can of contact cleaner in the bike.<br />
It is designed for electronics so it has a special oil that dries rather quickly. If I get caught in a lot of rain I spray all the switches that night.

 

[Alextxtrike]

Merry Christmas, we got 400 miles of heavy rain in our way to florida Monday night, I have a zumo 550 and all I do is put a large ziplock bag over it, I don't play stereo in the rain or after rain to let speacker dry out, I do play it thru the helmets, don't live to ride in the rain but was get wet tonight or get stuck in Tallahassee for 2 days so we keep on riding, we did 758 miles from galveston tx to lake city fl, 12 hrs, rain on the trike is wayyy easier than rain in two wheels, never felt the need to stop, the right rain gear makes the diference, we suit up and rode hrs after hr and when we got to hotel we were bone dry under rain gear, I guess every body should ride in the comfort zone if you not comfortable riding on the rain just don't do itThumbUp

 

[mgwtrike]

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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>dogman513</strong>
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<div class="message">Had my hazard switch get stuck in on position this past, repeatedly pushed on it and it finally released. Im guessing it was one the first times used, since 02 the year of the bike. Havent touched it since.</div>

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</div>The sticking reverse mechanism is a bummer, but on a hazard switch, just take a pliers in a wide position, grip the button on both sides and pull up.<br />
It wouldn't fix the problem but will get it turn off.<br />
Got that tip from my Goldwing wrench.<br />
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<img src="images/misc/quote_icon.png" alt="Quote" /> Originally Posted by <strong>Alextxtrike</strong>
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<div class="message">rain on the trike is wayyy easier than rain in two wheels,</div>

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</div>Thanks, never realize that.........<img src="images/smilies/thumbup.gif" border="0" alt="" title="ThumbUp" class="inlineimg" />